Chronic sinusitis is an illness that causes inflammation of the lining of the nose and the sinuses. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include facial pressure, nasal congestion, discolored nasal discharge, and post-nasal drip. The majority of the patients with chronic sinusitis can be treated with medication. However, for a small percentage of patients, infections recur and may persist for a longer course even after medication. Such patients benefit from surgery. After reviewing your medical history and x-ray studies, your ENT specialist can determine if surgery is needed.

What is balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty is also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery or “smart sinus” procedure. It is a relatively new surgery and is a procedure to clear blocked sinuses. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005.

Balloon Sinuplasty was adapted from angioplasty, a procedure in which balloon catheters are used to dilate congested blood vessels near the heart.

The complications of the procedure are reportedly minimal and the recovery period is quite short. While the procedure is minimally invasive, it is still a surgery and it carries the kind of risks of a few side effects.

How does Balloon Sinuplasty work?

Most people who need the surgery have a condition that results in the sinus membranes becoming inflamed, preventing drainage of mucus, pus, and discharge, and causing congestion. Over time, blockage and inflammation in the nasal passages can cause symptoms, such as a headache, jaw ache, and even insomnia.

Balloon sinuplasty allows the openings of some or all three of the major nasal sinuses to be dilated. The doctors widen the blocked nasal passages by flushing out or remove congestion, often by using a saline solution.

This helps them to be cleared and drained. Balloon sinuplasty uses small balloon catheters that inflate to drain the large nasal sinuses and is typically used to treat cases of severe rhinosinusitis or sinus inflammation and blockage in the nose.

What does the balloon sinuplasty procedure include?

Depending on individual factors and preferences, balloon sinuplasty is done by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor in their office, clinic, or a hospital.

After administering a local or general anesthesia, a doctor inserts an endoscope, a thin, flexible plastic tube with a camera and light on the end, into the nasal passages. On reaching the entrance to the cavity, a small balloon catheter is advanced over the guiding endoscope wire.

The balloon is then slowly inflated and pressed against the sinus walls, once it is positioned inside the nasal passage and cavity. This is done to fracture the bone slightly and force an opening. Once the balloon is fully inflated, the cavities and passageways are flushed out using a saline rinse, and debris is further removed. Once the balloon is removed the sinus is allowed to continue to drain naturally.

Most people who undergo balloon sinuplasty have reported feelings of numbness or sinus pressure only during the surgery. Any noticeable pain is not reported.

Advantages of Balloon Sinuplasty over traditional methods

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure to open the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses to restore their independent function. Endoscopic surgery comes with its risks and complications such as bleeding, recurrence of disease, spinal fluid leak, visual issues, etc.

Benefits of balloon sinuplasty over traditional endoscopic sinus surgery

• There is a lower risk of bleeding
• Faster recovery
• Since there isn’t any removal of sinus tissues, structures, bones, or sinus cartilage, there is no intended damage
• Fewer required post-operative sessions
• Fewer medications required during and post-operation
• reduced risk of scarring and continued inflammation

What happens after the surgery?

Usually, sinuplasty tends to have minimal side effects. However, most people can go home a few hours after the surgery is complete and return to normal activities in a day or two.

Some common side effects of Balloon Sinuplasty

• Bloody drainage for a few days
• Nasal, cheek, or forehead tenderness
• Minor swelling in the nasal cavities and passages
• Minor swelling in the surrounding facial area
• congestion
• Failure to properly cleanse the sinuses after the surgery can sometimes cause infection

Regardless of these minor side effects, Balloon sinuplasty is considered a very safe and effective procedure. After it was first introduced in the mid-2000s, balloon sinuplasty has become one of the most commonly performed types of sinus surgeries. It gains its popularity by being associated with high rates of success and low risks or complications.

A study conducted in 2016 found that all 15 adults who received balloon sinuplasty reported improved symptoms 3-6 months post-surgery, without any unanticipated complications or side effects. Similarly, a study done in 2017 found that balloon sinuplasty was successful in treating 94 percent of chronic sinusitis in 30 children who underwent the surgery. The positive effects persisted even a year post-surgery.

