What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus interior lining. If the sinus nostrils becomes swollen shut, normal mucus drainage may not occur, thus resulting to infection and inflammation of the sinuses. One of the most common symptoms are Headaches
Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches or your chronic headache and facial pain are disorders that affect the lives of many millions of individuals, imposing a gigantic physical, emotional, and financial burden. Integral to the easing of this burden is education and the dissemination of knowledge that will enable those afflicted to manage their pain and associated symptoms more effectively. We trust that this Web site—and the pertinent text and video that describes Balloon Sinuplasty regarding the condition and symptom chronic headaches — will assist you in achieving a greater understanding of these common and vexing disorders and thus advance the overarching purpose:
“Improving the Lives of Headache Sufferers.”
Migraine and Other Headaches. Many primary headaches, particularly migraine or cluster, may closely resemble sinus headache. Migraine and sinus headaches may even coexist in many cases. Sinus headaches are usually more generalized than migraines, but it is often difficult to tell them apart, particularly if headache is the only symptom of sinusitis.
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.
Most cases of sinusitis are acute (or sudden onset); however, if the condition occurs frequently or lasts three months or more, you may have chronic sinusitis.
Sinusitis Sufferers…
Balloon Sinuplasty™ An exciting non-cutting, tissue sparring endoscopic catheter based option for those who suffer from the symptoms of recurrent and chronic sinusitis: Chronic Headaches, Postnasal Drip, Runny Nose, Nasal Congestion, Breathing Blockage, Chronic Fatigue, Persistent Cough, Sore Throat, Facial Pressure, Tooth Pain, Bad Breath, Loss of Smell and Taste, and Snoring and or Sleep Apnea. These common symptoms of sinusitis and diagnostic aliments affiliated with the disorder are as follows:
- Facial pain, pressure, congestion or fullness (that is also accompanied by other symptoms of sinusitis)
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Nasal Congestion and Rhinosinusitis: Nasal congestion and discharge that typically is thick and becomes yellowish to yellow-green mucus from the nose is an altering symptoms.
- Nasal congestion and Headaches could be Cluster Headaches
- Sinus pressure refers to the pressure and pain that results from the sinus cavities becoming inflamed, infected, blocked and filled with mucus.
- Sore throat and Post nasal drip: Sneezing, sore throat, and muscle aches may be present, but they are rarely caused by sinusitis itself. Muscle aches may be caused by fever, sore throat by postnasal drip, and sneezing from cold or allergies.
- Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Sleep Apnea and Sleep Apnea Treatment Sleep Apnea symptoms and the link to sinusitis and allergies Postnasal drip and nasal congestion, which are frequent symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, are also quite often present in patients suffering from a dangerous sleep disorder called “Sleep Apnea.” During the night, many medical experts agree that congestion due to allergies and sinus problems exacerbate or increase apnea episodes or point to some causal link between them. A deviated septum can also cause breathing dilemmas resulting in snoring. Then possibly a rhinoplasty and sinus surgery procedure can help to greatly correct the problem.
- Chronic fatigue: A new Study Shows Sinus Surgery Can Improve Chronic Fatigue A review of published medical literature shows that a common sinus surgery can help people suffering from chronic fatigue caused by sinusitis. The results were presented at the seventh International Conference on Chronic Fatigue in Madison, Wisconsin. “The entire body of available medical literature points to the same conclusion: junctional endoscopic sinus surgery reduces the chronic fatigue of sinusitis. And Dr Scaccia feels that Balloon Sinuplasty Endoscopic Sinus Surgery can achieve even better and less painful post-opt results.
- Persistent cough especially during the day: The most common cause of chronic cough (defined as 3 weeks duration) in adults is post nasal drip which occurs from inflammation in the nasal passages (rhinitis) and/or sinuses (sinusitis). Chronic cough resulting in mucus dripping down onto areas of the respiratory system which contain sensitive nerves (throat, voice box, windpipe and lungs). Because chronic cough is often thought of as a ‘lung condition’ by health care providers, post nasal drip as a cause is often overlooked (even though the medical literature documents it as the number one cause).
