AW | HEALTH
A New Surgical Treatment Option for
Chronic Sinus Infections Balloon Sinuplasty may help those who suffer from painful sinus pressure
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or people with seasonal allergies, the pleasure of outdoor activities can be overshadowed by the misery of acute sinusitis, a condition with symptoms that typically include nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headache, and sometimes a cough. Often, treatments such as medication and sinus rinses will help relieve pain and pressure. Some individuals, however, suffer from chronic sinusitis, which means their symptoms recur more frequently, can be longer lasting, and may be difficult to control. A primary care doctor is likely to refer someone with chronic sinusitis to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist such as David Tsen, MD at Essentia Health. “We assess each patient’s individual situation, which may include a sinus CT scan to help view the sinuses, and recommend a treatment plan,” Dr. Tsen explained. “When all else has failed in terms of a longterm course of antibiotics, or treatment for allergies that tend to coincide with sinus infections, we may need to consider a surgical procedure.” Traditionally, the primary surgical option for clearing blocked sinuses is functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which involves removal of bone and tissue from the nose to enlarge the sinus opening. This removal of bone and tissue can require
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