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At Snowden ENT, we understand the impact that problems such as nasal blockage, persistent drainage, or sinus pressure can have on your quality of life. That’s why our team offers advanced medical and surgical treatment options designed to bring you relief and enhance your quality of life.
Our team of ENT specialists is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating various conditions related to the nose and sinuses. Whether you’re dealing with allergic rhinitis, loss of smell, nasal polyps and tumors, nosebleeds, nasal obstruction, snoring, sinusitis, or other related issues, our experts are here to provide comprehensive care and relief.
Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, are characterized by inflammation and infection of the sinus cavities. Common signs and symptoms include facial pain, pressure, nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, and coughing. Treatment may involve antibiotics, nasal decongestants, saline irrigation, or pain relievers.
Allergic rhinitis, often referred to as hay fever, is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens. It can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, runny nose, and watery eyes. Treatment options include allergen avoidance, over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or allergy shots.
Loss of smell, known as anosmia, or loss of taste and smell, known as ageusia, can be caused by many factors. Some causes include sinus infections, nasal polyps, allergies, or viral illnesses. Treatment includes medication, nasal rinses, or surgery in severe cases.
Nasal polyps are typically noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They can cause nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, facial pain or pressure, or snoring. Treatment options range from medications to reduce inflammation to surgical removal of the polyps.
Nasal tumors are abnormal growths that can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Symptoms may include nasal congestion, persistent nosebleeds, facial pain, and a mass or lump in the nose. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the tumor and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Nasal obstruction refers to the blockage or congestion of the nasal passages, causing difficulty breathing through the nose. It can be caused by various factors, including allergies, deviated septum, nasal polyps, or structural abnormalities. Treatment options range from medications to surgical correction.
The septum is the thin wall of bone, tissue and cartilage in the middle of the nose that separates the nasal passages. If it’s off-center, this is known as a deviated septum. Symptoms of deviated septum include nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, postnasal drip, and sometimes snoring or sleep apnea.
The nasal turbinates are long cushions inside the nose that serve to add warmth and moisture to air as we breathe in. Due to various conditions such as allergies or infections, the inferior turbinate tissue can become hypertrophic (enlarged). This may block one or both sides of the nose and cause a feeling of tightness or stuffiness. Many people also experience this turbinate enlargement as a feeling of nasal blockage when they lie down.
Frequent nosebleeds, or epistaxis, can occur due to dry air, trauma, nasal infections, or other underlying medical conditions. Treatment involves applying pressure to the nose and using nasal moisturizers or in severe cases, nasal cautery.
In most patients, the adenoid tissue (tonsil tissue in the back of the nose) becomes much smaller by adulthood and is rarely an issue. However, some people still have enlarged adenoids into their twenties and thirties. Enlarged adenoids can block the back of the nose and contribute to nasal stuffiness.
Generally speaking, people do not sleep as well when they cannot breathe well through their nose. Nasal obstruction from any of the causes listed above can lead to sleeping disorders, snoring, and even obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Such sleep disturbance can make it difficult to concentrate during the day and can affect your overall quality of life. Through surgical treatment, we can remove tissue or other blockages and ensure a clear airway for breathing, often improving the quality of sleep.
Snoring is a common condition that occurs when airflow is partially blocked during sleep. It can be caused by factors like nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils, obesity, or sleep apnea. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, oral appliances, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or surgery.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to allergies or a sinus infection, consult your healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Understanding the difference is key to proper treatment.
Self-care measures for allergic rhinitis include avoiding allergens, keeping windows closed, using air purifiers, and regularly cleaning bedding. Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy shots (immunotherapy) can also provide relief. Consult an allergist or your ear, nose and throat doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Chronic sinus infections often require medical intervention. Treatment options may include antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids, nasal saline irrigation, decongestants, pain relievers, and even surgery to remove obstructions or correct structural issues.
Learn more about sinus surgery and other related surgical care options here.