Chronic sinusitis is a nasal condition that affects numerous individuals worldwide and is characterized by symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, facial pain, and headaches. Even with basic treatment, this chronic nasal condition can last up to twelve weeks or longer. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic sinusitis, balloon sinuplasty is a revolutionary procedure to treat this stuffy condition.
In this guide to balloon sinuplasty recovery, we will highlight when you can expect to return to normal activities after balloon sinuplasty, what activities you should avoid during recovery, and what a typical recovery period looks like.
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), or sinusitis, is a common nasal condition that can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure known as balloon sinuplasty. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis can be treated using this procedure instead of an endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
Read more: Sinus Headaches: Causes and Treatments
What to Expect from Balloon Sinuplasty Recovery
After completing your balloon sinuplasty, you will stay at the medical office or hospital until you are comfortable leaving. However, most medical practitioners and healthcare providers recommend you have someone pick you up from your appointment instead of driving home yourself.
Additionally, your MD may recommend a schedule of follow-up appointments and tests.
The follow-up and test schedule can look like the following:
- One week post-procedure: First follow-up and nasal endoscopy appointment
- Three months post-procedure: Second follow-up appointment followed by a nasal endoscopy
- One year post-procedure: Last follow-up appointment, including a nasal endoscopy and a general nose health assessment
When Can I Expect to Return to My Normal Activities after Balloon g Sinuplasty?
The recovery time for a balloon sinuplasty generally varies from person to person. However, many individuals return to normal activities and work within one to two days after surgery.
What Activities Should I Avoid during Recovery?
After a balloon sinuplasty, your doctor will advise you on things to avoid. Some of these include:
- Strenuous exercise like swimming, contact sports, jogging, aerobics, etc. for the first week after surgery.
- Avoid blowing your nose for the first one to two days after surgery (24-48 hours).
- Sleep with your head elevated if you feel congested.
Read more: Post Nasal Drip Treatment: What It Is and Causes
Speak to Dr. Edmund Fisher, MD, for Your Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure
Most of us have suffered from sinusitis at some point in our lives. A stuffy or runny nose filled with gunk is never a pleasant sight, and it does not allow for easy breathing. What’s more, the pain and aches in your face can be pretty uncomfortable.
So, for those whose symptoms last longer than twelve weeks, you no longer have to suffer in silence. Instead, contact Dr. Edmund Fisher, MD for your balloon sinuplasty procedure and prepare to breathe easily once more.
