The Sinus Treatment Considerations for Elderly People
In 2030, over 20% of U.S. residents will be 65 or older. 14.1% of all Americans 65 and older say that they suffer from chronic sinusitis; the figure falls to 13.5% for those 75 years and older. Sinus specialists recommend careful treatment for the elderly people for the sinusitis.
Complaints about Geriatric Rhinitis Are:
Continuous need to clear the throat
A perception of nasal blockage
Crusting of the Nasal
Facial strain unclear
Decreased sense of taste and smell
The signs, diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis are for the most part, the same for the elderly as for other adult age groups. For older Americans, though, there are special considerations.
Changing Physiology: The physiology and function of the nose changes with ageing. The nose lengthens, and due to weakness of the supportive cartilage, the nasal tip begins to droop. In turn, this causes nasal airflow to be limited, particularly in the nasal valve area. Contraction in this region results in a nasal obstruction complaint, also referred to as geriatric rhinitis.
Geriatric rhinitis patients usually complain of continuous "sinus drainage," a chronic need to clear the mucus of the throat or "hawk," and a sensation of nasal congestion, most frequently while lying down. Other characteristics include nasal crusting, especially in the winter and in patients receiving diuretics, and a diminished sense of smell and taste.
However, blaming all upper respiratory conditions on the ageing process is a mistake. Allergic rhinitis can be present in older patients with symptoms such as frequent sneezing and watery eyes and nasal congestion with a strong profuse watery runny nose, and smooth, pale turbinates. Consultation with a sinus specialist will help patients with this diagnosis.
There will be a long history of dense drainage for patients with chronic sinusitis that is frequently foul smelling and tasting and is associated with nasal congestion, headaches, and facial strain. There is typically pus drainage in these patients. Conversely, a patient with geriatric rhinitis typically has a dry and irritated nose. The diagnosis of chronic sinusitis can be confirmed with a computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the sinuses.
What is it, sinusitis or rhinosinusitis? Otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons have concluded in recent research that sinusitis is often accompanied by rhinitis and rarely happens without concomitant rhinitis. In both disorders, the signs, nasal obstruction/discharge and smell loss, occur. Rhinosinusitis-related signs include nasal obstruction, nasal inflammation, nasal discharge and purulence, postnasal drip, pressure in face and discomfort, odor changes, cough, fever, halitosis, tiredness, dental pain, pharyngitis, otological symptoms (e.g. fullness of the ear and clicks), and headache. Patients with suspected persistent sinusitis that are not drug-responsive should be referred to an otolaryngologist.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a major health issue that affects approximately 24 million Americans in the United States, 15 to 20 million of whom are women over the age of 45. A nasal calcitonin spray is reccomended to avoid bone loss because of concerns about excessive estrogen use in postmenopausal women. A runny nose is the most common side effect that has been recorded with nasal calcitonin spray. The nasal layer, dryness, redness, inflammation, sinusitis, nosebleeds, and headache are other signs that can occur. Using a nasal calcitonin spray, sinusitis sufferers may notify their physicians.
Medications for geriatric rhinitis: In order to accommodate the sluggish metabolism of the patient and the growing potential for side effects, care for this age group needs to be more individualized. Much of the nation's elderly (80 to 85 percent) have chronic illnesses and take multiple drugs, including over-the-counter medications, putting them at greater risk than other patients for drug reactions.
Surgery for geriatric rhinitis: Sometimes, nasal and sinus surgery is prescribed for older patients. For examination and potential surgical management, patients with anatomical anomalies such as a deviated septum or nasal valve failure causing serious nasal symptoms should be referred to an otolaryngologist.
At OKOA see us for sinusitis specialist in OKC. We treat people for allergy, ENT issues and more.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.