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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, Oct. 30 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. Scott Messenger, an ENT with ENT and Allergy Associates in Yorktown.

"This time of year can be very difficult for sinus sufferers," said Dr. Messenger, Board-Certified in Otolaryngology and chairman of the EENT Department at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital. "Many people suffer for years with chronic sinus infections and get only temporary relief using topical nasal steroids and antibiotics. 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."

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.

Donald Earle, 43, of Putnam Valley, said as a highway department mechanic he is exposed to fumes and dust all day that aggravate his sinus condition. "Before the surgery, I was getting six or seven sinus infections a year, and since the surgery, I’ve had only one or two." He said unlike other surgeries he has had, he recovered almost immediately with little or no swelling. Earle’s said his six-year-old daughter has had the procedure done as well, and has had good results. "For the first time, she can really smell things," he said.

To sign up for the free patient seminar and breakfast on Oct. 30, call 914-734-3557.