Snif

The Medical Herald
Docs Face Up To It: We're all connected

inus and nasal disease, asthma and allergies are a global problem. Over 70 million children and adults suffer from these diseases in the United States alone. The National Center for Health Statistics has confirmed that sinus disease, asthma and allergies are steadily growing we are witnessing the emergence of the world’s first environmental epidemic, chronic sinusitis. As sinusitis remains America’s most common chronic or incurable ailment, asthma and allergies are among the top ten most common chronic diseases. There is no doubt that environmental factors play a major role in the prevalence of these conditions.

hile sinusitis, allergies and asthma are rarely life threatening, they often dramatically impact the quality of life and productivity of those affected. These diseases are treated by many different types of physicians. Yet despite the widespread of occurrence of these conditions and the vast impact on the lives of those affected, there is no organized group with a combined expertise. Compounding the problem, as cuts are made in medical funding, research money to study these problems is becoming more limited.

FINALLY A PATIENT ADVOCACY GROUP HAS BEEN FORMED-THE SINUS AND NASAL INTERNATIONL FOUNDATION, S.N.I.F.- WITH THE PATIENT IN MIND AND WITH THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES:

To Provide information to patients and the public about sinus disease, asthma and allergies.

Form regional support groups for patients to improve their understanding of these conditions.

To form a patient advocacy group for interaction with health maintenance organizations, insurance carriers, corporations and other groups.

To raise research funds and promote research in the areas of sinus disease, asthma, allergies and the environmental factors affecting these conditions.

Create a central point for doctors and health care providers to become more effective in the care of patients and share information on the future research.

Establish a series of interdisciplinary conferences and symposia on sinus disease, asthma and allergies for the exchange of the latest scientific data and research.