Indy Standard

Sinus specialists are recommending balloon sinuplasty for people who suffer from chronic sinusitis.

Balloon sinuplasty is a newer type of surgery that is minimally invasive and offers quick patient recovery periods. The procedure requires no incisions; it involves inserting a thin tube into the patient's nasal passage and inflating it to open up the passageways and help them drain more effectively, according to VeryWellHealth.

"Typically people can be back to work within a few days after the procedure," Dr. Anthony Sanders of Indianapolis Sinus Center told EC Indiana News. "Generally... surgical solutions for sinuses are for people who don't get resolution with medical treatment. But balloon sinuplasty, for the majority of patients, is what we recommend."

The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete, and patients report being able to return to work within an average of 1.4 days, according to the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy.

"Our philosophy is to provide the very best state-of-the-art care for chronic nasal and sinus problems, utilizing the latest minimally invasive technologies to allow for physiologic treatment and maintaining normal nasal function, as well as reduced pain and shorter recovery times," Sanders added.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the sinuses, and chronic sinusitis occurs when symptoms become more frequent or more severe. Sinus infections may cause chronic sinus inflammation, symptoms of which include headaches, congestion, facial pain and earaches.

The AAFA recommends that those who experience sinusitis more than three times a year, or for longer than 12 weeks, seek a specialist to be treated. Take Indianapolis Sinus Center's quiz to find out if you should see a doctor.