FAQ

Stopping the sinus infections is the best cure.  Short-term treatment for sinus headaches is over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil. Medicines and antibiotics are quick-fix and will not address the structural problems of the nose which may be the source of the headache.

The best option for a long-term relief is balloon sinuplasty or traditional sinus surgery.  These procedures open the blocked sinuses and then the body can keep the sinuses clear.

Balloon sinuplasty or surgery. Both can fix structural problems of the nose or sinuses.  Both give excellent long-term treatment and cures for the sinuses.  Antibiotics or other medications for the sinuses are often a quick fix or only work while you are taking the medications.

Balloon sinuplasty or surgery.  Both stop sinus problems by opening up the sinuses.  Balloon dilates or stretches the sinus open, and surgery cuts it open.  Both procedures correct the structural issues in the nose.  Both work and the cure rate is about the same for both.  The recovery is one day for the balloon treatment and one week for surgery.

Yes.  Studies have shown that is is just as effective as surgery in curing sinus problems.  The cure is long-term.  It relieves sinus pressure, headaches, congestion, drainage and sometimes cures snoring. It is just not as well-known as sinus surgery.

Since there are no incisions or cutting with balloon sinuplasty, it is much safer than sinus surgery; the latter does include incisions and cutting.  Balloon sinuplasty is so safe that it is frequently done in the office, similar to a dental procedure.

Depending on the severity of symptoms, a patient may feel some pressure during the procedure. After balloon sinuplasty, patients may feel some tenderness and be a bit tired or groggy. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories are all that is usually needed to manage discomfort.

CT scans show bone layers, which is an essential part of the diagnosis. The sinuses are encased in bone.  A CT scan with show all parts of the nose and sinuses to show what is a sinus infection, what polyps exist and the state of a deviated septum. An MRI is a poor tool for showing bone layers making it difficult to see all of the sinus anatomy.

CT scans are most often deemed medically necessary to diagnose and treat sinusitis and are therefore covered by most insurance plans. If you have a co-pay or deductible with your plan, you may be responsible for that portion of it.

ra·di·og·ra·phy :

/ˌrādēˈäɡrəfē/

noun

• the process or occupation of taking radiographs (x-rays,m CAT scans or MRI’s) to assist in medical examinations.

Radiotherapy is the use of x-rays as a treatment for cancer, i.e lung or breast cancer.  X-rays are used to kill cancer cells

Yes.

Yes.