Research Yields Clues to Severe Form of Sinusitis
MONDAY, Nov. 23 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. researchers say they've identified a protein that causes nasal and sinus polyps in 15 percent to 30 percent of people with chronic sinusitis.
The condition is one of the most serious forms of sinusitis, a constant irritation and swelling of the nasal passages. Polyps - unhealthy overgrowths of sinus tissue -- can block the sinus passages and make it difficult or impossible to breathe through the nose. This often leads to pain, swelling and infections.
"This type of sinusitis isn't subtle -- you can spot the patients with polyps across the room. They're breathing through their mouths, they talk with nasal voices, they're constantly sniffling, and their faces are swollen," Dr. Jean Kim, an assistant professor in the departments of otolaryngology and allergy and clinical immunology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said in a news release.
Kim and colleagues analyzed sinus tissue from patients and concluded that a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -- which is known to stimulate blood vessel growth -- causes the cell overgrowth that causes the polyps.
The protein may offer a target for new treatments for the condition, which typically resists all current therapies. Surgery is a common treatment but the polyps nearly always regrow. Oral steroids only temporarily treat the problem and have a number of harmful side effects.
"In the future, we might have a nasal spray with an anti-VEGF agent in it," Kim said.
The study appears in the Dec. 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Add A New Comment
Add A New Comment1 Comments
Really good post. Sinus infections (especially chronic ones) are no fun at all and can definitely lead to other issues (not to mention pretty much take over your life).
Dealing w/ chronic sinusitis is another story. Sinus surgery has long been the only option when all else fails. However there are now some other ways to turn. Balloon sinuplasty is gaining traction – lots of info out there.
Anyway. Knowledge is power – do your homework and talk to your doctor. Find the solution that fits your condition best.
Take care.