Sinus Problems & Balloon Sinuplasty Services in Atlanta

Most likely there has been a time in your life when you had some sort of sinus problem. Sinus problems are common in both adults and children.

Northeast Atlanta ENT will talk to you about sinusitis, its symptoms, treatment options, and prevention tips.

  • If you have ever wondered about the differences between sinusitis symptoms versus cold or allergy symptoms, continue reading.
  • If you are curious about treatment options for sinusitis, continue reading.
  • If you have ever done research to find out whether or not acute sinusitis becomes chronic at some point, continue reading.

What is Sinusitis?

If you have ever had the common cold or if you suffered an allergy attack that would not go away, there is a good chance you had sinusitis.

Sinusitis is actually one of the most common health conditions in the United States. Approximately 37 million people get diagnosed with sinusitis every year. Actually, that number might be higher because its symptoms often are similar to those of allergies or colds. Consequently, many people do not take it upon themselves to seek proper diagnosis and treatment from an ENT doctor.

  • Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities that is caused by bacteria. The common cold, irritants by environmental pollutants, or an allergy attack usually precede sinusitis.
  • In order to cure sinusitis and to prevent future complications, a proper diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are necessary.

Under normal circumstances, the mucus that collects in the sinuses will drain into the nasal passages. If you experience a cold or an allergy attack, the sinuses will become inflamed and would be unable to drain. If this happens, it can lead to congestion and/or infection, commonly resulting in nasal blockage that interferes with normal breathing and sinus drainage.

At this point, if you experience up to 4 weeks of purulent nasal drainage along with nasal obstruction, facial pain/pressure/fullness, or both, then your ENT doctor would diagnose acute sinusitis.

If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, or if the symptoms worsen after an initial improvement, the sinus infection is most likely bacteria-related.

Can Acute Sinusitis Ever Become Chronic Sinusitis?

The short answer is yes. As a matter of fact, for those patients who suffer frequently from sinusitis, or if the sinus infection lasts 3 months or longer, you may have chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis symptoms can possibly be less severe than those of acute sinusitis. However, if left untreated, chronic sinusitis can cause significant damage to the sinuses, which may eventually need surgery to repair.

Sinusitis Treatment Options

There are 3 type of treatment options available for sinus infections and sinus problems:

  1. antibiotic therapy
  2. intensive antibiotic therapy
  3. outpatient and/or in-office sinus surgery (Balloon Sinuplasty or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery)

Antibiotic Therapy

If you have bacterial sinusitis, the appropriate antibiotics should be prescribed. When looking at the chart on this page, if you have 3 or more symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your ENT doctor for proper diagnosis.

He or she may recommend an oral spray, a nasal spray, or a drop decongestant. They will help to relieve congestion. It is also advised that you only use non-prescriptive nasal sprays or drops for a short period of time. Lastly, inhaling steam or using saline nasal sprays or drops can provide relief for your sinus discomfort.

Becoming resistant to antibiotic treatment means that some of the infection-causing bacteria will be immune to the effects of antibiotics. This makes it more challenging and difficult to treat common infections, including sinusitis. However, there are ways you can help prevent antibiotic resistance, including:

  • Waiting up to 7 days before taking antibiotics for mild sinus infections. This will help your body naturally fight the infection.
  • If you are prescribed an antibiotic by your doctor, you should take all of the antibiotics in your prescription, even if your symptoms get better.

Intensive Antibiotic Therapy

If you have chronic sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe intensive antibiotic therapy. For some patients, surgery is needed in order to remove physical obstructions that may be causing sinusitis.

What is Sinus Dilation?

Balloon Sinuplasty in Atlanta

Our ENT surgeons can perform this minimally invasive procedure to open up the sinus passages. We use a small, flexible balloon catheter guided through the nostril into the blocked sinuses. When we inflate it, the balloon will gently restructure and open the sinus passages. This process restores normal sinus drainage and function.

  • Balloon sinuplasty is much less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. This means you can look forward to a less painful recovery, faster recovery, and better long-term results.
  • Oftentimes, the best candidates for Balloon Sinuplasty are patients who have sinusitis that has not yet been resolved, or patients who have recurring sinusitis when using traditional medical treatment.
  • It is advised that surgery should only be considered if medical treatment fails, or if there is nasal obstruction that cannot be corrected with traditional medications, especially when breathing problems such as snoring and sleep apnea are present. Our doctors will help determine which type of surgery will solve your sinus problems.
  • To read even more about balloon sinuplasty, visit our blog post.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)

This type of sinus surgery is recommended for certain types of sinus disease. During this procedure, we will use an endoscope to look directly into the nose, while removing the diseased tissue and polyps and clearing the narrow channels located between the sinuses.

