Researchers recommended that otolaryngologists might empirically treat selected patients with sinus headaches as if these patients actually had migraines, following study results illustrating that the use of triptans brought relief to more than 80% of these individuals.
Of the more than 13,000 health care providers who are members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, exactly three of them officially practice holistic otolaryngology as members of the American Holistic Medical Association, which itself is only about 1,000 members strong and just now entering its 30th year.
Affecting more than 30 million Americans, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been a frustrating disease with no long-lasting results from traditional steroidal and antibiotic treatment, or from surgery. With both clinicians and patients desperate for a solution, it is not surprising that hope-and controversy-has arisen over a potential new therapy.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is an approach commonly used by otolaryngologists–head and neck surgeons, but for what indications is it the best technique to use—and how has its use evolved over the years?
Doctors should consider extending the course of antibiotics in patients with chronic sinusitis before giving up on conservative medical therapy and going forward to surgery, according to research presented here at the meeting of the Southern Section of the Triological Society.
A new, minimally invasive technology known as balloon sinuplasty can safely and successfully dilate blocked sinus ostia in select patients with chronic sinusitis, according to early observations in a small number of patients.