by Jason Samanski
There are approximatley 35 million people in the United States that suffer from Chronic Sinusitis. That is roughly one out of every seven Americans. Typically, sinusitis is the result of a viral or bacterial infection that began because of poor drainage or ventilation of the sinuses. Pneumococci, streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrrhalis are the bacteria responsible for causing most sinusitis symptoms. Chronic Sinusitis is often caused by staphylococci and gram negative bacteria.
Do you ever find yourself questioning this endless cycle? Are you frustrated by the inconvenience of having to return to a physician’s office or other patient caregiver repeatedly to receive temporary or at times, marginal results?
Unless you have an anatomical problem that requires a surgical procedure performed by an ENT Surgeon, you do have another option. Sinus Irrigation is an effective technique used by many ENT surgeons after surgery to keep the nose free of bacteria. Many provide lavage bottles to deliver a salt water solution into the nasal cavity to rinse the nose of topical allergens and bacteria that may lead to a sinus infection.
However, there is a more effective form of sinus irrigation called pulsatile irrigation offered by the company Respiraid. Pulsatile irrigation delivers a gentle pulsating stream of a buffered saline solution into one nostril that flows out the nostril on the other side. This device not only washes away topical allergens and nasal irritants; its pulsating action actually removes the thick, sticky, infectious bio-film that is preventing the cilia in your sinus passages from working efficiently. Cilia are microscopic hair-like appendages that work synergistically with mucous to trap allergens, bacteria, viruses and fungus and clear them down the back of your throat.
Here is the bottom line; if you like the results you are getting then keep on doing what you are doing. If not, it may be time to consider an alternative approach that requires personal responsibility. Learning to partner with your health care practitioner to preventively treat chronic sinusitis has the potential to yield relief and long lasting results. After you shave, brush your teeth, pluck your eye brows, paint your nails and comb your hair, please consider practicing good nasal hygiene and flush your nose!
All patients are encouraged to direct their specific questions to their personal physicians. The information is written to help patients better understand and participate in their own medical care.