Everything you've ever wanted to know about balloon sinuplasty

Doctors are telling chronic sinusitis patients about the simplicity and safety of a relatively new medical procedure that can help them breathe more effectively.

Dr. Jamie Oberman, an otolaryngologist at Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, said that balloon sinuplasty -- also known as balloon sinus dilation -- is safe, cost-effective and efficient for patients. 

Sinus infections, or what’s known as sinusitis, can cause inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, which are air-filled pockets in the face, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC said 28.9 million adults are diagnosed with sinusitis yearly.

Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure in which a small balloon is used to expand sinus openings and drainage pathways. It helps with healing by restoring airflow and assisting with drainage, according to Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers' website.

“It addresses the anatomy in a minimally invasive, comfortable way for the patient, without having to undergo general anesthesia, which was the conventional approach typical before the innovation with the balloons,” Oberman said.

In balloon sinuplasty, the normal anatomic opening is widened under topical and local anesthesia.

“So if you can open that anatomy with the balloon, it's much less morbidity, safer for the patient, as well as more cost effective and efficient,” Oberman said.

Among possible side effects of the procedure could be pain and swelling, allergic reaction to anesthesia, post-op bleeding or mucosal/tissue damage.

A study of the long-term outcomes of the balloon procedure, first published in 2008, found that 85% of the 65 patients followed reported improvements in their sinus symptoms, even two years after undergoing a balloon sinuplasty.

To assess your sinus condition and get treatment suggestions, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.

Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is committed to providing the best sinus and allergy relief in Frederick and the surrounding area, using the most advanced, proven patient-friendly techniques available. With 29 million Americans suffering from sinusitis and 242,000 annual chronic sinusitis ER visits, our mission is to provide minimally invasive options for needed, long-lasting relief so that patients can get back to living. We call this mission Breathe Free and Live Well, and it is the North Star that guides us in each unique collaborative patient interaction. Please visit our website for more information.