What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining caused by bacterial, viral and / or microbial infections; as well as structural issues like blockages of the sinus opening (ostium). If the sinus opening (ostium) is closed, normal mucus drainage may not occur - this condition may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.

What are the different types of sinusitis?

There are two main categories of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Sinusitis is usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack or irritation from environmental pollutants. Often, the resulting symptoms, such as nasal pressure, nasal congestion, a "runny nose," and fever, run their course in a few days. However, if symptoms persist, a bacterial infection or acute sinusitis may develop. If sinusitis occurs frequently or lasts three months or longer, it may be chronic sinusitis.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis?

Common symptoms may include:

• Facial pain, pressure
• Nasal congestion or fullness
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose
• Teeth pain
• Loss of the sense of smell or taste
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat

• Bad breath

How prevalent is sinusitis?

• Sinusitis affects approximately 37 million people in the U.S. each year¹
• Sinusitis affects 17% of women and 10% of men each year²

• Chronic sinusitis is more common than heart disease or asthma²

How does sinusitis affect one's quality of life?

• Sinusitis takes a greater toll on quality of life than chronic back pain or congestive heart failure³

• Total restricted activity days due to sinusitis are well over 73 million per year⁴

What are the treatment options?

The most frequently used treatments for sinusitis are medical therapies and / or conventional sinus surgery.

Medical Therapy- Sinusitis is typically treated first with medication. Treatment with antibiotics or topical nasal steroid sprays is often successful in reducing mucosal swelling, fighting infection, and relieving obstructions of the sinus opening. Inhaling steam or using nasal saline sprays or drops may also help relieve sinus discomfort. However, at least 20% of patients do not respond adequately to medications.⁵⁶⁷⁸

Conventional Sinus Surgery- called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is often the next step toward finding sinusitis relief. Specialized instruments are placed into the nose along with a small endoscope to help the surgeon see inside the nose and nasal cavities. The procedure works by removing bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening and may lead to post-operative pain and bleeding that requires uncomfortable nasal packing to control. Approximately 500,000 FESS procedures are performed each year in the U.S.⁹¹⁰¹¹

As in medical therapy treatments where a patient can choose between sprays, antibiotics, steroids, and others, conventional sinus surgery offers the choice between conventional surgical devices and the clinically validated Relieva Balloon SinuplastyTM system of devices.

This alternative solution in endoscopic sinus surgery uses minimally invasive sinus balloon catheters to position a balloon into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function often without tissue or bone removal.

For more information, call your Acclarent representative or visit www.acclarent.com 

Facts About Sinusitis

• Sinusitis affects approximately 14% of the adult U.S. population.
• Sinusitis affects 17% of women and 10% of men each year.
• Chronic sinusitis (not including acute sinusitis) results annually in an estimated 18-22 million physician office visits.
• Direct healthcare expenditures due to sinusitis cost are well over $8 billion each year.^*
• Total restricted activity days due to sinusitis are well over 73 million per year.

Sources:

 1. Benninger, M., Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003; 129S: S1-S32.
 2. National Health Interview Survey, 2006.
 3. Gliklich, R., et al, J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999; 113: 104-109.
 4. Ray, N., et al, J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999; 103: 408-414.
 5. Hamilos, D., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000; 106: 213-227.
 6. Stankiewicz, J., et al, Am J Rhinol 2003; 17(3): 139-142.
 7. Subramanian, H., et al, Am J Rhinol 2002; 16(6): 303-312.
 8. Hessler, J., et al, Am J Rhinol 2007; 21(1): 10-18.
 9. Millennium Research Group, USENT 07, 2006.
10. Medtech Insight, A600, 2002.
11. Medtech Insight, A566, 2005.