Nasal & Sinus Disorders

Medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the nose and sinuses.

Sinus Infections

The sinuses are the hollow areas in the bones of the skull that are lined with the same tissue that lines the nose, throat and air passages in the lung. These sinuses produce mucus, which captures dust and debris, and clears it from the nose. A healthy sinus must have continuous drainage of the mucus. When the lining of the nose becomes swollen, the pathways of mucus drainage can become blocked and can fill with fluid. This creates a sensation of pressure in the face and blockage in the nose. Depending on the history and the physical exam, the physician may find that bacteria are growing in the fluid and may require antibiotics in addition to other treatments.

Nasal Obstruction

Patients often come to us for relief of the blockage in the nose. Nasal obstruction can be related to a crooked septum (deviated septum), swollen tissues in the nose, polyps or other growths, or narrowing and collapse of the side of the walls of the nose. To effectively improve nasal breathing the physician must analyze each of these factors to determine the best course of action. Medical treatment such as decongestants, antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays may be effective for shrinking swelling of the tissue inside the nose. Surgical correction of a crooked septum, collapsing nose, or removal of growths may be required when these factors are significant.

Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

When a patient is not sufficiently improved after thorough medical treatment, sinus surgery may be considered. The philosophy of minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery is to remove the least amount of tissue possible to facilitate normal, healthy sinus drainage. A tiny periscope is used to navigate the sinuses and provide the surgeon with an enlarged, up-close view of the anatomy to facilitate effective surgery. This may be combined with computer guided imaging during surgery.

Balloon Sinuplasty

One of the more recent advances in sinus surgery is balloon sinuplasty. This technique allows the surgeon to widen the natural pathways of sinus drainage while disturbing the minimal amount of nasal tissue. The applicability of this technique is dependent on the individual patient, and the physicians at Otosurgical will consider this treatment option for the appropriate patient.

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