John Austin, MD, FACS

Brownsville & Harlingen ENT Physician

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Right For You?

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Are you tired of dealing with chronic sinusitis? Balloon Sinuplasty might provide the permanent relief you’re looking for—performed in our office by Dr. John Austin, it’s minimally invasive, safe and effective.

Balloon sinuplasty is a therapeutic technique that has been used for years to safely dilate the openings of the 3 primary sinuses of the face; the frontal, the maxillary and the sphenoid sinuses. It uses a small balloon inserted into the ostia of the sinuses to enlarge the openings of the sinuses.  It is considered an atraumatic way to improve the health of the sinuses.

The procedure is usually done in our office with light oral sedation. It does not require a general anesthetic or a trip to the operating room. Patients can return to their routine activities as soon as the day after the procedure. There is minimal discomfort associated with the procedure. Most ENT physicians will prescribe a light anti anxiolytic medication like Valium or Xanax. Some also prescribe a low dose of a narcotic. These medicines are taken soon before arrival to the physician’s office.  A friend or family member will then drive the patient home.

Sinusitis Symptoms

  • Facial pain
  • Facial congestion or pressure.
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Nasal blockage or discharge
  • Tooth pain
  • Discolored nasal drainage
  • Temperature
  • Bad breath
  • Bloody nasal discharge

What is a sinus?

The sinuses are hollow air containing cavities in the skull that are lined with a tissue called mucosa. Mucosa is the same tissue that lines your mouth and throat. Mucosa is generally a soft tissue that is moist and has many microscopic organs called glands. It is also lined with very small ciliary cells that can move the mucus produced in the sinus into the nose through small openings know as ostia. When the sinuses are healthy you are not even aware that they are there.

The sinuses can be irritated by blockage of their outflow tracts by swelling of the mucosa. This swelling can be produced by reactions to pollen, pollution, dust, mold, viruses, and bacteria. If the sinuses stay blocked the mucus they produce will back up in the sinus. If the mucus stays plugged for long it will become infected. Both viruses and bacteria can cause infections.  On rare occasions mold can even cause infections

What benefit will balloon sinuplasty provide? 

Balloon sinuplasty uses a small balloon to gently and safely reshape and open the sinus drainage pathways, thus restoring the natural aeration and drainage of the sinuses. Balloon sinuplasty offers quick recovery.  Most patients return to their regular activities same or next day. This procedure is done without general anesthesia.

Sinus dilatation keeps the sinus passage open producing a long term relief from the problems of sinusitis.  This can include less facial and sinus pain, improved breathing and less congestion. Patients will notice a decrease in nasal drainage, less trips to the doctor, and fewer courses of antibiotics.

What does Balloon Sinuplasty Cost?

Most often balloon sinuplasty is covered by insurance (including Medicare) and you will only be responsible for your co-pay or deductible. A computed tomography (CT) scan must be obtained and submitted to the insurance company for pre-authorization, along with the physician’s clinical findings. Our office will contact your insurance company for approval before the procedure is scheduled.

Our in-office procedure is usually much less expensive for the patient than a procedure in an operating room.

How do I get started?

Call our office today to schedule an examination with Dr. John Austin. You can also click the button below to schedule your appointment online.

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Is Sinusitis Causing My Facial Pain?


When I see a patient with facial pain my goal is to determine if there is some underlying problem of the nose or sinus system that may be causing that pain. The pain sensors in the muscles, bones, tendons, and cartilage of the face are some or the most sensitive in the entire body. Think about it, your lips and tip of your nose just barely have to be touched to trigger the sensitivity of a sneeze or the pain that something is too hot.

Sensitivity is not specificity. What does that mean? In the face it means that a sensation may be triggered in one part of the face but felt in another. A classic example is a “brain freeze” when you eat something cold. Pain in one part of the face, mouth, throat or neck can be triggered from a different location.

Sinus headaches are a common source of vague facial pain. Some people will feel sinus pain very specifically. They will notice pain in their cheeks or forehead. The pain can be variable. It may be sharp pain that is constant. It may be a dull aching pain. Sometimes nothing makes it worse; sometimes positional changes will make it worse. Weather and temperature changes can be associated with sinus pain. Chewing can make it worse; sneezing can produce very sharp sinus pain in some people. Sudden temperature changes can trigger facial pain that is originating in the sinuses.

