If you’re one of the 35 million people each year who develop sinusitis—an infection or inflammation of the sinuses’ mucous membranes, and one of the most common health complaints in America—you know that throbbing pain behind your nose, cheeks and forehead. Otolaryngologists, doctors who specialize in ear, nose and throat diagnosis and treatment, offer you several ways to breathe better and avoid recurrent infections.
Ear, nose and throat specialists (otolaryngologists) in the Sutter Health network treat conditions related to snoring, sleep apnea and other nasal obstructions. They can help diagnose and treat structural causes such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates as well as other issues through methods including nasal surgery and throat surgery (UPPP).
If you have had multiple infections within a year, you and your doctor might discuss a CT scan to determine whether surgery is a good choice. ENT surgeons use minimally invasive sinus surgery to remove bone, tissue or polyps, or to correct a deviated septum, to enlarge your sinus openings and facilitate draining so you can breathe easy again.
