Chronic Sinus Treatment
Open Blocked Sinus Pathways. Breathe More Comfortably.
For some patients with persistent or recurring sinus problems, balloon sinuplasty may provide a minimally invasive option for widening blocked sinus drainage pathways.
Treatment recommendations depend on your symptoms, sinus anatomy and ENT evaluation.
Does This Sound Familiar?
When Sinus Symptoms Keep Coming Back
Sinus Pressure
Persistent or recurring pressure around the cheeks, forehead or sinus areas.
Nasal Congestion
A blocked or stuffy nose that makes comfortable nasal breathing difficult.
Recurring Sinus Problems
Sinus symptoms that continue returning despite appropriate medical treatment.
Facial Pressure & Drainage
Pressure, congestion or drainage that may be associated with sinus inflammation.
These symptoms can have many causes. An ENT evaluation is necessary to determine whether sinus disease is contributing.
Understanding the Sinuses
Why Do Sinuses Become Blocked?
The sinuses are air-filled spaces around the nose and face that drain through small natural openings.
When inflammation narrows or blocks these drainage pathways, mucus may not drain normally.
This can contribute to congestion, pressure and recurring sinus symptoms.
Persistent symptoms require evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
A Minimally Invasive Option
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty, also called balloon sinus dilation, is a treatment designed to widen selected sinus drainage pathways.
During treatment, a small balloon catheter is guided through the nasal passage to an appropriate sinus opening. The balloon is temporarily inflated to widen the drainage pathway. It is then deflated and removed.
The procedure is performed through the nostrils without an external incision.
Whether Balloon Sinuplasty is appropriate depends on the patient's condition, anatomy and ENT evaluation.
What Does Balloon Sinuplasty Involve?
Sinus Evaluation
Dr. Sonkarley evaluates the patient's symptoms, nasal passages and sinus condition to determine what may be causing persistent symptoms.
Treatment Planning
If Balloon Sinuplasty may be appropriate, the treatment approach is selected based on the patient's sinus anatomy and individual needs.
Balloon Dilation
A small balloon catheter is guided through the nasal passage to the selected sinus drainage pathway. The balloon is temporarily inflated to widen the opening and is then deflated and removed.
Follow-Up
Patients receive individualized aftercare instructions and follow-up from ENTCare SWFL.
Who May Be Considered for Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty may be considered for certain patients with persistent or recurring sinus problems when evaluation shows that narrowed or blocked sinus drainage pathways may be contributing.
Not every sinus condition can be treated with balloon dilation.
Some patients may need medication, other minimally invasive treatment, traditional endoscopic sinus surgery or a combination of approaches.
Dr. Sonkarley will determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
See How It Works
Learn More About Balloon Sinuplasty
This educational video explains how balloon sinus dilation is generally designed to work.
How Balloon Sinus Dilation Works
Third-party patient education video • Balloon sinus dilation
Third-party educational content is provided for general information. Equipment, technique and treatment recommendations may vary. Dr. Sonkarley will determine which treatment approach may be appropriate for each patient.
Is Balloon Sinuplasty the Same as Traditional Sinus Surgery?
Not exactly.
Balloon sinus dilation is designed to widen selected sinus drainage pathways using a balloon catheter.
Traditional endoscopic sinus surgery may involve additional surgical techniques to address tissue, bone, polyps or other structural problems.
Which approach is appropriate depends on the type and extent of sinus disease.
What Can I Expect?
Before Treatment
ENTCare SWFL will evaluate your symptoms and sinus condition and provide individualized preparation instructions if treatment is recommended.
During Treatment
For patients undergoing balloon sinus dilation, a small balloon device is guided through the nasal passage to the selected sinus drainage pathway, temporarily inflated and then removed.
After Treatment
Aftercare depends on the specific procedure and individual patient. Follow the personalized instructions provided by ENTCare SWFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Other Nasal Treatments
Inferior Turbinate Reduction
Featuring CELON®
For enlarged turbinates contributing to nasal obstruction and congestion.
Nasal Valve Collapse
Featuring LATERA®
For difficulty breathing through the nose associated with nasal valve collapse.
Posterior Nasal Nerve Ablation
RhinAer® & ClariFix®
For chronic rhinitis with persistent runny nose, drainage or post-nasal drip.
Ready to Get to the Bottom of Your Sinus Symptoms?
Schedule a sinus evaluation with Dr. Price Sonkarley to discuss persistent congestion, pressure or recurring sinus problems and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.