South Jersey Sun

• Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new procedure.
• Of patients who receive the procedure, more than 95% see improvements of their symptoms.
• Balloon sinuplasty can improve other things, such as quality of sleep.

Having a long-lasting stuffy nose or sinus pressure that won't go away can have a negative impact on several aspects of a person's life, according to Dr. Nicola DeLorio at the Accent Head and Neck Group. 

The National Center for Biotechnology Information noted that anywhere from 60% to 75% of people who suffer from chronic sinusitis sleep poorly. 

"There are actually studies showing an increased number of patients who have depression along with chronic sinusitis," DeLorio said. "Again, I think a lot of it links back to quality of sleep and quality of life. When you're suffering from poor sleep and poor quality of life due to this sinus symptomatology, depression can be triggered in patients prone to that type of mental health issue."

The good news is a relatively new procedure known as balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation surgery, to clear blocked sinuses, according to Healthline. The surgery was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005, and is commonly referred to as the "smart sinus" procedure. According to Good RX, the procedure has become more popular because it has lower risk and faster recovery times over traditional sinus surgery. 

A study of more than 1,000 patients who received balloon sinuplasty found that 95% saw improvements in their symptoms, and not one person reported an adverse event, according to Fierce Healthcare. Within several days of undergoing the procedure, most patients also reported the ability to sleep and breath better, plus less facial pain and pressure, Sleep Review Magazine reported. 

If you think you may be suffering from chronic sinusitis, you can take Accent Head and Neck Group's online quiz to assess your symptoms.