Sinus FAQs

Sinuses are openings in the bones around your nose. Four pairs of sinuses are connected to the nose by small openings. These sinuses are located behind the cheekbones, alongside your nose, and above your eyebrows.

Humans produce one liter of fluid per day that cleanse the passageways and provide necessary moisture to the lining of each sinus.

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus cavities located on either side of your nose, and between and above your eyes. Inflammation occurs when there is an undrained collection of pus or mucus in one or more of the sinuses.

The surgery enlarges the natural opening to the sinuses, allowing the sinuses to drain more effectively. This can help to reduce the frequency of sinus infections.

With Balloon Sinuplasty, ENT doctors open inflamed sinuses in the same way that heart surgeons open up blocked arteries during balloon angioplasty. The procedure is minimally invasive and effective at relieving symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Balloon Sinuplasty allows patients to return to normal activities quickly. It does not include removal of bone or tissue from the nose. And, Balloon Sinuplasty is now offered by some doctors in their office under local anesthesia, so you may not need to go to an operating room or undergo general anesthesia.