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Chronic Sinusitis | Sinusitis: A Common Problem | Balloon Sinuplasty
Sinusitis affects 37 million people each year,
making it one of the most common health problems in the U.S. It is more prevalent than arthritis and hypertension and has a greater impact on quality of life than diabetes or congestive heart failure. Symptoms may significantly affect people physically, functionally, and emotionally.
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining most commonly caused by bacterial, viral, and/or microbial infections, as well as structural issues such as blockage of the sinus
opening. If the opening is closed, normal mucus drainage may not occur. This condition may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.
Common symptoms include the following:
- Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
- Nasal obstruction or blockage
- Discharge of discolored mucus from the nose
- Discolored post-nasal drainage
- Loss of the sense of smell
- Headache
- Fatigue
Sinuses are air-filled pockets in the areas surrounding the nose. There are four types of sinuses on either side of the face.
- Frontal sinus
- Ethmoid sinus
- Sphenoid sinus
- Maxillary sinus
Each sinus has an opening through which mucus drains. Mucus drainage is a normal process that keeps the sinuses healthy.
Sinusitis is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack or irritation from environmental pollutants. Often, the resulting symptoms, such as nasal pressure and congestion run
their course in a few days. If symptoms persist, a bacterial infection or acute sinusitis may develop. If the condition occurs frequently or lasts three months or more, it may be chronic sinusitis.
The most frequently used treatments for chronic sinusitis are medical therapies and/or conventional sinus surgery. Medical therapy treatment offers a choice between sprays, antibiotics, steroids, and others, while conventional sinus surgery offers the choice between conventional surgical devices and the novel Balloon Sinuplasty™
system of devices. Talk to your doctor about which treatment option is right for you.
Sources:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Academy on an Aging Society
Benninger, M., Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003; 129S: S1-S32
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