16 Dec How ENT Specialists Treat Sinus Issues
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists focus on the head and neck, and they diagnose and manage disorders that affect breathing, hearing, and swallowing. When you visit an ENT, they examine your sinuses to find the root cause of your discomfort. Because sinus issues vary significantly among patients, doctors adjust treatments based on specific medical needs. Here is more information about how ENTs treat sinus issues:
Spray Medication
Many treatment plans begin with non-invasive pharmaceutical options. Doctors prescribe nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation within the nasal passages, or they might recommend saline sprays. If a bacterial infection occurs, your specialist may prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Decongestants help clear blocked passageways, and antihistamines manage underlying allergy symptoms. You take these medications orally or apply them directly inside the nose. While over-the-counter options exist, a doctor recommends the most effective choice for your condition.
Polyp Removal
Nasal polyps are soft growths that line the nose or sinuses. These noncancerous growths block airflow, and doctors may suggest surgical removal to restore normal breathing patterns. While small polyps may shrink with medication, larger ones typically require a more direct intervention.
The procedure to remove these growths is called a polypectomy. An ENT uses a small instrument to operate, and they carefully remove the polyp tissue. Once the obstruction is gone, air may flow more freely through the nasal cavity.
Surgeons typically perform this procedure using an endoscope. This small tube with a camera allows the doctor to see inside your nose clearly, and it makes this procedure possible. While recovery times vary, patients typically return to normal activities relatively quickly.
Balloon Sinuplasty
This minimally invasive procedure treats chronic sinusitis cases that are resistant to medication, and it involves an intricate process. A doctor inserts a small, flexible balloon catheter into the inflamed sinus passageway. When the balloon inflates, it gently restructures and widens the sinus walls.
The goal is to drain built-up mucus effectively. By expanding the sinus opening, the specialist restores proper drainage without cutting bone or tissue. It is helpful for finding relief, and the sinuses function more naturally after the opening is widened. This procedure helps:
- Chronic sinus infections
- Chronic acute sinusitis
- Barotrauma headaches
- Sinus-related pressure
Deviated Septum Surgery
The nasal septum separates your left and right nasal airways. If this wall of cartilage and bone is crooked, it blocks one side of your nose. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that doctors perform to straighten a deviated septum, and it may be used to address various chronic conditions.
During the surgery, the specialist trims, repositions, and replaces cartilage or bone. This surgery centers the septum, and this may significantly improve airflow through the previously blocked nostril. Because the incisions are inside the nose, you will not have visible scars after the operation.
Sometimes, this surgery accompanies other sinus treatments. A doctor might straighten the septum while removing nasal polyps. This combined approach addresses multiple causes of congestion simultaneously, and it may yield better overall results.
Visit an ENT Today
An ENT specialist evaluates your symptoms and creates a plan that addresses your specific condition. If you struggle with congestion or pain, seek professional medical advice to explore your options. Schedule a visit with an ear, throat, and nose specialist to discuss your sinus health, and they can thoroughly examine your condition and explain which treatments are ideal for your needs.
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