Sinus Solutions, LLC

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options for treatment of 

Chronic Sinusitis

DATA ASSIMILATION PROCEDURE

Frequently Asked Questions

800-830-4321

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Chronic Sinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the sinus cavities and has become one of the most commonly reported diseases in the United States. Chronic sinusitis is defined as the continuous presence of symptoms for more than 3 months or more than 4 episodes of acute sinusitis in one year. Sinusitis rarely exist without the presence of nasal inflammation (rhinitis) as well.

The combined condition – rhinosinusitis is the more correct term for the disease. The causes of chronic rhinosinusitis vary but all result in swelling of the mucous membranes lining the nasal and sinus passageways. As the swelling blocks the narrow openings from the nose into the sinuses, the sinuses are unable to drain and mucous and debris from the lining of the sinuses build up... all of which establish an ideal breeding ground for bacteria leading to an infection. Allergies to inhaled environmental particles, viral infections (colds and flu) and other diseases are important factors leading to chronic sinusitis.

The net result is that inflammation, regardless of the cause, leads to blockade of normal sinus drainage which then leads to a bacterial infection. There is increasing evidence that in long standing chronic sinusitis the bone underlying the mucous membranes becomes inflamed and may become infected leading to a continuous source of recurrent infection.

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The mainstay of initial therapy is the use of appropriate oral antibiotics to treat the underlying bacterial infection. In addition, many physicians will combine antibiotic therapy with a topical anti-inflammatory (steroids sprayed into the nose and sinuses), anti-histamines to reduce the effects of allergies, decongestants to reduce mucous membrane swelling as well mild saline solutions to help loosen and clear out mucous secretions. Environmental allergens that may trigger the initial inflammatory response are eliminated or reduced to lessen the sufferer's exposure. These include reduction in household dust mites, pet dander, as well as to smog, plant pollen, certain medications, etc.

Oral antibiotics poorly penetrate the inside of the sinuses and surrounding bone and therefore, have a harder time eradicating established sinus infections. Because of poor antibiotic penetration and the involvement of bone (which is poorly perfused with antibiotic laced blood), therapy for chronic sinusitis must be prolonged - typically a minimum of four to six weeks or more of an oral antibiotic. Chronic sinusitis can only be claimed to be "cured" if symptoms abate for longer than 6 months after therapy. Sinus Solutions' highly effective treatment programs focus on patients who have failed previous appropriate oral antibiotic therapy. Our programs often combine intravenous antibiotics with other therapies when orals have truly failed.

Sinus Solutions' program utilizes a world-class team of medical and surgical specialists to manage our patients utilizing proven conservative medical treatment. Undoubtedly, you have tried oral antibiotics only to find your sinus infection returns quickly or have experienced intestinal problems or other disturbing side effects while on oral antibiotics. If chronic sinusitis is verified through our diagnostic procedures, your physician can recommend a special treatment program. Results have shown that patients can be effectively treated through Sinus Solutions using our proven methods of safe, effective, in-home intravenous antibiotic therapy combined with intensive medical management and in certain situations, avoid surgery. Our multi-disciplinary approach has proven effective for patients with long standing sinusitis who have failed previous therapies including long term oral antibiotics and surgery

Because penetration of antibiotics inside the sinus is poor, an extended treatment program is often necessary. Also, oral antibiotics do not penetrate well into bone and bacteria can be located inside or near bone. Typically a minimum of three weeks or more of oral antibiotic treatment is necessary, sometimes 4-6 weeks of treatment may be appropriate. Some physicians may only treat patients with oral antibiotics for a week or ten days and as a result, offer patients a temporary cure. We recommend an extended course of oral antibiotics before a patient has been judged to fail oral treatment. Intravenous antibiotics are highly successful when orals have truly failed.

Nasal polyps are an abnormal growth of nasal and / or sinus mucosa caused by chronic inflammation - usually associated with allergies. Polyps look like peeled grapes but are basically fluid-filled sacs. They can be found anywhere in the sinuses or nose. If they are large enough, they can cause blockages of the drainage holes (ostia) from the sinuses and contribute to the growth of bacteria leading to classic sinusitis. Anti-inflammatory products (steroids) and effective allergy management may reduce and resolve polyp problems. Polyps that do not respond to steroid may need to be surgically removed to correct drainage.

The septum is the bone and cartilage which separates the two sides of the nose. A deviated septum is simply a crooked septum. A deviated septum can cause or exacerbate chronic sinusitis as it produces obstruction of drainage from the sinuses. Most people have a somewhat deviated septum - just because your septum is deviated, it doesn't mean that it is causing a problem - but it does need to be evaluated. Long term breathing obstruction may indicate significant septal deformities. Short term problems may be more indicative of allergies, asthma, cold and/or infection episodes. If a short term condition is effectively treated, a septum repair may not be necessary.

All intravenous medications used for treatment are approved by the FDA. There are presently no new antibiotics. Sinus Solutions data allows for a physician to choose the most appropriate antibiotic or antibiotics for your specific care needs.

If prescribed, you will be trained, assisted and monitored in the administration of the therapy over the length of the prescription by the physician and sinus care team. The treatment takes only 30 minutes a day, possibly 2 times per day. Your lifestyle, in general, will not be hindered in any way. Since services are provided to you at home by home care professionals, it is safe and convenient.

All affiliates have established relationships with many insurance carriers.     Our care counselors can identify the local specialist who is already a   member    of your specific plan.    There is no fee associated  with the  use of  the  Resource Center

Call us at our toll-free phone number: 800-830-4321. A care advocate will schedule an appointment for you with a specialist of your choice. A phone call to your care advocate at any time will open a door for the assistance and personal attention you deserve.

Your sinuses are equipped with two primary defense systems for self-healing and maintenance. First, tiny hairs work to remove debris and air born particles from the sinuses. When the sinus lining swells these tiny hairs (cilia) can become immobilized and unable to perform their necessary function due to the inflamed tissue around them. Second, the sinuses produce mucous to further cleanse the sinuses of undesirable material. The inflammatory process (such as occurs with allergies or infection) can cause the sinuses to produce copious amounts of mucous. Many experience this natural process as post-nasal drip or a runny nose.  The body can actually produce a pint of mucous a day and have it drain unnoticed. But for sinus sufferers, post-nasal drip can become a major concern and can effect a patient's quality of life.

Chronic sinusitis can be a very difficult condition to treat. Patients may fail to adequately respond to standard therapy. Typically, a chronic sinusitis patient has been treated with many different antibiotics for extended periods often with little or no improvement in symptoms or quality of life.