Columbus ENT Specialist Assisting With Nasal Obstruction
Those who live in Ohio and other Midwest areas are all too familiar with sinus infections and difficulty breathing. Nasal obstructions can lead to a buildup of mucus and bacterial sinus infections. This, in turn, can lead to sinusitis or a wider range of problems. Dr. Boris Karanfilov is a Columbus, Ohio ENT specialist who helps patients treat nasal and sinus conditions. Treatments can lead to fewer breathing problems and can reduce the risk of complications and other problems from chronic sinus infections. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule your initial appointment.
Ear, nose, and throat specialist diagnosing and treating nasal issues for Columbus residents
Nasal obstructions can have several causes. An acute obstruction typically results from a virus or allergies causing nasal tissues to swell. Chronic obstructions are often caused by overly-narrow nasal cavities. These overly narrow cavities often occur due to a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, or nasal tumors. If any of the conditions lead to a narrowed nasal cavity then the patient may have difficulty breathing or sleeping, a runny nose, postnasal drip, headaches, and other symptoms. Dealing with such issues sooner, rather than later, can help to prevent sinusitis or other larger problems.
There are multiple ways to diagnose sinus problems. The first can be through a routine office visit and examination. The most thorough way to diagnose an issue is by conducting a nasal endoscopy. Common problems that are found through an exam include the following:
Deviation of the septum
Deviated septums occur when the bone and cartilage, which separates the two sides of the nose, skews to one side. This is a common condition and a common procedure for correcting it is known as a “septoplasty.”
Turbinate hypertrophy
Turbinate hypertrophy is an excessive growth of the bone structures located inside the nose. These structures are covered with mucosa and they serve to filter and warm air as one breathes. Enlarged turbinates can result in difficulty with breathing. There are several different treatments for this condition and the best course of action will depend on the patient’s situation. Many of these treatments can be performed in an office setting without incisions or excessive discomfort.
Nasal valve collapse
The nasal valve refers to the area where the lower nasal cartilage meets the inside of the nose at the septum. In certain patients, this cartilage is weak and floppy and collapses on itself which results in nasal obstruction. A narrow or collapsed nasal valve is a common cause for nasal obstruction. Many procedures are available to address this including Latera® implants, the VivAer® procedure and more aggressive surgical techniques. Both Latera® and VivAer® involve simple procedures that can be performed in the office. Latera® is an absorbable implant which provides a structure for your body to build and reinforce the newly opened airway. VivAer® uses a low-temperature process that gently reshapes tissue of the nasal airway to help you breathe easier right away. Patients typically return to normal activity on the same day.
Nasal & sinus polyps
Polyps are non-cancerous growths that form in the nose or sinuses. Steroid implants or other options can often be used as a first step for dealing with the problem. If necessary, a computer-guided endoscopic surgery will be performed.
Dr. Boris Karanfilov is a Columbus ear, nose, and throat specialist who assists patients in dealing with nasal obstruction. At your initial appointment, Dr. Karanfilov will conduct an examination to determine the nature of your problem and the best possible course of treatment. This examination may include the use of our low radiation in-office CT scanner. The doctor will take the time to sit down with you and discuss your results so that he may answer any questions you may have. He will make sure that you know what to expect from the treatment process. Your next appointment will be scheduled before you leave the office. We take pride in the personalized level of service we offer patients. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an appointment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VivAer® Nasal Airway Procedure?
The VivAer is a one-time non-invasive procedure that can be performed in minutes in our office. VivAer Nasal Airway procedure uses a low-temperature process that gently reshapes tissue of the nasal airway to help you breathe easier right away. Patients typically return to normal activity on the same day.
What are the benefits of the VivAer® Nasal Airway Procedure?
The benefits of the VivAer nasal airway procedure include:
- The simple in-office procedure is completed using only local anesthetic
- Minimal discomfort, no incisions
- Lasting relief
- Clinically shown to significantly improve quality of life and provide long lasting relief