Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Sinusitis

Today,I would like to talk about:

Sinusitis: A Common Problem
Sinusitis affects millions of people each year, making it one of the most common health problem in the world. 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.

What is Sinusitis anyway?
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.

Symptoms:
Common symptoms include the following:
  • Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Loss if the sense of smell
  • Nasal obstruction or blockage
  • Discharge of discolored mucus from the nose
  • Discolored post-nasal drainage
What are the Sinuses?
Sinuses are air-filled pockets in the areas surrounding the nose. There are four types of sinuses on either side of the face.




Each sinus has an opening through which mucus drains. Mucus drainage is a normal process that keeps that sinus healthy.

*Sinus area close-up*

Types of Sinusitis
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 3 months or more, it may be chronic sinusitis.

Chronic Sinusitis treatment
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 surgical devices an the novel Balloon Sinuplasty system of devices. Talk to your doctor about which treatment option is right for you.


Balloon Sinuplasty System:
A Novel, Catheter-Based Device Option.
Balloon Sinuplasty devices represent a new technology in the opening of blocked sinuses and in many cases without tissues or bone removal. The FDA-cleared Relieva Balloon Sinuplasty products are used by qualified Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physicians.

Steps in Using the Balloon Sinuplasty Technology

From left~step 1:
Using the Balloon Sinuplasty system, your physician gently places a Sinus Guide Catheter and a flexible Sinus Guidewire through the nostrils to access the target sinus. Then a Sinus Balloon Catheter is advanced over the Sinus Guidewire.

The middle~step 2:
The sinus Balloon Catheter is positioned across the blocked sinus opening and gently inflated.

The last~step 3:
The Balloon Sinuplasty system is removed, leaving an open sinus passageaway and restoring normal sinus drainage and function.


Balloon Sinnuplasty Technology Benefits:

  • Safe and effective
While use of any surgical instrument involves some risk, clinical studies have shown the Balloon Sinuplasty system to be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of sinusitis.
  • Minimally invasive
The technology uses small, soft devices that are introduced through the nostrils. These devices gently open blocked sinus openings.
  • Reduced bleeding
In many cases, no tissue or bone is removed during surgery using this technology, there may be reduced bleeding. As a result, the need for uncomfortable nasal packing may also be eliminated.
  • Fast recovery time
While recovery time varies with each patient, many people can return to normal activity within 24 hours.
  • Does not limit treatment options
The Balloon Sinuplasty technology is an endoscopic tool and may be used with other medical therapies or surgical techniques. It does not limit future treatment options if you have progressive disease.

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