Sinus Surgery Called Ballooon Sinuplasty

Here is an interesting read taken from an article written by Dr. Nancy Butler. The article is reproduced below for easy reading:

[Question: I have been getting several sinus infections a year for about the past five years, and each one seems to last forever! Is there something that can be done about this?

Answer: Sinus infection (sinusitis) is one of the most common chronic health problems in the United States, affecting millions of people each year.

It causes headaches, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms that impact a person's physical, functional and emotional quality of life.

In the past, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options — medical therapy, such as antibiotics or topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery that required bone and tissue removal to open up a blocked sinus passageway.

Today, a safe, minimally invasive surgery is available to sinus sufferers — balloon sinus surgery.

The in-office surgery involves a small, flexible balloon catheter that is threaded through the nostril into the area of blockage. As the balloon is inflated, it gently opens the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.

Many patients who have undergone this surgery experienced less bleeding and reduced post-procedure discomfort.

This is an excellent procedure for those unable to take time off from work, or those patients who are not good candidates for general anesthesia but need relief from recurrent sinus infections.

Dr. Nancy Butler is an otolaryngologist at Holy Family Memorial's Lakeshore Ear, Nose and Throat in Manitowoc.

Chronic Sinus Infection Problems of the Elderly

A salient article from worlddental.org with regards to dental origin of suspected sinus infections are reproduced below:

[Chronic sinusitis is a condition currently affecting approximately 13% of the Americans. On a yearly basis, there are $6 billion spent and 13 million visits made to the doctor because of this complaint.

Some patients get relief from treatment with antibiotics, while others simply have to accept it as a way of life, because it is very hard to find what is causing it.

According to studies led by the Ferguson group of otolaryngologists from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the cause of sinusitis for patients for whom endoscopic surgery failed, was dental infection. The initial study involved looking at the situation of 5 patients for which surgery didn’t work.

Further, the offending infected tooth of these patients has been extracted, and the sinus symptoms have vanished.

Next, the group of researchers studied a sample of 186 patients who have been taken CT scans for sinusitis. The result was pretty much the same: the main cause for sinusitis has been dental infection.

Moreover, scientists also reported that in the cases where a greater amount of fluid in the sinus was noticeable, the diagnosis was even clearer that it was caused by an infected tooth. Severe sinus cases have been clearly caused by dental infection in 86% of the cases studied.

Therefore, it is suggested that CT scans should be given more importance, and should be more thoroughly examined, because there is a great chance that the sinusitis is caused by dental problems. Moreover, conventional dental testing is most often not enough when diagnosing a patient with sinus infection.

Sinus pathology and teeth problems are obviously related, especially since the dental cone beam CT scan appeared (which actually exposes the patient to 80% less radiation than traditional scans).

If you have been struggling with serious sinus infections, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Contact your ENT surgeon and ask for a review of your scan in order to look for possible tooth infections

If you still cannot find a clear diagnosis, take another CT scan and ask your dentist/ dental radiologist to review it]

Allergies and Sinusitis

Here is an interesting article from Salem News regarding Allergies and Sinusitis. Excerpts of the article are reproduced below for readers' convenience.

[ "Many people confuse seasonal allergies with sinus infections," explained Otolaryngologist Wayland Wong, M.D. "Both allergy and sinus sufferers may experience a stuffy, painful nose, which is often accompanied by sneezing, coughing or cold-like symptoms. However there are some important differences that need to be addressed for prevention and appropriate treatment."

Allergies

"Allergies are the body's reaction to allergens in the surrounding environment," Dr. Wong added. "These allergens may include dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander and food. People may be allergic to one or more of these items, so determining the cause of an allergic reaction can be difficult.

"When people are exposed to an allergen to which they are sensitive, their bodies produce histamines, which are chemicals that cause the lining of the nose, sinuses and the eyes to become inflamed as the body attempts to fight off the allergen. When this happens, the person begins sneezing and wheezing, and his or her eyes may start watering and itching. These symptoms last as long as the person is exposed to the allergen.

"Allergic rhinitis is the body's immune system's reaction when it comes into contact with certain allergens, such as pollen or mold," Dr. Wong continued. "When people with allergies inhale these substances, an allergic antibody named IgE, treats them like dangerous invaders. This triggers the release of histamines and other chemicals, which cause the allergic responses of sneezing, dripping nose, congestion or itchiness.

"An allergy sufferer's symptoms can range from mild to severe and include nasal congestion and increased drainage, which can produce complications such as sinus headaches, sinus infections, sore throat and fatigue. Other symptoms can include a loss of sleep due to continued nasal congestion."

Sinusitis

"A sinus infection is frequently the result of the common cold, with symptoms that are very similar to allergic rhinitis," Dr. Wong advised. "During a sinus infection, the mucous membranes lining the nose become inflamed by a virus or bacteria. Eventually the mucous membranes in the frontal and maxillary sinuses, which are located in the forehead and cheekbones, also become inflamed, creating a greenish discharge.

