Of course this is an adult problem as well, and the treatment can help them, too.
Decongestants don't always do the trick and surgery is a lot for children to go through, but this new treatment is a little easier on them.
The procedure is called sinuplasty. It kind of does for the sinuses what a balloon angioplasty is designed to do for the vessels around the heart.
From batting, to catching, to throwing. Nathan Maggi knows what it will take to get into the majors. "Practice a lot. Just do it every day, constantly."
His dream has become a family affair with his dad taking the lead.
"He's taught me everything, all the basics," Nathan said.
But like all families, when Nathan was having a hard time breathing, they let him know. "They called me Darth Vader."
"He was like Darth Vader to us. He had the heavy breathing," Nathan's mother, Gail Maggi, said.
"It was breathe, breath, breath," his father, Brandon Maggi, said.
Nathan was suffering from sinusitis. His nasal passages were blocked.
"We have very few options in children," Dr. Hamed Sajjadi said.
Traditionally, antibiotics and nasal sprays would give some relief. Surgery is painful and recovery is long. A just-released study shows a safe option for pediatric patients is balloon sinuplasty. A catheter is delivered to blocked passages and a balloon at the end is inflated to open the area.
"We don't have to create a new opening. We don't drill any holes. No tissue is removed," Sajjadi explained.
Nathan was back at bat within 24 hours. "It made it a lot easier."
"It's been a huge, noticeable difference," Brandon said.
"Darth Vader. Hopefully, that's gone now," said Sajjadi.
Nathan and his family now can concentrate on his game.
The balloon sinuplasty is said to be nearly risk-free and can be done on patients as young at two years old.
SINUSITIS AND CHILDREN: Sinusitis is a condition that is described as having inflammation of one or more of the sinuses that drains into the nose; leaving the sinus infected or inflamed. Everyone has four sets of sinuses, and in children, the ethmoid sinuses, which are located just where the eyebrow meets with the cheekbone, are most commonly affected. The sinuses make up the holler air space within the bones surrounding the nose. The sinuses produce mucus that drains to into the nose, and when the nose is swollen, it blocks the sinuses from draining and thus causes pain and infection. Sinusitis can last for less than a month or can be chronic and last much longer. Sinusitis often starts as a cold but then turns into a bacterial infection. Allergies, pollutants, certain diseases and nasal problems can cause sinusitis. Symptoms include fever, congestion, cough, fatigue, yellow or green nasal drainage, headache, sneezing attacks and body weakness. (Source: American Rhinologic Society)
TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS FOR SINUSITIS: Antibiotics are the primary medication for the treatment of acute sinusitis. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, antibiotics are recommended to control the bacterial infections. Pain relievers may be taken to reduce pain, and decongestants are also recommended to reduce congestions. For chronic sinusitis, medicine and surgery are two options. Nasal steroids (sprays) are helpful for people but do not offer full relief. Antibiotics are recommended and a saline wash or spray may remove thick secretions and allow the sinus to drain. An oral steroid is another medication but is only used for severe chronic sinusitis and has significant side effects. The last resort when medicine fails is surgery. Surgery is usually done through the nose and enlarges the natural opening of the sinuses, removes polyps and corrects structural problems inside the nose. (Source: National Institutes of Health)
BALLOON SINUPLASTY FOR KIDS: Balloon sinuplasty is another option for people diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and who are not responding well to antibiotics. Balloon Sinuplasty is an endoscopic, catheter-based system. The system uses a small, flexible sinus balloon catheter to open up blocked passageways by inflating the balloon and restructuring and widening the walls of the sinus passageway. There is minimal bleeding, and within 24 hours, patients can return to normal activities. Balloon Sinuplasty has been approved by the FDA, and clinical research has indicated that it is a safe and effective instrument in dilating blocked sinuses. (Source: Acclarent)
More information:
Acclarent, Inc.
Menlo Park, CA
(877) 775-2789
http://acclarent.com
