Richmond Leader

Dr. John Ditto, a physician at Richmond Breathe Free, said that sinusitis can lead to inflammation in the nose, potentially causing eustachian tube swelling, fluid buildup, and ear infections. He shared this information in an Instagram post on December 27, 2024.

"sinusitis can cause inflammation in the nose, which then can cause swelling at the eustachian tube," said Ditto, Doctor, according to Instagram. "If that becomes blocked, fluid can build up behind the eardrum. Bacteria trapped in that fluid can become an infection."

The American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that approximately 30% of upper respiratory tract infections result in acute otitis media, a common middle ear infection. This condition arises when inflammation from the infection causes swelling and blockage of the eustachian tube, preventing proper drainage and allowing fluid to accumulate behind the eardrum. The trapped fluid fosters an environment conducive to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infection.

According to Chen et al., eustachian tube dysfunction is observed in about 50% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. When blocked or inflamed, the eustachian tube prevents air pressure from equalizing in the middle ear and disrupts normal fluid drainage. This dysfunction raises the likelihood of persistent ear infections, hearing issues, and discomfort due to trapped fluid behind the eardrum.

Sainio et al. report that clinical studies have shown balloon sinuplasty has a technical success rate of 93.6%, with 88.5% of patients experiencing long-term benefits post-procedure. This minimally invasive technique effectively alleviates chronic sinusitis symptoms, leading to significant improvements in patients' quality of life.

Dr. Ditto is a board-certified otolaryngologist and a fellow of both the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship in otology at the University of Michigan. Currently practicing in Richmond, Virginia, Ditto specializes in minimally invasive treatments for sinus and allergy conditions, including balloon sinuplasty. He has been recognized multiple times as a Richmond Top Doctor by Richmond Breathe Free.

Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers is a specialized medical practice located in Glen Allen, Virginia. It focuses on minimally invasive treatments for chronic sinus and allergy conditions under Dr. Ditto's leadership. The center offers advanced procedures such as balloon sinuplasty and image-guided sinus surgery to help patients achieve long-term relief with minimal downtime.