Does Balloon Sinuplasty Really Work to Relieve the Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?

Septoplasty is the definitive treatment for patients experiencing nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum. According to reports, it successfully reduces nasal symptoms in up to 89% of patients over the long term. However, while balloon sinuplasty can provide relief for sinus-related symptoms exacerbated by a deviated septum, it cannot correct the septum's deviation on its own.

So, if you have sinus issues and a deviated septum, balloon sinuplasty may help enlarge your sinus cavities to improve drainage and alleviate symptoms. However, if you have a deviated septum and either no sinus issues or a severely deviated septum, deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) is likely to be more effective in providing relief. It is crucial to consult with a specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

Understanding Deviated Septum and Its Impact on Sinus Health

A deviated septum, a condition where the nasal septum is significantly displaced to one side, is often the root cause of sinus problems. When the septum is deviated, it can obstruct normal airflow and drainage, leading to a variety of symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headaches, and even recurrent sinus infections. In these cases, balloon sinuplasty can help relieve some symptoms, but it is not a complete solution for a deviated septum.

How Balloon Sinuplasty Works

Balloon sinuplasty involves dilating the openings of the major nasal sinuses using a small, expandable balloon catheter. This procedure helps to widen the sinus orifices, which can alleviate symptoms caused by blocked sinuses. Most individuals who undergo this procedure have a condition that leads to inflammation of the sinus membranes, obstructing the proper drainage of mucus, pus, and other discharge, leading to congestion.

Seperate Solutions: Balloon Sinuplasty and Septoplasty

A deviated septum is a distinct issue from those addressed by traditional or balloon sinus surgeries. Septoplasty is the most effective treatment for a deviated septum. It involves surgically straightening the septum to improve airflow and drainage. In some cases, a turbinectomy (turbinate reduction) can enhance the results by reducing the size of the turbinates, which are the bony structures within the nasal passages.

Excluding the Use of Balloon Sinuplasty for Deviated Nasal Septum

While balloon sinuplasty can be an effective adjunct procedure in certain cases, such as recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis, it does not replace the need for septoplasty. Traditional endoscopic sinus surgery (E sinuplasty, also known as FESS) can be damaging to the respiratory mucosa, whereas balloon sinuplasty minimizes this risk. In severe cases, a combination of septoplasty and balloon sinuplasty may be the best option.

For more detailed information and personalized advice, feel free to contact our specialists. We are here to help and provide the best possible care for your sinus and nasal health.