When medication fails to bring relief to people with chronic sinusitis, the alternative to open the flow of mucus is usually surgery. The traditional type calls for removing bone and tissue to clear sinuses. But there鈥檚 also the option of balloon sinuplasty. It鈥檚 similar to angioplasty used to open arteries. Dr. Kenny Iloabachie talked about the procedure with 四虎影院鈥檚 Sam Baker in this edition of Vital Signs.
What is Chronic Sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is a common condition in which the cavities around nasal passages (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen. Also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, this condition interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up.
Chronic sinusitis may be caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or by a deviated nasal septum. Chronic sinusitis most commonly affects young and middle-aged adults, but it also can affect children.
- webmd.com
Explanation of balloon sinuplasty:
Risk Factors for Chronic or Recurrent Sinusitis ()
Symptoms of Sinusitis ()
Treatments to relieve symptoms ()
