Text us to Schedule
Facebook-f Instagram

Are you a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty?

Drfisher on June 24, 2020

Sinusitis is one of the most common health problems in the U.S. Chronic or recurrent sinusitis can cause frustrating symptoms that negatively affect your quality of life. Treatments such as antibiotic therapies and sinus sprays can be ineffective or feel like a never-ending cycle of doctor’s appointments and pharmacy purchases. Balloon sinuplasty is one of the most common sinus surgeries in the country for good reason: It’s safe, minimally invasive, and effective in treating chronic rhinosinusitis. Balloon sinuplasty opens up blocked and inflamed sinus cavities with a dilating balloon, promoting healing and allowing the passageways to drain. Because the procedure does not involve tissue removal, it can be performed in the office using a local anesthetic. Any bleeding during this low-risk yet highly effective procedure is usually minimal.

What is a balloon sinuplasty?

Rhinosinusitis is a condition in which the nasal linings have become inflamed. This can cause blockage of sinus openings and impede normal mucus drainage. This leads to recurrent sinus infections and frustrating symptoms that may include pain.

You might be a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty if you suffer from chronic or recurrent sinus infections. The goal of the procedure is to expand the openings of the sinuses so they can drain and heal. Balloon sinuplasty is a great option for people whose symptoms or inflammation do not respond to medication or other treatments.

Here is what you can expect during the procedure:

1. Your doctor will administer local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

2. A thin tube and an endoscope allowing your doctor to see will be inserted into your nose. A small balloon on one end of the tube will be guided into your sinus cavity.

3. As your doctor inflates the balloon in your sinus, the passageway can clear out and your sinuses can drain. The inflation of the balloon restructures and widens the walls of the nasal passageway.

4. A saline rinse may be used to flush your sinuses out, removing mucus and debris.

5. The device will be removed, leaving your sinuses clear and open. 

6. Your doctor will inspect the sinus and the opening.

Unlike in a traditional sinus surgery, no bones or tissue are removed from the nose during a balloon sinuplasty; therefore, most patients can resume their regular activities the following day and expect a quick recovery. Significant improvements are generally reported after the procedure.

HOME

Why sunscreen is important

Drfisher on June 17, 2020

Nearly 10,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer. You can drastically decrease your risk of skin cancer by wearing sunscreen.

Chronic Rhinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Drfisher on June 10, 2020

It is estimated that 19 million people in the US suffer from nonallergic rhinitis. Oftentimes, nonallergic rhinitis occurs along with allergies. People with allergic rhinitis (which is sometimes called hay fever) may suffer symptoms year-round or seasonally. This is caused by allergic sensitivity to pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander, and more.

Chronic Rhinitis Treatment

Rhinitis, or inflammation of the nose, comes with uncomfortable symptoms including rhinitis sinusitis. Chronic rhinitis symptoms can include:

·  Runny nose

·  Congestion

·  Nasal itching

·  Sneezing

Oftentimes, those who suffer from chronic rhinitis experience post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip is an accumulation of mucus in the back of the nose and throat. This mucus drips down from the back of the nose and results in a sore throat, cough, or excessive throat clearing.

Treatments for rhinitis often depends on the cause. Chronic Rhinitis causes include:

·  Pollens from grasses, weeds, or trees

·  Airborne mold spores

·  Animal dander

·  Dust mites in the home

·  Cockroaches

·  Underlying or hidden food allergies (though very rare)

After it is diagnosed, the treatment options for rhinitis are avoiding known allergens, over-the-counter and prescription medications and nasal sprays, and nasal passage irrigation. Surgery is generally a last resort if structural issues in the sinuses are what causes the rhinitis symptoms.

Freezing Nasal Linings

Sometimes, however, these treatments do not work to treat a chronic runny nose. If this is the case, you might be a candidate for a procedure called intranasal cryotherapy. This might be a good option if the main treatments such as nasal sprays and medications are inadequate and if the rhinitis sufferer does not want to be on nasal sprays every day.

In intranasal cryotherapy, some of the nerve fibers in the back of the nose are frozen. Sometimes, a runny nose can be caused when these nerves are overactive, which can cause the tissue lining the nose to produce too much mucus. This is generally an outpatient procedure and is less invasive than other surgical options.

Most often, this procedure is performed right in the office. If you opt for this procedure, here is what you can expect.