Our 3 largest sinuses: the maxillary, frontals, and sphenoid have small openings that pass into the nose. It is important for these sinus openings to stay open and communicate with the nose. If they become blocked they become susceptible to developing a negative pressure that can produce a vacuum effect in the sinus, in turn this can produce pain symptoms by stimulating nerve endings in the sinuses and the associated tissue around the sinuses. Often times patients with facial pain, especially a pressure type pain will notice that their pain is worse when they bend over or lay down. They also will notice that their headaches will increase when there is a change in barometric pressure during periods of rain. Acute temperature changes can also trigger their headaches. An example in the summer is walking from outdoors into a room that is air conditioned.

Another problem will develop if the sinuses don’t communicate through their natural openings, namely infections. The sinuses produce mucus. That mucus is moved into the nose by natural forces. If that mucus cannot drain into the nose it will back up in the sinuses. It will eventually be contaminated by viruses and bacteria and can become infected. When the sinuses are infected several symptoms can occur. These include facial pain, pressure, discolored nasal secretions, malodorous breath, dental pain, pain around the eyes, temperature and facial swelling.

The new minimally invasive technique called Balloon Sinuplasty (or balloon sinus dilation) can be used to dilate the openings of the sinuses. By enlarging the sinus openings, the sinuses will be able to communicate with the nose in a normal fashion. This improves the health of the sinus, allows the mucosa to cleanse itself, allows the mucus produced in the sinus to be eliminated through the nose, and generally keeps the system in a healthy equilibrium.

For many patients Balloon Sinuplasty produces a long-standing resolution of the problems. It is a quick, one-day procedure with minimal risks and is performed in the office with no downtime for recovery or side effects. It is considered much more natural than continual antibiotics, nasal steroid sprays, and extensive sinus surgery. Nasal Balloon Sinpulasty cost is typically covered by insurance, so please call our office for more info.

Click here to learn more about Austin’s Balloon Sinuplasty and sinus pain expert, Dr. John Austin or simply click here to schedule an appointment.

What to Expect at Your ENT Visit

Dr. Austin

As an ENT physician, I often see patients with many different problems that affect the head and neck. Often times the primary complaint is pain, which can vary from a dull constant ache to sharp repetitive pain. Often the pain has been present for a long time. It may increase with certain positions, eating, swallowing, chewing, temperature or barometric pressure changes.  It may be accompanied be signs of infection like a temperature or swelling of the face. It may be recent in onset or may have been present for a longer period of time. So you decide to see an ENT – Now what?

At the initial evaluation for facial pain, I always start by taking the patient’s history. A rule of thumb in my practice is to listen to the patient tell their story uninterrupted for several minutes to try and learn what is bothering them the most. When a patient comes in to see me, it’s helpful if they’ve already thought about what bothers them the most. It’s a good idea to write your symptoms down ahead of time.

Questions to prepare for:

  • What is the primary reason for your visit?
  • Where is the pain located?
  • How long has it been present?
  • Is it constant, sharp or dull?
  • Does anything make it worse or better?
  • Does a weather change make it worse?
  • Have you tried any medications to see if they help?

Medications
Knowing what medicines you have tried and what did not help is very important in identifying the underlying problem. Be sure to let us know if you’re taking:

  • OTC pain meds like Tylenol, ibuprofen (Advil) or Aleve
  • Nasal medicines: antihistamines (Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, Benadryl)
  • Decongestants (Sudafed), mucolytic (guaifenesin)
  • Nasal sprays, like steroids, decongestants (afrin)
  • Topical antihistamines
  • Nasal rinses like a saline product or a netti pot. Antacids like Pepcid, Nexium, omeprazole, Protonix, or Dexilent.
  • Antibiotics – you’ll want to know the name and long you’ve taken it. Snap a pic of the bottle!

Allergies
If you suspect the pain may be allergic or seasonal think ahead what allergens have been present when your symptoms started. In Central Texas we have very predictable allergy seasons: Cedar, Oak, Ragweed, fall tree pollens, grasses and the constant molds. If you have been to an allergist try and remember the doctor’s name and when were you tested.  If you were tested for allergies what were the results of the test? Did you take allergy shots; were they recommended?

The Exam
With 25 years of clinical experience, I give every patient a thorough examination of their ear, nose, mouth and throat regions and will examine the muscles, structures and glands of the neck. Then I’ll examine your nervous system as it relates to the head and neck. Often times a thorough examination will require the use of a microscope for the ears, or a nasopharyngeal endoscope.

