An FDA-approved office intervention known as balloon sinuplasty is being used by doctors around the country to alleviate symptoms of sinusitis, including providers at the Carolina Sinus Center.
Millions of Americans are affected by sinus infections, nasal obstruction and allergies, which can have a major effect on everyday life. According to Healthline, balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon catheter dilation, is a procedure used to clear blocked sinuses. This minimally invasive procedure is relatively new and has been used successfully since 2005.
Balloon sinuplasty is typically recommended for people who suffer from chronic sinusitis, after other treatments have been ineffective. The procedure is fairly straightforward, and patient complications are minimal.
This minimally invasive treatment can be done at Carolina Sinus Center’s office, rather than an operating room. Patients need to miss only a day or two of work, unlike other sinus surgeries that may call for lengthy time off, as they are more invasive.
Dr. Andrea Williams leads the team of providers at Carolina Sinus Center. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry at S.U.N.Y Stony Brook in 1989 and her M.D. (magna cum laude) at S.U.N.Y Buffalo School of Medicine in 1994.
Williams began performing balloon sinus dilation in conjunction with traditional endoscopic sinus surgery in 2007. Since then, Carolina Sinus Centers has expanded to five locations, serving Charlotte, Rock Hill, Gaffney, Union and Columbia. She sees her commitment as providing comprehensive sinus and allergy care to improve patients’ health and quality of life. And thanks to her specialized training, Williams is now able to offer the balloon sinuplasty procedure in-office.
The staff also includes Niccole Mount, a nurse practitioner who is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She has been practicing since 1999 and specializes in otolaryngology. She graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, where she also received her master’s degree.
Wayne Wilkens is an adult/gerontology nurse practitioner, specializing in otolaryngology. He is nationally certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
To determine if you have symptoms of sinusitis and could benefit from a visit to the doctor, please take Carolina Sinus Center’s Sinus Quiz.
