Sinus infections and nasal disorders
Duke otolaryngologists offer advanced care to children and adults with chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or obstruction, sinus infections, hay fever, nasal allergies, deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, postnasal drip, nasal or sinus tumors, sarcoidosis, problems with the sense of smell, and cystic fibrosis. Our specialists have the expertise and treatments to bring you rapid relief.
Comprehensive care for sinus infections and nasal disorders
Whether the problem is chronic stuffiness, facial pain or pressure, difficulty breathing through your nose, runny nose, a nasal voice or a diminished sense of smell, we can help. We offer the latest medical advances to treat your sinus and nasal disorders, and return you to your active, healthy lifestyle.
Choose Duke for your sinus or nasal disorder treatment because we offer:
- Advanced care. We offer the latest non-surgical therapies, as well as highly effective, minimally invasive office procedures to safely clear up clogged sinuses, heal chronic infection, and help you breathe easier. Several of the treatments we offer require advanced training and skill and are not widely available.
- Latest technologies. We use drug-eluting sinus stents and implants to treat sinus and nasal disorders, in-office balloon dilation of the sinuses, stereotactic computer navigation for safe, precise and thorough sinus surgery, and novel medication delivery methods. We evaluate your needs and recommend the most effective treatment.
- Experts with advanced training. Your care team includes rhinologists (doctors with specialty training in diseases of the nose and sinuses) and other otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) who work closely with allergists, pulmonologists (doctors specializing in lung diseases), speech and voice therapists and any other specialists across Duke Health that you may need.
- Advanced medical records technology. Our secure online portal, Duke MyChart, allows you to view test results, make appointments, request prescription refills, and message your doctor using any Web-enabled device. Our technology also allows anyone on your care team to securely access your health information, making sure you always get care that's right for you and based on the latest evidence.
SINUS AND NASAL CONDITIONS
Treatments
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In-office gel application, nebulizers, and atomizers are available in addition to conventional sprays in order to deliver the appropriate medications (steroids, antibiotics, allergy medications) into your sinuses without having to take oral medications.
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Inserted by a catheter through the nose into the sinus cavity, these scaffold-like devices prop open the sinuses and release an anti-inflammatory medication that reduces polyp formation and promotes healing.
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This outpatient procedure is performed via high-definition video endoscopy and specialized instruments passed through the nose. A sophisticated image guidance system serves as a “GPS” device, allowing the surgeon to perform safe and thorough surgery. No outside incisions are used and pain is minimal. More important, nasal packing is almost never used and patients can return to normal activity within a few days.
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A small balloon is inflated inside your nose to expand sinus passages, improve drainage and provide long-lasting relief of sinus pain and congestion. This can be performed in the office with minimal pain and recovery time.
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Remove polyps that obstruct your nasal passages or sinuses. For patients who have recurrent polyps, thorough surgery with appropriate postoperative medications will minimize the chance that your polyps will grow back.
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Straightens a deviated septum. After the procedure, patients typically notice improved breathing and relief from chronic nasal obstruction almost immediately.
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Turbinectomy reduces the size of bony structures (turbinates) in the nose. The improvement in breathing is almost immediate.
SINUS AND NASAL CONDITIONS
Tests
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A flexible or rigid endoscope (a small high-resolution telescope with a light) is passed through your nose to view the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat. It is used to check for polyps, infection, swelling and other causes of sinus and nasal symptoms. It is performed with a local anesthetic and is painless.
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Your skin is gently pricked with tiny amounts of various allergens, using a plastic device, to identify what triggers your symptoms. You will also have the option to undergo immunotherapy, which consists of either allergy shots or oral tablets.
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CT or MRI scans may be used to visualize the nasal and sinus structures and check for swelling, infection and other problems. These tests can help your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms and which treatments will provide relief. These CT and MRI scans are compatible with the navigation system that is used during surgery.