We are officially into flu season. While the flu comes with its own set of unpleasant symptoms—fever, sore throat, congestion, etc.—it can also increase the risk of a secondary condition called a sinus infection.
A sinus infection is an inflammation of the tissues lining your sinuses. It can cause congestion, facial pain or pressure, fever and, occasionally, a toothache. The flu is just one possible cause. Conditions like a deviated septum, nasal polyps and allergies can also increase your likelihood of the infection.
If you find that all your flus or bad allergies turn into a sinus infection, or if your infection lasts more than 12 weeks, you might be a candidate for a Balloon Sinuplasty.
What Is a Balloon Sinuplasty?
A Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that widens the sinus cavity and improves drainage, thereby reducing the likelihood of developing a sinus infection.
What Does the Procedure Entail?
During a Balloon Sinuplasty, your ENT specialist will take the following steps:
- They’ll apply a topical decongestant and anesthetic spray to your nose
- Once the nose is clear and the tissues are numb, they’ll inject a local anesthetic into the tissue
- They’ll insert a catheter into the nose using an endoscope and then guide a small balloon into the sinuses
- They’ll inflate and deflate the balloon to unblock the sinuses before removing all the tools from your nose
You may feel a sense of pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel much, if any, pain. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for approximately one to two weeks. After two weeks, you can get back to work, school or playing sports so long as you’re careful to avoid bumping your sinuses.
How Can I Prepare for the Procedure?
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, there aren’t too many steps to prepare for it. Your ENT specialist will provide you with instructions on stopping medications and adjusting your diet and fluid intake, depending on your specific procedure and health needs.
You can set yourself up for a smooth recovery by purchasing the following from your local St. Peter’s drugstore:
- A saline irrigation kit
- Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.)
- A nasal spray if your ENT specialist recommends one
- Tissues (for nasal fluid leakage only, avoid blowing your nose for at least 48 hours)
Finally, you should schedule a ride home after the procedure, as the anesthetic is likely to leave you groggy.
For more information on Balloon Sinuplasty, contact Midwest ENT Centre today to schedule a sinus consultation with one of our specialists.