What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining. If the sinus opening becomes blocked due to this swelling, normal mucus drainage may not occur, and this may lead to recurrent sinus infections and painful symptoms. Sinusitis can be acute, lasting for less than four weeks, or chronic, lasting longer than 12 weeks. When sinus symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Callahan for a diagnosis.

What is the difference between chronic sinusitis and allergies or colds?

Sinusitis is often preceded by a cold or allergy attack. Colds and allergies can lead to inflamed sinuses, causing the sinus openings to become blocked. This prevents normal mucus drainage and can result in sinusitis.

What are the common symptoms of sinusitis?

Common symptoms of both acute and chronic sinusitis include:

• Facial pain
• Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead
• Sinus pressure or congestion
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Loss of the sense of smell or taste
• Sinus headache
• Yellow or green mucus from the nose
• Teeth pain
• Fatigue
• Sore throat from nasal discharge
• Snoring and post-nasal drainage
• Bad breath

How is sinusitis treated?

Sinusitis can be treated non-surgically with natural therapy such as inhaling steam or using saline nasal sprays, or medications might be prescribed such as antibiotics or nasal steroid sprays. However, clinical studies show at least 20% of chronic sinusitis patients are not successfully treated with medical therapy. For patients who do not respond adequately to medications, Dr. Callahan may recommend sinus surgery.Traditional sinus surgery removes bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening with the aim of clearing blocked sinuses and restoring normal sinus drainage. With this procedure, sinus surgery recovery is often associated with pain and scarring. Balloon Sinuplasty is a breakthrough, minimally invasive procedure that Dr. Callahan uses to treat patients with chronic sinusitis. A tiny balloon is placed into the nose to reach the blocked sinuses and then inflated to restructure the sinus opening. The procedure is safe, effective and has a quick recovery.

Does Balloon Sinuplasty work?

Clinical research confirms that Balloon Sinuplasty provides long-term relief from sinus symptoms by effectively opening blocked sinus passageways.

What are the advantages of the Balloon Sinuplasty over traditional sinus surgery?

Balloon Sinuplasty is less invasive than traditional surgery with minimal bleeding and low post-op pain. Most people can get back to normal activities and work quickly.

Is Balloon Sinuplasty safe?

Yes. Clinical studies have shown that Balloon Sinuplasty is safe, minimally-invasive, and significantly improves quality of life.

Will I require general anesthesia during Balloon Sinuplasty?

Many patients undergo general anesthesia, but an increasing number of ENT doctors perform the procedure in the office, under local anesthesia. Dr. Callahan can best advise you on your anesthesia options.

How long does it take to recover after Balloon Sinuplasty?

While recovery time varies with each patient, recovery is typically fast. In a study of in-office Balloon Sinuplasty, most patients returned to work and normal activity within 2 days. Many patients have their sinus surgery on Friday and return to work on Monday.

Is Balloon Sinuplasty right for me?

It is important to talk to Dr. Callahan about all of your sinus treatment options and ask what type of sinus therapy is best for you. If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, and sinus medications have not been effective in relieving your symptoms, you may be a candidate for Balloon Sinuplasty.

Can Balloon Sinuplasty be used in children?

Balloon Sinuplasty is a safe and effective option to relieve chronic sinusitis symptoms in children’s maxillary sinuses. Allergy testing can be performed at the same time with the child under anesthesia if this is deemed necessary.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

A breakthrough in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty (BSP) is a safe and effective sinus procedure for chronic sinusitis patients seeking relief from uncomfortable sinus pain symptoms.