The sinuses are the system connected to the hollow cavities of the skull. Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the mucous membranes that line the sinuses. It swells when the mucous membrane gets inflamed. There are two types of sinusitis, Acute which is short-term and Chronic which is long-term. Acute sinusitis lasts for a short term that is typically less than four weeks, usually a part of cold or other respiratory illnesses. Whereas chronic sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks or is recurring even after taking antibiotics. There are also surgery methods to treat chronic sinusitis such as Septoplasty, Turbinate Reduction, Functional Rhinoplasty, Endoscopic surgery and Balloon Sinuplasty. Amongst these, the most straightforward surgery is Balloon Sinuplasty.

So, what is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty is a new technique in sinus surgery, instead of using endoscopic instruments, surgeons use balloons to dilate the sinus opening. This technique is very much similar to angioplasty that uses a balloon to open blocked blood vessels. This method causes minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue and preserves the natural sinus opening.  Balloon Sinuplasty is recommended for people with chronic sinusitis. As the surgery is straightforward and has minimal reported complications. There is no cutting or removal of bone or tissue involved. But it is a sinus surgery and carries the same type of risk that other sinus surgeries do. 

Is it safe? 

Balloon Sinuplasty is considered safe and effective. It is one of the most common types of sinus surgery. This is because of the high popularity associated with a high success rate and low risks of complication.
Some benefits associated with Balloon Sinuplasty are short clinic visit or hospital stay, fewer post-operative appointments, reduced risk of scarring, minimal risk of unintentional tissue damage, low risk of bleeding and low risk of post-operative infection. Balloon Sinuplasty is also known to have minor symptoms, but this resolves shortly after surgery. 

Risks of Balloon Sinuplasty

All forms of surgery have some risks. Intracranial complications can be one of the great potential complications. In such cases, the connection between the brain and the nose is affected during the surgery and there is a possibility of brain fluids leaking into your nose. This complication is very rare. The chance of a change in the appearance of your nose can be noticed. Also, sometimes the swelling takes longer to subside. 

How long does it take to heal and recover after Sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty or balloon catheter dilation surgery is a relatively new surgery. It is either performed in a hospital or in a private clinic of an ENT specialist. During this procedure, the doctor will insert a very slim and flexible balloon catheter into your sinus passage and the balloon is then inflated to expand the opening of the sinus. Your doctor will flush out all the pus and mucus in the sinus cavity with a saline solution. Once the process is complete, they will then remove the balloon which will leave the sinus passage wide and the sinus free of build-up pressure. Sinuplasty has a short recovery period in addition to the advantages of safety and immediate results. After Sinuplasty a patient can typically go home after a few hours and return to their regular activities. But it is advised to avoid any strenuous activities. In a week after the surgery, you might see some discharge or bloody drainage coming from your nasal. But it is nothing to be worried about as it is normal. You may even experience swelling or nasal congestion, it heals and you will be free of these symptoms within 5-7 days. After the surgery, your doctor will tell you not to blow your nose for at least 24 hours and prescribe you antibiotics to discourage the infection. Sleep with your head elevated to relieve drainage discomfort. Be careful and aware of how you feel, take it easy for the first week after the surgery.

The fastest road to recovery is to follow proper instructions from your doctor. Get in touch with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication. They will also prescribe you a saline solution to rinse your nasal passages for three to seven days after the procedure. It will help keep your sinuses lubricated and promotes healing.

DO’S and DONT to be followed after the procedure. 

Every surgery comes with a set of Do’s and Don’ts. This list will help you properly without much trouble. 

Do’s: 

• You should elevate your head while sleeping. 
• Take the prescribed steroids or antibiotics given to you by your doctor.
• Rinse your nasal passage with saline spray.
• Allow time to rest, for the first 24-48 hours take it easy.

Don’ts:

• Avoid blowing your nose: As the nose is in a delicate state.
• Exercise moderately, walking is preferable. 
• Avoid strenuous activity.

