Chronic sinusitis can be a terribly painful condition. In my practice, I have seen many patients come to me suffering from headaches caused by pressure in their eyes, nose, cheeks and forehead. Patients with a sinus infection cough frequently, have a continuous runny nose, difficulty breathing because of their congestion, and snore which interrupts their sleep patterns.
For many people who suffer from chronic sinusitis, their symptoms can last from three months to years, as opposed to acute sinusitis which lasts for a few days to three months. Over an extended period of time, antibiotics may not work, and in those cases, patients have additional options. Today, there is a relatively new procedure to treat blocked sinus passages called Balloon Sinuplasty™ — a less-intrusive form of surgery that can be performed in a doctor’s office on an out-patient basis.
The FDA cleared this technology and it is clinically proven to be safe and effective. The procedure includes and endoscopic catheter that uses a small, flexible balloon that is inserted into the sinus passageways, and inflated. Then it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageways, which restores the normal ability for the sinuses to drain, while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.
Balloon Sinuplasty™ Technology is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for patients suffering from sinusitis. It uses a small, flexible, sinus balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining.
To determine if you have either acute or chronic sinusitis, and if that is the cause of your snoring, you should visit a doctor of otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat doctor) who will run a series of simple to complex tests.
Sinusitis is often caused by allergies or a physical abnormality such as a deviated septum, or malformed bone. A nose and throat exam will most likely be a starting point that will reveal potential blockages. This exam will help your doctor identify the possible abnormalities that may cause snoring. If your doctor needs a detailed image of your sinuses, he may perform a CT scan (Computerized Tomography Scan). This test provides a detailed cross-sectional image of the sinuses and can be used to help identify the severity of infection inside the sinus cavities. To determine if the cause of your sinusitis is from allergens, your doctor may refer you to an allergist for a detailed evaluation.
If you suffer from facial pain and pressure, recurring sinus infections and sinus headaches, Balloon Sinuplasty™ technology may be the answer to your chronic sinusitis. Contact your doctor today and schedule an examination, or if you’re in the New York City area, feel free to contact the Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center for expert diagnosis.
Dr. Volpi is the founder of the Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center, and has had a private ear, nose and throat practice in New York City for more than 20 years. He and his medical staff at Otolaryngology Associates are board-certified surgeons and members of New York’s finest teaching hospitals.
This article is intended for general information only is in no way intended to be a substitute for receiving direct medical advice from a medical professional, their diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions regarding a medical condition, or if you suspect you may have a snoring disorder, contact your physician. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Brain Damage from Snoring?
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| Brain Damage from Snoring? |
During the Australian study, brain scans of 60 people in their mid 40’s who were recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, showed “a decreased amount of gray matter” compared to healthy sleepers. Sleep apnea is caused by the airways collapsing while asleep at night, pausing breathing and forcing sleep apnea sufferers from rousing from a deep sleep, sometimes “hundreds of times a night,” according to Dr. O’Donoghue of Austin Health. This pause results in the brain being deprived of oxygen as well as "surges in blood pressure".
Since the scans showed decreased amount of grey matter in the brain, it meant there was damage in certain areas. According to O’Donoghue, the damage was evident in two pockets of the brain, one that handles memory and the other known to allow smooth movement and changes in attention during complex tasks. Earlier studies have showed that this part of the brain is activated during a driving task, and therefore may explain why sleep apnea patients have an increased risk of car accidents.
"What specific part of sleep apnea might cause these changes we can’t say, but we can see the changes that have occurred…The take home message is if you complain of these sort of symptoms it is not a good idea to ignore it, you should seek help," Dr. O’Donoghue said.
This research was presented at the 22nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Sleep Association and Australasian Sleep Technologists Association Conference, in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Obstructive Sleep Apnea — A Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease
An on-going study taking place in Sweden has released preliminary findings that suggest that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be an even stronger risk factor for coronary artery disease than diabetes, obesity, hypertension and even smoking.
At the European Respiratory Society 2010 Annual Congress last week, Swedish pulmonoligist Yuksel Peker from the Skaraborg Hospital in Sweden presented his latest finding from the ongoing Randomized Intervention with CPAP in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnea (RICCADSA) trial.
