If getting the common cold frightens you because it so often evolves into something more serious, or if you find yourself coping with ongoing sinus problems that have impacted your quality of life, you may be suffering from sinusitis.
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining. This condition can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing, as well as an increased chance of infections. Those repeated infections and discomfort may be made worse if the sinus opening becomes blocked by the swelling.
In some cases, sinusitis can be a short-term condition. However, it can also last for long periods of time. Instances of Sinusitis lasting more than 12 weeks should be addressed by a doctor.
So how to treat this uncomfortable, often problematic condition? There are four main options:
Natural Therapy – Mild sinusitis can sometimes be treated with simple natural therapies, such as inhaling steam of using a saline-based nasal spray. This may help clear the sinus openings and allow clear breathing again. However, if symptoms persist – and studies show that that symptoms will persist or reoccur in a large number of patients – be sure to see your doctor for further guidance.
Medication – If you suffer from acute sinusitis, your doctor may be able to prescribe you medication to help alleviate your condition. This could include antibiotics and steroid nasal sprays. However, it should be noted that according to clinical studies, some 20 percent of patients do not see improvement despite these efforts, necessitating a more permanent solution. Please consult with your doctor to determine if you are one of these people.
Traditional Sinus Surgery – If you have chronic sinusitis and natural therapies and medications have been unable to address the issue, you are a likely candidate for sinus surgery. Under this procedure, bone and tissue are removed in order to enlarge the sinus opening. Please take note that this procedure may entail a long recovery time, up to several weeks if you do manual labor for a living, and there may be pain and/or scarring associated with it. It is for these reasons that more and more patients and doctors are turning to balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon Sinuplasty – Though a relatively recent development, this in-office balloon procedure NJ has proven to be an effective way to treat chronic sinusitis with minimal down time, minimal discomfort, and no need for invasive surgery. Under this procedure, a small balloon is threaded through a catheter, which is run to the sinus cavity. It is then slowly inflated, which expands the sinus cavity and opens any blockage. There are no incisions, no blood loss, and no damage to bone or tissue. It’s generally done right in your doctor’s office and is wrapped up in just an hour or so. With the help of this in-office balloon procedure NJ, recovery times can be fast, allowing you to get back to your life quickly.
If you believe you may be suffering from sinusitis, contact your doctor and ask too explore your options. Better to seek treatment now rather than suffer again and again whenever cold or allergy season comes around.