With all of this, allow yourself to recover completely and follow up with your doctor regularly. Balloon sinuplasty has been shown to be effective in improving quality of life but it is not always suitable for everyone. So, consult your doctor and know the best option available for you. 

Sinusitis, also commonly known as a sinus infection, refers to a condition in which your sinuses or nasal passages are inflamed or swollen. Sinuses are small air pockets located on the cheekbones (maxillary sinuses), in the lower center of the forehead (frontal sinuses), between the eyes (ethmoid sinuses), and behind the nose (sphenoid sinuses). These sinuses produce mucus, a thin liquid that keeps the inside of your nose moist and protects it against dust, germs, and pollutants. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But fluid build-up in the sinuses can cause blockage, which in turn causes infection. Some of the conditions that cause Sinusitis are common cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling in the nasal lining), nasal polyps (tiny growths on the nasal lining), and deviated nasal septum.

Types of Sinusitis

1. Acute Sinusitis: As the name itself suggests, acute sinusitis isn’t severe and doesn’t last for long. This is usually caused by a viral infection that is accompanied by a common cold. This type of sinusitis lasts for 1 – 2 weeks. If this sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it might last up to 2 – 4 weeks.
2. Sub-acute Sinusitis: Sub-acute sinusitis is usually caused by bacterial infections or seasonal allergies. The symptoms may last between 4 weeks to 3 months.
3. Chronic Sinusitis: The symptoms of a chronic sinusitis last for more than 3 months, and they are also less severe. This condition is caused by bacterial infections, seasonal allergies, or persistent nasal problems.

Risk Factors of Sinusitis

Anyone can be prone to a sinus infection. However, certain conditions and risk factors can increase your chances of developing sinusitis. They are:

Deviated Nasal Septum: In this condition, the tissue wall that separates the left and right nostril is displaced unevenly.

Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths in the nasal lining.

Nasal Bone Spur: This condition refers to bone growth in the nose.

Allergies: Patients with a history of allergies are often prone to sinusitis.

Cystic Fibrosis: In this condition, there is a buildup of thick mucus in the lungs and the mucus membrane lining.

Apart from the above-mentioned conditions, various other risk factors increase the chances of sinus infection such as weak immune system, smoking, dental infection, and many more. It is important to be mindful of these risk factors and treat them to reduce the risk of sinusitis.

Diagnosis of Sinusitis

To diagnose a sinus infection, your doctor will initially ask you about the symptoms. After understanding the symptoms, they may conduct a physical examination, where they will check for tenderness in your nose and face. After this step, the doctor may decide the right method to diagnose sinusitis.

1. Imaging Tests: The doctor may recommend a CT scan or an MRI, through which an infection in the sinuses or the nasal area might be detected.
2. Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a fiber-optic light (endoscope), is inserted through your nose to see the inside of your sinuses in detail.
3. Allergy Tests: If your doctor suspects allergies to be the primary cause of sinusitis, they might suggest an allergy test. This test is a safe and quick way to detect which allergen is responsible for triggering the sinus infection.
4. Blood Tests: This is to check for certain underlying conditions and diseases that may weaken the immune system, which in turn triggers sinusitis.

In cases of acute or sub-acute sinusitis, the doctor can diagnose the condition based on the symptoms and the physical examination. However, in case of chronic sinusitis, the doctor may recommend the above-mentioned tests to examine the nasal cavity.

Sinusitis Treatment

The treatment for sinus infection depends on the type of sinusitis and the severity of the symptoms. The doctor would initially prescribe over-the-counter medications and decongestants. Certain home remedies may also help relieve sinusitis. Some of the most common treatment methods for sinusitis include:

Nasal Sprays: The doctor might prescribe over-the-counter nasal sprays that help treat inflammation in the nasal lining, thus relieving your sinus infection. But, prolonged use of the nasal spray can cause a rebound effect and make the symptoms worse. However, a steroid nasal spray can reduce the nasal congestion symptoms without the risk of rebound symptoms.

Nasal Irrigation: In this method, saltwater is sprayed into the nasal cavity to rinse away the fluid buildup and irritants.