  • Either local or general anesthesia can be used for this procedure. We can help determine which is the most suitable method for your circumstances.
  • Before you opt for surgery, you should have full understanding and realistic expectations regarding recovery, results, and postoperative care.
  • For a successful recovery, it is best if there is a cooperative effort between the patient and doctor throughout the entire recovery process. It is always best for patients to abide by all pre- and post-operative instructions.

What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis vs. a Cold or Allergy?

A child’s sinuses do not fully develop until the age of 20. It is possible for children to suffer from sinus infection. The maxillary (behind the cheek) and ethmoid (between the eyes) sinuses are present at birth even though they are very small.

Unfortunately, sinusitis in children is difficult to diagnose. This is due to the fact that respiratory infections are more frequent and its symptoms can sometimes be subtle. Unlike a cold or an allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires a doctor’s diagnosis. Also, him or her will provide treatment (typically an antibiotic) to prevent future complications.

If your child or yourself has a sinus infection, the following symptoms may occur:

  • swelling around the eyes
  • irritability or fatigue
  • the common cold lasting more than 10-14 days (this can sometimes be accompanied by a low-grade fever)
  • headache (usually not before the age of 6)
  • thick, yellow-green nasal drainage
  • post-nasal drip (this can sometimes lead to or be exhibited as a cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and/or bad breath)

If your child receives medical therapy, but the symptoms still last, your doctor should determine the underling cause. This will help to determine if allergies or frequent upper respiratory infections are playing a role. In some cases, chronic inflammation of the nasal lining, known as rhinitis, may be contributing to persistent sinus symptoms.

How to Prevent Sinusitis

Preventing a medical condition is very important. In order to avoid developing sinusitis while you have a common cold or an allergy attack, it is recommended to keep your sinuses clear by:

  • Getting tested for allergies. After getting an allergy test and then following up with allergy treatments, you can increase your tolerance of allergy-causing substances. If at any point you think you may have sinusitis, call your ENT doctor for an appointment.
  • If you suffer from allergies, try your best to stay away from allergy triggers. If you simply cannot stay away, use over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, and/or a prescription nasal spray. These methods will help to control future allergy attacks.
  • Avoid traveling by airplane as much as possible. If you simply have to fly, use a nasal spray decongestant before boarding the plane. This will help to prevent sinus blockage, which will allow the mucus to drain.
  • Use an oral decongestant or a short course of nasal spray decongestant.
  • When blowing your nose, do it gently. The proper technique is to block one nostril while blowing through the other.
  • Try as hard as possible to drink plenty of fluids. This will help to keep nasal discharge thin.

What to Do Now: Your Next Steps

Since the symptoms for sinusitis are similar to those of colds and allergies, you may dismiss the fact that you should see a doctor. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned on this page, it is advised that you see an ENT doctor to get evaluated. Actually, if you have 3 or more symptoms, definitely schedule an appointment.

You can call any one of our Northeast Atlanta ENT offices. We are conveniently located in Lawrenceville, Johns Creek, Dacula, and Braselton. Our doctors look forward to helping you feel better soon.

What is Latera? Watch Our Video

Frequently Asked Questions about Sinus Problems & Balloon Sinuplasty

Does balloon sinuplasty hurt during the procedure or after?

Most patients report mild pressure rather than pain during balloon sinuplasty, since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or light sedation and the balloon gently dilates the sinus openings without cutting tissue. Discomfort afterward is usually mild, often described as similar to a sinus infection, and typically improves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough for post-procedure soreness, and most patients don’t need prescription medication. Some pressure, drainage, or a small amount of bloody discharge is normal for the first 24 to 72 hours. If pain worsens after day three or you develop a fever, contact your ENT.

How soon after balloon sinuplasty can I return to work and normal activities?

Most patients return to work and light activities within 24 to 48 hours of balloon sinuplasty because the procedure doesn’t require cutting or nasal packing. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise are typically avoided for about a week to reduce the risk of bleeding. Expect some drainage, fatigue, and mild congestion for the first few days. Your ENT will likely recommend a saline rinse routine and may ask you to avoid nose blowing for a short period. Timelines vary, so follow the specific post-op instructions your surgeon gives you.

Is balloon sinuplasty usually covered by insurance?

