Kalamazoo Times

Thanks to a relatively new, minimally invasive procedure, many people are enjoying relief from chronic sinusitis, which affects almost 30 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Chronic sinusitis is responsible for 4.1 million doctor visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits each year, says the CDC.

The specialists at Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists have been able to help thousands of patients overcome this condition, which can be painful and uncomfortable. 

Dr. Richard Strabbing, an otolaryngologist at Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists, told the Kalamazoo Times, “I really enjoy discussing options with my patients. Balloon sinuplasty and other minimally invasive sinus procedures done in the office give my patients great options. Quick recovery, super results and life-changing benefits for patients are often seen. It has been exciting to be an ENT over the last few years and be able to offer my patients great solutions with minimal downtime.”

Balloon sinuplasty has proven to be a very impressive treatment from the perspective of both doctors and patients.

"First and foremost, sinuplasty is very effective. Studies have shown us that the procedure made sinuses stay open long-term upwards of 92% of the time," Strabbing said.

He also stressed that those taking over-the-counter drugs to cure a chronic sinus problem are really only putting a band-aid on the issue. Medicines might stop the pain temporarily, but they don't do much to help prevent future sinus infections.

"Most patients find that taking some over-the-counter Tylenol is sufficient to control their pain" after having an in-office balloon sinuplasty. "Some patients go home and take a short nap, as they’ve been offered a sedative to take before the procedure; other patients go home and watch a movie or visit with family," Strabbing said.

Patients who've had an in-office sinuplasty, on average, needed only 1.4 days of  recovery, compared to 4.2 days for patients who had other surgical interventions, according to the medical journal The Laryngoscope.

Chronic sinusitis can make it hard to enjoy everyday life. If you think a specialist could help, take this quiz.