Common Nose and Sinus Disorders
There can be many reasons that make breathing through your nose a struggle, but our team of otolaryngology specialists have the expertise and advanced equipment available to diagnose your condition and customize a plan of treatment to address your specific needs. The most common nose and sinus disorders include:
Allergic Rhinitis
Also referred to as hay fever, allergic rhinitis includes inflammation of the nose or nasal passages as it overreacts to allergens, often pollen or airborne toxins, that are in the air. Depending on the allergen, symptoms can be ongoing or seasonal, and include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes.
Avoiding the allergen, mite-proof covers, air filters and reducing the intake of certain foods are some effective means of escaping allergic rhinitis. Medical treatments typically include intranasal corticosteroids, antihistimines, decongestants, cromolyn, leukotriene receptor antagonists, nasal irrigation and allergy shots/drops (immunotherapy).
Chronic Sinusitis
Nasal and Paranasal Tumors
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks
Nasal Fractures
Triad Asthma
What to Expect During a Nose and Sinus Consultation
Not knowing what to expect when you visit an ENT specialist for the first time can be intimidating, so here is what you can expect during a nose and sinus consultation with an ENT Consultants of East Tennessee otolaryngoligist during your visit.
We begin by taking the time to listen to you while we compile a thorough patient history and review your previous medical records. We will followup our initial conversation with a detailed physical head and neck exam, which includes the use of a nasal endoscope to evaluate your nasal and sinus cavity as well as your larynx.
To identify an infection, we may draw a culture from your sinuses and we are able to biopsy a polyp or mass in the office using the endoscope as well. Additional diagnostic measures may include a CT to provide us with a more complete picture of what is causing the nasal or sinus condition that is causing your discomfort.
Once we have identified the underlying cause of your symptoms, we will have an honest conversation with you about the treatment options available, allowing you to have input into determining the plan of treatment we decide to follow.
