An ENT specialist, also called an otolaryngologist, is a physician who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, and this training covers a wide range of sinus concerns. These providers evaluate symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pressure, headaches, and reduced sense of smell. They offer services that range from prescribing medication to performing surgical procedures. Here is more information about treatments for sinus issues:
Explaining the Sinuses
The sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces located within the bones around your nose and eyes. There are several sets of these cavities, and each one connects to the nasal passages through small openings. These spaces are lined with a thin layer of tissue that produces mucus.
The sinuses help filter and moisten the air you breathe, and they also play a role in the sound of your voice. Mucus produced in these cavities traps particles and drains into the nose. When the drainage pathways become blocked, pressure and discomfort can build. An ENT examines these structures to understand what may be causing your symptoms because the source is not always obvious.
Prescribing Antibiotics
Some sinus infections are caused by bacteria, and antibiotics are one option a provider may pursue for these cases. The medication works by targeting the bacteria that contribute to the infection. Not every sinus infection responds to antibiotics because many are viral rather than bacterial. The specialist reviews your symptoms and history before recommending a specific approach. They may combine antibiotics with other treatments, and this decision depends on the details of your condition.
Understanding Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that an ENT may use to open blocked sinus passages. During balloon sinuplasty, your specialist will perform the following steps:
- A small balloon is carefully inserted into the affected sinus passage.
- The balloon is gently inflated to widen the sinus opening.
- Once the passage has been widened, the balloon is removed.
The goal of this procedure is to restore normal sinus drainage with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue.
Removing Polyps and Performing Surgery
Nasal polyps are soft growths that can form inside the nasal passages or sinuses, and an ENT sometimes recommends removing them when they obstruct airflow. Polyp removal clears these growths, unblocking the nasal passages. The specialist determines whether this step is appropriate based on your evaluation.
A deviated septum occurs when the wall between the two nostrils is shifted to one side. This shift can narrow one or both nasal passages, and it contributes to breathing difficulty. A deviated septum can cause a chronic case of sinusitis. Surgery to correct a deviated septum is called septoplasty.
When you undergo septoplasty, the provider repositions or reshapes the septum to improve airflow. The above treatments and procedures address different problems, so a provider evaluates your situation before deciding on a course of action. Some patients may need more than one procedure to address their concerns.
Find an ENT Near You
An ENT specialist manages a broad range of sinus issues, and these range from prescribing antibiotics for certain infections to performing procedures like balloon sinuplasty. To identify the source of your symptoms, an ENT may order a CT scan or other diagnostic tests. If you want to learn more about sinus treatments, consult an ENT near you.
