WELLNESS
A flexible balloon catheter gently opens a blocked sinus passageway.
With BSP, otolaryngologists open inflamed sinuses in
MINIMALLY INVASIVE BAL
much the same way that heart surgeons open blocked
N SINUPLAST,'
NEW PROCEDURE PROVIDES SINUSITIS RELIEF
SAMER BAHU, MD
arteries with balloon angioplasty. In BSP, the physician
uses a small, flexible balloon catheter. The catheter is
inserted through the nostril and into the blocked sinus
Did you know that sinusitis, an
Until recently, sinus patients had three options for
passageway, where it is slowly inflated.The balloon gen-
infection causing inflammation and
relief: steroid nasal sprays, antibiotic medications and
tly opens the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus
swelling of the tissue lining the si-
traditional sinus surgery that removes bone and tissue
drainage and function.
nuses that prevents normal mucus
to enlarge the sinus opening. Nasal sprays and medica-
drainage, is one of the most com-
tions alleviate symptoms for some patients, but these
"Balloon sinuplasty allows physicians to treat sinusitis
mon chronic health problems in
treatments are inadequate for at least a quarter of sinus-
entirely through the nostrils, without the tissue or bone
the United States?
itis sufferers. Traditional therapy is associated with pain
and scarring.
"Patients generally go home the same day and are able
About 37 million Americans expe-
removal of conventional sinus surgery," says Dr. Bahu.
to quickly return to normal activity." He adds that the
rience this infection each year. The condition, which is also
Today there is a minimally invasive technique that is
known as a sinus attack, significantly affects physical, functional
helping to provide relief, says Samer Bahu, MD, an oto-
and emotional quality of life. Symptoms of sinusitis include
laryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) at St. Joseph
facial pain; tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks,.
Mercy Oakland (SJMO).
procedure is safe and more than 150,000 patients have
undergone it.
Additional advantages to patients are reduced bleeding
and less post-procedure discomfort.
nose and forehead; sinus pressure; difficulty breathing through
the nose; sinus headache; yellow or green mucus from the
"Balloon sinuplasty (BSP) is a safe and effective pro-
nose; and fatigue.The condition may be acute (lasting four
cedure for chronic sinusitis patients who are not re-
For referral to a St. Joe otolaryngologist who performs
weeks or less), chronic (lasting 4 to I 2 weeks) or recurrent
sponding well to medications and want relief from
balloon sinuplasty, call the physician referral line at
(returning several times over the year).
uncomfortable and painful symptoms," says Dr. Bahu.
800-372-6094.
GETTING YOUR SLEEP
BACK ON TRACK
Medical Director of Respiratory Services and the Sleep
patients are monitored using state-of-the-art equipment.
Disorders Center at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland (SJMO).
After determining the diagnosis, the sleep physician will
"This hectic lifestyle leaves little time for relaxation and
work with your referring doctor to provide the appropri-
minimizes the amount of sleep we do get, which then
ate treatment plan which may include medication, changes
leads to a compromise of our productivity, efficiency and
enjoyment of life."
a simple nasal mask to improve breathing during sleep.
BACKGROUND When children
are young, parents instill in them
in daily habits or work schedule, weight loss, surgery, or
good sleep habits and a sleep
DANIEL SAK, DO
routine to encourage healthy
SYMPTOMS Although you may put off going to sleep in
For a referral to a St. Joe sleep specialist, please call
habits and a path to a productive
order to squeeze more activities in your day, eventually
800-372-6094.
life. But as we progress through
your need for sleep becomes overwhelming. How do you
adulthood with the added re-
know when you have a sleep disorder? A sleep disorder is
sponsibilities that life brings, our
any condition that interrupts normalsleep-awake patterns
priorities shift and the onset of
and can occur in men, women and children of all ages.
a stressful lifestyle begins. The time devoted to getting a
good night's sleep for many becomes less of a priority and
Common sleep disorder symptoms are:
is sacrificed for the increased demands of school, work and
social activities.This creates the delusion that our bodies
• Excessive snoring
• Gasping for breath while sleeping
can perform with less rest and sleep as we get older.
• Restless legs
• Inability to accomplish sleep at normal times
According to recent statistics, chronic sleep debt or sleep
disorders may affect as many as 70 million Americans.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after nine hours
of sleep
Despite knowing that adequate sleep, like adequate nutri-
tion and physical activity, is vital to our overall well-being,
TREATMENT The lack of sleep can contribute to other
people are sleeping less.
medical problems, and it is best to have the reason diag-
nosed properly and treated. The Sleep Disorders Center at
"The around-the-clock pace of our environment today
St. Joe can help you do that. After a comprehensive sleep/
and increased demands on our time lead to longer work
wake evaluation, including a history and physical exam, a
hours or nighttime hours and more access to a variety of
sleep specialist will determine if a sleep study is neces-
entertainment and other activities," says Daniel Sak, DO,
sary.The study usually involves a stay at the center, where
FALL 2012
6
MICHIGAN MEDICAL REPORT