Chronic sinusitis affects about 50 million people a year and if you're one of them, you know how it can make it difficult to breathe.
It can also lead to severe headaches.
While some people get traditional sinusitis surgery for relief, others are opting for a gentler alternative that's done in the office.
"I've had issues with my sinuses most of my life, but I would go and get different medication...Flonase, maybe over the counter, saline spray, that would get me temporary relief, but it will come back like with a vengeance," said Kim Brown.
So Brown went to the doctor and told her about her sinus issues and the constant headaches that come with them.
She was told she has chronic sinusitis -- where narrowing of the natural drainage openings of the sinuses cause them to trap mucus and infection.
Brown was given medication, but it wasn't long-term relief, so the problems and the pain continued.
"It bothers me 24-7," she said. "For the most part. I'll wake up, typically when I go to the bathroom in the night, my nose is really dry, I'm struggling to breathe."
The doctor referred her to Dr. Michael Stone, an ear, nose and throat physician. He told her about balloon sinuplasty and she decided to have it done.
"It is a newer procedure, more minimally invasive for people who suffer from chronic sinus infections...chronic facial pain and pressure as opposed to going to the operating room and having traditional sinus surgery," said Dr. Stone.
It opens the natural sinus openings using a tiny balloon. It's a 20 minute procedure done in the office, with a light oral sedation.
"Most people are able to go back to work in 1-2 days...sometimes a little longer...3-4 days. That's opposed to traditional sinus surgery where people usually need to take about a week off," he said.
John Perras had the procedure done five weeks ago.
He says the procedure was easy and worth it.
"I feel fantastic, I can breathe so much better, both sides of my nose. I sleep with my mouth closed," said Perras.
