Easier sinus surgery for kids - Research summary

BACKGROUND: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases estimates 37 million Americans are affected by sinus infections -- or sinusitis -- every year. This adds up to $5.8 billion spent each year on health care costs related to the condition. Sinusitis takes place when the cavities around the nasal passages, or sinuses, become inflamed and swollen, tracking mucus and causing infection. The condition is often caused by the common cold, but other triggers include allergies and fungal infections. The Mayo Clinic says if a sinus infection persists for more than eight weeks or is recurrent, it is considered a case of chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can also stem from growths in the sinuses called nasal polyps or a deviated septum, which is the partition between the two sides of the nose.

INFECTIONS IN KIDS: Since the sinuses aren't fully developed until the age of 20, sinusitis is more difficult to diagnose in children. In addition, children are more prone to sinus infections in the first few years of life since their immune systems are immature. If a child remains ill beyond the usual week to 10 days of a cold, a serious sinus infection is likely the cause of the symptoms. The American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery says parents should look out for the following signs of sinusitis:

- A long-lasting cold accompanied by a low-grade fever

- Thick, yellow-green nasal drainage

- A post-nasal drip that causes sore throat, a cough, bad breath, nausea and/or vomiting

- A headache (a symptom in children age 6 and older)

- Irritability or fatigue

- Swelling around the eyes

WHEN SURGERY IS THE ANSWER: Some of the billions of dollars spent each year on sinusitis treatment is spent on surgery. Surgery is sometimes recommended for adults or children with stubborn chronic sinusitis that is unresponsive to antibiotics and immunotherapy. The aim of sinus surgery is to remove tissue causing sinus blockage or shave away a polyp causing the blockage. Doctors now most often do the procedure endoscopically using a thin, flexible tube with a light attached to navigate the sinuses. Although recovery from sinus surgery is traditionally thought of as slow and uncomfortable, endoscopic procedures have made the process much more tolerable. Some patients require packing after surgery, where material is placed in the nose to control bleeding. The American Rhinologic Society says after sinus surgery, patients must avoid strenuous activities and medications that predispose to bleeding for at least two weeks or until healing is complete.

AN EASIER SOLUTION: A procedure recently approved by the FDA can clear the sinuses of both children and adults without any tissue removal. Balloon sinuplasty involves inserting a tiny balloon through a catheter into the sinus cavity. That balloon is inflated to open up the passageway and then deflated and removed. Many patients can resume normal activities 24 hours after the surgery.