What is Balloon Sinus Dilation?
About Balloon Sinus Dilation
The Balloon Sinus Dilation procedure is a new treatment for sinusitis that is performed as a minimally invasive procedure in-office, or as one aspect of a sinus surgery to address sinus openings. The procedure has many names depending on the provider you see. Some examples include Balloon Sinuplasty, Balloon Sinus Dilation, & Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation.
Balloon Sinus Dilation (BSD) treats Chronic Sinusitis, and other related conditions affecting the nose and sinuses. The procedure is proven safe and effective, and is approved by many insurance companies.
Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
Nasal inflammation
Thick, discolored discharge from the nose
Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose
Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
Reduced sense of smell and taste
Other signs and symptoms can include:
Ear pain
Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
Cough or throat clearing
Sore throat
Bad breath
Fatigue
If you have been suffering from the symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis, Chronic Rhinitis, or Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis, you may be a good candidate for Balloon Sinus Dilation.
The procedure is unlike traditional surgery because there are no incisions involved, nor the need for cauterization or other invasive techniques. The balloon device is narrow and long, and when it expands, it gets wider, not longer. This side-to-side expansion is delicately modulated by the surgeon after the balloon is placed in the opening of the affected sinus or sinuses. The Surgeon dilates the balloon when it is in place, and this creates micro-fractures in the bony walls of the sinus passageways. This process is repeated for all affected sinuses, providing relief wherever it is needed most.
Balloon sinus dilation is generally as effective as traditional surgery, with a fraction of the recovery time. If you believe you're a candidate for this procedure and would like to learn more, contact our office to arrange an appointment with Dr. Waterman!