The head and face is a complex organ with many different types of tissue in a small space. Muscles, bone, cartilage, sinuses, nerves, teeth, tendons, blood vessels, and sensory end organs are just some of the tissues that make up the face and head. The head is supported by the neck, which also has its own group of tissues that can contribute to pain, but I’ll address that in a future blog.

Costs
Tests performed on the ear, nose and throat region are billed as separate procedures. Your insurance will often cover these procedures.

An ENT physician is a subspecialist, highly trained in examination and treatment of the complex regions of the head and neck, but occasionally further testing may be recommended; this might include routine x-rays or blood tests, or more extensive tests like a CT scans or MRI.

I will work to the best of my ability to identify and treat your ailment and get you back to enjoying life!

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss falls into one of three categories: conductive hearing loss, nerve-related hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Dr. John Austin ENT has been providing Austin with superior care for 20 years and treating the loss of hearing is just one of the many conditions that Dr. John Austin treats. 

 

Ear Anatomy

The ears are distinguished by three portions: external, middle and internal. All areas of the ear work together to provide you with the ability to hear. The process begins with the external ear, known as the pinna. Ribbed cartilage composes the pinna and sound funnels through the pinna to the external auditory canal. The external auditory canal is a short tube that ends at your eardrum. The eardrum, and the tiny bones contained in that area, vibrate because of the sound and the vibrations are carried to part of the inner ear, known as the cochlea. Your cochlea transforms sound into nerve impulses and these nerve impulses continue on to the brain. Your ear is not only responsible for your ability to hear, it also affects your sense of balance and head position. 

Hearing Loss

What is Hearing Loss?

The loss of hearing is quite normal as a natural result of the aging process. The Mayo Clinic estimates that nearly 25% of Americans aged 55 to 64 have some degree of lost hearing. While the losing some ability to hear is associated with age, it affects younger individuals as well. The Hearing Loss Association of America states that “about 20% of Americans, 48 million, report some degree of hearing loss.” It is “[e]stimated that 30 school children per 1,000 have a hearing loss.” The loss of hearing is the third most frequent medical condition in the United States, following arthritis and heart disease. 

Types of Hearing Loss

The Hearing Loss Association of America recognizes three distinct types of hearing loss:

  • Conductive hearing loss
  • Sensorineural hearing loss
  • Mixed hearing loss

Each of these types have different causes and treatments specific to them. 

Conductive hearing loss is “when hearing loss is due to problems with the ear canal, eardrum or middle ear and its little bones (the malleus, incus and stapes.” These problems may be caused by:

  • Allergies
  • Benign tumors
  • Deformity of outer ear, ear canal or middle ear structures
  • Ear canal infection
  • Fluid in middle ear (generally as a result of colds)
  • Foreign object in the ear
  • Impacted earwax
  • Perforated eardrum
  • Otosclerosis

Sensioneural hearing loss occurs “when hearing loss is due to problems of the inner ear, also known as nerve-related hearing loss.” Possible causes include:

  • Aging
  • Autoimmune inner ear disease
  • Genetics
  • Head trauma
  • Inner ear deformity
  • Loud noise exposure
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Otosclerosis
  • Tumors

Mixed hearing loss “refers to a combination of conductive and sensioneural hearing loss. This means that there may be damage in the outer or middle ear and in the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve.”

Symptoms

The symptoms experienced vary from based upon the type of hearing loss and between individuals. However, some of the hallmark symptoms indicative of loss of hearing include:

  • Avoiding social settings due to hearing problems
  • Constantly asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly or asking them to repeat themselves
  • Difficulty understanding consonants 
  • Difficulty understanding individual words (especially when background noise is present)
  • Muffled speech or other sounds
  • Requiring radio or television to be set at louder volumes
  • Withdrawing or not participating in conversations

If these or other symptoms are present, it is advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Treatments

Treatments for loss of hearing are dependent upon the type and cause of the problem. A few of the most common treatments are:

  • Earwax blockage removal 
  • Surgical procedures
  • Hearing aids
  • Cochlear implants

The Hearing Loss Expert You Need

Dr. John Austin provides each and every patient with only the highest quality care. With 20 years of experience in the Austin area, Dr. Austin has the knowledge and experience you require. Because Dr. Austin realizes your time is precious, he has several office locations in order to provide you with more convenience when seeking treatment. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, contact Dr. John Austin at one of his locations today. 