Balloon sinuplasty is generally covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, when it’s considered medically necessary for chronic sinusitis that hasn’t responded to medical treatment. Coverage typically requires documentation of persistent symptoms, prior treatment attempts, and imaging such as a CT scan of the sinuses. Your specific plan’s requirements, deductible, prior authorization, in-network status, will vary. The billing team at your ENT’s office can usually verify coverage before you schedule. To confirm benefits with Northeast Atlanta ENT, call 770-237-3000.

Can I have balloon sinuplasty if I also have a deviated septum or nasal polyps?

Balloon sinuplasty alone treats the sinus openings, so patients with large nasal polyps or a significantly deviated septum often need a combined procedure, such as septoplasty or polyp removal, for full symptom relief. A CT scan and nasal endoscopy will determine whether balloon sinuplasty on its own is enough. For mild septal deviation, balloon sinuplasty may still provide meaningful relief. For large polyps, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is often more effective. The right combination depends on where the blockage is coming from, which is why the initial evaluation and imaging matter. If nasal blockage is a major part of your symptoms, mention it at your consultation.

Is balloon sinuplasty safe for children, and at what age can it be performed?

Balloon sinuplasty is FDA-cleared for use in children as young as 2, though most pediatric ENTs reserve it for kids age 6 and older with chronic sinusitis unresponsive to medical treatment. Because a child’s sinuses are still developing, the procedure is used selectively and only after imaging confirms structural blockage. Adenoidectomy is often tried first in younger children before considering balloon sinuplasty. If your child has had multiple courses of antibiotics without lasting improvement, an evaluation with a specialist is a reasonable next step. Northeast Atlanta ENT offers pediatric ENT services across its Georgia locations.

How long do the results of balloon sinuplasty typically last?

Clinical studies show balloon sinuplasty results typically last several years for most patients, with sustained symptom relief documented at the two-year mark and durability reported out to five years in follow-up research. Individual results depend on the underlying cause of sinus disease, presence of allergies, and whether triggers like smoking or environmental irritants continue. Balloon sinuplasty opens the drainage pathways but doesn’t cure the underlying reason your sinuses became blocked. Patients who also manage allergies and chronic rhinitis usually get the longest-lasting relief.

Can balloon sinuplasty be repeated if my sinus symptoms come back?

Yes, balloon sinuplasty can be repeated if sinus symptoms return, and it’s often preferred for retreatment because it’s minimally invasive and preserves sinus tissue. Recurrence rates vary, but only a small percentage of patients need a second procedure within the first few years. Before repeating the procedure, your ENT will investigate why symptoms came back, untreated allergies, structural changes, or unmanaged chronic rhinitis are common culprits. In some cases, a different procedure or medical treatment may be a better next step than a repeat sinuplasty.

Is it safe to fly on a plane after balloon sinuplasty, and how long should I wait?

Most ENTs recommend waiting at least one to two weeks after balloon sinuplasty before flying, since the pressure changes during ascent and descent can aggravate healing sinus tissue and increase discomfort. Short flights may be tolerable sooner for some patients, but your surgeon should give you the green light first. When you do fly, a saline nasal spray before takeoff and landing can help. Chewing gum, staying hydrated, and using an oral decongestant with your doctor’s okay can also reduce ear and sinus pressure. If you develop severe pain in flight, hold off on flying again until your ENT reassesses you.

Where can I find a doctor who performs balloon sinuplasty near Atlanta, GA?

Northeast Atlanta ENT performs balloon sinuplasty at its Lawrenceville, Johns Creek, Dacula, and Braselton locations, serving patients across northeast metro Atlanta. To schedule an evaluation or ask questions about the procedure, call 770-237-3000 or request an appointment online. A proper evaluation includes a symptom review, nasal endoscopy, and often a CT scan of the sinuses to confirm whether balloon sinuplasty is the right treatment for you. Same or next-day appointments are often available, and most insurance plans are accepted.

Will Atlanta's pollen season still cause sinus flare-ups after balloon sinuplasty?

Yes, balloon sinuplasty opens blocked sinus drainage pathways but does not treat the underlying allergies that drive pollen-season inflammation. Atlanta consistently ranks among the worst US cities for pollen, so most patients still need allergy management to stay symptom-free through spring and fall. The upside is that with better drainage, allergy flare-ups are less likely to progress into a full sinus infection. Combining balloon sinuplasty with allergy testing and treatment, immunotherapy, or a nasal steroid spray during peak pollen months gives many patients their best long-term results.