By David Saadat, MD

When All You Want To Do Is Breathe Easily

Breathing. It’s a prerequisite for anyone to live on this planet. However, while most people breathe easily and effortlessly, more than 37 million Americans a year struggle with breathing due to a variety of complicated issues which cause varying degrees of sinusitis.

Sinusitis, as anyone with the problem knows, is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. If you’ve ever had a cold, you’ve felt the effects of sinusitis. But, that condition typically goes away in a few days.

Chronic Sinusitis

Since breathing is so essential to life, chronic sinusitis creates a great deal of suffering and negatively impacts one’s quality of life. There are many things that contribute to a chronic condition. For instance, nasal polyps are tissue growths that can block the nasal passages and or sinuses. A deviated septum can restrict or block sinus passages. Sinusitis can also adversely affect the sense of smell and taste. It is the cause of headaches and aching jaws. Sometimes sinusitis can be so severe that it affects vision and has even been known to cause blindness.

Many of the conditions that cause sinusitis such as allergies and respiratory tract infections are typically controlled with a variety of medications including prednisone and antibiotics.  However, more serious conditions caused by physical blockages often require surgery.

The Evolution Of Sinus Surgery

During standard endoscopic sinus surgery, bone and tissue are removed in order to open the passageways, and this can result in scarring and a recurrence of sinusitis in one-quarter of patients. Today, a new less invasive technique called Balloon sinuplasty, has emerged that is giving sinusitis sufferers real and lasting relief.

A New And Higher Standard: Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is the invention of a chronic sinusitis sufferer and has achieved multiple goals which include clearing blocked sinuses, restoring normal sinus drainage and function, and preserving normal anatomy. This procedure is quickly becoming the surgery of choice for chronic or severe sinusitis that does not respond to other medical therapies, such as nasal decongestant medications and rinses, antibiotics and nasal and oral corticosteroids.

According to Medical News Today, a 2016 study found that out of 15 adults who received balloon sinuplasty, all reported improved symptoms 3 and 6 months after surgery, without any unanticipated side effects. The same study also concluded that those who underwent balloon sinuplasty had more open, clear nasal passages after the surgery than before. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320719.php

Balloon Sinuplasty On The Menu

 Over the course of my practice, I’ve enjoyed helping my patients breathe easier. Working with Acclarent, the company created by the founder of the balloon sinuplasty technique, offers our patients the most advanced, effective relief available. After all, there is simply nothing more life affirming than to be able to breathe easily.