ENT Topic of the Month: Sinusitis and Balloon Sinuplasty

Posted on by Fuel Medical

At ENT Associates of Santa Barbara our main goal is to provide each patient with quality ear, nose and throat care. In doing so, we want to inform you of important ENT-related issues that commonly affect people and can disrupt the quality of one’s life if left untreated.

Our ENT topic of the month is Sinus Issues, otherwise known as Sinusitis.

Dr. John McCaffery has been treating Sinusitis in the Santa Barbara and Solvang communities for over 20 years. Dr. McCaffery, Physician Assistant Jaime Munroe and our team of professionals are here to help treat your sinus issues and create a specialized treatment plan for you.

What Causes Sinus Problems?Woman putting hand on her collar bone.

Sinuses are hollow, air-filled chambers that are in the bones of your face and head. When these chambers can’t drain properly, it may result in blockage that leads to colds, infections, allergies or obstructions in the nose.

Symptoms of Sinus Problems:

  • A constantly runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Fullness in the ears
  • Green, yellow or bloody drainage from the nose
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Loss of sense of smell
  • Trouble tasting food
  • Facial pain
  • Recurrent infections

Treatment Options:

  • Antibiotics are standard treatments for bacterial sinus infections
  • Nasal decongestant sprays
  • Antihistamines
  • Nasal decongestants and antihistamines
  • Topical nasal corticosteroids
  • Nasal saline washes
  • Balloon sinuplasty
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery

Balloon Sinuplasty

If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, you may be a candidate for Balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive and effective method of enlarging your sinus passages for easier breathing and a drastic reduction in sinusitis symptoms. It is a quick, relatively painless and low-risk procedure.

Dr. McCaffery can perform Balloon Sinuplasty as an in-office, non-anesthetic procedure if he determines that it is the most appropriate route to treat your Sinusitis.

For more information, please visit our page on balloon sinuplasty here.

Endoscopic Surgery

Endoscopic surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed through the nose without any external incisions. A thin, flexible or rigid tube called an endoscope is inserted through the nose and into the sinuses. This allows Dr. McCaffery to have a clear, magnified view that will allow him to treat the ongoing sinus issue.

Dr. McCaffery and his team will provide you with all of the necessary information in order to prepare for preoperative and postoperative.

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. McCaffery or Jaime Munroe P.A., call our office at 805-964-6926. Our Patient Care Coordinators Alda or Mariana will assist in getting you scheduled!