Goodbye Sinusitis, Hello Relief: Can a Balloon Sinuplasty Clear Your Sinuses in Royal Oak?

Runny nose. Headache. Facial pain and pressure. Stuffy nose. Cough. Bad breath. Sore throat. Mucus dripping down your throat (post-nasal drip). Nasal congestion. Cold. Fever. Hoarse voice. Fatigue.

Do those symptoms sound familiar to you, Royal Oak? Are you experiencing them at this very moment? 

Ugh, we hate to say it, but you might be suffering from a sinus infection (also known as sinusitis).

And if so, then we feel for you – because we’ve all been there, done that, and don’t want to do it again.

Unfortunately, sinus infections are a way of life for most of us – affecting more than 31 million people in the United States every year. And while they usually go away on their own, some people aren’t as lucky.

In fact, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI), Americans spend more than $1 billion each year on over-the-counter medications in hopes of overcoming a sinus infection. 

That statistic makes us sick to our stomach – no pun intended.

But a sinus infection doesn’t need to keep you down for too long – and it certainly doesn’t need to cost you a fortune just to breathe normally again. At least not with The Rontal Clinic by your side ready to help. 

Sinusitis: What Is It & Where Does It Come From? 

Sinusitis is the scientific term for a sinus infection. The sinuses – or paranasal sinuses, to be exact – are air-filled cavities that are located in the skull and lined with a mucous membrane that produces mucus. 

As air passes through the sinuses, it is warmed and moistened – which is beneficial for the respiratory tract and helps to trap, eliminate and excrete various irritants, such as dust, pollutants, and bacteria.

Humans have four pairs of sinuses in the face – or eight total: 

• The maxillary sinuses are located in the cheek area, below the eyes.
• The frontal sinuses are located in the forehead, above the eyes.
• The ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes, behind the bridge of the nose.
• The sphenoid sinuses are located behind the eyes, deeper within the skull.

Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become inflamed or infected – which can be caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, allergies, structural issues, excessive exposure to nonallergic irritants, or asthma.

Clearing the Air: How to Treat a Sinus Infection

From the moment a sinus infection forms, the three questions on anyone’s mind are – how long is this going to last, how much worse are my symptoms going to get, and what can I do to minimize the pain? 

A lot of those answers boil down to the type of sinusitis you have: 

• Acute sinusitis is a short-term inflammation of the sinuses that usually lasts less than four weeks and is often triggered by a common cold. Most people can treat acute sinusitis at home. 
• Chronic sinusitis is a long-term condition where sinuses remain inflamed for at least 12 weeks – despite at-home treatment efforts. A trip to your Royal Oak ENT doctor is usually necessary.

Treatment for acute sinusitis typically involves over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines, nasal saline irrigation, nasal corticosteroid sprays, antibiotics, pain relievers, or a combination of those listed. 

Rest and hydration are also essential to your recovery and comeback. 

Other things that can speed up the process are a warm cloth placed over your nose and cheeks, steam inhalation, and the use of humidifiers and vaporizers – but try to avoid blowing your nose excessively.

Balloon Sinuplasty: For When At-Home Treatments Fail

Acute sinusitis is something most of us will experience this year, but it won’t last long. Unfortunately, some of us will see our symptoms last for more than a few weeks or months – known as chronic sinusitis. 

If you’re one of those people, your doctor will need to take additional measures to treat the infection or inflammation. This usually involves opening up blocked sinus passages to restore drainage and function.

And a balloon sinuplasty is one of the most effective ways to do that. 

During a balloon sinuplasty, a small, flexible balloon catheter is inserted into the blocked sinus passage through the nostril. Once correctly positioned within the sinus passage, the balloon is gently inflated. 

The procedure was invented by Dr. Joshua Makower in 2004, and approved by the FDA in 2005.

A balloon sinuplasty opens the nasal passages and restores function without cutting or removing bone or tissue, and patients typically experience a faster recovery time compared to traditional sinus surgery.

The Rontal Clinic: Where Royal Oak Residents Go To Breathe Again

Do you have a sinus infection? Are at-home treatments not doing the trick? Has it been several weeks since you’ve been able to breathe freely? Are your symptoms starting to affect your day-to-day lifestyle? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions above, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to The Rontal Clinic – where Royal Oak residents go to breathe again. 

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe sinus infection symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek the help of your local ENT doctor.  Our experienced team of specialists can provide a thorough evaluation of your condition, discuss your symptoms in detail, and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests, if necessary. 

Together, we’ll help you overcome any sinus infection with minimal pain and discomfort. Contact our office today at (248) 737-4030 or through our online contact form – the sooner you do, the sooner we can help!