Sinus infections can be uncomfortable, painful and can get in the way of life. If you are experiencing four or more severe sinus infections in a year, you may benefit from balloon sinuplasty in Pembroke Pines.

Unlike traditional surgery to improve sinuses, balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure. It requires the use of a tiny balloon that is threaded into the sinuses to open the natural sinus cavity by cracking the bone open and stretching out the issue. While this may sound uncomfortable, consider the alternative: traditional treatment, which requires cutting into the sinuses. With balloon sinuplasty, airflow is improved, and no tissue is torn during the treatment. Most patients can go home a few hours after their procedure.

Not everyone qualifies for balloon sinuplasty, but if you suffer from sinuses, you may be interested in learning more and whether you qualify. If other treatments have not worked, contact an ENT doctor at Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat Sinus Center.

Another way to determine if you qualify is if you have chronic sinusitis infections and you experience the following symptoms.  

What Is Chronic Sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis is swelling and inflammation of your sinuses (spaces inside your nose and head) for three months or longer. You may experience a stuffy nose and tenderness/swelling around the eyes. Despite medications, you are unable to find an effective treatment.

There are many causes of this condition, including infection or swelling of the lining of your sinuses.

The symptoms of chronic sinusitis are like that of acute sinusitis. The main difference is that acute sinusitis can be treated with home remedies and generally goes away within one week to 10 days. Acute episodes can lead to chronic sinusitis.

Common Symptoms Of Sinus Infection

You may suffer from sinus infections and not realize what they are. Signs and symptoms are like a cold. Unlike a cold, you won’t experience fever unless you have a serious infection. The symptoms are:

  • Nasal inflammation
  • Runny nose
  • Pain in your sinuses (forehead, either side of your nose, upper jaws, and teeth, and between your eyes)
  • Postnasal drip/drainage (drainage down the back of the throat)
  • Congestion
  • Pain, tenderness, and swelling around the eyes
  • Reduced sense of smell and taste
  • Ear pain
  • Sore throat
  • Bad breath
  • Fatigue
  • Sinus headache

As you can see, these symptoms are much like the symptoms of a cold. Again, the main difference is you will not develop a fever when you have a sinus infection unless it is extremely serious. In addition to fever, you will most likely experience confusion, stiff neck, and double vision with extremely serious sinus infections.

The above symptoms can also be attributed to chronic and acute sinusitis, but the way to determine whether your infection is chronic is if it lasts more than 12 weeks. However, you shouldn’t wait this long before seeing an ENT specialist. If your sinus infection has lasted more than 10 days and does not respond to medication (OTC and antibiotics), herbal treatments, and decongestant sprays, it’s time to contact a specialist.

Can Chronic Sinus Infection Be Prevented?

There are things you can do to prevent sinus infection before considering balloon sinuplasty. If you know the cause of your infection, it’s important to work with your doctor to manage symptoms before they worsen. Likewise, if you have allergies, this should also be managed as allergies can trigger sinus infections.

Additionally, washing your hands frequently and avoiding people with colds and upper respiratory infections is strongly advised. You can also benefit by using a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air.

Visit Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, Sinus Center

If you are considering balloon sinuplasty in Pembroke Pines, you’ll be in good hands with our compassionate team. You will be seen by Dr. Robert B. Contrucci, D.O., P.A, a board-certified otolaryngologist with over 30 years of experience in ENT. He has treated patients in Pembroke Pines and throughout Broward County who experienced all conditions of the ear, nose, throat and sinuses. Call (954) 437-5333 to schedule an appointment.