Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria or viruses can grow and cause an infection which then causes the inflammation or swelling. Swelling obstructs the sinus openings and prevents normal mucus discharge, causing mucus and pressure to build up.
Symptoms of sinus infections can include: drainage of a think yellow or greenish mucus from the nose of down the back or the throat, nasal obstruction or congestion, fatigue, headaches, tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead, and possibly a reduced sense of taste and smell.
A sinus infection is likely bacterial if it persists for 10 days or longer. Bacterial sinusitis will most likely require physician involvement to diagnose and treat the infection with an antibiotic to prevent any further complications. There are different types of sinusitis including acute, subacute, chronic and recurrent. Depending on the duration of symptoms, they are classified as:
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Treatments For Sinusitis
When sinusitis has become severe, chronic or recurrent, and decongestants, nasal drops and other remedies are not effective in relieving or controlling symptoms, there are additional options for sinusitis sufferers.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it requires no cutting and no removal of bone and tissue, to clear the sinuses and eliminate the recurring symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Balloon sinuplasty can be done quickly with topical anesthesia in Dr. Dobleman’s office.
Dr. Dobleman was the first physician in Easten Nebraska to be certified to begin using balloon sinuplasty. His special experience gives new confidence to patients who are running out of hope.
Balloon sinuplasty uses a small, flexible, balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways and facilitate drainage of the mucus that builds up in patients suffering from sinusitis symptoms. When the balloon is inflated, it restructures and widens the walls of the sinus passageway while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.
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Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty include:
- Nonsurgical procedure. No cutting of bone or tissue.
- No general anesthesia – only topical anesthesia
- Quick! Balloon Sinuplasty typically only takes 15 – 25 minutes
- Location – can be done in a comfortable office setting rather than a hospital operating room
- Patient satisfaction – most patients highly recommend balloon sinuplasty to family and friends
- Cost Savings – some eligible patients have lower out-of-pocket costs because the prodecure is performed in Dr. Dobleman’s office as opposed to in the hospital.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
There may be specific situations where balloon sinuplasty is not the appropriate fit for treating sinusitis and surgery may be necessary. Endoscopic surgery uses a thin fiber optic tube, inserted into the nose to examine and remove abnormal or obstructive tissues. There is typically little swelling and only mild discomfort and can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
The advent of new technology, such as PROPEL has made surgery a much more attractive option. Inserted following the procedure, the spring-like implant expands to prop open the sinus and gradually delivers an advanced steroid with anti-inflammatory properties directly to the sinus lining, where it’s needed most, and then dissolves into the body. Read more about PROPEL.
