Sinusitis is a common condition. In the U.S. alone, it affects nearly 30 million adults, according to the CDC.
Left untreated, it can easily lead to eye infections. In some cases, it can even lead to meningitis!
Fortunately, there are ways that you can treat it. For instance, there are medications that you can take that’ll help.
Depending on the severity, surgery may also be necessary. Take balloon sinuplasty, for example—it’s one of the most commonly performed sinus surgeries.
What is it? How does it work? Want to know? If so, be sure to read the rest of the post!
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a type of endoscopic nasal surgery that’s often used to treat chronic sinusitis. Minimally invasive, it does not involve any cutting or loss of tissue.
Basically, it involves putting a tiny balloon inside the nose, which is then inflated to widen the blocked nasal passages. It can also help remove or flush out congestion.
How Safe Is the Procedure?
Balloon sinuplasty is considered to be safe and effective. Not only is the rate of success high, but there’s also a low risk of complications.
For one thing, there’s a lower risk of bleeding compared to traditional endoscopic sinus surgeries. Not only that, but there’s a reduced risk of scarring, post-operative infection, and unintentional damage.
Potential Side Effects
As with all surgical procedures, there are potential side effects. For example, you may experience nasal tenderness, congestion, and minor swelling in the facial area.
It’s also not uncommon for there to be bloody drainage for a few days. With that said, it should subside within a few days.
What to Expect
Balloon sinuplasty is often done under local or general anesthesia. In other words, you won’t feel any pain. If anything, you’ll just feel a bit of pressure in your sinuses.
Once the doctor administers the anesthesia, they’ll insert a thin, plastic tube into the nasal passages. The balloon catheter will then be slowly inflated.
Generally speaking, the procedure takes around one hour.
How Much Does It Cost?
Unfortunately, it’s not covered by all medical insurance policies. In some cases, you will have to pay out of pocket. As far as the actual cost goes, it depends on various factors such as the individual’s plan and severity of symptoms.
In general, however, the procedure costs around $20,000 (it’s usually cheaper to get it done at a doctor’s office compared to a hospital).
For those who are interested in the procedure, you can search for “balloon sinuplasty near me” to find local clinics!
Understanding Balloon Sinuplasty
And there you have it—a short guide on balloon sinuplasty. If anything, it’s one of the best ways to treat chronic sinus problems.
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