The ability to breathe and smell through one’s nose is essential. This can be made difficult by any of the following:

• Nosebleeds
• Deviated Septum or a Septal Spur
• Nasal Polyps
• Nasal Masses

Recurrent nosebleeds can be a sign of irritation of the lining of the nose or rarely from an irritated nasal mass. Most nosebleeds can be controlled in the clinic although there are some exceptions.

While nasal trauma or a prior surgery may result in a deviated septum, some times this may occur without any obvious incident. While certain medications may help, anatomical issues typically require surgical intervention.

Nasal polyps and masses are uncommon but may arise in the nasal passages. Polyps can be triggered by irritation – typically allergies or chronic infection. Nasal masses can cause nasal obstruction and may be a malignancy.

In all of the above situations, an evaluation may include a nasal endoscopy, the use of a camera, to fully assess the entire nasal passage. At White Rock ENT, we perform these evaluations routinely in clinic. If you are suffering from any nasal symptoms, whether it is one listed above or not, we encourage you to contact us and come in for an evaluation.

Sinuses are cavities in the facial skeleton which produce mucus and drain into the nasal passages. If their ability to drain is affected, an infection can occur leading to the following symptoms:

• Facial pressure
• Fever
• Thick, yellowish to green nasal drainage
• Persistence of symptoms for over 1-2 weeks
• Dental pain
• Cough with mucus

Often, sinus infections arise due to congestion or anatomic issues. Congestion may arise from a cold or from environmental irritants. However, one of the more common triggers is allergies. While allergies may be severe enough to cause symptoms involving the whole body, many people only have symptoms of nasal congestion although sneezing, nasal drainage, and post-nasal drip may also be present. Anatomic issues such as a deviated septum or abnormal sinus structure can further contribute to infections by creating narrower nasal passages.

Due to the similar presentations of a common cold and a sinus infection, many people do not seek treatment which leads to prolonged irritation and an increased likelihood for chronic sinus problems including nasal polyps. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek a consultation with a physician. Often, treatment with antibiotics may be needed or even the addition of other medications. After resolution of the infection, determining if allergies or anatomical issues are present is imperative to avoid recurrent infections.

At White Rock ENT, Dr. Jordan regularly performs nasal and sinus surgery in the office and in the operating room using the latest technologies and procedures. Some of the options available at our clinic include:

• Septoplasty
• Turbinate Surgery (including in-office coblation)
• Balloon Sinuplasty
• ClariFix

Many of the procedures provided at White Rock ENT to alleviate sinus and nasal conditions are completed in-office with little to no downtime for patients. If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis, your ENT will review your options for surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Often, anatomic issues are present, and an outpatient procedure may provide significant relief. Further, if you do experience recurrent sinus infections or do not experience complete resolution of symptoms following medications, you should discuss endoscopic sinus surgery to address your sinuses. Depending on your particular condition, you may be a candidate for balloon sinus surgery.