The most frequently used treatments for chronic sinusitis are medical therapies and / or conventional sinus surgery.
Medical Therapy
Sinusitis is typically treated first with medication. Treatment with antibiotics or topical nasal steroid sprays is often successful in reducing mucosal swelling, fighting infection, and relieving obstructions of the sinus opening (ostium). Inhaling steam or use of saline nasal sprays or drops can also help relieve sinus discomfort. However, at least 20% of patients do not respond adequately to medications1,2,3,4.
Conventional Sinus Surgery
The goals of sinus surgery are to clear blocked sinuses restoring normal sinus drainage and function and to preserve normal anatomy and mucosal tissue. Conventional sinus surgery is called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). With FESS, specialized instruments are placed into the nose along with a small endoscope to help the surgeon see inside the nose and nasal cavities. The procedure works by removing bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening. The removal of bone and tissue may lead to post-operative pain, scarring, and bleeding. Uncomfotable nasal packing may be required to control the bleeding.
The Balloon SinuplastyTM Technology: Novel, Endoscopic, Catheter-Based Devices
The technology utilizes a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon Catheter that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining and restoring normal sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours. Clinical research has indicated that the Balloon SinuplastyTM system is a safe and effective tool in dilating blocked sinuses.5
Read more about Balloon SinuplastyTM technology.
1. Hamilos, J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000; 106: 213-27
2. Stankiewicz, J., et al, Am J Rhinol 2003; 17(3): 139-142.
3. Subramanian, H., et al, Am J Rhinol 2002; 16(6): 303-312.
4. Hessler, J., et al, Am J Rhinol 2007; 21(1): 10-18.
5. Bolger, W., et al, Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2007; 137: 10-20.
Medical Therapy
Sinusitis is typically treated first with medication. Treatment with antibiotics or topical nasal steroid sprays is often successful in reducing mucosal swelling, fighting infection, and relieving obstructions of the sinus opening (ostium). Inhaling steam or use of saline nasal sprays or drops can also help relieve sinus discomfort. However, at least 20% of patients do not respond adequately to medications1,2,3,4.
Conventional Sinus Surgery
The goals of sinus surgery are to clear blocked sinuses restoring normal sinus drainage and function and to preserve normal anatomy and mucosal tissue. Conventional sinus surgery is called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). With FESS, specialized instruments are placed into the nose along with a small endoscope to help the surgeon see inside the nose and nasal cavities. The procedure works by removing bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening. The removal of bone and tissue may lead to post-operative pain, scarring, and bleeding. Uncomfotable nasal packing may be required to control the bleeding.
The Balloon SinuplastyTM Technology: Novel, Endoscopic, Catheter-Based Devices
The technology utilizes a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon Catheter that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining and restoring normal sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours. Clinical research has indicated that the Balloon SinuplastyTM system is a safe and effective tool in dilating blocked sinuses.5
Read more about Balloon SinuplastyTM technology.
1. Hamilos, J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000; 106: 213-27
2. Stankiewicz, J., et al, Am J Rhinol 2003; 17(3): 139-142.
3. Subramanian, H., et al, Am J Rhinol 2002; 16(6): 303-312.
4. Hessler, J., et al, Am J Rhinol 2007; 21(1): 10-18.
5. Bolger, W., et al, Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2007; 137: 10-20.
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