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Ayesha Khalid, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist, performs balloon catheter dilation, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that opens up the sinuses and reestablishes normal airflow. New procedure OPENS UP the sinuses Tiny balloon reestablishes airflow in those with chronic sinus infections Our sinuses are supposed to be filled with air. But when they become blocked with fluid, the result can be a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis. For some people, the condition appears at the end of a cold or the flu; for others, it is due to an allergy. When it keeps happening over time, it is called recurrent acute sinusitis. “That is the term we now use when someone has three or more sinus infections in a year,” explains Ayesha Khalid, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Emerson Hospital. “Inflammation is the problem. Whether the sinus infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, polyps or anatomy — such as a deviated septum — they all have inflammation in common.” Symptoms of sinusitis include generalized facial pain, pressure around the eyes, pain in the upper teeth and thick drainage through the nose and down the back of the throat. “Too often, antibiotics are prescribed but are only effective for bacterial infections,” notes Dr. Khalid, adding that there is no way to determine if the infection is caused by bacteria. “I’ve seen patients who have been on antibiotics for as long as a month with no improvement, which doesn’t make sense.” A recent study confirmed that antibiotic treatment is largely ineffective for sinus infections. Another concern, notes Dr. Khalid, is what can happen when chronic inflammation goes on un- 8 treated. “In some individuals, it can lead to asthma and bronchitis,” she says. So what is someone with recurrent acute sinusitis to do? Dr. Khalid performs a minimally invasive surgical procedure called balloon catheter dilation that debuted about three years ago. “With this procedure, we use a balloon to carefully open up the sinuses and reestablish normal airflow,” she says. “Once the sinuses are open, mucus can be effectively cleared before an infection occurs.” It is the first sinus surgery that does not remove tissue and can be likened to angioplasty, which uses a balloon to clear blockages in coronary arteries. Data show that symptom improvement may last for two years. Carlisle student finally finds relief Hillary Cook, a 20-year-old Carlisle resident, had balloon catheter dilation in December 2011, after a year of almost non-stop sinus infections. “I got sick with walking pneumonia and never fully recovered,” she says. “I had a total of eight sinus infections with a low-grade fever, even in the summer, despite taking round after round of antibiotics.” Ms. Cook was highly motivated to get better: during her year off from college, she planned to spend four months in Cambodia, beginning in February 2012, working with a Catholic charity. If she wasn’t healthy, she couldn’t go. “Dr. Stephen Jenkins, my Healthy again: after having balloon catheter dilation, Hillary Cook of Carlisle was able to proceed with her plan to work in Cambodia this past winter. pediatrician, recommended that I see Dr. Khalid, who described the procedure to me. I wasn’t expecting to have surgery, but she explained everything, including that Emerson has state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Khalid has a great manner and immediately put me at ease. I decided to proceed.” Dr. Khalid performed balloon catheter dilation, which requires no hospital stay, as well as septuplasty to remove cartilage and bone that were further impeding airflow. Ms. Cook spent a couple of days recovering and waited for the results. “Within a week, I felt fantastic,” she says, “and I have remained healthy and full of energy. I had no idea > Continued on page 18
health & wellness classes Visit www.emersonhealthyliving.org to register online. Call 978-287-3777 to register or for more information. Some classes are ongoing; you can join in at any time. Classes are located at Emerson Hospital’s new Integrative Health & Wellness Center, 310 Baker Ave Ext, Concord (unless otherwise noted). PREPARE FOR SURGERY, HEAL FASTER WORKSHOP Prepare for an upcoming surgical or medical procedure: feel calmer, have less pain and fewer complications and recover sooner. Please call to arrange a convenient, private workshop. $95 includes book/relaxation CD One surgery companion may attend for free. YOGA & MEDITATION Reduce stress and tension, improve flexibility and strength and learn breathing techniques for emotional balance. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat and a sturdy blanket. Not for expectant mothers. Taught by Pam Vlahakis, registered yoga teacher. $98 for a seven-week session beginning May 7; classes are Monday 5:30-6:45 pm. Classes are ongoing; you can join in at any time. GENTLE YOGA For beginners and experienced practitioners who wish to review postures with a beginner’s mind. Stretch and tone muscles, release chronic tension and improve balance and flexibility. Bring a yoga mat. Not suitable for expectant mothers. Taught by Nancy Dorenfeld, RYT, Kripalucertified instructor. $98 for each seven-week session beginning June 15; classes are Friday, 9:30-10:45 am NEW! LUNCH BREAK YOGA for afternoon energy and focus De-stress from your workday and tap into your inner energy and serenity. Experience the union of breath and movement, strength and balance through a series of postures. All levels are welcome. Bring a yoga mat. Taught by Nancy Wolfe, Kripalu-certified instructor. $60 for a six-week session beginning June 6; classes are Thursday, 12:00-1:00 pm PRENATAL YOGA for a healthier pregnancy Mixed-level yoga class teaches postural strengthening, safe stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle and signed permission form from your obstetrician or midwife. No previous yoga experience required. Led by Michele O’Toole, RN, certified prenatal yoga instructor. $85 for a six-week session beginning: Monday, May 7, or July 9, 7:00-8:30 pm or NEW! Thursday, beginning May 10, or June 28, 5:30-7:00 pm Classes continued on next page
Page 1 and 2: SPRING 2012 healthworks magazine Ti
Page 3 and 4: diagnosis - and successful pediatri
Page 5 and 6: collaboration with the mass general
Page 7: “The facility is great, the equip
Page 11 and 12: Visit www.emersonhealthyliving.org
Page 13 and 14: LIVING WELL WITH FIBROMYALGIA NEW!
Page 15 and 16: Donating blood: Donating blood is a
Page 17 and 18: ‘‘ karen hamlin IN MY OWN VOICE
Page 19 and 20: emerson hospital Support Groups & S

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