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Balloon sinuplasty is a simple and minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic sinus infections. Surgeons use a small, inflatable balloon to widen blocked sinus passages, successfully relieving the infection. This procedure effectively drains the mucus accumulated in the sinuses by enlarging the space with the balloon.
People with chronic sinus infections may need this procedure if they don’t respond to medications. If you’re one of them, you may need this surgery. However, before proceeding further, you must know post op balloon sinuplasty, such as common symptoms, care tips, and benefits. Keep reading this blog to understand them all in the same frame.
Balloon sinuplasty is an effective procedure for sinusitis or chronic infections. In this procedure, the surgeon gently inserts a balloon into your sinus cavity and then inflates it. As the balloon expands, it widens your sinuses, allowing for easier drainage of accumulated mucus.
After balloon sinuplasty, you may experience some symptoms, some of which may subside within a few days to a week, while others may take 2–4 weeks to fully resolve. Let’s take a look at those symptoms:
You may experience a feeling of heaviness or stuffiness in your nose. This is because the tissues lining the nasal and sinus cavities swell during the healing process. This can cause temporary nasal congestion, even though the passages have been widened.
A small amount of blood mixed with mucus may be drained from the nose or back of the throat. The balloon generally breaks small bone structures and moves tissue to widen the opening; that’s why the blood may drain in the first 12-48 hours.
After surgery, you may feel soreness or fullness around your eyes, cheeks, and forehead. When the surgery relieves chronic pressure, the instant disruption in tissues may cause temporary tenderness.
It is common to feel tired or worn out for a few days after surgery. This usually happens because surgeons first use anaesthesia or sedation to keep you pain-free and comfortable throughout the procedure.
After a few hours, you may have a dry or mild, uncomfortable sore throat. This is usually caused by breathing dry air during the procedure or by mucus draining down the throat.
Note: These symptoms are common after surgery, but if they last longer, then you must consult with an ENT doctor.
Here are the recovery stage and tips after balloon sinuplasty:
Immediate Post Op Care
After 24-48 Hours:
In the initial hours, your body needs rest to heal.
Elevate your head by using an extra pillow under your head. It helps to minimise congestion and swelling.
Avoid blowing your nose for 24 to 48 hours to prevent disrupting the healing of sinus tissue.
When you feel mild pain, take the over-the-counter medication as directed for relief.
Do an ice massage by applying ice cubes folded in a cotton cloth, or you can use a clean, damp cloth to the cheeks and bridge of your nose. Continue this process for a week to reduce swelling and tenderness.
Always use a humidifier in your personal space to keep nasal passages moist because dry air can irritate healing tissues.
Use a saline spray or nasal irrigation system, such as a neti pot or squeeze bottle, to keep nasal passages moist. This also prevents infection and flushes out blood/crusts.
Irritants like cigarettes or strong fragrances can increase inflammation. Avoid using them along with cleaning chemicals and dusty environments.
Avoid lifting heavy, bending forward, or straining during bowel movements for at least 1 week.
Always take a bath with cold or lukewarm water, as hot water showers may cause vessels to dilate and start bleeding again.
Add easy-to-chew food to your diet, such as smoothies and soups. This helps reduce facial pressure or tenderness.
In addition to following these tips, schedule regular follow-up appointments with your ENT surgeon. Take your prescribed medications on time for better healing.
Studies show that the results of balloon sinuplasty are long-lasting. Here are the benefits mentioned below:
After balloon sinuplasty, patients feel better for a long period, almost 2 years or more.
The sinus passage stays wider, allowing mucus to drain properly, significantly reducing the sinus infections.
Sinuplasty opens blocked passages, making breathing easy and smooth through the nose. Moreover, you can also have less facial pain and pressure.
Before surgery, many patients only rely on medicines to manage their sinus symptoms. But after surgery, you get permanent solutions.
In this surgery, no natural sinus anatomy is harmed, and no bone or tissue is removed or cut. This means less bleeding and pain.
Generally, balloon sinuplasty is a safe and minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic sinusitis. However, in some conditions, it may cause rare complications that require immediate expert ENT surgeon consultation.
Here are the conditions that require immediate consultation from an ENT doctor:
Balloon sinuplasty can be effective for your chronic sinusitis. You’ll no longer need regular nasal sprays, medications, or long-term treatments to ease your breathing. Get relief from nasal congestion and facial pain. If you’re close to having a balloon sinuplasty or already undergone it, then you must adhere to the above-mentioned post op balloon sinuplasty care tips and post-procedure processes.
To get effective and successful results from this surgery, you need to consult an expert ENT surgeon.
Dr. Vijay Gakhar is a renowned ENT specialist and expert Microtia surgeon in Rajasthan, India. Carrying the MBBS degree from the prestigious SMS Medical College, Jaipur, he holds specialisation with an MS in Otolaryngology ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JLN), Ajmer. Besides known for performing the best ear reconstruction surgeries, Dr. Gakhar grabs expertise in all other ENT services such as Septoplasty, Myringoplasty, Nasal Endoscopy, Commando Surgery, and FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery), for over 20 years.