Have you had a cold or allergy attack that wouldn’t go away?
If so, there’s a good chance you had sinusitis (sinus infection). Sinus Infections are fairly common. Markedly, experts estimate that 37 million people are afflicted with sinusitis each year. It is one of the most common health conditions in the United States.
Come and visit Spokane Valley ENT for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect that you have a sinus infection. Bacterial sinusitis can usually be diagnosed with a physical exam and treated effectively with an antibiotic.
Surgical treatments for Sinusitis
Occasionally, chronic sinusitis doesn’t respond to antibiotic treatments. Surgery may be necessary to remove obstructions that could be contributing to the infection.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
Depending on the severity of your chronic sinusitis, your doctor may recommend surgery. This is done using a nasal endoscope, a very thin fiber-optic tube that allows your doctor to see and remove abnormal and obstructive tissues in the sinus cavities. In the majority of cases, the outpatient procedure is performed entirely through the nostrils, leaving no external scars. There is little swelling and only mild discomfort.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Another effective treatment for relieving sinusitis symptoms is balloon sinuplasty. It is a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked nasal passages, often without tissue or bone removal. First, the doctor uses small catheters inserted through the nostrils. Next, they position a soft, flexible, balloon-like device into the blocked sinus passageway. Then the balloon is inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway. This allows normal sinus drainage, and functions to be restored.