How does balloon sinuplasty compare with endoscopic sinus surgery and meds?

[Jack10]

I've been dealing with chronic sinusitis for over a year, with constant facial pressure, congestion, and recurrent infections that antibiotics only temporarily relieve. My ENT has suggested we move beyond repeated rounds of medication and consider more definitive chronic sinusitis treatment options like balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery. For others who have gone down this path, what was your experience with these procedures compared to ongoing medical management? How did you weigh the potential benefits against the risks and recovery time, and were there any diagnostic tests, like a CT scan or allergy testing, that provided crucial information for your decision? What non-surgical approaches, such as long-term nasal irrigation regimens or steroid sprays, provided you with meaningful, lasting relief before considering surgery?