Columbus Standard

Former NFL running back Marshall Faulk was suffering from sinusitis, and balloon sinuplasty offered him relief.

Balloon sinuplasty is a process that helps in clearing the sinuses, and it is also known by the name "balloon catheter dilation surgery." Marshall Faulk had this minimally invasive, in-office procedure to get relief from postnasal drip.

"If I was at work, broadcasting, I started having severe postnasal drip," Faulk said in a YouTube Video. "I tell them balloon sinuplasty is a must." 

Balloon sinuplasty is sometimes advised for people with chronic sinusitis after other home remedies have been ineffective, according to Healthline. The procedure has minimal complications because there is no cutting. However, it is still a type of surgery, so there are some risks involved.

In most cases, within a day or two, people can return back to their normal life and do regular activities. In fact, some people can also drive themselves home after they have completed the process. Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp and the team at Indianapolis Sinus Center offer balloon dilation as a first line of defense for patients like Faulk, who struggle with sinusitis getting in the way of living their life.

Once a person has undergone balloon sinuplasty, the doctor usually advises them not to blow their nose for at least 24 hours, according to Healthline. To avoid drainage and its discomfort, the patient will be advised to sleep with the head in an elevated position.

Faulk was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of its 2011 class. He was originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts out of San Diego State University. He played five seasons with the Colts and eight with the St. Louis Rams.

If you are interested in evaluating your symptoms and are considering seeing a doctor, take this Self-Assessment Sinus Quiz.