What to Do Before and After Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty makes use of a surgical balloon to reopen inflamed sinus passages. An endoscope helps the doctor guide the balloon to affected areas. Since there are no incisions or removal of tissue, preparation is easier. However, there are still some precautions and lifestyle changes that must be done.
What to Do Before Balloon Sinuplasty
A few days before your procedure you may be prescribed medications to help prevent complications. These include nasal sprays or anti-inflammatories to open sinus passages and antibiotics to prevent infection. Some patients are given anti-anxiety medication to help with nerves before surgery.
Balloon sinuplasty is typically performed with local anesthesia. It’s standard practice to avoid eating or drinking prior to anesthesia. For local anesthesia, fasting is usually done about two hours prior to surgery.
Recovery from Balloon Sinuplasty
As mentioned above, balloon sinuplasty’s minimally invasive nature makes recovery fairly quick especially when compared to traditional, invasive procedures. Inflammation and congestion after balloon sinuplasty can be lessened by nasal rinses and sprays. Prescription medications can also make recovery smoother by reducing risk of infection and providing relief from pain.
Some lifestyle changes will also improve recovery. Resting as much as possible for the first two days after the procedure tends to make the recovery process smoother. Limiting strenuous exercise and work will help prevent bleeding in the sinuses. To learn more about recovery you can see our blog here or a more in depth case study here.
What to Expect After Balloon Sinuplasty
After the first week of recovery you’ll begin to notice the benefits of the procedure. Patients tend to report reduction in congestion and facial pain immediately after the first week. This reduction has been shown to last for up to 5 years in 89% of patients. As nasal symptoms improve over time, so do difficulties with sleep, fatigue, and focus.
Chronic sinusitis affects more than our sinuses. The fatigue and brain fog chronic sinusitus causes has been well documented, with an estimated $11,820 average loss in income from chronic sinusitis patient’s income. The traditional treatment through invasive surgery can make treatment seem daunting. With balloon sinuplasty, your symptoms can be managed and even eliminated without much downtime. Speak with your doctor to see if balloon sinuplasty can help you breathe easier and get back to doing what you enjoy.