Oral Medications: These medications are used in case of severe symptoms, especially when the patient is diagnosed with conditions such as nasal polyps. However, medicines like oral corticosteroids can cause serious side effects if used for a long time.

Antibiotics:  Antibiotics are necessary if the sinusitis is caused by bacterial infections and other treatment methods such as nasal sprays and over-the-counter medicines aren’t working. In case of severe symptoms, the doctor might prescribe an antibiotic for 3 – 14 days, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Immunotherapy: This therapy is used when sinusitis is caused by allergies. In this therapy, allergy shots are given to the patient to reduce the body’s reaction to certain allergens. This method addresses the cause of sinusitis by treating the allergy rather than temporarily suppressing it with over-the-counter medications.

Surgery: Surgery is used as the last resort when other treatment methods fail. Before the surgery, the doctor performs an endoscopy to observe the sinuses. Depending on the type of obstruction, the doctor may remove tissue or an extra growth in the nasal passage to relieve the blockage. Enlarging a narrow sinus passage may also help drain the fluid buildup, thus relieving the symptoms.

Balloon sinuplasty is also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery or “smart sinus” procedure. It is a relatively new surgery and is a procedure to clear blocked sinuses.

Though sinusitis is a very common condition, it is important to stay mindful of the symptoms and prevent them from getting severe. Since sinusitis usually develops after a cold or an allergic reaction, following a healthy lifestyle and limiting exposure to smoke, chemicals, allergens, and pollutants can help keep sinusitis at bay. Stay informed and stay healthy!

Our faces have a group of individual parts that make a whole complete structure, and they are all connected. If any person has an earache or even a sore throat, it is often accompanied by a symptom in another part of the facial region. It’s the same for a person who has sinusitis. Sinusitis is affecting the eyes of the patients.

The sinuses are located in the facial region. Problems in the sinuses can cause a feeling of pressure on the face, cheeks, by the nose, behind the eye, and forehead and even eye pain, feeling of fluid or fullness in the ears.

Since sinuses are located behind the eye and near the inner corners of the eyes it may be possible that eyes can be affected due to infections in the sinuses. After sinusitis, the body naturally tries to flush out the infection from the sinuses. The proper flow of mucus is blocked and causes feelings of facial pressure and pain, near the sinuses areas. The pressure behind the eyes is a good indication of a sinus infection.

Facial pressure is never ideal, and it should not be ignored. If the facial pressure persists for a week then visit a doctor to administer the best form of treatment. An ENT specialist can provide complete care that can help treat the eyes if they are irritated due to the sinuses, or refer the patient in the right direction if the eyes are affected by allergies.

It is always recommended to avoid self medications and prefer to visit an ENT specialist. For lasting relief, some non-surgical procedures exist, like the Balloon Sinus Dilation Procedure. The sinuses can be drained with this minimally invasive procedure, helping eliminate sinus problems. This procedure can be done in ENT OPD or Operation Room and can be completed within an hour.

This is an approved technology by USFDA, India DGHS, and European CE. Affordable and inexpensive Balloon Sinus Dilation Procedure are available at several medical tourist destinations abroad. India, the USA, Jordan, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Turkey are using the Balloon Sinus Dilation Procedure. Patients will receive the Medical Reimbursement of Balloon Sinus Dilation Procedure as it is approved by IRDAI.

Make an appointment with an ENT specialist and find out if a Balloon Sinus Dilation Procedure is the best option for you.

What are sinus headaches / Rhinogenic Headache?

Have you ever felt under pressure around your eyes and cheeks, and your head is throbbing? It would appear that you have another Sinus headache / Rhinogenic Headache.

Sinusitis/rhinosinusitis is an inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses. It leads to poor or blocked sinus drainage and causes congestion, headaches, runny nose, loss of smell and taste, and infections. Worldwide it affects millions of people every year.

Acute vs. Chronic

Acute sinusitis only lasts for a short period, as stated by the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Usually, it’s less than four weeks. In an acute infection, the patient suffers from a part of a cold or other respiratory illness.

