I Have Sinusitis - and I'm Elderly

Geriatric Sinusitis

Sinusitis affects one in seven adults which is estimated between 31 to 35 million per year; that is about 14 percent of Americans who suffer with sinusitis. However, the baby boomer generation, the largest population alive will all be over 65 by 2030 which will increase the percentage of those suffering with sinusitis. Sinusitis is an illness that is qualified as chronic and difficult to treat. It is challenging to tell the difference between a sinus infection and a cold or an allergy. Those with allergies and asthma are at higher risk for developing non-infectious cases of sinusitis due to inflammation of the sinuses. It is the duration of the infection that will indicate whether you have acquired an acute or chronic case of sinusitis. Sinusitis is characterized by swelling and pain in the facial area, especially around the eyes or cheeks, as well as a stuffy or runny nose as well as headache, and fatigue. In addition, sinusitis is defined as an inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses. Other symptoms will be present depending on which sinuses are infected. For example, those with a maxillary sinus infection are at risk of experiencing dental pain due to the proximity of the teeth area.

Aging & illness

With aging, the physiology changes leaving the elderly predisposed to sinusitis for a variety of reasons that do not impact younger adults. The elderly are at risk of having their nasal passages dry out with age. In addition, the actual cartilage that supports the nasal passages may also weaken with age, impacting or obstructing airflow. Other problems unique to the elderly and sinusitis include a decrease in the cough and gag reflex which is more problematic with excess nasal secretions. As the elderly continue to age, they have other health challenges such as a faltering immune system which leaves them at risk of developing respiratory infections.

There is new data from researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center that also suggests many patients with sinusitis have aches and pains similar in severity to people in their 80s and those with arthritis or depression. Although bodily pain is significant for those with sinusitis, it is not listed as a symptom of chronic sinusitis in general medical texts or journals. As a result, many patients are misdiagnosed with unrelated conditions such as arthritis, depression, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Unfortunately, this widespread misdiagnosis also results in many people being unaware of their actual condition or receiving appropriate treatment.

Geriatric Complaints with sinusitis:

  • Constant need to clear the throat
  • A sense of nasal obstruction
  • Nasal crusting
  • Vague facial pressure
  • Decreased sense of smell and taste

On the whole, sinusitis symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment will be the same for the elderly as with any other adult population. However, there are special considerations for older folks.

Medications for geriatric sinusitis

Treatment for the elderly requires a more individualized approach as older patient's tend to have a slower metabolism with the increasing potential for side effects. The vast majority of the nation's elderly have chronic diseases which results in these patients taking multiple prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter medications which places them at higher risk for drug interactions.

Due to the need for sensitivity to the elderly, a treatment referred to as Aerosol Therapy by Sinus Dynamics would be the best course of action. Sinus Dynamics is the only company that provides such a treatment for sinus infections. Sinus infections are treated with the use of custom compounded antibiotics, anti-fungals, and anti-inflammatories delivered intranasally, topically depositing medication into the sinus cavities with a state of the art nebulizer. Sinus Dynamic's nebulizer emits a fine medicated mist with 1.0 to 3.2 micron sized particle that can easily travel up into the inflamed sinus cavities and make contact with the infection. Sinus Dynamics provides a comprehensive approach to sinus infections through aerosol therapy which also includes doctor referrals, handling insurance and billing, as well as shipping medication to each patient's home within 24-48 hrs. In addition, a topical treatment also ensures little to no side effect as well as a low systemic absorption rate. Sinus Dynamics sinus therapy is highly effective, easy to use, and with a 98% success rate in the treatment of patients who are suffering with sinusitis infections. Call Sinus Dynamics (877) 447-4276 if you are saying, "I have sinusitis" and you would like a safe treatment for your sinus infection.


 
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