NOSE
When you’re feeling poorly because of a problem with your nose or mouth your entire life just doesn’t feel the same. Our sense of smell helps us enjoy life — we can take in the aromas of our favorite foods and environments but it’s also is a warning system, alerting us to danger signals such as gas leaks, spoiled food and fire. Sinusitis can be acute and short-lasting or a chronic recurring problem but either way it can debilitate our lives. Snoring problems can not only steal a good night’s sleep, but also affect the ones you love most.
Nearly everyone has made the trip down the cough and cold aisle at the supermarket to see an arsenal of sinus symptom relief. Dealing with the symptoms of sinusitis can be confusing and often many people might not even know they have the condition, but rather they assume the symptoms are all part of a nasty cold. Regardless your unique circumstance we can help you find a solution.
NOSE CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS
SINUTITIS
When you see your doctor we may perform a physical exam, nasal endoscopy, CT or MRI scan. You can also expect a sinus culture or we may need to perform allergy skin tests.
NOSE BLEEDS (EPISTAXIS)
If you are exposed to dry, cold climates in the winter months the blood vessel on the nasal septum can suffer trauma and begin to bleed. Nasal and sinus infection, allergies, any type of physical trauma, and even vigorous nose blowing can also cause your nose to begin to bleed. You’ll want to treat the nosebleed at home by tipping your head forward and pinching your nostrils together to stop the bleeding. If repeated episodes of bleeding occur, you bruise easily, or have liver or kidney disease you need to see your doctor right away.
Your doctor will need to know about your medical history and about how long the nosebleeds have been happening We may also perform a physical exam and order imaging tests depending on what may be the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Prevent nosebleeds by drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier in your home. Don’t pick your nose or blow your nose too hard because any added trauma on the nose may lead to nosebleeds.
LOSS OF SMELL, ANOSMIA
Officially called anosmia, the loss of smell can deprive you of the everyday joys of great cooking or your favorite walk outdoors. Some degree of loss in your ability to smell comes with age, other times it can be temporary if related to nasal congestion or allergies.
Your physician will look at your medical history and ask you questions related to your loss in smell. He or she might recommend a CT or MRI scan, a nasal endoscopy or possibly an x-ray of the skull.
SNORING
NASAL OBSTRUCTION
Nasal obstructions are blockages of the nasal cavity that impede airflow in and out of the nose. Either one or both nostrils may be affected. Most nasal obstructions are temporary, caused by colds, allergies, sinus infections, or medications, while others require medical intervention.
SEPTOPLASTY: SURGICAL PROCEDURE TO CORRECT A DEVIATED SEPTUM
TURBINATE DISORDERS
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The common cold: We have all experienced problems with our nasal turbinates when we suffer the congestion of the common cold. -
Allergies -
Sleep apnea: Abnormalities in the nasal turbinates is one of the causes of sleep apnea. -
Concha Bullosa: Concha bullosa is a fairly common medical condition in which there is an air pocket (pneumatization) in the middle meatus. This air pocket can lead to inadequate drainage of the sinuses and subsequent sinus infections. -
Nasal valve collapse: The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway with the lower conchae making up part of this structure. This airway may become narrowed even further (nasal valve collapse) due to trauma, a deviated nasal septum, or due to rhinoplasty (plastic surgery on the nose.) -
Auditory tube dysfunction: Enlargements or other problems with the turbinates is one of the causes of auditory tube dysfunction (also called eustachian tube dysfunction.) -
Choanal Atresia: Choanal atresia is a blockage of the nasal passages by tissue often present from birth, and can affect the development of the lower and middle turbinates.
NASAL FRACTURES

BALLOON SINUS SURGERY
IN OFFICE SINUS BALLOON DILATION
What is Balloon Sinus Dilation?
Balloon Sinus Dilation is a new surgical procedure that can be performed in an office setting for treatment of chronic sinusitis. It is a quick, safe and minimally invasive procedure, performed under local anesthesia. A small balloon is inserted into the nose using an endoscope and video camera. The balloon is then inflated to dilate and open the sinus pathway and allow for better drainage from the sinus cavity.
The recovery period is generally 1-2 days and is appropriate for patients with chronic sinus symptoms who have not responded well to treatment with medications like antibiotics, allergy medications or nasal steroid sprays. It differs from traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which is usually performed in an outpatient surgery center setting and involves general anesthesia. Balloon procedures can often be done in conjunction with other nasal/sinus procedures such as a septoplasty, turbinate resection or polypectomy.
While some insurance companies still consider this procedure a non-covered service, most insurance companies, including Medicare, BlueCross, Aetna, UnitedHealthCare, Humana, Firstcare, UMC Team Choice and many others, do cover this procedure.
" One benefit of sinus balloon dilation is that patient’s often have a reduced out of pocket cost associated with performing this procedure in an office setting. Traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) requires the use of an outpatient surgical facility and anesthesiologist, in addition to the otolaryngologist performing the surgery. With in-office balloon dilation surgery, there are no facility or anesthesia charges. This procedure is not the right for everyone, but is an option for many depending on the underlying causes of symptoms."
To see if you are a candidate or learn more about this option schedule an appointment today.