Are you tired of dealing with chronic sinusitis? Balloon Sinuplasty might provide the permanent relief you’re looking for—performed in our office by Dr. John Austin, it’s minimally invasive, safe and effective.
Balloon sinuplasty is a therapeutic technique that has been used for years to safely dilate the openings of the 3 primary sinuses of the face; the frontal, the maxillary and the sphenoid sinuses. It uses a small balloon inserted into the ostia of the sinuses to enlarge the openings of the sinuses. It is considered an atraumatic way to improve the health of the sinuses.
The procedure is usually done in our office with light oral sedation. It does not require a general anesthetic or a trip to the operating room. Patients can return to their routine activities as soon as the day after the procedure. There is minimal discomfort associated with the procedure. Most ENT physicians will prescribe a light anti anxiolytic medication like Valium or Xanax. Some also prescribe a low dose of a narcotic. These medicines are taken soon before arrival to the physician’s office. A friend or family member will then drive the patient home.
Sinusitis Symptoms
- Facial pain
- Facial congestion or pressure.
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nasal blockage or discharge
- Tooth pain
- Discolored nasal drainage
- Temperature
- Bad breath
- Bloody nasal discharge
What is a sinus?
The sinuses are hollow air containing cavities in the skull that are lined with a tissue called mucosa. Mucosa is the same tissue that lines your mouth and throat. Mucosa is generally a soft tissue that is moist and has many microscopic organs called glands. It is also lined with very small ciliary cells that can move the mucus produced in the sinus into the nose through small openings know as ostia. When the sinuses are healthy you are not even aware that they are there.
The sinuses can be irritated by blockage of their outflow tracts by swelling of the mucosa. This swelling can be produced by reactions to pollen, pollution, dust, mold, viruses, and bacteria. If the sinuses stay blocked the mucus they produce will back up in the sinus. If the mucus stays plugged for long it will become infected. Both viruses and bacteria can cause infections. On rare occasions mold can even cause infections
What benefit will balloon sinuplasty provide?
Balloon sinuplasty uses a small balloon to gently and safely reshape and open the sinus drainage pathways, thus restoring the natural aeration and drainage of the sinuses. Balloon sinuplasty offers quick recovery. Most patients return to their regular activities same or next day. This procedure is done without general anesthesia.
Sinus dilatation keeps the sinus passage open producing a long term relief from the problems of sinusitis. This can include less facial and sinus pain, improved breathing and less congestion. Patients will notice a decrease in nasal drainage, less trips to the doctor, and fewer courses of antibiotics.
What does Balloon Sinuplasty Cost?
Most often balloon sinuplasty is covered by insurance (including Medicare) and you will only be responsible for your co-pay or deductible. A computed tomography (CT) scan must be obtained and submitted to the insurance company for pre-authorization, along with the physician’s clinical findings. Our office will contact your insurance company for approval before the procedure is scheduled.
Our in-office procedure is usually much less expensive for the patient than a procedure in an operating room.
How do I get started?
Call our office today to schedule an examination with Dr. John Austin. You can also click the button below to schedule your appointment online.