Do You Have Sinusitis?

If you have ever had allergies or cold symptoms that don’t seem to go away, there’s a good possibility you actually are suffering from sinusitis. Since these symptoms closely mimic other health complications, many sufferers never see an ENT specialist for proper treatment. However, sinusitis is still one of the most common health conditions in America.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to an infection or inflammation of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. This infection leads to persistent congestion that may last a month or longer. If you have frequent, recurring sinusitis, or the infection lasts longer than three months, you could be suffering from chronic sinusitis. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may be milder than acute sinusitis. However, if left untreated, chronic sinusitis may cause damage to your sinuses.

Treatments of Sinusitis

If you are experiencing the unbearable symptoms of sinusitis, including congestion, headaches, tenderness, fatigue, and nausea, you may be wondering what treatments are available from your ENT specialist, Dr. Lapco. Medicines, including decongestants, antibiotics, and nasal steroids may be prescribed, but it’s estimated that 60 percent of chronic sinusitis cases cannot find relief with just medication.

For these patients, Dr. Lapco will suggest the Balloon Sinuplasty™ procedure, which is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

Balloon Sinuplasty safely and effectively clears sinus openings and provides lasting relief from chronic sinusitis symptoms for up to two years. This non-invasive procedure can be performed comfortably without general anesthesia right here in our office. In just three simple steps, you can eliminate your chronic sinusitis.

• Step One: A flexible guidewire is inserted into the nasal cavity, into the blocked, inflamed sinus.
• Step Two: A balloon is placed over the guidewire and inflates to expand the sinus opening, allowing for proper drainage of built-up mucus or pus.
• Step Three: The balloon catheter is removed, leaving the sinuses open and undamaged.

Since this is a non-surgical approach, most patients return to their daily activities within two days. A Balloon Sinuplasty is shown to be more effective and efficient than traditional sinus surgery.

If you want immediately satisfying relief of your unbearable sinusitis symptoms, please contact Dr. Lapco’s office today.