Mar 27, 2009 6:00 pm US/Eastern
Health: Treating Allergies
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
The early spring flowers and buds are blooming all over the Philadelphia region. And already the pollen and mold counts are high that will trigger chain reactions of spring allergies.
For people with chronic sinusitis for years like Heather Merrigan, allergies make her congestion even worse.
"I've been on every allergy drug that they make, nasal steroids, had allergy shots," said Heather.
But they didn't work, and allergy and sinus medications and remedies often have side effects, like sleepiness.
Heather found a different kind of solution with a new, less invasive sinus procedure called FineESS.
"As soon as the surgery was over, I could breathe better almost immediately," said Heather.
Unlike conventional sinus surgery which requires multiple visits and a long recovery, this new treatment is faster and much easier on the patient.
"There is no packing, no bleeding. There is no alteration in their smell," said Dr. Yosef Krespi, an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist.
The procedure is done with an endoscope. Doctors guide a balloon into the sinus cavity and then it's blown up stretching the opening and creating room for air to pass through.
"It's been great," said Heather. Easier to breathe, so she can finally feel rested.
"I've been sleeping through the night, so I wake up refreshed like I should," said Heather.
The FineESS procedure is only recommended when other standard treatments don't work. It's an out-patient surgery performed with a local anesthesia recovery time just a day or two.
RELATED LINK:
Sinusitis Procedure Information
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