"Pain in the forehead above the inner half of the eyebrows, or in the cheeks near the bridge of the nose, is more consistent with sinusitis than allergies. As the nose and sinus cavities become filled with this discharge, pressure builds and the person may feel pain behind the eyebrows or in the cheeks. His or her nose will become stuffy. Other symptoms include drainage down the back of the throat, sneezing, coughing, swelling in the face, tiredness and fever, which is another distinguishing sign of sinusitis."

There are two types of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis is caused by a viral or bacterial pathogen entering the sinus and causing an immune response. Chronic sinusitis, which is sinusitis lasting more than twelve weeks, can be due to an infection or to a structural blockage of the sinus outlet by something in the nose, such as a polyp or a deviated septum.

Treatment

Allergies can often be treated with a variety of over-the-counter medicines. "Antihistamines are used to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and other allergies," Dr. Wong said. "They work by blocking the action of histamine, which is produced by the body during an allergic reaction. Decongestants are used to treat nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with colds and allergies. They work by narrowing the blood vessels, leading to the clearing of nasal congestion. Prescription nasal sprays and other medications are also available."

Sinus infection symptoms may also be relieved with over-the-counter decongestants, or through other remedies such as inhaling steam (e.g., in a hot shower) or through the use of a neti-pot or a saline nasal spray to bring relief.

"Without treatment, the sinuses usually clear after about a week," Dr. Wong continued. "However, the main complication occurs when bacteria multiply within the blocked sinus, causing a sinus infection. This leads to fever and increased pain. Sometimes the overlying skin around the eyes or cheeks becomes red or swollen. This type of bacterial sinus infection needs antibiotics for effective treatment. "In cases of either chronic sinusitis or recurring episodes of sinusitis, surgery may be needed," Dr. Wong concluded. "An innovative approach for treating sinusitis is balloon sinuplasty technology, which uses minimally invasive sinus catheters to position a tiny balloon into the patient's blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, which facilitates normal sinus drainage."]

More related articles on Sinus infection:

1. Sinus Relief

2.Chronic Nasal Congestion

3. Sinus and Sinusitis

Sinus Infection in Los Angeles

As the title suggests, I am reproducing part of the article written by Alex Bhaswara below:

[A persistent runny nose and congestion may not be as innocent as it seems. According to the American Journal of Medicine, more than 24 million Americans suffer from sinus infections every year. At some point in their lives, more than 90% of Americans will have a sinus infection. That’s why sinus infection treatment is available in Los Angeles at the Southern California Sinus Institute.

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is often the result of an earlier illness such as an upper respiratory infection or chronic severe allergies. Many people who contract upper respiratory tract infections later suffer from sinusitis. “Upper respiratory tract infections” are a blanket term for illnesses that affect the nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx. Laryngitis, tonsillitis, and the common cold are all examples of upper respiratory tract infections.

The symptoms of sinus infections include headaches (from pressure in the sinuses), a runny nose, nasal obstruction, fevers, and/or sneezing. Sinus infections fall into three categories: acute, subacute, and chronic. Acute sinus infections last less than four weeks. Subacute sinus infections last from four to eight weeks, and chronic sinus infections usually last for eight weeks or longer. Sinus infections could originate from bacterial, viral, and even fungal causes. In Los Angeles, sinus infections can be triggered by sensitivity to pollution, smoke, and other allergens or irritants.

Most people associate issues like upper respiratory tract infections and sinus infections with cold weather. But even in a warm place like Los Angeles, sinus infections regularly occur. The key to treating a sinus infection is finding the cause of it. Treatments include antibiotics, intranasal steroid sprays, decongestants, and nasal saline rinse treatments. Chronic sinusitis may at times require surgery to properly cure it. When these procedures are necessary, Dr. Cohen at Southern California Sinus Institute is a world-renowned expert in the most up-to-date and minimally invasive treatment options.]

More resources on sinus infections:

1. Is a Sinus Infection Contagious

2. Sinus infection symptoms

3. Sinus Infection Home Remedy

Sinus Infection Treatment

In a recent article from updateddailey.com, it touches on the subject of treatment using some home remedies. Excerpts are reproduced as follows:

[Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses, caused by inflammation of the sinus cavities and surrounding area. Symptoms can include pain and pressure around one or both eyes, the forehead, the cheek or top jaw (sometimes confused for a toothache from the pressure and resulting pain behind the back tooth), as well as foul smelling breath, sinus congestion and nasal discharge, sometimes thick and yellow or green in appearance. Treating Sinusitis can be a challenge.]

[Treating Sinusitis and treating the pain that can be a symptom of sinusitis can be two different matters. Sinus pain can be severe and in some cases even temporarily debilitating. Methods of treating this pain include over-the-counter pain relievers (especially NSAIDS, as they act as an anti inflammatory as well as a pain reliever), heat applied to the area, steam and facial massage.]

