Sinusitis occurs when the sinus linings become inflamed due to a severe cold, allergies, or other sinus problems. Sinusitis can block the sinus openings and prevent the drainage of mucus. If untreated, this can lead to acute, recurring sinus infections. You should see Dr. Cohen if you experience sinusitis symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks.
Sinusitis can be caused by a cold or an allergy attack, which can inflame the sinuses. However, if you find that you can get relief from your cold or allergy symptoms with over-the-counter medication or other therapies, you probably do not have sinusitis.
Symptoms may include the following:
You may be able to relieve your sinusitis by seeing your general practitioner or allergist, who can prescribe medication or other non-surgical treatments. However, if your sinusitis persists, your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist, such as Dr. Cohen, who will be better able to determine what other treatments you may require.
Mild to moderate cases of sinusitis can be treated with non-surgical methods, such as over-the-counter medication or through home remedies like inhaling steam. However, if you do not respond to any of these treatment options, Dr. Cohen may recommend further treatment. Depending on which areas of your sinuses are infected, you may be a candidate for traditional sinus surgery, which removes bone and tissue from around your sinus openings, or for balloon sinuplasty, which uses an inflatable catheter to reshape and widen infected sinus openings.
Yes. Clinical research has demonstrated that balloon sinuplasty can provide long lasting relief for most patients who receive the treatment under the care of an experienced otolaryngologist, such as Dr. Cohen.
Yes. Balloon catheters used in the procedure have been cleared by the FDA since 2005.
Balloon sinuplasty has been used to successfully treat over 380,000 patients around the world.
Yes. Balloon sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional surgery and does not involve the removal of any bone or tissue. This minimizes the postoperative pain and risk of complications compared with traditional surgery.
While the results vary from patient to patient, the majority report improved symptoms that last for anywhere from 9 months to 3 years.
The balloon catheter is made from a hypoallergenic, surgical grade plastic.
While the risks associated with balloon sinuplasty are significantly less than those associated with traditional surgery, it does involve risks common to all types of endoscopic sinus treatments, including damage to tissue and mucus around the infected area, and possible optic damage. It’s important that you consult with Dr. Cohen in order to minimize these risks.
Balloon sinuplasty can be performed in under an hour.
Recovery time following balloon sinuplasty varies from patient to patient, but most who receive in-office treatment with local anesthesia fully recover in 2 days, but are able to return to work or school in 1 or 2 days.
Because it is minimally invasive, balloon sinuplasty has not been shown to limit future treatment options, and can even be used by your surgeon in conjunction with other treatments.
Nobody other than a highly experienced otolaryngologist can answer this question for certain. If you have been suffering from sinusitis and have not been able to get relief through medication or therapies, you may be a candidate for balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty comes at a low out-of-pocket cost compared to traditional sinus treatments. However, it’s important that you consult with your health insurance provider to find out exactly what it will cost you.
Yes. Medicare includes the balloon sinuplasty technique in their sinus surgery insurance coverage.
Balloon sinuplasty is covered by most health insurance providers, but it’s important to reach out to your provider to learn about their coverage for sinus treatments.
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