Acclarent

Sinusitis Overview

Sinusitis affects 37 million people each year (1,2), making it one of the most common health problems in the U.S. It is more prevalent than heart disease and asthma and has a greater impact on quality of life than chronic back pain or congestive heart failure. (3)

When you have acute or chronic sinusitis, the mucous membranes of your nose, sinuses and throat become inflamed, possibly from a pre-existing cold or allergies. Swelling obstructs the sinus openings and prevents normal mucus drainage, causing mucus and pressure to build up. Symptoms include: drainage of a thick, yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat; nasal obstruction or congestion; tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead; and/or a reduced sense of smell and taste.

Facts About Sinusitis

• ·         Sinusitis affects approximately 14% of the adult U.S. population. (4)
• ·         Sinusitis affects 17% of women and 10% of men each year. (4)
• ·         Chronic sinusitis (not including acute sinusitis) results annually in an estimated 7 million physician office visits. (1,5)
• ·         Direct healthcare expenditures due to sinusitis costs are well over $8 billion each year. (6)
• ·         Total restricted activity days due to sinusitis are over 58 million per year. (6)
• ·         Up to 60% of patients are not successfully treated with sinus medication. When medical management methods are not enough to relieve patients’ symptoms, sinus surgery may be recommended. (7)

Sinusitis treatment includes medical and natural therapy, as well as sinus surgery. An Ear, Nose and Throat doctor (ENT doctor) can diagnose acute or chronic sinusitis and determine the best treatment plan.