What Do You Call A Sinus Doctor?

Do you have ongoing sinus and nose issues? Then it might be time to call a sinus doctor to get to the root of the problem. These symptoms can range from annoying to painful and take a toll on everyday activities in your life.

The way the sinuses are designed should allow for comfortable breathing and fluid release. But if there are issues in the sinuses, then it might result in unexplained congestion and difficulty breathing. As the symptoms continue getting worse, they can result in facial pressure and even pain.

Are these symptoms a regular part of your life? It’s important to understand that you don’t have to live this way! Treatments are available to improve your sinuses and help you find the relief that you deserve.

What Do You Call A Sinus Doctor?

When your symptoms are primarily affecting the sinuses, talk to a specialist known as an Otolaryngologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.

Even though many general physicians can offer treatments for sinus conditions, they don’t have the same depth of understanding and experience you can get from visiting with a sinus specialist. Too often, general physicians will simply write a prescription for antibiotics without identifying the root cause of the sinus issues.

For best results, you need to meet with a sinus doctor who understands the nuances and conditions that commonly affect this part of the body. Not only will you achieve faster results by working with a specialist, but there is a higher likelihood of long-term success with your treatments – helping to reduce the risk of recurring symptoms in the future.

Rhinology Specialty: Sinus Doctors

While ear, nose, and throat doctors specialize in conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract, some doctors continue their training and education to specialize in the nose and sinuses specifically. These types of sinus doctors have a rhinology specialty.

After they are done with 4 years of medical school and 5 years of specialty training, they can continue their education with another 1 – 2 years of training in a subspecialty such as sinuses, facial reconstruction surgery, allergies, laryngology, pediatrics, and more.

Signs You Will Benefit from Visiting a Sinus Doctor

How do you know if booking an appointment with a sinus doctor is necessary instead of consulting with your general physician? Several signs and categories indicate patients will benefit from the services offered by these specialists.

• Symptoms Are Continuing: Does it feel like your symptoms are never going away? If you experience ongoing congestion and it’s difficult to breathe through your nose, then it’s time to call a sinus doctor.
• Recurring Symptoms: Another sign that you need specialist services is if your symptoms keep repeating with sinus infections 3 or more times each year.
• Other Treatments Aren’t Working: Have you tried everything out there with no success? If your sinus symptoms aren’t improving with prescription or over-the-counter medications, you must explore other treatment options.
• Complications and Other Issues: Not only do you have sinus congestion and other associated symptoms, but other underlying conditions could cause complications. Examples include nasal polyps, sarcoidosis, or cystic fibrosis.
• Sinus Surgery is Needed: Some underlying conditions can only be treated with surgery. If you have had sinus surgery in the past, then it might be necessary to have a repeat treatment if the polyps have returned

One of the main motivations for people to call sinus doctors is that they aren’t getting the results they desire by working with a general physician. If you have visited with your primary care doctor and still aren’t getting relief, it’s time to contact a sinus specialist.

Conditions Commonly Treated by Sinus Doctors

These doctors specialize in anything relating to the ears, nose, and throat. There are a variety of medical conditions that can affect these parts of the body. If you have any of the following conditions, it might be time to schedule a consultation with an ENT sinus doctor.

• Chronic sinus issues
• Allergy problems
• Sinusitis
• Nasal growths or polyps
• A problem with sinus structure
• Deviated septum
• Difficulty sleeping due to sleep apnea
• Tumors
• Infections

Most Sinus Doctors Are Also Surgeons

The good news is that most sinus specialists have experience with surgical interventions. So, if these types of treatments are needed, then you can work with the same doctor instead of being referred elsewhere.

But just because you are meeting with a sinus doctor trained in surgery doesn’t necessarily mean surgery will be recommended. Instead, most doctors prefer to try minimally-invasive treatments first. The goal is to alleviate your symptoms with as little treatment as possible.

Then, if these treatments aren’t effective for the results that you desire, the doctor might recommend surgical treatment.

Most sinus surgeries are done using endoscopic technology. No external incision is needed because the doctor can operate through the nostrils and complete the necessary treatment. This approach helps to speed up recovery time since there are fewer risks by eliminating the need for an external incision.

Choosing a Sinus Surgeon

If you need sinus surgery, then make sure you are working with a provider you trust. The sinuses are in close proximity to the brain, eyes, and important nerves. Since the surgeon is working in such small areas, they need to be very precise to avoid vital structures.

Routine treatments are commonly done, such as septoplasty, to fix a deviated septum. Additionally, some sinus doctors have experience with more advanced surgical interventions, such as changing sinus structure or removing tumors from the anterior skill base.

As you are looking at your option, several important factors can help you choose the right provider:

• Specialty: Find a sinus doctor who has specialized experience with the specific symptoms and conditions you are experiencing.
• Location: Make sure the provider is close to home so you can access the office easily.
• Insurance: Check with your insurance company to find out about available coverage for the services offered by this expert.

Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Sinus Doctor

Do you live in Collin County or Dallas and need to visit with an ENT in the area? Then it’s time to call Collin County Ear, Nose, and Throat for a consultation. We offer full-service solutions for patients of all ages. We can answer your questions about ongoing sinus issues.

Our nearby offices are conveniently located in Frisco and Plano, TX. Complete our online form if you are ready to request an appointment. Or, feel free to call our office at your convenience: (972) 596-4005.