Although the study is on-going, he acknowledged, he also stated “analyses of baseline demographics and comorbidity profiles continue to strongly support OSA as a risk factor for CAD.” The study was started in 2005 to analyze the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on patients who had undergone revascularization for CAD and who also had OSA. ”Not only is the prevalence of OSA ‘surprisingly high,’” Dr. Peker said, but "these patients do not always show typical symptoms such as sleepiness.“
OSA was found in 64% of those with CAD. Comparitively, 58% had hypertension, and 28% were obese, making OSA much more common that was before thought of as more “conventional” risk factors. In addition, CAD patients with OSA were older than those without, were more obese, we mostly male, and had higher incidents of hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation.
Dr. Peker looked at both OSA syndrome (or "sleepy OSA," because of daytime sleepiness symptoms) and "nonsleepy OSA." He found that the CAD risk increase was present with both types of OSA.
The good news seems to be that those CAD patients that were studied with OSA had better compliance to the CPAP treatment. Dr. Peker indicated, “if we ask the CAD patients to use CPAP so far, they appear motivated enough to follow treatment.” At this point there is no proof that CPAP treatment actually reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease, however Dr. Peker suggested that it should be thought of as a “secondary cardiovascular prevention method.” The final results of the study are due out in 2012.
European Respiratory Society (ERS) 2010 Annual Congress: Abstract 5374. Presented September 22, 2010.
At the European Respiratory Society 2010 Annual Congress last week, Swedish pulmonoligist Yuksel Peker from the Skaraborg Hospital in Sweden presented his latest finding from the ongoing Randomized Intervention with CPAP in Coronary Artery Disease and Sleep Apnea (RICCADSA) trial.
Although the study is on-going, he acknowledged, he also stated “analyses of baseline demographics and comorbidity profiles continue to strongly support OSA as a risk factor for CAD.” The study was started in 2005 to analyze the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on patients who had undergone revascularization for CAD and who also had OSA. ”Not only is the prevalence of OSA ‘surprisingly high,’” Dr. Peker said, but "these patients do not always show typical symptoms such as sleepiness.“
OSA was found in 64% of those with CAD. Comparitively, 58% had hypertension, and 28% were obese, making OSA much more common that was before thought of as more “conventional” risk factors. In addition, CAD patients with OSA were older than those without, were more obese, we mostly male, and had higher incidents of hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation.
Dr. Peker looked at both OSA syndrome (or "sleepy OSA," because of daytime sleepiness symptoms) and "nonsleepy OSA." He found that the CAD risk increase was present with both types of OSA.
The good news seems to be that those CAD patients that were studied with OSA had better compliance to the CPAP treatment. Dr. Peker indicated, “if we ask the CAD patients to use CPAP so far, they appear motivated enough to follow treatment.” At this point there is no proof that CPAP treatment actually reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease, however Dr. Peker suggested that it should be thought of as a “secondary cardiovascular prevention method.” The final results of the study are due out in 2012.
European Respiratory Society (ERS) 2010 Annual Congress: Abstract 5374. Presented September 22, 2010.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
More Veterans are Suffering from Sleep Apnea
The Veterans Administration announced that from 2008 to 2010, the number of veterans who receive benefits for sleep apnea increased by 60%, and that more than 20% of military veterans suffer from the sleeping disorder, compared to the estimate of 5% for those not in the military.
Although one of the main causes can be excess weight, the VA doctors suspect that repeat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan are exposing the military service members to dust and smoke which are contributing to the increase in cases.
More than 63,000 veterans receive benefits for sleep apnea, which can cause daytime drowsiness, heart disease, and even strokes. The most common treatment is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask. Although the Social Security Administration recognizes sleep apnea as a disability and pays benefits to those who can’t work, the VA says veterans can receive benefits and hold jobs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is expected to spend approximately $500 million a year to treat veterans with sleep apnea, and it is expected to rise in the upcoming years. Considering that sleep apnea is linked to serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and daytime sleepiness which can cause memory loss and decrease work productivity, it is critical that these veterans receive appropriate care.
Although one of the main causes can be excess weight, the VA doctors suspect that repeat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan are exposing the military service members to dust and smoke which are contributing to the increase in cases.