1. A numbing solution will be applied in the nose to ensure patient comfort.

2. An endoscope and the device that will administer the cold therapy are placed into the back of the nose where the overactive nerves are located. The endoscope allows the doctor to see deep into your nose.

3. Through the device, the freezing chemical is applied. It is applied through a small balloon on the tip of the device.

4. The balloon is pressed against the nasal tissue containing the overactive nerves. When this happens, you might feel a bit of uncomfortable pressure and a cooling sensation, but it should not be painful for the patient.

5. When the cold temperature hits the overactive nerves, the nerves are disrupted. This is how runny nose symptoms are reduced. Your doctor will not disrupt all the nerves since that could lead to an overly dry nose.

The treatment should only take a few minutes, and most patients recover very quickly. While the tissues heal, patients might experience some increased congestion or a runny nose, but most see improvements in rhinitis within a few weeks.

If you suffer from chronic rhinitis and think you might be a candidate for this procedure, talk to your doctor today about your options.

HOME

Nasal pathways blocking

Drfisher on June 3, 2020

There are many ways that your nasal pathways can become blocked, and it can be a very uncomfortable sensation. Fortunately, there are options to treat it.

How to stop snoring

Drfisher on May 20, 2020

If your snoring problems prevent you (and your partner) from having a good night’s sleep, we will show you a few solutions that can help you say goodbye to those sleepless nights.

I’m Happy, So Why am I Always Teary Eyed?

Drfisher on April 22, 2020

The regular production of tears is important to your eyes’ health. Tears wash away germs and foreign objects, protect the surface of your eye, and provide vital nutrients. Tearing up is a normal function of your eyes, but if you find yourself teary-eyed a little too often, your eyes might be trying to tell you something.

What Causes Watery Eyes?

Even if you have only one watery eye, there could be an underlying problem that is affecting your eye health. Here are a few of the most common:

·   Allergies

o   Exposure to allergens can cause red, itchy, and watery eyes. Usually, over-the-counter eye drops and antihistamines help, but you may want to visit a doctor.

·   Blocked tear duct

o   When a tear duct becomes blocked, the tears can back up into your eye, causing them to be watery, irritated, or even infected. See a doctor to flush your eyes and open up the blockage. Blocked tear ducts are common in infants.

·   Common cold

o   When you are suffering from the common cold, it’s always a good idea to get plenty of rest and drink fluids. Watery eyes due to the common cold usually clear up on their own.

·   Conjunctivitis, or pink eye

o   If your eyes are pink and watery, you may have conjunctivitis, and you should see your doctor right away. Your treatment will depend on whether the cause is allergies, bacterial, or viral.

·   Corneal scratch

o   The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye, which makes it the most vulnerable. Most corneal problems go away on their own, but talk to your doctor if the irritation persists or other symptoms develop.

·   Dry eye

o   Dry eye itself has multiple causes, and if the underlying cause isn’t addressed, your eye problems will not clear up. Your doctor may prescribe medicine and over-the-counter eye drops.  

·   Eyelid problems

o   Artificial tears can help with discomfort caused by eyelid problems, but many times, surgery is required.

·   Foreign object in eye

o   The cornea is the first line of defense against germs and foreign objects, and anything that irritates your cornea can cause your eyes to keep watering. Talk to your doctor if the irritation persists.

·   Ingrown eyelash

o   This might cause your eyelash to rub your eyes, resulting in excessive watering.

·   Stye, a painful lump near the edge of the eyelid

o   Most styes are caused by a bacterial infection. Although usually not serious, styes can be painful. A warm compress over the eye can help with healing. If your stye does not go away after several days, your doctor might drain it. Never try to squeeze a stye yourself.

·   Underlying medical condition

o   One underlying condition that affects tear distribution is Bell’s palsy. Bell’s palsy is a medical condition in which the nerves in the face become weak or even paralyzed. This condition can make it difficult to close your eyes properly, which means that you are not able to distribute your tears adequately. Although experts aren’t sure what causes Bell’s palsy, most cases go away after a few months. It is important to keep your eyes lubricated, so your doctor may recommend artificial tears.

Generally, watery eyes clear up when the cause clears up. If your symptoms persist or you develop additional symptoms, you should speak to your doctor. Watery eyes are a common problem for adults, and there is often a safe and effective way to treat them. Most causes of watery eyes can be fixed. If your teariness doesn’t clear up on its own, your doctor will be able to test for the conditions that can cause watery eyes and choose the best treatment plan for you and your eyes.

Skip to content