East Indy News

• Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure, which was approved by the FDA in 2005.
• 95% of patients who have undergone balloon sinuplasty reported improvement in their symptoms.
• Most patients report experiencing improved sleep after having the procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure used to clear blocked sinuses, according to Healthline. This surgery is relatively new, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. It’s also commonly referred to as the “smart sinus” procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty is becoming more popular because it carries lower risks and a quicker recovery time than traditional sinus surgery, according to GoodRx.

Sixty to 75% of chronic sinusitis sufferers also suffer from poor sleep, according to Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy.

A study of more than 1,000 patients who underwent balloon sinuplasty procedures found that more than 95% saw improvement in their symptoms, and none of the patients reported any adverse effects as a result of the procedure, according to Fierce Healthcare.

Within several days of having a balloon sinuplasty, most patients report experiencing improved symptoms, including better sleep, easier breathing, and less or no facial pain and pressure, Sleep Review reported.

"Obviously, being able to breathe is important and not being in pain all the time is important," Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp of Indianapolis Sinus Center told East Indy News. "I think getting that stuff treated can help in a lot of ways. The better you breathe in, the better you sleep, the better a lot of things tend to work. When you can't breathe and you've got sinus pressure all the time, it's hard to think, it's hard to concentrate and it's hard to do the things in life you want to do."

Readers experiencing sinusitis are invited to take a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz provided by Indianapolis Sinus Center.