- Dental Teeth pain
- Reduced or absent sense of smell and or taste
- Allergy shots not working? How should sinusitis be treated? There are several causes of rhinitis/sinusitis, most commonly allergy and infection. Many medications are available to treat these conditions, by both prescription and over the counter. Sometimes patients with chronic sinusitis don’t improve with medication, and sinus surgery may be needed utilizing Balloon Sinuplasty™
There are Three Approaches which have been Proven Effective for Treating Sinusitis Patients
Medical Therapy
Sinusitis is usually treated first with medication. Treatment with antibiotics or topical nasal steroid sprays is successful for many sinusitis sufferers. Inhaling steam or use of saline nasal sprays or drops can also help. However, at least 20% of patients do not respond adequately to medications. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (with cutting instruments)
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery with Cutting Instruments
At Riverside Sinus Surgery Center Dr Scaccia utilizes BrainLabs Vector Vision for sinus surgery which aims to clear blocked sinuses and restore normal sinus drainage. The sinus surgery procedure removes bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus nostril opening. The removal of bone and tissue may lead to pain, scarring, and bleeding.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery with Balloon Catheters Medical Therapy
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology). The technology utilizes a small, flexible, Sinus Balloon that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The Sinus Balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening which helps to restore normal sinus drainage and function. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours. Clinical research has indicated that the Balloon Sinuplasty™ system is a safe and effective instrument in dilating blocked sinuses.The Balloon Sinuplasty™ system is the name used for a group of medical devices that are used to create openings in your sinuses. The devices use a small, flexible balloon that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The balloon is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, restoring normal sinus drainage.The Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices are FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based instruments specifically designed to be used in sinus surgery. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening, which restores normal sinus drainage, without damaging the sinus.
Questions and Answers
Does surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty ™ technology work?
Clinical research has indicated that using Balloon Sinuplasty ™ technology is safe and effective in dilating sinus openings.
How long does symptom relief last after surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology?
Results vary by individual. Published clinical data has shown the following regarding patients who have had sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty ™ technology.
If you have chronic sinusitis or do not respond to medical treatment, you should make an appointment with Dr Scaccia a specialist of the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician and Otolaryngologist. What other types of doctors treat sinusitis one might ask?
Many types of doctors treat sinusitis, general and family practice physicians, pediatricians, and allergists. However, a specialist is always best.
Reimbursement by Most Insurance Plans.
Adult and & Pediatrics
Weekend and Evening Hours
BALLOON SINUPLASTY™
NEW TECHNOLOGY BREAK-THROUGH
Customized Treatment Approach
The Joint Commission
Frank J. Scaccia MD FACS FICS
- Certified Balloon Sinuplasty Specialist
- Double Board Certified
- 20 Years Experience
- Top New York Metro Doctor 2006-2008
- Top New Jersey Savvy Living Nose Doctor2006-2009
- Guide to America’s Top Physician 2006-2008
Advantages of Balloon Sinuplasty
- Minimally Invasive
- Permanent Relief (96% in multi-center study)
- No Hospitalization
- No Swelling
- Minimal Discomfort
- No Down Time (return to work in 24 hours possible)
- Effective for Adult and Pediatric Patients
- All PPO/Out of Network Insurance Plans Considered.
The Balloon Sinuplasty™ devices are FDA-cleared, endoscopic, catheter-based instruments specifically designed to be used in sinus surgery. The Sinus Balloon Catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus opening, which restores normal sinus drainage, without damaging the sinus.
Additional Sinus Procedsure Available:
- VectorVision™ Infrared Laser Guided FESS
- Coblation Radiosurgical Ionization (turbinatoplasty)
- Sinus Dynamics™ Aerosolized Antibiotic Therapy
- Sublingual (no needle) Allergy Immunotherapy (SLIT)
Interested in learning more? Please contact the staff at riverside facial plastic surgery and sinus center about scheduling an appointment.