Posted by: Maryland ENT in News

If you have a stuffy or runny nose that isn’t getting better, you may have sinusitis. Ongoing symptoms of sinusitis, like congestion, headaches, and fatigue, can make it challenging to get through the day and lower your quality of life.

Luckily, with a procedure like sinuplasty, you can find long-term relief and regain control of your life. Keep reading to learn more about what happens during a sinuplasty.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is the inflammation of your sinuses. Sinuses are the hollow cavities behind your forehead, nose, cheeks, and eyes.

Healthy sinuses produce mucus that keeps them moist and trap dust, germs, and debris. The mucus drains from your nose and down the back of your throat.

When you have allergies or a cold, your sinuses can become inflamed and swollen. The swelling or inflammation may block your sinuses, preventing normal sinus drainage.

Inflammation can also trigger increased mucus production. With the exits to your throat and nose partially or completely blocked, mucus can build up in your sinuses. 

An accumulation of mucus can create the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which may multiply and cause a sinus infection. The infection can lead to symptoms like:

  • Stuffy nose or congestion
  • Facial pain or pressure
  • Runny nose or thick green or yellow mucus from the nose 
  • Postnasal drip 
  • Headache 
  • Ear pain
  • Toothache 
  • Sore throat
  • Cough 
  • Fatigue 
  • Bad breath
  • Decreased sense of smell or taste 

How is Sinusitis Treated?

Depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms, your ENT specialist may recommend treatments like nasal sprays, allergy medications, or antibiotics. However, some patients need further treatment like sinuplasty.

Your ENT specialist may recommend sinuplasty if:

  • You have chronic sinusitis. When your sinusitis symptoms persist for 12 weeks or more, it’s considered chronic
  • You have sinus infections that don’t respond to conventional medications
  • Your sinusitis symptoms considerably affect your quality of life 

What is Sinuplasty?

Sinuplasty is an FDA-approved sinus dilation surgery used to treat sinusitis. It clears blocked sinuses, restoring sinus drainage and function. 

The minimally-invasive, in-office procedure doesn’t require cutting or removing tissue and bone and offers lasting relief from sinusitis.

What Can You Expect During a Sinuplasty?  

Your ENT specialist will begin the sinuplasty procedure by applying a topical decongestant and a local anesthetic in your nose so you won’t feel pain. However, you might experience slight pressure during the procedure. 

Using a flexible endoscope to guide them, your ENT specialist will insert a thin catheter with a balloon through your nose to the blocked sinuses. An endoscope is a thin tube with a camera and light at the end.

The camera will send images to a video monitor, allowing your ENT specialist to see what they’re doing. Once in position, they’ll slowly inflate a balloon to gently and permanently widen blocked sinuses.

Then, they’ll use a saline solution to flush out mucus, which should decrease pressure in your face. Finally, they’ll deflate and remove the balloon.

Dilating your sinuses allows mucus to drain normally, alleviating symptoms of sinusitis. The procedure takes about an hour to complete, and you can return home the same day.

What is Recovery Like After a Sinuplasty?

You can go home and rest after your sinuplasty. However, before leaving, you’ll be scheduled for follow-up appointments so your ENT specialist can monitor your recovery.

They may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections. They’ll also provide aftercare instructions, which can include:

  • Rinsing your nose with nasal sprays
  • Avoiding nose blowing for 24 to 48 hours 
  • Sleeping with your head elevated to alleviate discomfort  
  • Avoiding heavy lifting and intense exercise for the first week post-procedure

Following all the instructions, including attending your post-procedure visits, is essential to ensure a smooth recovery. You may experience congestion, drainage, and swelling as your sinuses heal.

These symptoms can be managed with nasal sprays and prescribed or over-the-counter medications. You may also experience fatigue, which should resolve within a week.

Most patients resume regular activities within a day or two and experience significant relief in just a few weeks. 

What are the Benefits of a Sinuplasty?

Some of the advantages of a sinuplasty include:

Minimally Invasive

Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus treatment that doesn’t require bone or tissue removal, incisions, or stitches. The procedure gently enlarges your sinuses without damaging the surrounding structures.  

This means less bleeding, pain, and scarring during and after sinuplasty when compared to other procedures.

Fast Recovery 

Because no incision or tissue removal is involved, most patients can return to their regular routines within 24 to 48 hours after their procedure. 

Long-Term Relief

Sinuplasty has a high success rate. Following the procedure, patients can breathe easier without congestion, pain, and pressure.

Sinuplasty decreases inflammation and provides lasting relief from sinusitis, with many experiencing fewer sinus infections for at least 2 years after sinuplasty. 

Decreases the Need for Medication

Long-term relief means fewer visits to your ENT specialist and less need for sinusitis medication.

Breathe Better with Sinuplasty

If the symptoms of sinusitis are not going away, having a sinuplasty procedure at Maryland ENT can help you find lasting relief. You’ll be able to breathe freely again and get back to your life.

Are you struggling with stubborn sinus infections? Schedule your appointment at Maryland ENT in Baltimore, MD, today to determine if a sinuplasty is right for you.