Fall is only a few weeks away and, unfortunately, in the Rio Grande Valley, that means allergy sufferers will soon be dealing with plenty of nasal congestion and other breathing issues. When severe sinus symptoms last for weeks on end, the congestion and associated pain can be unbearable.

Are you tired of living with the discomfort of sinus problems? Thankfully, there is a solution.    

Here at Glatz Group, our sinus relief specialists can identify, diagnose, and treat nasal/sinus conditions through a variety of customized treatment plans including balloon sinuplasty. Let your team at Glatz Group give you some insight on a few conditions that can best be treated by sinuplasty. 

Where Exactly Are My Sinuses?

Your sinuses are air-filled spaces located throughout your skull and facial bones which make up a portion of the upper part of your respiratory tract. Sinuses produce mucus that helps to lubricate your nasal and drainage passages.   

Sinuses are located: 

  • Within the cheeks (maxillary sinuses)
  • Behind the forehead and eyebrows (frontal sinuses)
  • On the left and right side of the bridge of your nose (ethmoid sinuses) 
  • Behind your eyes, deeper in your skull (sphenoid sinuses)

Sign #1: Chronic Sinusitis

Sinusitis can be caused by a number of different conditions such as allergic rhinitis or blockages. Regardless of the cause, sinusitis is an uncomfortable condition that causes inflammation of the sinuses, and which can have a negative effect on your quality of life.

The condition is often caused by bacterial infections but can also be caused by exposure to certain viruses or molds. The duration individuals can suffer from sinusitis varies, with acute sinus infections lasting anywhere between three to eight weeks, while chronic sinus infections can last much longer.

Symptoms of a sinus infection or chronic sinusitis can include: 

  • Headaches
  • Facial pain
  • Runny rose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Yellow or green mucus discharge
  • Sore throat
  • Bad breath
  • Decreased sense of smell and taste
  • Hoarseness
  • Fever
  • Tiredness 

At the Glatz Group, will work to identify the cause of your symptoms, and determine whether surgery is needed. A diagnosis can determine whether non-surgical remedies can be used to alleviate the condition, which may include antibiotics if the sinusitis has been caused by decongestants or infection. 

After thorough assessment and care, and without improvement in your condition, the doctor may consult with you about surgery for your condition.

Sign #2: Blockages Keeping You From Breathing Freely

Some people suffer from nasal polyps, which are small growths that occur in the nasal passages. Symptoms of nasal polyps or other forms of blockage can include: 

  • Sense of smell is affected (reduced)
  • Pain in the upper teeth
  • Constant issues with blocked or stuffy nose

It’s important to communicate all of your symptoms, recurring and not, to your ENT doctor so that he/she can determine the best route of care. 

A Simple Procedure, Excellent Results

Balloon sinuplasty technology is used to treat chronic or recurrent sinus infections (sinusitis) affecting the sinuses above your eyebrows as well as under/behind your eyes. The key objective of balloon sinuplasty is to expand sinus pathways and restore drainage. The procedure utilizes small balloons placed in key places in the nose and sinus, which are then dilated to expand the sinus pathways. 

Balloon sinuplasty is an effective, lasting option for patients whose symptoms do not resolve with medication. The balloon sinuplasty procedure is performed in our office, requires only local anesthesia, and in most cases, patients are able to resume normal activities within 48 hours.

Additional advantages of balloon sinuplasty include: 

  • FDA-approved
  • Less invasive than “open” sinus surgery
  • No cutting
  • Lowered risk of infection
  • Less risk of complications
  • Less bruising and swelling

Your sinus relief specialists at Glatz Group will determine if your condition is one that may benefit from this treatment. With three convenient locations in McAllen, Weslaco, and Harlingen, the Glatz Group can easily accommodate your needs.

Breathe a sigh of relief and schedule an appointment to ease your sinus problems by contacting Glatz Group at (956) 631-2957.