Gateway Reporter

• Chronic sinus inflammation can lead to decreased functionality and painful symptoms.

• Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population.

• Balloon sinuplasty is an effective, manageable procedure for people who have chronic sinusitis.

According to the American Sinus Institute, nasal inflammation is inflammation or swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses. Also known as sinusitis, this condition blocks the air passageways, causing mucus to increase and potentially cause an infection. This type of ailment is common and can be caused by something as simple as the common cold.

Serious complications can result from untreated sinusitis, such as vision loss or other infections, according to Mayo Clinic.

"Sinus headaches are a referred pain caused by inflammation and blockage of a sinus cavity, which causes those nerves to fire, and it transmits the pain in the patient's facial area," Dr. Manish Khanna at Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Gateway Reporter. "Whether it's behind the cheeks, whether it's in the forehead and the temples, it’s really anywhere in the head, depending on which sinuses are involved. You want to treat the sinus so that headache goes away. You can use medications like nasal steroids sprays, then you get into medications like antibiotics and oral steroids. But as a preventative for patients who get recurring sinus headaches and pressure, balloon sinuplasty is a very reasonable, viable option."

Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million American adults, or 11% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chronic sinusitis is the cause of 4.1 million doctor visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits each year.

Balloon sinuplasty is often recommended for people who are suffering from chronic sinusitis, after other treatments for their condition have been ineffective. This noninvasive, in-office procedure is fairly straightforward, and reported complications are minimal. There are no incisions and no removal of bones or tissue, according to Healthline.

After having a balloon sinuplasty, many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two. Some people even drive themselves home from the procedure.

Readers can learn more about sinusitis or balloon sinuplasty and take a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz from Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.