For more information regarding our ability to assist you, please contact our Resource Center at 800-774-SINUS.
We can provide information regarding your insurance coverage and mail information that you can share with your physician.
What is Chronic Sinusitis?
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 - rhinosinusits 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.
Can the body heal itself?
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.
How is Chronic Sinusitis Treated?
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 topical anti-inflammatories (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.
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.
What role do allergies play in sinusitis?
An allergic reaction can be described in general terms as an exaggerated response to an irritant. These irritants or allergens bombard us continuously through the environment: plant pollen, pet dander, environmental pollutants (smog, ozone) as well as through the food we eat and the medicine we take. Inhaled allergens wreak havoc on the linings of the nose and sinus for the allergic patient resulting in the classic symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing and cough (in the asthmatic patient) and nasal congestion. The allergic reaction causes swelling of the mucous membranes leading to blockage of drainage which can result in sinusitis. It is estimated that 50 - 90% of patients with chronic sinusitis have some degree of allergy to inhaled environmental allergens. For many, effective, long term management of chronic sinusitis includes a thorough evaluation by an appropriate specialist to identify and treat allergies.
What effect do nasal polyps have on sinus problems?
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.
What role does a deviated septum play in sinusitis?
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.
If a Chronic Infection... How long do I have to take oral antibiotics? How do I know if oral antibiotics have failed?
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. SinuCare's 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.
What is different about your treatment program?
SinuCare's 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 SinuCare 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
How long should one work with oral antibiotics before considering an IV antibiotic care program?
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.
Why do IV antibiotics help when oral antibiotics fail?
Oral antibiotics may be absorbed in the intestinal tract and may not adequately profuse diseased tissue and bony material in the sinuses. Therefore, some chronic infection patients may not experience resolution of their infection through oral antibiotics alone. Surgeries are effective in restoring drainage and natural aeration to the sinuses. Such procedures are not designed to cure deep set infections or bony substructure infections. Intravenous antibiotics allow for greater profusion of the sinus cavities and underlying structures. They are administered directly into the bloodstream where they are carried to the deepest recesses, surrounding tissue, and bone. In short, a greater amount and possibly stronger amount of medication can reach the infected areas. By eliminating all or a majority of infection causing bacteria, IV antibiotics are proving to be a more effective choice for treatment over surgery and continued oral antibiotics.
Are medications experimental?
All intravenous medications used for treatment are approved by the FDA. There are presently no new antibiotics. SinuCare data allows for a physician to choose the most appropriate antibiotic or antibiotics for your specific care needs.
How does the treatment work?
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.
Do you accept insurance?
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.
What do I do now?
Call us at our toll-free phone number: 800-774-SINUS. 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.
We are continually adding new physicians in these and other territories. Please call our Resource Center to learn of an affiliate near you: 800-774-SINUS.
If not living near an established SinuCare affiliate...
Many insurance plans allow us to work with independent physicians throughout the U.S. Our core services are provided in the home by skilled and certified nurses. Your physician can obtain the necessary data to determine if this care plan is right for you. Our specialists (pharmacists and physicians) are available at no additional cost to you or your physician.
Who are SinuCare affiliates?
In many locations, SinuCare has affiliated physicians associated with three disciplines. These physicians have been working on perfecting their knowledge and treatment of many sinus illnesses. Many physicians have skills and training that cross over general division lines when it comes to care of sinus concerns.
Otolaryngologist:
Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists will evaluate medical concerns associated with ear pain, sore throats, constant congestion, and headaches. They also provide opportunity for you to obtain a second opinion about sinus surgery.
Allergist and Immunologist:
Allergists may also provide services associated with asthma care and immunology. Two full years of their medical training and study is devoted to the sinuses. Post-nasal drip is a common irritant symptom that an Allergist may be able to discern the root cause or trigger.
Infectious Disease Specialist:
ID specialists work with other physicians or by direct referral, to treat resistant or recurrent infections. A SinuCare physician has direct experience with antibiotics that address sinus infections, in particular.
SinuCare promotes a team approach to sinus care. Our affiliates are encouraged to work together, lending specific talents to the overall care plan of a patient. Care counselors help patients benefit from the local network and coordinate the teamwork of our participating physicians.
Why IV antibiotics?
IV medications can deliver more medication directly into the bloodstream and are usually more effective at treating infection when oral medications have not eradicated the infection. Some medications are only available in IV form.
What is a PICC?
A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line is a long, skinny tube made of a soft Flexible plastic. The PICC is placed in a vein in the arm. PICC lines are increasingly the treatment of choice for patients receiving weeks of IV antibiotics or therapy. They can be inserted safely and managed easily, away from the hospital, and pose relatively low risks of complications.
How is a PICC line placed?
PICC lines are placed by specially trained nurses and /or doctors usually in a hospital or physicians office.
What are the benefits of a PICC line?
Once the PICC is inserted there are no needles involved and PICC lines are easy to maintain. You will be instructed by a skilled professional on how to give yourself medications and how to care and maintain your PICC line. Your therapy can be administered in the comfort of your home, office and even when traveling.
What are some of the risks of a PICC line?
Although complications with PICC lines are rare, they may include, Infection, Phlebitis (Inflammation of the vein) and in very rare cases thrombus (a blood clot).
What if I have questions or concerns?
Every patient is provided with a well-organized program that enables your health-care team to implement, monitor, and evaluate your care and answer your questions.
Restrictions:
There are few limitations with a PICC line. You may not go swimming or submerge your PICC underwater. However, showering is permitted.
