Wintertime Sinus Issues
If you think sinus infections are confined to spring and summer, guess again. They can be every bit as bad—if not worse—in winter.
WHAT’S SINUSITIS?
Sinusitis is the medical term for a sinus infection. It causes cold-like symptoms and is most often the result of an upper respiratory tract infection. Sinusitis can also be caused by abnormalities of the nasal passages, such as a deviated septum, immune system disorders and environmental pollutants.
The condition may be acute (lasting four weeks or less) or chronic (persisting for more than 12 weeks).
SINUSITIS IN WINTER
Those dealing with year-round sinusitis symptoms often find that they worsen in winter. Triggers during this time include:
- Dry Air. Drier air, which is common during winter, causes the mucus lining in your nose to dry out and mucus to thicken, increasing the odds of congestion and infection. Solution: Use a humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist.
- Humidity. Frequent winter storms can cause changes in atmospheric pressure, which can lead to sinus pain and pressure. Solution: Over-the-counter medications may help relieve symptoms.
- Dust. After six months in the closet, bedding is often covered in dust, a common sinusitis trigger. Solution: Wash and dry bedding before use to eliminate dust.
- Pet Dander. This is one of the leading triggers of sinus symptoms. Solution: Keep pets off your bed, vacuum your home frequently, don’t let pets roam outdoors and bathe them often.
- Indoor Heating. Electric heaters dry out the air, and smoke from fireplaces can irritate nasal passages. Solution: Invest in a HEPA air filter to remove particulates and open windows to air out the house when possible.
- Viruses. Cold and flu viruses are most common in the winter months, attacking the nasal passage membranes and causing inflammation and congestion. Solution: To prevent getting sick, frequently wash your hands, get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet.
If you’re struggling with wintertime sinus issues, give us a call today or use our online scheduler. (972) 596-4005
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a surgical procedure that treats chronic sinusitis in patients whose condition does not respond to medical treatment. It’s a safe, effective and much less invasive alternative to traditional sinus surgery.
All About Sinusitis
Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S., affecting nearly 29 million Americans.1 This inflammation of the sinuses causes a variety of persistent, cold-like symptoms, including sore throat, congestion, facial pain and pressure, coughing, headache, fever, bad breath, loss of smell and fatigue.
Traditional Surgery vs. Balloon Sinuplasty
Traditional endoscopic sinus surgery requires cutting and removal of bone and tissue, leading to the possibility of pain, scarring and a lengthy recovery period. Balloon sinuplasty, by contrast, is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved procedure that is quick, painless and carries a much lower risk of postoperative complications or side effects. Some patients are able to resume normal activities within 24 hours of the procedure without any issues. Additionally, Medicare covers the procedure, as do most insurance companies.
Balloon sinuplasty is performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia. A balloon catheter is inserted into the sinus cavity and inflated, expanding the sinus opening and widening the walls of the nasal passages to aid in normal breathing and drainage. Debris is flushed from the sinuses with saline solution, and the catheter is removed. While the duration of the procedure varies, the average time is three hours (including surgery and post-anesthesia recovery time).
A Highly Effective Treatment
Studies have shown that many patients who have balloon sinuplasty report significant symptom improvement: A study of 1,036 patients reported that symptoms improved in 95.2% at 10 months post-procedure.2 Another study followed 65 patients, and 85% reported an improvement in symptoms two years post-procedure.3
Balloon sinuplasty can be highly effective and offers dramatic results, but it may not be right for every patient. Call today to schedule an appointment to see if balloon sinuplasty is right for you! (972) 596-4005
1 CDC. (2018). Chronic sinusitis.
2 Levine, H et al. (2008). Multicenter registry of balloon catheter sinusotomy outcomes for 1,036 patients. The Annuals of Otolaryngology, Rhinology and Laryngology.
3 Weiss, R et al. (2008). Long-term outcome analysis of balloon catheter sinusotomy: Two-year follow-up. Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1016/j. otohns.2008.06.008
New Hearing Technology Has Arrived
This fall, several hearing aid manufacturers released new and improved hearing devices. While there are key differences between them, all feature state-of-the-art technology that will benefit your life in three ways.
BENEFITS OF THE LATEST AND GREATEST
What can you expect from next-generation hearing aids? We believe these models will provide you with:
1. An easier listening experience. You’ll spend less effort trying to follow conversations, making everyday listening feel more natural.
2. Greater speech understanding in noise. Forget about struggling to keep up in situations where listening is difficult—you’ll be able to effortlessly hear and understand the people around you.
3. More engagement in your life. Hearing better can help you stay connected, participate more easily and feel more confident in your daily life.
OTHER PLUSES TO CONSIDER
New hearing devices are smaller and more discreet than previous versions. Some are nearly invisible yet still loaded with the high-tech features and functionality needed for hearing your best. They’re also designed to be easy on the eyes, available in fun fashion colors and sleek styles that resemble wireless earbuds.
Battery life has been boosted, too. The latest rechargeable hearing aids keep going all day long from a single charge, so you can spend less time worrying about running out of power and more time enjoying the moments that matter.
Many of today’s cutting-edge hearing devices also include Bluetooth® LE Audio, the next generation of Bluetooth technology. It delivers high-quality streaming, hands-free calls, crystal-clear sound and low battery consumption. This latest version of Bluetooth also lets new hearing aids receive Auracast™ broadcast audio, an exciting new assistive listening technology that’s popping up in more public places. Connect to an Auracast shared audio stream at the airport to hear announcements more clearly, at the gym to listen to your favorite TV show or at the theater to better follow the play— the possibilities are endless.
Wondering which hearing aids will best meet your needs, lifestyle and hearing goals?
Schedule a consultation with your hearing care provider today! (972) 596-4005