[ Sinus irrigation is one natural method for treating Sinusitis as well as preventing it. This practice includes running a stream of warm saline water mixture through one nostril and letting it drain out the other. Debris and bacteria are then washed out of the sinus cavities, preventing infection and clearing the airways.]

Natural Remedies for Sinus Infection

A recent article by Melanie Grimes shared some sinus infection home remedies as follows:

Using turmeric or salt inhalation with a neti pot and using simple steam inhalation can treat sinus infections.

Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is an infection or inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities in the nose. This condition affects more than 40 million Americans annually. Sinusitis can be caused by colds, flu or allergies. Diseases such as bacterial infections also cause sinusitis, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sinus infections can be painful, leading to headaches and work impairment. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that sinusitis causes a loss of four workdays per year, causing employers to list sinusitis as one of the top ten medical conditions.

Turmeric Reduces Sinus Inflammation
Gargling with turmeric can help heal a sinus infection and reduce chronic sinus inflammation. The active ingredient in turmeric, known as curcumin, helps heal the sinus cavity. The herb turmeric has been used in Indian cuisine, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The University of California reports that turmeric has an anti-inflammatory action. Further recent research showed that turmeric also has antibiotic and antiviral health effects. The University of Michigan adds that turmeric reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels. The Brain Research Institute at UCLA reports that the National Institute of Health has funded over eight studies on this herb, further evidence of this plant's efficacy.

Saline Drainage Heals Sinus Inflammation
Irrigating the sinuses with salt helps reduce sinus pressure and sinusitis, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Its site recommends the use of a neti pot to rinse the sinuses. A neti pot is used to pour a salt solution into the nostrils to clear the sinuses of mucous blockage. A cup of warm water with a half teaspoon of salt may be inhaled while holding one nostril closed. This technique of saline inhalation has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine where it has been used for thousands of years.

Steam Inhalation Opens Sinuses and Reduces Sinusitis
Inhaling steam can open the sinuses and reduce sinusitis. This can be accomplished by placing a towel over the head while inhaling from a bowl of hot water. A simpler method is to stand in a hot shower; however, this doesn't direct the steam to the sinuses as specifically as using a towel over a bowl.

Sinus infections can be simply treated by the above methods but if symptoms persist or become severe, consult with your health advisors.

Nasal Irrigation and Common Cold

Quite a number of ENT specialists recommend nasal irrigation to maintain good sinus health.

A recent article by Health Behavior News Service touched on this subject matter and is an interesting read.

Excerpts of the article are as follows:

[ Washing out your nose with a spray or spout of salt water is safe and might even get you back to work sooner after a cold or acute sinus infection. However, there is not enough evidence to show that it can reduce your symptoms significantly, according to a new research review.

The three studies in the review included small numbers of patients and varied widely in their details, “which means small beneficial effects may be missed,” said lead author David King, M.D., of the University of Queensland, in Australia.

One study found that people were more likely to return to work sooner after using the nose washes, and there was some intriguing evidence that nasal washes might reduce antibiotic prescriptions among those who seek the saltwater treatment.

“
with saline is a safe treatment that may be mildly beneficial to some patients, though the existing evidence is too limited to recommend it as a standard treatment,” King said.

“It is quite amazing that such a common treatment for a very common illness does not have a large body of evidence to support for or against its use,” he added.

The review appears in the current issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates research in all aspects of health care. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing trials on a topic.

Saltwater washes have long been a part of ayurvedic care, a traditional medicine used on the Indian subcontinent. Now saline sprays and nose “irrigators” like the neti pot − a small spouted pot used to pour water through the nostrils − have been showing up more often in Western culture, appearing everywhere from “Oprah” to the Mayo Clinic.

Saline nasal washes could flush out excessive mucus and infectious material, and might strengthen the nose’s own filtration system of waving, hair-like cilia, some studies have suggested.

If saline washes work, said the Cochrane reviewers, they could reduce the amount of decongestants, painkillers and improperly prescribed antibiotics used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, while reducing downtime from these illnesses.

“The economic impact of the common cold alone on workplace absenteeism is estimated to be billions of dollars,” they said.

The studies reviewed by the Cochrane team included 618 participants in the United States and Czech Republic, including children and babies. Many of the participants complained that the nasal wash felt uncomfortable, but the researchers did not find any serious adverse effects in the studies.

Other studies have shown that people with chronic sinus symptoms, and perhaps some allergy sufferers, might be able to prevent flare-ups with regular saline washes, according to David Rabago, M.D., an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Wisconsin., who had provided feedback on the review draft to the authors.

Some key information about nasal irrigation is still missing, he said: What is the best way to wash?

“No head-to-head comparisons have been made of volume, salinity, temperature, pH or delivery vehicle — do you use a squeeze bottle or a neti pot, for example?” Rabago said.

He said most washes, which use lukewarm water and a 0.9 percent to 3 percent saline solution, “are able to do something good.”]

You can find out more about what effective sinus infection treatment remedies you can adopt and recommended quality neti pot at Sinus Infection Help.