Nothing to Sniff At

Chronic sinusitis--persistent or repeated episodes of inflammation of the sinuses--affects millions in the U.S. The result of the ailment is impaired airflow into the sinuses and inadequate drainage of mucus produced by the sinus lining. Allergy, and infection by virus, bacterium or fungus are the culprits behind the inflammation.

Here are some other facts about chronic sinusitis (the most recent year for particular figures are in parentheses):

* Number of cases reported: 34.9 million (1994).

* Number of doctor visits: 11.9 million (1995).

* Number of hospital outpatient visits: 939,000 (1995).

* Number of emergency department visits: 645,000 (1995).

Sources: Johns Hopkins Family Health Book (HarperCollins, 1999), National Center for Health Statistics