North Richmond Today

• Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure, which was approved by the FDA in 2005.
• 95% of patients who've undergone balloon sinuplasty reported improvement in their symptoms.
• Most patients report experiencing improved sleep after having the procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, is a procedure used to clear blocked sinuses, according to Healthline. This surgery is relatively new, having been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005. It’s also commonly referred to as the “smart sinus” procedure.

Balloon sinuplasty is becoming more popular because it carries lower risks and a quicker recovery time than traditional sinus surgery, according to Good Rx.

Sixty to 75% of chronic sinusitis sufferers also suffer from poor sleep, according to Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy.

"Chronic sinusitis can affect the rest of your health in multiple ways: One, it can impede your breathing, which will decrease your exercise tolerance. Two, we know that there's some association with sleep apnea. Three, we know also with chronic sinusitis that there is some association with mental health, including anxiety and depression," Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told North Richmond Today.

A study of more than 1,000 patients who underwent balloon sinuplasty procedures found that more than 95% saw improvement in their symptoms, and none of the patients reported any adverse effects as a result of the procedure, according to Fierce Healthcare.

Within several days of having a balloon sinuplasty procedure, most patients report experiencing improved symptoms, including better sleep, easier breathing, and less or no facial pain and pressure, Sleep Review reported.

Readers experiencing sinusitis are invited to take a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz provided by Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.