The Newest Innovations

In the Treatment of Sinus Disease

Sinusitis (pronounced “sine-you-site-iss”) is inflammation of the air filled spaces of the skull, known as sinuses.

The source of this inflammation can be variable, and may include allergy, anatomic problems or several other rarer underlying conditions.

Sinusitis affects approximately 37 million people each year in the United States alone.

 

SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS INCLUDE:

 

• Nasal Congestion

• Facial Discomfort

• Headache

• Drainage down the throat

• Fatigue

• Ear fullness or pressure

• Hearing loss

• Dental pain

• Halitosis (bad breath)

• Decreased sense of smell

• Mild Dizziness

 

 

Our Method At Mann ENT

 

We continue to bring the newest innovations in the treatment of sinus disease to our patients.

Our practice was the first in the community to offer several innovations including endoscopic sinus surgery, balloon sinus dilation and sublingual immunotherapy. We continue this trend today with new injectable “biologic” therapies such as Xolair, Nucala and Dupixent that provide truly miraculous results for potentially incurable conditions such as polypoid sinusitis.

The initial treatment of chronic sinusitis usually involves nasal sprays, decongestants, steroids, antihistamines and antibiotics. When symptoms occur more than 4 times per year, or persist for more than 12 weeks, a referral to an ENT specialist is in order.

During a visit to Mann ENT, a full medical history will be obtained, and the symptoms prompting the visit will be discussed. After a full head and neck exam is performed, imaging studies such as a CT scan of the sinuses and an allergy test are often considered.

Sinusitis that does not respond to medical management will often improve with sensitization immunotherapy (allergy shots or allergy drops) or possibly endoscopic sinus surgery, including minimally invasive techniques such as Balloon Sinuplasty, which can now be performed comfortably in our office.

WHAT ARE BIOLOGIC THERAPIES FOR CHRONIC SINUSITIS WITH NASAL POLYPS?

As the newest innovation in the treatment of chronic sinusitis, a new class of injectable medications called “Biologics” have now been approved for the treatment of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps.

Dosed at once every 2, 4 or 6 weeks depending on the specific medication, with self injection available, these immunoglobulin based therapies have revolutionized the treatment of some of the most severe forms of sinusitis.

The doctors at Mann ENT are currently prescribing Dupixent, Nucala and Xolair, with other choices surely to follow given the unprecedented results being observed, including the complete elimination of the need for sinus surgery. Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps often required multiple operations in the past. Now with the help of these newer therapies, complete cure of this debilitating condition has been reproducibly attained while the medications are actively taken.

 

WHAT IS BALLOON SINUS DILATION?

During a sinus dilation procedure, a small balloon is passed into the entrance of one or more sinus cavities by way of the natural openings of the nose.

The bony entrance to the sinus cavity is then enlarged, with the help of the balloon system. No instrumentation or packing is left inside the nose after the procedure.

After enlargement of the opening, the sinus itself can better drain the natural fluids and gasses produced in the sinuses, leading to improved function and relief of symptoms. Studies have shown that this enlarged opening stays open when rechecked several years after the original procedure. A permanent fix for sinus problems is the intent of sinus dilation.

For your comfort, this procedure may be performed while you are fully asleep in our office. If you choose this option, you will additionally be under the care of a fully licensed Anesthesiologist during the entirety of your procedure at Mann ENT. In this manner, you can avoid any discomfort (or even memory) of your procedure, while also avoiding the increased cost and inconvenience of a visit to a large hospital or surgery center.

 

With these various methods, patients suffering from chronic sinus disease have a real opportunity to improve their quality of life.

How can Mann ENT help you?

Easily request an appointment from the convenience of your desktop, laptop or mobile device.