There are three main options when it comes to treating a sinus infection. One is the traditional sinus surgery which was once done through external incisions in the mouth or on the face to clear blocked sinuses. However, this procedure does not yield the results most patients expected because it’s painful in the first place as it also leaves undesired scarring.
Another type of sinusitis treatment is the non-surgical option that requires a patient to either inhale steam, use saline nasal sprays or take certain antibiotics. However, this procedure failed to treat more severe sinusitis cases. The third and perhaps the most promising sinus treatment is the new procedure known as balloon sinuplasty. It is a less invasive procedure that ENT specialist use clear blocked sinuses. And it’s widely used to address more chronic sinusitis.
Balloon sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a simple procedure that is done by an ear nose and throat surgeon under local or general anesthesia. But before the surgery commences, it’s important to consult with your doctor about the anesthesia plan to understand the process better.
This sinus treatment is fairly straightforward as it only requires a specialist to insert a balloon catheter into your sinus cavity. Then slowly, the balloon is inflated to restructure the sinus opening. After which the doctor will remove the balloon, unblocking the sinus passage in the process.
Treatment cost
The cost of balloon sinuplasty will vary depending on factors such as the doctor conducting the procedure and the severity of the sinuses infection. Surgery cost can range from $5,000 to $7,000; however, procedures done in an office or clinical setting are relatively cheap than in an operating room. You want to be sure that your insurance plan covers balloon sinuplasty because most insurance companies still consider this surgery as “not medically necessary.”
Recovery
Unlike other kinds of sinus treatment, balloon sinuplasty has quick recovery time with fewer aftercare concerns. Many people who’ve undergone through balloon sinuplasty often resume their normal lives within a day or two. But this does not mean you’ve completely healed because, in the coming days after the surgery, it’s common to see traces of blood coming from your nose. Other visible side effects following the surgery include fatigue and congestion. All of these are normal, and the side effects are bound to get better with time.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to curb infections, so you’ll need to complete the given dose even if you feel better within few days. In case you’re experiencing any pain, though it’s rare with balloon sinuplasty, talk with your doctor who’ll prescribe pain relievers.
Lastly, no single sinus treatment is risk-free. One of most common potential complication associated with sinus surgery is intracranial complications. This is where the network between the nose and the brain is affected, causing a potential leak of brain fluid. The good thing is that the complication can be rectified as the surgery is still in progress. Another minor complication is the change in nose appearance. This is sometimes caused by a swelling that didn’t heal well.