Balloon dilation - post-procedure symptoms?

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I've had moderate ETD for decades w/loud crackling and clicking when I swallow. Difficulty equalizing pressure on planes, elevators and driving up/down hills. I could usually equalize ears with an voluntary tubal opening (VTO) maneuver which I would repeat many times a day. Symptoms have gotten worse as I've gotten older (I'm currently 60).

My ENT recommended balloon dilation with adenoid revision which was performed on 9/9/17 (5 weeks ago). He went through the Acclarent training but had only done a few balloon dilation procedures before mine. Despite this, I decided to go ahead based on the apparent simplicity of procedure and the Acclarent literature that says 56% success rate with NO adverse results.

Unfortunately, my symptoms have been worse since the procedure. My ET's are completely unresponsive (no clicking and can't execute VTO) in early AM, at night and whenever I eat or drink. I have more difficulty equalizing pressure with VTO driving up/down hills. Still get clicking and popping during the day (which at least gives me some ET function). Decongestants help a little.

My Dr. said that potential improvement from the procedure typically takes 1-3 months but didn't know what to make of my symptoms being worse at my 1 month follow-up. I'm VERY anxious that the procedure may have actually made my ETD permanently worse.

I would appreciate hearing any from anyone about their post-procedure symptoms and any advice you can share. Thanks!

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    I am sorry that happened.  My otolaryngologist is one of the first in the midwest to do the balloon dilation procedure and trains other doctors.  I asked him about the procedure for me and he said he didn't feel it would be helpful because they think my ears are due to allergies, TMJ and muscle tension.  They are optimistic they will clear up.  I asked about the procedure to speed up the process but he said he was afraid it would make mine worse since they seem to have a curable cause.  

    • Posted

      Did he say why he felt it would make it worse? The Acclarent literature said there were no negative outcomes in clinical trials. I was told it was a "might help, couldn't hurt" kind of thing and my Dr. said the procedure went perfectly.

      Hope your treatment helps you!

    • Posted

      He didn't say and I didn't ask.  He just said he didn't want to do anything that might make them worse.  If I remember I will ask at my next appointment.  

  • Posted

    Hi Matt,  I'm in England and my ENT consultant won't use that procedure on me.  Like you too I've been suffering many years with ETD.  I suffer allergies and sinusitis, which is probably to blame.  However, I've had a few weeks relief from my blocked left ear until today...blocked up this afternoon and wondering if it's due to a fluffy jumper I was wearing.  I always keep a note of when my ear blocks up and it happen on the 26th Sept too when I wore the jimper....weird , or what !!!!

    Tinnitus bad for me too.

    Anne

    • Posted

      Thanks Anne. FWIW - I've been getting allergy shots for the last 18 mo. It's helped my allergies, just not my ETD.

    • Posted

      My ears are my only allergy symptom so that's not reassuring!  I know it's a long shot but I am going to ride it out and pray it helps.  

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