Grand Canyon Times

Sinusitis is a common sinus condition that can make day-to-day life difficult to tackle because of uncomfortable symptoms. 

Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million Americans, or 11% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A procedure called "balloon sinuplasty" can be done to relieve a patient's symptoms. 

"Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an advanced technique (a balloon) to treat sinuses. This is an appropriate intervention for sinuses that are no longer functioning optimally. This procedure, on average, takes about 30 to 40 minutes, which conveniently can be done in the office. Overall, a great procedure to help improve quality of life by giving you an opportunity to breathe your best," Diana Ruiloba, a physician assistant from Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, told the Grand Canyon Times. 

Dr. John Stewart | zocdoc.com

Dr. John Stewart, an otolaryngologist from Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, encourages patients to consider this in-office procedure for its impressive benefits. 

"Balloon sinuplasty is offered in-office, which means no hospitals and those extra hidden fees are avoided. This procedure is minimally invasive, safe, painless, fast and effective. It typically takes around 30 minutes, and then you are on your way back home," he told the Grand Canyon Times. 

Chronic sinusitis is responsible for 4.1 million doctor's visits and more than 230,000 emergency room visits each year, the CDC reported. 

On average, patients who have undergone in-office sinuplasty needed only 1.4 days of recovery, compared to 4.2 days for patients with surgical interventions, according to the journal The Laryngoscope. Sinusitis sufferers averaged 8.3 days homebound annually before the procedure, whereas after procedure they averaged two days homebound.

Chronic sinusitis can make it hard to enjoy everyday life. If you think a specialist could help, take this quiz.