We can provide information regarding your insurance coverage and mail information that you can share with your physician.
What is Chronic Sinusitis?
|
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 - rhinosinusits 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.
Can the body heal itself?
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.
How is Chronic Sinusitis Treated?
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 topical anti-inflammatories (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.
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.
What role do allergies play in sinusitis?
An allergic reaction can be described in general terms as an exaggerated response to an irritant. These irritants or allergens bombard us continuously through the environment: plant pollen, pet dander, environmental pollutants (smog, ozone) as well as through the food we eat and the medicine we take. Inhaled allergens wreak havoc on the linings of the nose and sinus for the allergic patient resulting in the classic symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing and cough (in the asthmatic patient) and nasal congestion. The allergic reaction causes swelling of the mucous membranes leading to blockage of drainage which can result in sinusitis. It is estimated that 50 - 90% of patients with chronic sinusitis have some degree of allergy to inhaled environmental allergens. For many, effective, long term management of chronic sinusitis includes a thorough evaluation by an appropriate specialist to identify and treat allergies.
What effect do nasal polyps have on sinus problems?
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.
What role does a deviated septum play in sinusitis?
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.
If a Chronic Infection... How long do I have to take oral antibiotics? How do I know if oral antibiotics have failed?
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. SinuCare's 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.
What is different about your treatment program?
SinuCare's 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 SinuCare 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
How long should one work with oral antibiotics before considering an IV antibiotic care program?
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.
Why do IV antibiotics help when oral antibiotics fail?
Oral antibiotics may be absorbed in the intestinal tract and may not adequately profuse diseased tissue and bony material in the sinuses. Therefore, some chronic infection patients may not experience resolution of their infection through oral antibiotics alone. Surgeries are effective in restoring drainage and natural aeration to the sinuses. Such procedures are not designed to cure deep set infections or bony substructure infections. Intravenous antibiotics allow for greater profusion of the sinus cavities and underlying structures. They are administered directly into the bloodstream where they are carried to the deepest recesses, surrounding tissue, and bone. In short, a greater amount and possibly stronger amount of medication can reach the infected areas. By eliminating all or a majority of infection causing bacteria, IV antibiotics are proving to be a more effective choice for treatment over surgery and continued oral antibiotics.
Are medications experimental?
All intravenous medications used for treatment are approved by the FDA. There are presently no new antibiotics. SinuCare data allows for a physician to choose the most appropriate antibiotic or antibiotics for your specific care needs.
How does the treatment work?
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.
Do you accept insurance?
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.
What do I do now?
Call us at our toll-free phone number: 800-774-SINUS. 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.
We are continually adding new physicians in these and other territories. Please call our Resource Center to learn of an affiliate near you: 800-774-SINUS.
If not living near an established SinuCare affiliate...
Many insurance plans allow us to work with independent physicians throughout the U.S. Our core services are provided in the home by skilled and certified nurses. Your physician can obtain the necessary data to determine if this care plan is right for you. Our specialists (pharmacists and physicians) are available at no additional cost to you or your physician.
Who are SinuCare affiliates?
In many locations, SinuCare has affiliated physicians associated with three disciplines. These physicians have been working on perfecting their knowledge and treatment of many sinus illnesses. Many physicians have skills and training that cross over general division lines when it comes to care of sinus concerns.
Otolaryngologist:
Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists will evaluate medical concerns associated with ear pain, sore throats, constant congestion, and headaches. They also provide opportunity for you to obtain a second opinion about sinus surgery.
Allergist and Immunologist:
Allergists may also provide services associated with asthma care and immunology. Two full years of their medical training and study is devoted to the sinuses. Post-nasal drip is a common irritant symptom that an Allergist may be able to discern the root cause or trigger.
Infectious Disease Specialist:
ID specialists work with other physicians or by direct referral, to treat resistant or recurrent infections. A SinuCare physician has direct experience with antibiotics that address sinus infections, in particular.
SinuCare promotes a team approach to sinus care. Our affiliates are encouraged to work together, lending specific talents to the overall care plan of a patient. Care counselors help patients benefit from the local network and coordinate the teamwork of our participating physicians.
Why IV antibiotics?
IV medications can deliver more medication directly into the bloodstream and are usually more effective at treating infection when oral medications have not eradicated the infection. Some medications are only available in IV form.
What is a PICC?
A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line is a long, skinny tube made of a soft Flexible plastic. The PICC is placed in a vein in the arm. PICC lines are increasingly the treatment of choice for patients receiving weeks of IV antibiotics or therapy. They can be inserted safely and managed easily, away from the hospital, and pose relatively low risks of complications.
How is a PICC line placed?
PICC lines are placed by specially trained nurses and /or doctors usually in a hospital or physicians office.
What are the benefits of a PICC line?
Once the PICC is inserted there are no needles involved and PICC lines are easy to maintain. You will be instructed by a skilled professional on how to give yourself medications and how to care and maintain your PICC line. Your therapy can be administered in the comfort of your home, office and even when traveling.
What are some of the risks of a PICC line?
Although complications with PICC lines are rare, they may include, Infection, Phlebitis (Inflammation of the vein) and in very rare cases thrombus (a blood clot).
What if I have questions or concerns?
Every patient is provided with a well-organized program that enables your health-care team to implement, monitor, and evaluate your care and answer your questions.
Restrictions:
There are few limitations with a PICC line. You may not go swimming or submerge your PICC underwater. However, showering is permitted.
