Nasal & Sinus Disease

Common Nose & Sinuses Disorders

• Sinus Problems

  While problems in the sinuses can range from the simple sinus infection to a more complicated deviated septum, our ENT sinus specialists are here to help you breathe better.

  Whether you need a prescription for your symptoms or even surgery to fix a larger issue such as chronic sinusitis, we have the latest treatments and innovations available for your sinus issues, including:

  • Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) - A minimally invasive surgery performed through the nasal openings using small, flexible tubes with cameras on the end to alleviate serious sinus problems without making any cuts on or around your nose.
  • Balloon sinuplasty - A minimally invasive treatment for chronic or recurrent sinusitis, also known as sinus infections. During the surgery, your ENT surgeon guides a small balloon up your nostril to the impacted sinus, expanding it to permanently enlarge the sinus cavity’s opening and fix the drainage issues.

• Nasal Polyps

  Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths in your nose or sinuses caused by chronic inflammation. While most are small and painless, large polyps can occur leading to infections, problems breathing, and issues with your sense of smell.

  Signs of nasal polyps include: the loss of smell or taste, a persistently stuffy or runny nose, new or worsening head or mouth pain, and snoring. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check for polyps, and may recommend a nasal endoscopy – a small camera on a flexible tube inserted through your nostrils – or CT scan for confirmation.

  After diagnosis, your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment: shrinking the nasal polyps with medication or removal by surgery, depending on their severity.

• Allergy Testing

  At UConn Health, we perform two types of allergy tests: skin and blood tests.

  • Skin allergy tests: Your skin is exposed to small amounts of suspected allergens. Within 10 to 15 minutes, you may begin to show signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, rash, or swelling. A visible reaction confirms your sensitivity to that particular substance when touched, breathed, or eaten. Skin tests are fast and can cost less than allergy blood tests, but some medications can lead to false positives and the tests can be hard to read on darker skin tones.
  • Blood allergy tests: A single blood sample is taken and analyzed for allergens. The test results aren’t as sensitive as a skin test, can take one to two weeks for results, and may cost more.

  Both types of allergy testing are performed under the guidance of one of UConn Health’s ENT specialists, trained in the best methods for testing and treating your seasonal and year round allergies. Our allergy experts use your testing results and your medical history to diagnose and create an individualized treatment plan for you, which may include medications or immunotherapy.

• Allergy Medications

  Pharmacotherapy, or drug therapy, is used when you can’t avoid allergens in the environment. There are three common types of allergy medicines we may prescribe to control and alleviate your symptoms. Decongestants and antihistamines reduce common allergy complaints, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Corticosteroids treat swelling and inflammation in your nose.

• Immunotherapy for Allergies

  Immunotherapy gradually exposes your immune system to the allergen – in the form of shots, tablets, or drops – reducing your sensitivity over time. Immunotherapy is typically recommended to people who appear sensitive to multiple allergens.