Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when an infection or inflammation affects the paranasal “sinuses”, air-filled cavities that come off of your nasal airway. Symptoms of sinusitis often include nasal congestion, discolored or foul nasal drainage, facial pressure or pain, or decreased sense of smell or taste. Sinusitis is often initially managed with nasal steroid sprays and/or antibiotics and when this fails to resolve the problem it is important to see an ENT provider. ENTs are able to perform a nasal endoscopy in clinic where a tiny camera is inserted in your nose to directly visualized your nasal anatomy and the openings around your sinuses. If chronic infection or blockages are suspected, a CT scan of your sinuses may be ordered to assess for infection or other problems.
For sinusitis that fails to improve with medications, ENTs are experts at a vast array of techniques ranging from minimally invasive in-the-office procedures to operating room procedures under anesthesia that may be necessary to improve your sinusitis. Most of these procedures are done on an outpatient basis and do not require any sort of packing in the nose.