Sinusitis Patients Suffer Pain Similar To Patients With Arthritis, Depression

Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat
Also Included In: Body Aches;  Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 23 Sep 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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Although muscle and joint aches are common complaints for patients who suffer with chronic sinusitis, the seriousness of these issues is now better appreciated. In a paper presented at the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Chicago, researchers revealed that the level of bodily pain in patients with chronic sinusitis is similar to that noted by individuals 65 years and older, and similar to the pain of patients with arthritis or depression. Sinus surgery, however, offers significant help.

In the first review of its kind, researchers performed a meta-analysis of 11 studies to statistically analyze the connection between generalized bodily pain, sinus problems, and surgery to relieve clogged sinuses. They found that the daily experience of pain affecting the body in general was much more common in patients with sinus disease than in the overall population.

The patients' average age was 43, however, bodily pain levels were greater than those of 65-year-olds in the general population and similar to people over 75. Furthermore, the pain severity in sinus patients was also similar to patients with osteoarthritis or depression.

After surgery, all patients showed improvement. The improvement is estimated by the authors to be similar to that noted with the more well-known sinus symptoms such as facial pressure, postnasal drip, headache, etc.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Title: Effect of Sinus Surgery on Bodily Pain: A Meta-analysis
Presenters: Alexander C. Chester, MD; Raj Sindwani, MD, FRCS; Timothy L. Smith, MD, MPH; Neil Bhattacharyya MD
Date: September 22

About the AAO-HNS

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org/), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."

Source: Jessica Mikulski
American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery