The team at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, PC, has extensive experience performing balloon dilation, a minimally invasive procedure that produces long-lasting results. To learn more about sinus and eustachian balloon dilation, call the office in Grand Junction, Delta, Montrose, or Gunnison, Colorado, or book an appointment online today.
Balloon dilation is a procedure to open blocked passageways and restore normal function to your sinuses or eustachian tubes. As a minimally invasive procedure, balloon dilation doesn’t involve an incision or cutting and removing tissues.
Colorado West Otolaryngologists, PC, offers the option of having your procedure in the office or an operating room.
Balloon dilation targets two conditions, chronic sinusitis, and eustachian tube dysfunction.
Your sinuses produce mucus that leaves the sinus through a small opening and drains into your nose. Sinusitis occurs when the lining inside one or more sinuses becomes inflamed. The swelling blocks the opening, trapping mucus inside the sinus and causing an infection.
Normally, these infections clear up within a few weeks. If you still have symptoms after 12 weeks, you have chronic sinusitis. Balloon dilation is one of the top treatments for long-lasting relief from chronic sinusitis.
The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to your upper throat. The tube equalizes air pressure and allows excess mucus to drain by opening when you swallow or yawn.
Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when the lining inside your nose becomes inflamed and blocks the tube’s opening.
A blocked eustachian tube may improve with medication. But when conservative care doesn’t help, balloon dilation treats the problem without the need for surgery to drain the ear or insert ear tubes.
Your provider at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, PC, talks with you about your options for anesthesia and the best location for your procedure. The actual procedure, however, is the same whether you have a blockage in your sinus or eustachian tube.
During a balloon dilation, your provider inserts a narrow catheter through your nose and throat to the opening of the eustachian tube or the targeted sinus. Then they guide a balloon catheter into the opening of the tube or sinus.
Once the catheter is in place, your provider inflates the balloon, leaving it in place for a few minutes. The balloon restructures and widens the passageway while maintaining the integrity of the tissues. After your provider deflates and removes the balloon, the sinus or eustachian tube stays open, restoring normal function.
To learn more about sinus and eustachian tube dilation, call your nearest office of Colorado West Otolaryngologists, PC, or book an appointment online.