Chronic sinus infections last for more than twelve weeks or recur periodically. Allergies & nasal polyps are noticed in these patients.

Symptoms Of A Sinus Headache / Rhinogenic Headache

• Pain, pressure, and fullness in your cheeks
• Uncomfortable pressure behind the forehead
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Green or yellow nasal discharge and congestion
• Achy feeling in the upper teeth
• Allergies & nasal polyps lead to sinus pain and symptoms

Causes of a Sinus Headache / Rhinogenic Headache:

Sinus headaches / Rhinogenic Headache are triggered by allergic reactions or changes in weather. Allergy caused by pollen or dust – affects the mucous membranes leads to our eyes watery and nose runny.

Bacterial infections, viral infections & fungal infections trigger a sinus headache. Viral infections last for a few days whereas bacterial infections can last for 7 days or beyond.

 Allergic Fungal Sinusitis may affect our lung and respiratory issues and the patient has asthma or nasal polyps.

When to See an ENT

Usually, people often blame these symptoms on allergies or cold attack, headache or simply feeling the effect of weather change. However, it can be an indication of Sinusitis. Paying attention to these symptoms and the duration of occurring can help determine to visit an ENT specialist.

Treatment for Sinus headache / Rhinogenic Headache

Your ENT specialist may treat your sinus headache with pain relievers, allergy medications,  antibiotics, decongestants, or steroids.

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.  2017 suggests after performing a Clinical study, that  Balloon Sinuplasty should be considered as an effective alternative option for the Treatment of Sinus headache / Rhinogenic Headache.

How Balloon Sinus Surgery Works

The Balloon Sinus Surgery can be performed in the ENT’s office or OT. A local or general anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Then a very small balloon catheter is inserted up through the nasal passage into the sinus. The balloon is inflated and this opens the sinus passage. The ENT flushes out the mucous and pus that has collected in the sinus with a saline solution. The balloon is removed and the sinus passage stays open.

When the balloon is inflated, it permanently alters the structure of the sinus opening. The passage not only is opened by the balloon, but it also stays open afterward. This keeps the sinus from being blocked. Because the sinus isn’t blocked it drains properly. Since the sinuses are draining you don’t get sinus headaches. It’s a cure for sinus headaches that lasts.

Balloon sinuplasty is a new technology for treating Sinus Headaches / Rhinogenic Headaches & chronic sinusitis. This is a UFDA approved technology. Affordable and inexpensive Balloon Sinuplasty procedures are available at several medical tourist destinations abroad. India, the USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jordan, and Turkey are using Balloon sinuplasty

Benefits of a balloon sinuplasty

A Balloon sinuplasty can treat  Sinus Headache, chronic sinusitis, opening your blocked sinuses & you will get relief. This is perhaps the biggest benefit of a balloon sinuplasty. Here are some more benefits.

1. This is a minimally invasive procedure

 The balloon sinuplasty doesn’t need an incision. The balloon is inflated and this opens the sinus passage, the cavity is cleaned and drained. No incisions or stitches!

2. The procedure takes very little time

   The balloon sinuplasty can be performed in the ENT’s office or OT, and it takes about an hour.

3. Faster Recovery

Minimally invasive procedures provide faster recovery compared to traditional surgery ― and balloon sinuplasty is no exception. The majority of patients return to their normal activities within a couple of days.

4. No nasal packing

Some nasal surgeries require nasal packing to absorb any bleeding. Remember, there’s no need for incisions or bone/tissue removal with a balloon sinuplasty, so you will not experience the same post-surgical discomfort.

5. Long-lasting relief

The most rewarding benefits of a balloon sinuplasty are that the relief is Long-lasting. In a research article published in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, patients report relief for up to two years after the procedure.

Talk To The ENT About Your Sinus Headaches / Rhinogenic Headaches

If you have recurrent sinus headaches, it’s time to talk to the ENT. Make an appointment to discuss and find out if

Balloon Sinus Surgery is the best option for you. You have nothing to lose but the pain and discomfort of sinus headaches.