Why You Might Need To Find an ENT Doctor Specializing in Balloon Sinuplasty
Sinusitis is a condition that affects many people all around the world. This condition can be quite painful, and if left untreated, can cause the worsening of symptoms. Sinusitis is where the lining of the sinuses swell. When this happens, your sinus passages cannot drain. This can lead to a worsening of the infection. Some people who leave this problem untreated can have severe infections which may lead to you having to spend time in the hospital. In rare cases, some people have died from the untreated infection.
Symptoms include:
- Facial pain.
- Congestion.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Green or yellow mucus.
- Teeth pain.
- Headache.
- Sore throat.
- Ear pain.
- Bad breath.
- Coughing.
- Facial swelling.
Some people may have some of these symptoms, or they may have all of them. Some of these symptoms will mimic the common cold or flu, so you will need to get the opinion of your doctor. If you suspect that you have sinusitis, consult with your doctor as soon as possible. An ENT doctor will be able to diagnose you quickly, and get treatment started.
What is Chronic Sinusitis
Sinusitis can become a chronic problem. For some people this problem will recur several times a year. This problem can also last for several months at a time. For chronic sufferers, antibiotic treatment is not always ideal. Your body can build up a resistance, and they might not always work. For some people, this kind of medication can have some nasty side effects. If you suspect that you are suffering from chronic sinusitis, you will need to speak with your ENT to see if they believe that you are as well.
Treatment Options
The most common treatment option for the initial infection is antibiotics. However, antibiotics might not be the answer. They may cause other symptoms as well as not curing the issue. If you suffer from sinusitis, especially chronic sinusitis, you may benefit from balloon sinuplasty.
Explaining the Procedure
This procedure is where your ENT doctor will take a balloon catheter and place it up into your nose. This catheter will open up your blocked sinus airways to allow your sinuses to drain. For this procedure, you will go to your ENT’s office, or an outpatient part of your local hospital. There you will be given a general anesthetic. The ENT specialist will then place the catheter up your nose and the procedure will begin. Once the procedure is over, you will only have slight bleeding and minimal pain. You will be able to return to work within 2 day. You will notice a difference within a few days, and your symptoms should be alleviated quickly. You can learn more about balloon sinuplasty here.
If you are dealing with sinus issues, do not suffer in silence. Find a reputable ENT in your area and explain your symptoms to them. They will be able to decide if this procedure is right for you. If the procedure is right for you, they will be able to help you decide when to schedule the procedure, billing options, and how to prepare for the surgery.