Balloon Sinuplasty Specialist
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Paul E. Lapco, MD
Otolaryngologist located in Pompano Beach, FL
When sinusitis doesn’t improve and you suffer from ongoing congestion and painful sinus pressure, it’s time to consider a balloon sinuplasty. At Dr. Paul Lapco, ENT, in Pompano Beach, Florida, residents of Broward County have access to balloon sinuplasty, today’s most advanced treatment for persistent sinusitis. You get immediate symptom relief when Paul Lapco, MD, performs this minimally invasive procedure in the office with a local anesthetic. To learn more about balloon sinuplasty, call or book an appointment online today.
Balloon Sinuplasty Q&A
What is balloon sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic sinusitis. Since you need only a local anesthetic and no incisions are necessary, Dr. Lapco conveniently performs balloon sinuplasty in the office.
The procedure quickly and effectively clears your sinuses, restores normal drainage, and alleviates your symptoms.
What causes sinusitis?
Sinusitis occurs when membranes inside the sinus become inflamed. The inflammation traps mucus inside the sinus, which leads to an infection.
Sinus infections typically begin when a virus travels from your nose or throat to your sinuses. The initial infection usually heals in about four weeks. If your symptoms last 12 weeks or longer, the infection turns into chronic or recurrent sinusitis.
You have a higher risk of developing chronic sinusitis if you have allergies that cause nasal or throat inflammation. Nasal obstruction and problems such as nasal polyps may also block the sinus opening.
What symptoms indicate I need a balloon sinuplasty?
Sinusitis causes symptoms such as:
- Nasal congestion
- Thick, discolored discharge
- Sinus pain and pressure
- Diminished sense of smell
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Postnasal drip
If these symptoms persist or keep coming back, you may benefit from balloon sinuplasty.
What happens during balloon sinuplasty?
You relax in a treatment chair, and Dr. Lapco applies a local anesthetic. Then he guides a thin, flexible balloon catheter through your nose and into the blocked sinus passage. The catheter contains a tiny camera that gives him an exceptional view of the passages.
Once the catheter is in place, Dr. Lapco inflates a medical-grade balloon. The balloon gently opens the sinus and restructures the passage. He cleans your sinus with saline (salt water), then deflates and removes the balloon. After the balloon is gone, the sinus stays open and keeps draining normally.
Balloon sinuplasty gives you quick results because it immediately restores sinus drainage. Additionally, Dr. Lapco doesn’t need to cut any tissues, so you have a quick recovery. Though you need to take it easy for a short time, most people return to their normal daily routine in a few days.
If you have ongoing congestion and sinus pressure, you may be a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty. To learn more, call Dr. Paul Lapco, ENT, or book an appointment online today.