Chronic Sinusitis… the causes, symptoms and solutions

A new surgical procedure known as Balloon sinuplasty offers new hope for treating patients with chronic sinusitis and the associated rhinopathic headaches. Approximately 37 million Americans suffer from chronic sinusitis or what has been recently termed rhinosinusitis.  This results in significant loss of productivity in the workforce in otherwise healthy individuals and is also responsible for numerous doctors' visits and the associated expense of treatment and medication costs. The common denominator in rhinosinusitis is inflammation which can be the result of an upper respiratory infection (URI), viral infection, seasonal allergy or acute bacterial infection. rhinosinusitis affects both adult and pediatric populations. Pediatric patients often have associated problems with tonsils and adenoids and snoring problems which are exacerbated by rhinosinusitis. Adults often have a deviated nasal septum and occasionally nasal polyps that aggravate the nasal problems. It is important to remember that the nose is designed as a filter. It is supposed to filter particles of dust, pollen or other airborne matter from the air and thus protect the lungs and bronchioles in addition to humidifying and warming the ambient air. Dry air in the winter time frequently contributed to nose bleeds, nasal crusting and can thus contribute to sinusitis.

The nasal sinuses normally drain through small openings   referred to as the natural ostium.
  
They are tiny only a few millimeters in size and are lined with respiratory mucosa which is subject to swelling and congestion at times especially with a URI.
With recurrent infections these small openings can scar down resulting in sinus obstruction and chronic sinusitis. 

Much remains to be elucidated about the pathophysiology of chronic maxillary sinusitis. The main theory lies in obstruction at the level of the ostiomeatal complex leading to stasis and infection of secretions within the maxillary sinus. Obstruction may occur secondary to any number of inciting factors including upper respiratory tract infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal), allergic rhinitis, trauma, or prior surgery.

Once the sinuses obstruct and medical management fails then balloon sinuplasty may be an option to consider. Briefly a small guide wire is inserted into the affected sinus, placement is confirmed with fluoroscopy x-ray intraoperatively and a balloon is inflated to open up the obstruction and dilate the sinus opening to expand it and allow normal drainage. The balloon is withdrawn after the opening is dilated.
 
There is usually minimal pain and little bleeding post operatively patients can resume normal activity and return to work sooner.
 
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis and are looking for a solution - call Dr. Roa and the skilled staff at Holzer Clinic Liberty Circle today at 740-886- 9370.
 
Holzer Clinic is a multiple discipline health care system of over 130 board certified physicians providing care in more than thirty areas of expertise.   With nine locations throughout southeastern Ohio and western West Virginia, Holzer Clinic provides "Medical Excellence, coupled with Local Caring". 
 
Holzer Clinic is accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care.
 
For a complete list of services visit us on the web at www.holzerclinic.com.