Managing Chronic Sinus Symptoms? There’s an App for That

If you struggle with sinus issues, you know that finding lasting relief for symptoms can be difficult. Chronic sinusitis is one of the most common health problems in the U.S., affecting one in 10 adults. Traditional treatments can help, but recent advances in sinus care technology are making sinus treatment more effective.

“Sinus problems, such as chronic sinusitis, can impact patients throughout their lifetime,” says Brian D’Anza, MD, FACS, an otolaryngologist-rhinologist and Digital Health System Medical Director at University Hospitals. “There are some exciting advances in sinus care that can help people take a more active role in their sinus health and find relief from symptoms.”

Expanding Sinus Care Beyond the Office

The most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis are nasal blockage, nasal drainage and post-nasal drip. All three are associated with chronic inflammation in a patient’s nose, sinuses or both, says Dr. D’Anza.

He regularly recommends traditional treatments like nasal irrigation and long-acting nasal sprays (including steroid sprays and antihistamine sprays). New technology can play a valuable role in managing sinus symptoms. Sinus health apps and other devices can help doctors tailor medications like nasal sprays or oral medications in between visits.

“This technology helps expand care beyond the doctor’s office to the home,” says D’Anza. “Using these tools can help patients and their provider better understand how symptoms are progressing or changing in between office visits.”

4 Types of Sinus Technology

D’Anza says he’s seen good results after recommending certain apps to help his patients stick with their treatment regimens and take their prescribed sinus sprays and oral medications as directed. “Some of these have been very useful in helping patients improve their symptoms over time,” he says.

Here are four kinds of tools that can help manage sinus symptoms:

1. Symptom tracking apps can help patients stay on top of their sinus care by providing sinus education and enabling them to track symptoms and triggers. D’Anza has often recommends symptom trackers to patients who want to identify environmental or behavioral triggers that may be causing their sinus problems.
2. Automated nasal irrigation systems can be especially helpful for patients. “Nasal irrigation systems with or without automation have good scientific evidence to reduce the amount of dust, germs and irritants in the nose,” says D’Anza.
3. Nasal irrigation systems with medications in them (such as steroids) have been shown to benefit patients with chronic sinusitis who’ve had endoscopic sinus surgery (a procedure that removes blockages from the sinuses), which may be used to address severe sinus problems.
4. Vibration technology is a more recent innovation that uses sound or pressure waves to reduce congestion in the nose. Although further research is needed to confirm the findings, some small studies suggest that vibration technology used in patients with chronic sinusitis can improve congestion and symptoms.

A Complement to Care

There are many nasal devices on the market, including apps that may not offer much benefit, says D’Anza. Before investing in any health device or digital tool, he suggests talking with a trusted healthcare provider. “It’s always best to get guidance from a medical professional before making any health-related purchases, especially large ones,” he says. “Be especially leery of purchasing any app connected to a device that’s delivering anything beyond sterile saline or medicines directed by your doctor into the nose.”

You’ll also get a lot more out of any health technology if you combine it with regular visits to your doctor. “If you have a primary care or ENT doctor who likes to follow your sinus symptoms, then it would be wise to contact their office to see if they’d like to get connected to your device,” says Dr. D’Anza.

Sinus Treatment Risks

“There are risks with just about any treatment, and sinus health is no different,” says D’Anza. Some risks to consider are:

• Overuse: The main risks are with short-acting nasal decongestants, such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine, which are meant to provide temporary relief of congestion. “These medications should only be used for short periods of time—three days or less,” says D’Anza. “Long-term use can get the nose addicted to these medications.”
• Minor side effects: D’Anza says that steroid nasal sprays, like Flonase and azelastine, are a better choice for chronic sinus symptoms than for symptoms likely to only last a few days, since they take a period of time to start working. Long-acting nasal sprays can increase your risk of minor side effects, such as nasal stinging, swelling or itchiness, dryness or irritation in your throat or an off-taste in your mouth.
• Contamination of nasal irrigation devices: Saline rinses are beneficial in most circumstances, but D’Anza says to make sure the water you’re using in the rinse is sterile (distilled is best), and keep the irrigation container clean, dry and free of contaminants. Don’t store your saline rinse container in the bathroom, since it can get contaminated by bacteria, especially if it’s anywhere near a toilet.

Related Links

University Hospitals has a team of ear, nose and throat specialists with the expertise to diagnose and treat sinus problems. They can also recommend sinus health apps and devices to help manage your sinus care.