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