Baltimore City Wire

• People suffering from sinusitis should see an ENT specialist to help improve their quality of life.
• Untreated sinusitis can lead to the patient's personal and work life being affected.
• There are minimally invasive treatment options available, such as a balloon sinuplasty procedure.

There are minimally invasive solutions, such as balloon sinuplasty, that can help patients with sinus problems, Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Baltimore City Wire.

"It certainly can be quite debilitating," Oberman said. "The studies show that it contributes to a loss of vitality, productivity and quality of life. You don't have to live with it. There are solutions out there, many of which are very well-tolerated, minimally invasive and almost risk-free."

An early intervention for a sinus patient not only increases their immediate quality of life, but also improves long-term relief while reducing health care costs, according to the Official Journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

Many patients who undergo a minimally invasive surgery to treat their chronic sinusitis also find that after the surgery, their quality of sleep drastically improves, according to Atlanta ENT Sinus & Allergy Associates. A study of more than 500 patients who underwent sinus surgery found significant improvement in their overall sleep and quality of life. 

Chronic sinusitis is one of the most common chronic medical conditions among Americans, and it can have a negative effect on one's quality of life, according to the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology. They conducted a study comparing patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with patients who opted for a balloon sinuplasty to treat chronic sinusitis and found that, although both procedures are effective, balloon sinuplasty patients needed fewer antibiotic treatments after their procedures. FESS involves removing sinus tissue, while balloon sinuplasties are "less traumatic" because the procedure does not include removing any tissue, instead relying on only dilation to improve sinus function.

A balloon sinuplasty procedure only takes 10 to 15 minutes, and patients typically recover within one to two days. Most patients can resume their normal activities during that time period, although they may experience some swelling for up to a week, according to Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center.

To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.