What to Expect Before, During, and After Balloon Sinuplasty

Living with sinus problems from time to time is bad enough, but when they become a chronic problem, they can be downright miserable. 

Signs of chronic sinusitis often include:

• Nasal congestion 
• A runny nose
• Mucus draining down the throat (postnasal drip)
• Tenderness, pain, or swelling around the nose, cheeks, eyes, or forehead
• Decreased taste and smell
• Pain in the head, ear, or teeth
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Bad breath

Unlike acute sinusitis symptoms that come and go, chronic problems last at least 12 weeks, and fever is less common.

If this sounds familiar, Dr. Vandana Kumra can help.

Dr. Kumra is a talented ENT specialist who diagnoses ear, nose, and throat conditions at ENT New York. She also offers minimally invasive nasal and sinus treatments, like balloon sinuplasty, when conservative therapies fail to provide relief.

If you have chronic sinusitis, here’s what to expect from balloon sinuplasty treatment.

How balloon sinuplasty works

As the name implies, this procedure involves a small balloon. Dr. Kumra inserts it through the nose into the sinus passageway. 

Once in place, Dr. Kumra slowly inflates the balloon to open and widen the blocked cavity gently. Then, she deflates and removes it, leaving the sinus open so it can function and drain properly.

Since balloon sinuplasty doesn’t require incisions, cutting, or tissue removal, it typically has fewer risks, such as blood loss, pain, and bruising. People who have this procedure can often resume normal activities sooner than those who have traditional sinus surgeries.

What to expect before your procedure

The process starts with a comprehensive exam to confirm you’re a good candidate for this treatment.

People who benefit from balloon sinuplasty include those with: 

• Chronic nasal issues
• Problems breathing through the nose
• Recurring sinus infections that don’t respond to treatment
• Headaches around the eyes
• Chronic bad breath and/or a persistent foul taste in the mouth

This treatment is especially effective when sinus issues get diagnosed early.

What to expect during your procedure

Dr. Kumra can usually perform balloon sinuplasty at her office. 

During your treatment, you sit in a reclining exam chair. Then, Dr. Kumra applies medications inside your nose, including a topical decongestant and anesthetics.

When the anesthetics take effect, Dr. Kumra inserts a thin device with a light into your nose. This tool, or endoscope, enables her to insert a catheter and guide the balloon into your sinus cavities.

After placing the balloon, Dr. Kumra slowly inflates it to unblock the cavity gently. Once complete, she deflates and removes the balloon and may repeat this process.

You won’t experience any pain while having balloon sinuplasty, but you may feel a bit of pressure.

What to expect after your procedure

After your treatment, you can typically go home to start the recovery process. 

You may have mild discomfort for a few days, discolored drainage, and congestion. However, following Dr. Kumra’s care instructions can help manage these symptoms, such as:

• Resting for 24-48 hours after this procedure
• Rinsing your nose with nasal spray
• Sleeping with your head raised
• Avoiding strenuous activity for one week

It’s also important not to blow your nose for 24-48 hours after having balloon sinuplasty.

In most cases, Dr. Kumra also schedules follow-up appointments to check your sinuses one week, three months, and one year after your procedure.

Could you benefit from balloon sinuplasty? Schedule a consultation with Vandana Kumra, MD, by contacting her office in New York City today.