More than 63,000 veterans receive benefits for sleep apnea, which can cause daytime drowsiness, heart disease, and even strokes. The most common treatment is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask. Although the Social Security Administration recognizes sleep apnea as a disability and pays benefits to those who can’t work, the VA says veterans can receive benefits and hold jobs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is expected to spend approximately $500 million a year to treat veterans with sleep apnea, and it is expected to rise in the upcoming years. Considering that sleep apnea is linked to serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and daytime sleepiness which can cause memory loss and decrease work productivity, it is critical that these veterans receive appropriate care.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sleep Apnea the Cause of Percy Harvin’s Lifetime of Mystery Migraines
While in the hospital after collapsing on the field last month, Percy Harvin’s doctors made a startling discovery. Harvin had been suffering from migraines since he was a child, and his doctors had tried almost everything to treat them. The NFL offensive rookie of the year and Vikings receiver had headaches that kept him from practice and games several times last season, and he blamed his collapse on the migraine medication he had been taking.
During his overnight stay in the hospital, the doctors discovered he had stopped breathing during while he was asleep several times, and tests proved his heart had stopped twice. They immediately suspected sleep apnea and ordered him onto a breathing device, most commonly used is the CPAP, (Continuous Positive Airway Passage) which treats sleep apnea by providing a steady flow of air through a mask that it placed over the nose.
Since then, Harvin has been sleeping with the device, and the results have been remarkable. According to Harvin, his migraines are gone and he no longer needs the migraine medication. Doctors believe that the lack of sleep he was suffering due to the sleep apnea had triggered his migraines. According to Harvin, he is getting more uninterrupted sleep and “feeling great,’” he told Pioneer Press at Twincities.com. "It's a 100-percent difference, I'm not waking up groggy. I'm refreshed and ready to go. Hopefully, that's it," he said.
Harvin is lucky indeed that his sleep apnea was diagnosed and he is now receiving treatment. During a sleep apnea event, the airway becomes obstructed during sleep, blocking air flow and resulting in an emergency arousal that causes the person to gasp for air. Besides migraines as a symptom, sleep apnea and its related sleep deprivation can cause a variety of daytime issues including irritability, burnout, depression, and poor job performance, lack of concentration and memory loss. What’s more, because sleep apnea affects the heart it can lead to arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm, or enlargement of the heart. Since it can drop one’s blood oxygen level abnormally low, it can lead to high blood pressure, stroke and lung dysfunction if it is left undiagnosed.
If you’re suffering from daytime symptoms such as the migraines that Harvin experienced, or if you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it is important to seek diagnosis and treatment from a board-certified Otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist). It’s important to proactively seek treatment, because the chance of accidentally discovering sleep apnea is rare, and lucky indeed. If you’re in the New York tri-state area, schedule an appointment online at the Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center.
During his overnight stay in the hospital, the doctors discovered he had stopped breathing during while he was asleep several times, and tests proved his heart had stopped twice. They immediately suspected sleep apnea and ordered him onto a breathing device, most commonly used is the CPAP, (Continuous Positive Airway Passage) which treats sleep apnea by providing a steady flow of air through a mask that it placed over the nose.
Since then, Harvin has been sleeping with the device, and the results have been remarkable. According to Harvin, his migraines are gone and he no longer needs the migraine medication. Doctors believe that the lack of sleep he was suffering due to the sleep apnea had triggered his migraines. According to Harvin, he is getting more uninterrupted sleep and “feeling great,’” he told Pioneer Press at Twincities.com. "It's a 100-percent difference, I'm not waking up groggy. I'm refreshed and ready to go. Hopefully, that's it," he said.
Harvin is lucky indeed that his sleep apnea was diagnosed and he is now receiving treatment. During a sleep apnea event, the airway becomes obstructed during sleep, blocking air flow and resulting in an emergency arousal that causes the person to gasp for air. Besides migraines as a symptom, sleep apnea and its related sleep deprivation can cause a variety of daytime issues including irritability, burnout, depression, and poor job performance, lack of concentration and memory loss. What’s more, because sleep apnea affects the heart it can lead to arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm, or enlargement of the heart. Since it can drop one’s blood oxygen level abnormally low, it can lead to high blood pressure, stroke and lung dysfunction if it is left undiagnosed.
