Nose & Sinus Services
Sinus Problems
The four sinus cavities, frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid are lined with soft tissue called mucous membrane and covered with cilia. The lining and cilia protect the body from dust, pollen, germs, and other foreign bodies in the air, and humidifies the air entering in through the nose. However, such high exposure to environmental irritants can overwhelm the body’s natural defenses and makes many people susceptible to sinus infection or bacteria-nearly 50 million Americans are affected by sinus disorders annually.
Symptoms of sinus disorders vary widely. Infection from colds or sinusitis can result in facial pain and pressure, discolored mucous discharge, or nasal obstruction. Most people can be treated with antibiotics, i.e. decongestants, antihistamines, and saline sprays although surgery is an option if pharmaceuticals prove to be ineffective. Other factors such as a deviated septum may necessitate surgical treatment.
Balloon Sinusplasty
Historically, chronic sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: continued medical therapy, including antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery such as endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This all changed approximately eight years ago with the introduction of an innovative technology called Balloon Sinuplasty. The Balloon Sinuplasty devices, originally designed, developed, and commercialized by Acclarent, utilize a small, flexible balloon catheter that is placed through the nose into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.
Balloon Sinuplasty is offered here at Rocky Mountain Ear, Nose & Throat Center, P.C. as an in-office procedure without the need for general anesthesia. This innovative office procedure typically allows patient to return to normal activity within 48 hours. Acclarent’s Balloon Sinuplasty devices are safe and effective and have been used in more than 375,000 procedures, including more than 35,000 in-office procedures.
Take the SNOT-20 test to find out if you are a candidate.
Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery, also known as sinoscopy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove blockages in the sinuses for recurring or non-responsive sinus infections.
During the procedure, a thin lighted tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the nose to let the doctor visually examine the area. Tiny surgical instruments are then inserted to remove the obstructive tissues. Endoscopic sinus surgery does not require any incision, as the whole procedure is performed through the nostrils. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and patients can go home the same day.
Most patients experience a major relief in symptoms such as facial pain and swelling, difficulty breathing and headaches. Aside from sinus surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery can also treat a deviated septum, polyps or tumors.
