Sleep issues are far more common than people realize, affecting millions of people every year. For those with sinus problems, the issue is even worse. Not only does the stuffiness and drip keep you awake, you suffer from pain and pressure on top of the lack of sleep. This leads to poor focus and attention, difficulty concentrating, mood swings and can even lead to serious health problems down the line. Now, however, an option for treating these sinus problems can lead to a better life. Learn how endoscopic sinus surgery can improve your sleep patterns and improve your overall quality of life.
Chronic rhinosinusitis is a condition wherein the sinus passages become inflamed and close up, causing mucus to build up and infection to develop. People with this illness often get little relief from over-the-counter medications and experience a number of difficulties including problems sleeping. This reduces their overall quality of life.
This common disorder results in patients having problems breathing throughout the night due to obstructions in their airways. Such difficulties result in interrupted sleep patterns that create issues with focus, concentration and mood during the day. OSA is believed to be connected to chronic sinus problems, but the exact connection is unclear. What is clear is that treating the sinus problems often improves the issues with sleep apnea.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is an option that is available to such patients which can provide exceptional relief from chronic sinusitis symptoms as well as reducing the need for antibiotics to treat infections arising from the condition.
Endoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, requiring only a small incision and the use of endoscopic cameras to perform repairs to the sinuses. This results not only in relief from symptoms, but a greatly reduced recovery period. Patients who receive this procedure can get back on with their life much faster than with traditional surgery, and with fewer incidents of complications.
In a recent study, more than 700 patients were surveyed to see what effects the surgery would have on their life and sleep quality. More than 500 patients completed the study and overwhelmingly showed marked improvement in their overall sleep cycles and quality of life. In addition, there was significantly less need for antibiotics among patients who had the procedure. In fact, the reduction in antibiotic requirement was a whopping 60 percent.
Those who suffer from chronic sinusitis and find that they are having difficulties during the day with tiredness, crankiness, difficulty concentrating or other mood and focus-related issues should be tested for sleep apnea. A qualified ENT doctor can set up an appointment at a clinic to have the test done, and can offer options including endoscopic sinus surgery that can help to improve overall quality of life. If you are suffering from sleep apnea, chronic sinusitis or both and are in the Atlanta area, we can help. Give us a call for an evaluation and treatment options today.