If you’re suffering from daytime symptoms such as the migraines that Harvin experienced, or if you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it is important to seek diagnosis and treatment from a board-certified Otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist). It’s important to proactively seek treatment, because the chance of accidentally discovering sleep apnea is rare, and lucky indeed. If you’re in the New York tri-state area, schedule an appointment online at the Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Dissecting the Pillar Procedure
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| The Pillar Procedure, a minimally invasive, simple and safe treatment for snoring. |
Snoring is a complicated disorder, and there are many reasons why a person might snore. Causes such as a deviated septum, sinus disease and large tonsils are just a few reasons, and they are all physical conditions that need to be treated using specific methods. Another common cause of snoring is the fluttering of the soft palate while asleep, which can also occur with less severe forms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If that is the cause of a snorer’s condition, then there is a good chance it can be treated by the Pillar Procedure.
Worldwide, so far more than 30,000 people have been treated with the Pillar Procedure. It is a minimally invasive, simple and safe treatment for snoring and mild to moderate OSA which can be performed in a visit to the doctor’s office.
The Pillar Procedure involves stiffening the soft palate and offering structural support, reducing the vibration of the tissue that is causing the snoring when the palatal tissue collapses and obstructs the upper airway. During the procedure, three small polyester implants are placed into the soft palate and over time, the implants, together with the body’s natural fibrotic response, provide support to the soft palate.
After the procedure, patients’ snoring is reduced or cured, providing relief to their daytime sleep deprivation symptoms. The Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center is a leading provider of the Pillar Procedure in New York City, and has successfully cured hundreds of patients from suffering from their snoring disorders.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Why Home Sleep Testing is Revolutionizing Sleep Apnea Treatment
Although home sleep apnea testing equipment has be utilized for a few years, it wasn’t until recent findings presented at the American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference confirmed that patients that used the home sleep test showed similar improvements in their obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment as did patients who had their sleep testing performed in an overnight lab.
Prior to the findings of this study, it was commonly thought that patients would have the most successful treatment if they stayed overnight in a lab, because they would be spending more time with a technician who provides education of OSA and the importance of its treatment, which would improve the patient’s compliance using the standard CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device of their treatment once at home. Since many patients complain about the discomfort of the CPAP, compliance is difficult for many.
However, as this study found, of 300 patients who randomly either underwent their sleep testing in the lab or at home, 185 of them completed three months of follow-up treatment. The results of their OSA improvements using CPAP treatment where similar regardless of whether they had their sleep testing done in the lab or in the home.
The Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center now offers home sleep testing equipment to qualified patients, and has found similar results as this study with its own patients who either under go sleep testing at the center’s overnight lab or at home.
A home sleep test is used only to diagnose sleep apnea, and obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, as well as the most serious. It is caused by an obstructed upper airway in which soft tissue of the palate, throat or tongue blocks the flow of air as a person struggles to breathe. Since OSA symptoms can lead to severe health conditions, it is very serious and important that patients receive expert medical care and guidance. There are other physical causes of snoring and apnea, and since home sleep tests only diagnose apnea, a patient should have a thorough physical exam first to see if the test is right for them or if a different line of treatment is necessary. Even if sleep apnea is suspected, there are other factors that may make a test in an overnight sleep lab necessary.
Visit the Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center website for more information about the home sleep test. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea or if snoring is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Prior to the findings of this study, it was commonly thought that patients would have the most successful treatment if they stayed overnight in a lab, because they would be spending more time with a technician who provides education of OSA and the importance of its treatment, which would improve the patient’s compliance using the standard CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device of their treatment once at home. Since many patients complain about the discomfort of the CPAP, compliance is difficult for many.
However, as this study found, of 300 patients who randomly either underwent their sleep testing in the lab or at home, 185 of them completed three months of follow-up treatment. The results of their OSA improvements using CPAP treatment where similar regardless of whether they had their sleep testing done in the lab or in the home.
The Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center now offers home sleep testing equipment to qualified patients, and has found similar results as this study with its own patients who either under go sleep testing at the center’s overnight lab or at home.
A home sleep test is used only to diagnose sleep apnea, and obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, as well as the most serious. It is caused by an obstructed upper airway in which soft tissue of the palate, throat or tongue blocks the flow of air as a person struggles to breathe. Since OSA symptoms can lead to severe health conditions, it is very serious and important that patients receive expert medical care and guidance. There are other physical causes of snoring and apnea, and since home sleep tests only diagnose apnea, a patient should have a thorough physical exam first to see if the test is right for them or if a different line of treatment is necessary. Even if sleep apnea is suspected, there are other factors that may make a test in an overnight sleep lab necessary.
Visit the Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center website for more information about the home sleep test. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea or if snoring is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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