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For most of his life David Ray suffered from chronic sinus infections, pressure and pain, enduring multiple surgeries with no permanent relief.

The 57-year-old South Salem resident said all that changed in July when he underwent a procedure known as balloon sinuplasty that is much less invasive than the traditional surgeries he had had in the past. "It’s been very, very successful, much better than I could have even hoped," said Ray, a corporate Vice President for New York Life. "I was able to regain my sense of smell and taste for the first time in 15 years."

On Saturday, Dec. 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. sinus sufferers can learn more about balloon sinuplasty and other surgical and non-surgical treatments for chronic sinusitis at a free patient seminar NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital conducted by Dr. Michael Bergstein, an ENT with ENT and Allergy Associates with office in Yorktown and Sleepy Hollow.

"Many people suffer for years with chronic sinus infections and get only temporary relief using topical nasal steroids and antibiotics," said Dr. Bergstein, who has performed the sinuplasty procedure on David Ray and other patients with great success. "There are less invasive surgical options that are very successful, but many people are not aware of them. Patients need to educate themselves on the options, and that’s what this free seminar is all about."

Dr. Bergstein is Board-Certified in both Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

More than 37 million Americans suffer with the headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms of sinusitis each year. Traditionally patients are treated with medical therapies such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery that requires bone and tissue removal to open blocked passageways. Now there is a less invasive option known as balloon sinuplasty. The procedure involves inserting a small, flexible balloon catheter through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway where it is inflated to help restore normal sinus drainage.

Another benefit of the surgery is that is can be performed on children. That is not the case with traditional sinus surgery, which is not recommended for children whose bones and facial structures are still forming.

To sign up for the free patient seminar and breakfast on Dec. 18, call 914-734-3557. For more information: balloon sinuplasty.