With sinusitis plaguing at least 30 million American adults every year, proper medication and care are a source of concern for patients.
Snoring is another health problem, with 45% of people snoring occasionally and 25% regularly.
Snoring can affect the quality and quantity of your sleep and even for those around you. Many problems can cause snoring so it’s always best to get a medical examination to determine the root cause of your sleep problems. Let us examine Balloon Sinuplasty and how it can help with snoring and other sinus problems.
What is snoring?
Snoring affects almost half the population from time to time. The causes of snoring include sleep apnea, weight gain, and sleeping position. People with problems in their airways often snore, and it is an indicator there is a problem that needs treatment.
If you are struggling with snoring and possible sleep apnea, a complete evaluation and a possible procedure to clear the obstruction may be necessary. Snoring patients try all sorts of remedies, including buying special pillows, however, treating the root of the problem can achieve better results.
Do sinus problems cause snoring?
Yes. Sinus problems can cause snoring. While there could be another reason for snoring, people with sinus problems have difficulties breathing and use their mouths for breathing. Mouth breathing is laborious, and most people have a hard time sleeping.
The best thing about sinus problems is that they are treatable, and you can have relief from snoring.
A sinus treatment procedure like in-office Balloon sinuplasty with turbinate reduction can often minimize or eliminate snoring.
What are some risks to untreated snoring?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes snoring. A patient with a blocked or narrow nasal or throat airway can sometimes feel things are closing up and stop breathing. It could happen several times at night, depriving your body and brain of the much-needed oxygen.
Sleep apnea can expose you to long-term health problems. Some of the symptoms include loud snores, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and mood changes. Additionally, patients cannot concentrate and experience fatigue.
Sleep deprivation from snoring will have significant effects on your health. Patients experience sleepiness during the day. The lack of sleep also affects your mood and mental health.
Additionally, sleep deprivation causes a healthy environment for dangerous ailments like diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
What are the best treatment options for snoring?
There are many treatment options for snoring. The choice of treatment varies from case to case. However, if there is a case of obstruction in the airways, the best method is various surgical procedures that Dr. Cohen performs.
The type of procedure recommended can be on your throat, palate, tonsils or even on the nose and sinuses. Tonsils also obstruct your throat, which may lead to snoring. On visiting an ENT clinic, your doctor will perform a check-up to determine where the issue lies. They will also recommend the best treatment.
Other treatments for sleep apnea include adenoid removal and tonsil removal. You can also have the excess tissue on the back of your throat removed through surgery to clear the airway.
Balloon Sinuplasty and turbinate reduction is one of the best treatment options for people with nasal blockage.
What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty also known as Balloon Dilation Sinus Surgery, is a sinus treatment. It is a short in-office procedure under local anesthesia to clear blocked sinuses. Notably, the treatment is safe according to FDA standards, and sinus patients have benefited from the treatment since 2005.
The surgery is minimally invasive, and there is no cutting of bones and tissue. However, the results are a permanent remodeling of the sinus openings to allow free movement of air. It has minimal chances of complications.
How does the Balloon sinuplasty procedure work?
A sinus specialist often performs a Balloon sinuplasty in an office setting. There is no need for general anesthesia, and the patient can take oral medication to help calm their nerves before the procedure. Your doctor will often give you a drug like Valium to take 1-2 hours before the procedure. They will also add topical medication to numb the nose and sinus areas before the treatment.
If you are worried about pain during the procedure, it will feel like a visit to the dentist. During the procedure, the doctor inserts an endoscope to help them see inside your nose. They then will proceed to insert a balloon-shaped catheter into your nose. Once it is in place, they inflate the balloon slowly to enlarge and redesign your sinuses. They will then remove the balloon catheter once each sinus has been opened up.
Balloon sinuplasty is a short procedure that will take under an hour or less to complete right in the comfort of an office setting. You will also not need hospitalization after treatment.
How much does the procedure cost?
The procedure can range from $6000 to $10,000. Though the treatment is FDA approved since 2005, some health care insurance providers approve it and some only cover parts of the bill. Our patient coordinator will let you know if there are any out of pocket costs prior to the procedure.
Is Balloon sinuplasty safe?
We understand the safety concerns people have with most procedures. However, according to all studies out, this treatment is one of the safest and most reliable sinus treatment procedures out there. It is also highly effective in treating sinus problems permanently and leaves patients without side effects.
Here are some benefits of balloon sinuplasty
- Instant sinus pain relief
- Reduced discomfort along nose and sinuses
- Better breathing through the nose
- Minimal sinus infections
- Permanent results
Compared to traditional surgeries, balloon sinuplasty procedures offer more to patients. There are lesser risks of complications, less pain, less downtime, and reduced bleeding. You also do not need more medication or follow-ups with the doctor. In fact, in 24 to 48 hours, most patients can go on with their daily routine.
Why choose us?
Dr. Alen Cohen from the Southern California Sinus Institute is one of the best ENT and nose and sinus surgeons in the country who performs Balloon Sinuplasty. The doctor has helped thousands of patients get rid of sinus infections and discomfort.
Get in touch with us today for more information on Balloon Sinuplasty. We will also help you know if you are eligible for the treatment.