Nose Surgery and ENT Treatments
The Nose and Paranasal Sinuses are part of the olfactory (smell) and respiratory systems. The nose consists of the visible outer protuberance from the face (that comes in many different shapes and sizes) and the nasal cavity. The nasal cavity is a large air-filled space located in the middle of the face. The nasal cavity is divided into right and left sides by a vertical structure called the nasal septum. On the sides of the nasal cavity are three horizontal shelves called turbinates or conchae (singular "concha"). The paranasal sinuses are air filled spaces within the bones of the skull and face that communicate with the nasal cavity. The increased surface provided by the turbinates and sinuses allows air that passes through the nasal cavity to be warmed or cooled to within one-degree of body temperature before it passes into the lungs.
Nasal problems:
A. Symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, bleeding, altered smell or taste, pain, discharge, watery eyes, nasal deformity (broken nose, poor shape, crooked nose, flat nose, nasal hump), itching, headache, fever, ear discomfort, whistling sound in the nose, nasal speech, fatigue, poor concentration, restless sleep due to nasal obstruction, increase in asthma symptoms.
B. Causes: allergies, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose) foreign body in the nose (especially children), tumors (benign and malignant), nasal polyps, deviated septum, trauma, congenital deformity, hole in the septum (septal perforation), cocaine use
The nasal and sinus cavities have a lining (mucosa) that produces mucus and contains hair like projections called cilia. As air passes, it is humidified and the cilia and mucus trap and remove dust and pathogens from the air. The cilia move the mucus down the nasal cavity to the pharynx, where it can be swallowed. The nasal cavity is divided into respiratory and olfactory segments. The olfactory segment is located at the roof of the nose. It contains cells (olfactory epithelium) that transmit electrical signals to the brain in response to the chemicals (odors). The respiratory segment has a rich blood supply and when the turbinates become engorged with blood, they restrict air-flow causing air flow to be directed to the other side of the nose in a cyclical fashion. Interestingly, the nose also contains a "vomeronasal organ" that is located on the back of the septum which is thought to play a role in pheromone detection.
Every day, millions of people suffer from nasal problems that can be relieved by medical or surgical treatment. Nasal congestion, a stuffy nose and nasal obstructions are among the oldest and most common of man’s medical complaints. It is estimated that 50% of all doctor visits are related to ear, nose and throat problems. Management of nasal cavity disorders, sinuses, allergies, sense of smell and nasal respiration are areas of expertise requiring an ENT doctor. We can help you get relief. To learn more about nose problems and common nasal disorders, click on any of the ENT links below:
- Allergic Rhinitis or Sinusitis – One out of every five Americans are believed to suffer from allergies that interfere with their school work, job performance, daily routine or ability to rest at night. The most common form, allergic rhinitis, can lead to misery and loss of productivity when left untreated. When allergies are left untreated, allergic rhinitis may lead to a more serious condition like sinusitis or allergenic asthma.
Sinus problems:
A. Symptoms: headache, facial pressure, nasal discharge (colored), pain, nasal congestion, fever, postnasal drip, facial swelling, altered smell or taste, ear pain, bleeding, whistling sound, nasal speech, facial numbness, eye pain, altered vision, fatigue, decreased energy, poor concentration, recurrent lung infections, worsening of asthma symptoms.
B. Causes: sinus infection (sinusitis), tumors (benign and malignant), polyps, tooth extraction, fistula (communication between mouth and sinus)
- Balloon Sinuplasty – Patients with chronic sinusitis or recurrent sinus infections may benefit from endoscopic sinus surgery. In recent years, balloon sinuplasty has revolutionized how many ENT physicians approach corrective surgery for sinus disorders. The new surgical device used during balloon sinuplasty surgery combines traditional endoscopic techniques and the latest advancement in surgical equipment. The goal of a sinus surgery is to eliminate the swollen soft tissues, improve the patient’s sinus cavity drainage and reduce the chance for sinus infections. Today’s approach is still very effective in clearing blocked sinus passages to allow for normal sinus drainage and a balloon sinuplasty is less invasive with less swelling, less bleeding, less scarring and less post-operative pain.
- Pediatric ENT – Jacksonville ENT Surgery and Dr. Greene always work closely with our younger patient’s primary care physician to provide the best solution for the child’s ENT problem. We also work closely with parents to educate them as to the cause of the problem and to help them make the best choices for their infant or child. If Dr. Greene believes a young patient might just out grow their problem, then he will outline interim treatments for the pediatric patient.
- Septoplasty – ENT doctors perform nasal surgery used to correct anatomic deformity or deviation of the patient’s nasal septum. Any cosmetic enhancement of the nose during a septoplasty is incidental as the medical procedure is intended to correct any nasal obstruction and to restore normal breathing. Corrective Septoplasty surgery is also preformed to treat recurrent epistaxis or sinusitis when the septal deviation contributes to the patient’s nasal infections. Since the nose is prone to injury, a septoplasty may be used to correct a nasal deformity caused by trauma.
- Sleep Apnea and Surgery – Many adults and children awake suddenly during the night choking and gasping for air. If this is a recurrent problem for you or a member of your family, Dr. Greene can listen to your complaints and make a diagnosis as to whether your interrupted sleep is a disorder called sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea poses many health threats to those who suffer from the tormenting disorder. An ENT doctor can recommend the best treatment program or may suggest that you consider nasal surgery to correct physical causes. A tonsillectomy to remove swollen tonsils and an adenoidectomy to remove the adenoids are common ENT surgery options in pediatric patients.
ENT doctors are trained to diagnose the actual cause of your nose or nasal problem whether it is allergic, anatomical or infectious. Most ENT patients have a complicated interplay of allergy causes and other ENT related factors. The most common mistake that most patients make is to blame everything on allergies or weather change. With modern ENT treatment techniques, almost all sinus and nasal problems can be greatly improved with a visit to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Call Jacksonville ENT Surgery or Dr. Greene’s other office locations to make your appointment today.