Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining. If the sinus opening becomes swollen shut, normal mucus drainage may not occur, and this may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.
Common symptoms include:
Many types of doctors treat sinusitis, including general and family practice physicians, pediatricians, and allergists. However, if you have chronic sinusitis or do not respond to medical treatment, you may be referred to a specialist – an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician, or Otolaryngologist.
Various approaches have emerged for surgeons to consider when treating sinusitis patients:
Sinusitis is typically treated first with medication. Treatment with antibiotics or topical nasal steroid sprays is successful for many sinusitis sufferers. Inhaling steam or use of saline nasal sprays or drops can also help. However, at least 20% of patients do not respond adequately to medications.
Sinus surgery aims to clear blocked sinuses and restore normal sinus drainage. The procedure removes bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening. The removal of bone and tissue may lead to pain, scarring, and bleeding.
The technology utilizes a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening which helps to restore normal sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to quickly return to normal activities. Clinical research has indicated that the Balloon Sinuplasty System is a safe and effective instrument in dilating blocked sinuses.
Ask your physician about the Propel system. Here at ENTTEX we are at the forefront of technology and use the Propel and the Propel-mini Drug Eluting Stent in sinus surgery. It is a dissolvable implant placed at the time of surgery that helps prevent scarring and maintains the surgical opening to the sinuses. Propel accomplishes this by emitting a corticosteroid (mometasone furoate) that has advanced anti inflammatory properties. For the patient it equals better surgical outcomes and improved postoperative recovery discomfort by avoiding ‘sinus packing’ of the past.
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