Allergic rhinitis, known commonly as Hay Fever, is the inflammatory reaction of the nose and sinuses caused by exposure to airborne irritants. Since it is one of the most common illnesses in America, people often mistakenly believe that ‘everyone has allergies’ and so nothing needs to be done – this is incorrect. Patients suffer reduced quality of life and have their daily activities severely restricted, resulting in excessive time away from school or work. These are important reasons to seek treatment.

The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the bony confines of the skull whose purpose has yet to be defined. Their delicate mucosal surface is highly susceptible to the inflammation caused by allergic reactions to outside irritants – dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, chemicals, smoke, etc. When the tissues lining the sinus become swollen, known as Sinusitis, fluid begins to collect instead of draining naturally. The end result is facial pressure, nasal drainage, and with enough time to allow bacterial overgrowth, infection.

Rhinosinusitis is the preferred term describing inflammation of the nasal passage and one or more of the paranasal sinuses. Acute Sinusitis is swelling and irritation lasting less than 4 weeks, while Chronic Sinusitis symptoms last more than 12 weeks. It is important to realize that every bout of Sinusitis is not an infection. Allergy and environmental irritants play a huge role in causing sinus ailments, so blindly treating every episode with antibiotics is not the correct solution.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you most likely are suffering from sinusitis:

Nasal congestion

Nasal discharge

Postnasal drip

Facial pressure or pain

Decreased sense of smell

Cough

Fever

Dr. Brodner does not rely merely on symptoms to make a diagnosis; instead, he uses evidence-based medicine to accurately identify the source of your sinus problem.

Endoscopy (a tiny camera gently placed within the nose) allows him to examine the inside of your nose and sinuses to assess for polyps, growths, or a deviated septum. Using cultures to evaluate problem areas allows Dr Brodner to definitively determine the presence of infection – identifying not only specific bacteria, but also the antibiotics to which they are susceptible.

Using the latest in low-radiation CT scan technology, a complete analysis is performed by obtaining detailed images of your individual sinonasal anatomy. All of this information is utilized by Dr Brodner to remove any guess-work and create a personalized treatment plan – allowing you to feel better more quickly without the hassle and expense of multiple doctor visits and medications.

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 (ostium). Inhaling steam or use of saline nasal sprays or drops can also help relieve sinus discomfort. However, at least 20% of patients do not respond adequately to medications.1,2,3,4

Conventional Sinus Surgery The goals of sinus surgery are to clear blocked sinuses restoring normal sinus drainage and to preserve normal anatomy and mucosal tissue. Conventional sinus surgery is called Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS). With ESS, 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. The removal of bone and tissue may lead to post-operative pain, scarring, and bleeding. Uncomfortable nasal packing may be required to control the bleeding.

The Balloon Sinuplasty™ Technology: Novel, Endoscopic, Catheter-Based Devices This technology utilizes a small, flexible, sinus balloon catheter that is placed into the nose to reach the sinuses. The sinus balloon catheter is gradually inflated to gently restructure the previously blocked nasal passage, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining and restoring 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 tool in dilating blocked sinuses.5

Finess Sinus Treatment Balloon Sinuplasty™ Video 1. Hamilos, D., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000; 106: 213-227. 2. Stankiewicz, J., et al, Am J Rhinol 2003; 17(3): 139-142. 3. Subramanian, H., et al, Am J Rhinol 2002; 16(6): 303-312. 4. Hessler, J., et al, Am J Rhinol 2007; 21(1): 10-18. 5. Weiss, R., et al, Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008; 139: S38-S46.