LAX Leader

• Early intervention for sinus patients can lead to a better quality of life, while also reducing health care costs.
• Untreated sinusitis can lead to serious infections and even vision loss.
• A minimally invasive treatment option for sinusitis is balloon sinuplasty.

Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says that if you are struggling with sinusitis, it is important to get treatment early, as it leads to quicker results and fewer problems in the future.

"When you intervene earlier, your success (rate) is much higher and, in addition, that's also going to lead to a quicker and easier recovery,” Hershcovitch told LAX Leader. “Those with very advanced sinus disease, even to the point of sinus failure, are going to have a lot more difficulty getting to where they need to be. It will be done, and we always do it, but it leads to significantly more intervention treatments and allergy addressing. If the sinuses are so badly inflamed, it takes a little while to reverse -- versus earlier, which is much quicker.”

According to a study published in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, early intervention for a sinus patient increases their immediate quality of life, as well as improve long-term relief while reducing health care costs. The earlier the treatment, less money needs to be spent on other problems that can result from sinusitis.

Mayo Clinic reports that serious complications can result from untreated sinusitis, including vision loss, bone infections and skin infections.

According to Healthline, balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus treatment option that will clear blocked sinuses. The surgery, commonly called the “smart sinus procedure,” is relatively new as it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005.

Complications are usually minimal, as there is no cutting of bone or tissue involved. The procedure involves a wire with a flashlight inserted into the sinus, followed by a balloon catheter. This is then inflated so the mucus and buildup can be flushed out. The procedure can be done in the office of an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Many people are able to return to their regular activities within a day or two following the surgery. Some patients can even drive themselves home after the procedure.

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