What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is a common and significant health care problem.  Patients suffer from headache, facial discomfort, nasal congestion, nasal drainage, loss of the sense of smell, and fatigue. Sinusitis reduces quality of life and is responsible for loss of workplace productivity and major health care expenditures.  In the United States alone, millions of patients suffer from sinusitis and several billion dollars are spent treating it every year.  Most adults have experienced sinus symptoms in their lifetimes during a “cold” or viral illness.  In this setting, facial pressure, nasal congestion, and a “runny nose” typically resolves on its own in a few days.  However, if the symptoms persist, a bacterial infection of the sinuses or “sinusitis” can develop.  This is called “acute sinusitis” and antibiotics are often prescribed to treat this condition.  If antibiotics are not effective, different antibiotics are usually prescribed again.  If the condition does not respond to repeated treatments with medication and lasts several weeks to months, it is called “chronic sinusitis”.  

What Causes Sinusitis?
Each sinus produces mucus and transports it through an ostium (opening) into the nose where the mucus moistens the nasal lining and protects the nose from impurities such as dust, pollutants and bacteria.  If the membrane around the ostium becomes swollen from infection or allergy, the sinus can become blocked and sinusitis can occur. There are other causes of sinusitis such as generalized swelling of the membranes, allergy, and inflammation that is not yet fully understood.

How is Sinusitis Treated and what are the Treatment Options?
Sinusitis is treated initially with medication.  Usually antibiotics or topical nasal steroid spray are given to reduce mucosal swelling, fight infection, and relieve obstruction at the sinus ostium.  Sinus surgery is reserved for those patients whose symptoms persist despite medical therapy.

How does Sinus Surgery Work to Relieve Sinusitis?
Specialized instruments are used to remove inflamed tissue and/or enlarge sinus openings. Small telescopes, called endoscopes, are placed through the nostrils to help the surgeon see during surgery. This endoscopic sinus surgery is considered minimally invasive as it has reduced the need for facial incisions to access the sinus ostia.  Endoscopic sinus surgery represents a major contribution to patient care.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty™?
Balloon sinuplasty is new catheter-based technology used in the treatment of sinusitis.  Based on the success of catheter based balloon treatment in heart disease, bioengineers and inventors developed specialized sinus balloon catheters to open blocked sinuses and help restore sinus health.  Balloon dilation appears to be gentler on the delicate sinus mucosa as it stretches, rather than cuts, tissue.  Research to date on this FDA approved technology indicates an excellent safety profile.  Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeons are gaining valuable experience with the new technology to further determine which patients and specific sinus problems are especially amenable to catheter treatment. Learn more about Balloon Sinusplasty™ at www.acclarent.com.