Does it seem as though you're always coping with sinus pain? If so, you may have a common condition called chronic sinusitis, which occurs when infections, allergies and other problems inflame the mucous membranes that line the sinuses.

Many patients with chronic sinusitis resign themselves to suffering in silence. But they don't have to, as there are several options available to treat their discomfort.

"Some patients find that their symptoms improve with conservative treatments such as antibiotics, decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications," said Ashley Sikand, MD, FACS, an otolaryngologist at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. "When these noninvasive treatments don't work, we can often use the same principles cardiologists use to restore blood flow to the heart to open blocked sinuses."

During these minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty procedures, doctors insert a small fiberoptic catheter into the blocked nasal cavity in order to view the inflamed area. They pass a balloon along the catheter into the sinus cavity, where it is inflated to gently enlarge the space by moving tissue and bones.

"This is a significant advance for some patients because they're able to avoid the more traditional endoscopic procedures that involve cutting tissue," Dr. Sikand said. "Patients who have balloon sinuplasty procedures typically feel less pain afterward, heal faster and need less nasal packing. And the vast majority of patients feel much better because their symptoms go away completely or improve dramatically."

Balloon Sinuplasty Procedures

Illustrations courtesy of Acclarent, Inc. All rights reserved.

During a minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty procedure, your doctor will insert a small fiberoptic catheter into the blocked nasal cavity (image on left).

A balloon is then passed along the catheter into the sinus cavity (center image). Once in place, the balloon is gently inflated to enlarge the space (image on right). This helps restore normal sinus drainage and function.

The Signs of Sinusitis
Some 30 to 40 million Americans suffer with chronic sinusitis, making it one of the most common health conditions in the U.S. You may have chronic sinusitis if you have some of these uncomfortable symptoms for 12 weeks or longer, or if you develop these symptoms four or more times a year:

• Nasal congestion
• Facial pressure or discomfort
• Yellowish or greenish nasal discharge
• Discharge down the back of the throat
• Headaches
• Bad breath
• Fever
• Coughing
• Pain in the upper teeth

Physicians are independent contractors who are not agents or employees of Summerlin Hospital Medical Center.

To find out more about the innovative balloon sinuplasty procedures available at Summerlin Hospital, please call 702-792-6700.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106