Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
More than 30 million people in the U.S. are affected by chronic sinusitis. Each year it’s one of the most common reasons that individuals visit their doctor. People who suffer from ongoing sinus complications usually have difficulty breathing, contributing to other health disorders.
Some of the symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis are:
• Nasal obstruction
• Difficulty breathing
• Postnasal drainage
• Thick mucosal drainage
• Coughing
• Weakening sense of smell
• Dry mouth
• Trouble sleeping
• Pain in eyes and cheeks
• Sore teeth and gums
• Facial sensations of pressure or pain
Several of the leading causes of chronic sinus disorders are allergies, hay fever, nasal polyps, deviated septum (crooked nasal bone), and environmental pollutants. Given the commonality of this condition, the treatment options for sinusitis have been documented since the 1700’s in medical journalism.
The conventional therapeutic treatments are antibiotics, nasal steroidal sprays, over-the-counter decongestants and saline irrigation. But when these standard-of-care approaches fail, which unfortunately as these remedies show a minimal curative benefit, that’s when surgical procedures have proven beneficial.
The good news is that since 2005 an alternative method that is minimally invasive has established itself to be efficacious for improving and managing chronic sinus disease successfully. The procedure is called balloon sinus dilation. After years of highly regarded balloon angioplasty procedures were established in the cardiovascular field, this technique was developed for the otolaryngology specialty to work in much the same way to open the sinus passages.
The balloon is placed with a tiny catheter into the sinus opening and then into the narrowed or blocked passageway. It is inflated with saline to dilate the sinus passages for approximately 10 seconds. After this takes place, the sinus pathway is enlarged 6 fold, allowing for proper drainage and ventilation.
Keeping in mind that some patients will require traditional surgery depending on the severity of their symptoms or anatomical issues, most chronic sinusitis sufferers will greatly benefit from balloon dilation’s minimally invasive procedure. Once they have undergone the procedure, their need for decongestants, nasal sprays, and the standard treatments are usually no longer needed. This treatment is safe, highly- efficient, and long-lasting, so patients can rest assured that they will be able to live a quality-filled life with the ability to breathe naturally once again. If you’ve suffered from sinus disorders, you will understand the joy that patients experience once they can breathe normally.
For more information about this procedure or Collier Otolaryngology’s services and physicians, please visit their website at collierotolaryngology.com, or to make an appointment, please call them at 239-592-9666
Dr. Steven Bello and Dr. Thomas Magardino
Collier Otolaryngology PA has been in Naples, FL for over 24 years. We are located at 1879 Veterans Park Drive.
At this time we expanded our operation and opened a new hearing center to meet the needs of our patients and the community.
We are proud to present to our community with the latest technology available on the market today for hearing needs.
And remember, at Collier Otolaryngology PA we are not only here to help you ensure that you have the best hearing solutions available, but we are a one stop shop for all needs in regards to ears, nose and throat health.
Collier Otolaryngology PA
(239) 592-9666
www.collierotolaryngology.com
1879 Veterans Park Dr. Suite 1201
Naples, FL 34109
