Dr. Blair on simple, in office procedure for sinusitis: 'Exciting to be able to offer this level of treatment'

A Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved medical procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis is not only a simple procedure available to patients in office but likely to be covered by insurance to further reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Balloon sinuplasty is a simple minimally invasive procedure. It is for chronic rhinosinusitis patients whose conditions have not been managed by other means including medical management, according to Medical News Today. The procedure is performed on the nose, where a tiny balloon is inserted then expanded to open the sinuses.

“We're really trying to take all of our nasal procedures out of the hospital. Especially in today's world, we really want to try to do it in the office,” Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus and Allergy Center said. “I think that's exciting to be able to offer this level of treatment with decreased recoveries, in an office setting that just makes it more convenient for that patient.”

Caused by viral and bacterial infections and sometimes structural issues, symptoms of sinusitis include facial discomfort, sinus inflammation, nasal discharge, pain in bridge of nose, headache and fatigue, according to American Sinus. Balloon sinuplasty candidates are patients who suffer chronically or routinely.

Medical News Today reports the procedure is no longer considered an experimental or elective surgery and is customarily covered by insurance. If sinus infections are impeding daily life, then it is time to see a sinus inflammation specialist.

According to The Sinus Institute, rhinosinusitis or sinusitis affects women more than men, with 17% of women and 10% of males out of the 37 million sufferers yearly.

GoodRx reports the procedure is less expensive in the office as compared to a hospital setting.

We encourage our readers to take this assessment to determine how bad your sinuses really are and if the balloon sinuplasty is right for you.

Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is committed to providing the best sinus and allergy relief in the entire Panhandle area, using the most advanced, proven patient-friendly techniques available. With 37 million Americans suffering from sinusitis and 242,000 annual chronic sinusitis ER visits, our mission is to provide minimally invasive options for needed, long-lasting relief so that patients can get back to living. We call this mission Breathe Free and Live Well, and it is the North Star that guides us in each unique, collaborative patient interaction. To learn more about Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, please visit our website.