Published in the September 14-27, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
When a patient suffers from repeated sinus infections, symptoms can include headaches, sleeplessness, pain around the cheeks and forehead area, and dizziness, which can lead to nausea and difficulty with balance. While not life-threatening, these symptoms certainly affect performance at work, school, or play, and overall, hinder the patients quality of life.
Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining of the sinuses.
Normally, sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (such as bacteria or viruses) can grow and cause an infection. An occasional infection may “run its course” over time or respond to certain medication, but when a patient has recurring sinusitis, we must work together to determine the cause and provide treatment options.
During the past 30 years, I have treated hundreds of patients with chronic sinusitis. In the past 15 years, we have seen great advancements in surgery methods we use. Patients used to endure full anesthesia while surgeons cut through, and often removed, tissue and sometimes bone. Though this operation was effective, the level of post-surgery discomfort could be substantial, and generally it took four to six weeks for patients to make a full recovery and experience the full benefits of the surgical procedure.
I am proud to say, I was one of the first physicians — the first in this county — to begin using a minimally invasive technique that is called balloon sinuplasty. I have been performing this procedure at Saint Louise Regional Hospital for the past 15 years. Though some patients prefer general anesthesia, a balloon sinuplasty can be done with a topical anesthetic.
Balloon sinuplasty has been compared to an angioplasty performed by a heart surgeon. Using a balloon, we are essentially expanding and irrigating the nasal passages, opening up swollen, inflamed sinuses. This is done without cutting and without tissue removal.
The solution that we use is a unique formula that combines saline solution with antibiotics, a steroid solution if needed, and one unusual ingredient, baby shampoo. The baby shampoo acts as a surfactant, which basically means it helps the saline solution clean better.
Following the procedure, patients experience little or no pain — and they are back to normal activities the same day. There is no bruising, no “packing” and no pain medicine stronger than ibuprofen.
I enjoy the follow-up appointments where patients demonstrate how deeply they can breathe through their noses, while describing better sleep, higher energy, and an overall improved well-being.
Ear, nose and throat problems can occur in patients of all ages. One of the reasons I chose this specialty is that I often meet and treat multiple members of one family. This helps me develop a personal relationship with the families of my community. Throughout my career, I’ve been grateful that Saint Louise shares my commitment to the community.
Donald Burt, M.D., was one of the original members of the medical staff of Saint Louise Regional Hospital. Born and raised in Santa Clara County, Dr. Burt has been practicing medicine in Morgan Hill and Gilroy for the past 30 years. A board-certified Ear, Nose & Throat specialist and Allergist, his office is located near the emergency entrance to St. Louise, 9360 No Name Uno, Suite 120, Gilroy.
