When appropriate medical therapy has not sufficiently resolved a patient's chronic sinus symptoms, or if the person continues to have frequent episodes of sinusitis requiring repetitive antibiotics and steroids, it is appropriate to consider procedures to help resolve chronic infections or help prevent recurring infections. The most common two choices are endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or balloon sinus dilation. Balloon sinus dilation is often referred to as balloon sinuplasty.

Studies have shown that balloon sinus dilation in properly selected patients is as effective in improving chronic or recurrent sinus problems as the more extensive endoscopic sinus surgery. There are several major advantages of balloon dilation over more extensive FESS surgery. Balloon sinus dilation has demonstrated quicker onset of improvement, less need for pain medicines, quicker return to normal activity, and less need for postoperative removal of scabs and crusting from the sinus areas. Another major advantage is the potential to perform the balloon dilation in the clinic setting, as opposed to traditional sinus surgery which requires general anesthetic in an operating room setting. The ability to perform the procedure in the clinic may significantly reduce the cost, as the patient does not have to pay the additional costs of the surgery center facility and anesthesia doctors. Balloon sinus dilation can be done in the operating room if the patient prefers.

Is balloon sinus dilation right for me?

Balloon sinus dilation is a treatment option for most patients with symptoms of chronic or frequently recurring sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the linings of the sinus cavities commonly caused by obstruction of the normal sinus openings that results in pressure feeling, mucus and fluid buildup, and ultimately infection of the sinus. Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

Facial congestion/fullness
Nasal blockage
Nasal discharge
Fever
Headaches
Fatigue
Dental pain
Bad breath