What we do
Rhinology is a subspecialty field within otolaryngology - head and neck surgery (ENT) that focuses on diagnosis, medical, and surgical therapy for disorders of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Many of these conditions also overlap with diseases that affect the eye, teeth, and anterior skull base.
Nasal Obstruction
Being unable to breathe through your nose is very uncomforable! This can be due to numerous factors including septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy, valve collapse, allergy, rhinosinusitis, but also nasal polyps or sinonasal tumors. A thorough history and endoscopic exam are critical in identifying potential sources of nasal obstruction.
Acute Sinusitis
Acute rhinosinusitis is often a viral infection. When symptoms last longer than 10 days or worsen, it could be bacterial. Viral rhinosinusitis is usually treated with supportive and symptomatic care, however bacterial infections occasionally require antibiotic, steroid, or other topical therapies. Rarely, acute rhinosinusitis is fungal in nature, and this can be a dangerous subtype of acute rhinosinusitis.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic rhinosinusitis is a condition that lasts for 12 weeks or longer. There is no clear cause of chronic rhinosinusitis. It is thought to be due to many factors and it is characterized by underlying paranasal sinus inflammation. It is often associated with other inflammatory diseases. Medical and surgical therapy both play a role in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are a sign of severe inflammation within the sinuses. They are benign growths that can cause nasal obstruction, decreased sense of smell, and postnasal drainage. They are often a sign of type 2 inflammation and are associated with asthma, aspirin-related disease, and some types of fungal sinusitis. Both medical and surgical therapies are important in managing nasal polyposis from various underlying causes.
Sinus Tumors
Sinonasal tumors are uncommon but can be benign or malignant. They should not be mistaken for nasal polyps! They occur in close proximity to critical neurological and vascular structures and thus require early and accurate diagnosis. Benign tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are often treated surgically whereas malignant tumors are treated via a multidisciplinary approach with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.
Postnasal Drainage
Postnasal drip or drainage is a symptom that can significantly affect quality of life. It may be due to numerous causes including allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, acid reflux, environmental pollutant exposures, and sometimes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the brain.