Do you suffer from frequent sinus infections but aren't sure that you want to undergo sinus surgery? Balloon sinuplasty may offer a better solution for you. Otolaryngologist Dr. Arthur Katz provides a variety of treatment options for patients with sinus issues, including balloon sinuplasty. He sees patients from the entire South-Suburban and Northwest Indiana area in his Olympia Fields, IL, and Merrillville and Munster, IN, offices.

What is balloon sinuplasty?

During balloon sinuplasty, a small, deflated balloon is passed into your sinuses via your nostrils. Once the balloon is in place, it's slowly inflated. Inflating the balloon widens sinus passage walls by compressing the tissue. The procedure helps relieve congestion and allows more efficient mucus drainage. At the conclusion of balloon sinuplasty, your sinuses will be irrigated with saline solution to remove mucus from your sinuses.

What are the advantages of balloon sinuplasty?

Balloon sinuplasty offers several important benefits, including:

• No Cutting: Endoscopic sinus surgery involves cutting and removing swollen tissue or pieces of bone that obstruct your sinus passages. There is no cutting in balloon sinuplasty.
• Reduced Pain: You'll experience less pain after balloon sinuplasty than you would if you had endoscopic sinus surgery. In fact, most people in Munster, Merrillville, and Olympia Fields only experience mild pain that can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. You may have a sinus headache following the procedure, but it will probably only last for a few days.
• No Need for General Anesthesia: General anesthesia used in endoscopic sinus surgery can cause nausea and vomiting after surgery. Fortunately, those issues won't be a problem with balloon sinuplasty. A local anesthetic will be used to ensure you don't experience any pain during the procedure.
• Quicker Recovery: Patients who undergo endscopic sinus surgery may need several weeks to a month to recover from surgery. Balloon sinuplasty patients can usually resume their normal activities about two days after the procedure.

Are you tired of living with constant congestion, sinus infections and headaches? Minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty can relieve your symptoms. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Arthur Katz by calling (219) 934-9396 for the Munster, IN, office, (219) 769-8441 for the Merrillville, IN, office, or (708) 747-6900 for the Olympia Fields, IL, office.