Ann-Britt's story
Sever headache, ache in cheek and teeth, fever and tiredness- all are symptoms of sinus infection. To Ann-Britt the symptoms are familiar; she has chronic sinusitis and for the past years she has had to irrigate her sinuses several times each year.
Already as a child Ann-Britt had very severe colds but it was not until five years ago that she started experiencing painful sinus infections. She was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis.
Ann-Britt has worked with sales for the last 20 years, before that she was a nurse. During periods of sinusitis she hasn’t been able to go to work due to pain and fever.
- I remember one year when it was especially tough; I was on penicillin eleven times that year and had to irrigate the sinuses on at least five different occasions.
Development of allergy hasn’t helped her sinuses either.
- I always get a congested nose after I have been on a plane, slept in a hotel room with fitted carpets, and when people around me use perfume.
Irrigation with SinoJect
To alleviate these symptoms she uses cortisone spray twice a day. When irrigation is needed Ann-Britt gets treated with SinoJect, a device for puncture and irrigation of the maxillary sinus. Before trying SinoJect she had puncture made with the old method using a trocar.
- The trocar with its metal end left the nose area very sore, but I feel no such pain with SinoJect, Ann-Britt explains.
With SinoJect’s puncture instrument, a staytube catheter is inserted into the sinus wall. Irrigation is then performed, using a lavage tube. The risk of penetrating too deeply into the sinus is minimized due to the precise and controlled movement of the penetration rod, which is injected to a depth of only 1 cm. As the staytube catheter application is performed quickly, the discomfort for the patient is highly reduced.
- For me the only unpleasant part is the local anesthesia, you don’t feel the actual puncture at all, says Ann-Britt. The catheters that are left in your nose are both discreet and comfortable. You can even blow your nose.
A sense of relief
For Ann -Britt the fact that the catheter can be left in the nose has been valuable since she often needs more than one irrigation and then the puncture process does not need to be repeated.
- When my sinuses are infected I feel a tremendous pressure to my head and it is a great feeling when the pressure loses its grip. It is like a huge weight being lifted from my head!
Note: SínoJect is not for sale in the US
Disclaimer: This story relates to how one individual has experienced the use of the product; not every person will get the same results. The opinions expressed are the personal opinions of that individual. Atos Medical AB does not suggest, imply or make any claims other than those detailed in the product manual. For further product information please see the manual or consult your physician.