Tens of millions of Americans suffer from chronic sinusitis and other sinus issues every year, making it one of the most common chronic medical conditions in the US. Dr. Ray has been helping patients in Tucson overcome chronic sinus issues for over two decades with both surgical and non-surgical options. We want the offer the very best treatments to our patients and we’re continually exploring innovation to provide the best solutions to offer long-lasting relief.
Here are some of the conditions that might be causing your breathing issues:
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Fungal Sinusitis
- Nasal Polyps
- Inverting Papilloma
- Halitosis
- Deviated Septum
- Nasal & Sinus Tumors
- Nose/Sinus/Facial Trauma
- Loss of Smell
Let us help you breathe easy. Contact us today to set up an appointment and we can begin with a full evaluation and understand what is causing your chronic breathing issues and we can create a plan for treatment today!
Procedures
Balloon Sinuplasty
For Chronic Sinusitis
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis, commonly referred to as a sinus infection, we can help you get relief. This condition occurs when the lining of the sinuses get inflamed and filled with fluid. This buildup results in a runny or stuffy nose, pain, pressure, headache, sore throat from post-nasal drip, cough, bad breath, and reduced sense of smell.
A solution that we offer is Balloon Sinuplasty. It is a sinus dilation procedure that can provide relief where patients are no longer managing symptoms but getting long lasting relief.
This procedure offers a safe and convenient alternative to treat this recurring issue.
Gentle: the small balloon is gently opens and reshapes your sinus drainage pathways, restoring normal sinus drainage.
Quick Recovery: Main patients resume normal activities the same day.
Convenient: this procedure can be performed under local anesthesia for additional comfort.
Long-Lasting: the procedure keeps sinus passages open, offering long-term relief from symptoms.
How Does It Work?
First, local anesthetic is given to numb your sinus tissue. Next, the physician will insert and gently inflate the balloon to dilate the treatment area.
Balloon dilation expands the sinus pathways and within 3 to 5 seconds, the balloon is deflated and removed, and normal sinus drainage pathways are clear.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
What is functional endoscopic sinus surgery?
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive nasal surgery option designed to treat serious sinus conditions. Normally when our sinuses begin to swell and become inflamed, it traps mucus that normally would drain through your sinuses and out the nose. When this natural progression is prevented, it causes what is called Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, because this trapped fluid can grow bacteria which ultimately leads to infection.
If you suffer from chronic sinus inflammation or sinus infections that don’t improve with other medical treatments, your physician might look to utilize this procedure to restore your sinus health.
Dr. Ray at Southern Arizona ENT will usually perform an endoscopy to properly diagnose what you are suffering from and verify what the best steps are to proceed. We’ll work with you to determine a number of options and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about the optimal course of action for your health.
Recovery
It can take about a month or two to be fully back to normal, but most patients can resume normal work or school activities within two weeks.
Nasal Obstruction
If you feel pressure, have difficulty breathing, or suffer from nasal congestion outside of routine colds or allergies, you may be experiencing nasal obstruction. Nasal obstruction symptoms also include permanent of stuffy nose that can also include excessive snoring, loss of smell and taste, as well as a tendency for headaches.
Southern Arizona ENT is here to provide you with relief. We offer non-invasive and gentle procedures that give you long-lasting relief from nasal obstructions and let you breathe easier!
Thermotherapy
One procedure that we offer is the Celon Elite treatment for nasal obstruction relief. This minimally invasive treatment involves selective thermotherapy that reduces the size of the nasal turbinates – the mucous membrane on the surface of the nasal turbinate is vital for filtering and purifying the air we breathe. These turbinates remain intact, but are reduced to improve the flow of air through the nasal passages.
The procedure takes just 10 to 15 minutes, and most patients will feel a significant difference within a few days.
Nasal Implant
Another option for nasal obstruction is a nasal implant that provides a very predictable outcome with clinically proven results. This option is more invasive than thermotherapy, but can offer better results under some circumstances.
How Does It Work?
The absorbable nasal implant supports the upper and lower cartilage in your nose, which then increases the flow of air through the nasal passages. It is inserted inside the lateral (side) wall to support your cartilage, and reduces the obstruction preventing you from breathing easily.
Make an appointment today
If you are having trouble breathing easy, you don’t have to suffer any longer. Make an appointment and Southern Arizona Ear Nose and Throat will be able to diagnose and treat your breathing problems today!