Nasal Polyps

nasal polyps

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Nasal polyps are a common occurrence, particularly in adults. Nasal polyps are noncancerous and, depending on size, may come with no symptoms at all. Treatment of nasal polyps ranges from medications to surgery. 

Nasal Polyps:  An Overview

What are Nasal Polyps?

According to the Mayo Clinic, nasal polyps are “…soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses.” The U.S. National Library of Medicine states “[t]hey often grow where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity.” Anyone can get these benign growths, though they are most frequent in adults aged 20 or older. In a paper published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, polyps in the nasal cavity affect “…up to four percent of the population.”

What are the Causes of Nasal Polyps?

In the same paper on this condition, it is stated that the cause of nasal polyps is currently unknown. Though there is much research on these growths, scientists still do not know why some people are affected while others are not. The Mayo Clinic suggests that there is “…some evidence that people who develop polyps have a different immune system response and different chemical markers in their mucous membranes than do those who don’t develop polyps.” According the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it seems that if you have problems with any of the following you may be more likely to form polyps:

  • Aspirin sensitivity
  • Asthma
  • Chronic sinus infections
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Hay fever

Because the cause is at this point unknown, and may vary from case to case, it is important to seek specialized medical attention for the most effective treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Nasal Polyps?

Just as the cause of nasal polyps varies from case to case, so do the symptoms. If you have small polyps, you may exhibit no symptoms at all. Large polyps are often associated with:

  • Runny nose
  • Congested nose
  • Postnasal drip
  • Decrease in sense of smell
  • Loss of sense of taste
  • Snoring
  • Facial pressure – particularly over your forehead
  • Frequent headaches
  • Upper teeth pain
  • Itching in the area surrounding your eyes
  • Constant feeling that you have a cold

What are the Treatment Options?

The goal in treatment is to reduce the size of, or completely eliminate, the polyps. Even with treatment there is a chance that polyps will form in the nasal cavity once again. Treatment begins when you schedule an appointment with a medical professional. An ENT will begin with a nasal examination and may order a CT scan of your sinuses. Some polyps are treatable with medications, while others may require an endoscopic surgery. Though medications may alleviate symptoms associated with polyps, they very rarely get rid of the polyps.

Medications commonly used to treat nasal polyps include:

  • Steroid nasal sprays
  • Corticosteroid pills
  • Allergy medications
  • Antibiotics – these are used to treat a sinus infection associated with polyps, not the actual nasal polyps

If you have fairly large or troublesome polyps, your doctor may decide that an endoscopic surgery is your best option. This type of surgery involves the use of an endoscope, a thin, lighted tube with instruments attached at the end, to remove the polyps. It is possible that even with surgery the polyps will return.

Dr. John Austin – The Trusted Provider

Dr. John Austin has been providing superior service to the Austin area since 1995. Dr. Austin is board certified in Otolaryngology and was the first Austin ENT to be certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Austin has extensive experience, impressive credentials and practices in three offices throughout the Austin area. To schedule an appointment today, contact one of our three office locations.

 

Mouth Breather – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

mouth breather

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If you are a mouth breather, you may assume that the worst side effect is getting grief from others about your habit. However, as a mouth breather, there are some serious and significant problems associated with your breathing. 

Breathing, even if you don’t think of it often, is a complex process which must be coordinated at all times. Your nose is a vital organ despite what you may think. As the American Academy of Otolaryngology states, the nose “…processes the air you breathe before it enters your lungs. Most of this activity takes place in and on the turbinates, located on the sides of the nasal passages.” Consider the last time you had a cold. Most likely your sleep was disrupted during the night leading to reduced cognitive functioning, low energy levels and change in mood the next day. This is the constant battle facing a person who is a mouth breather.

What Causes one to be a Mouth Breather?

There are three types of mouth breathing: obstructive, habitual and anatomic. The most common cause of mouth breathing is obstructions. Nasal airway passageways may be partially or completely obstructed. Some women find that during the third trimester of pregnancy they experience what is known as pregnancy rhinitis. Frequent causes of mouth breathing include:

Chronic Allergies

Particularly in children, chronic allergies lead to nasal airway obstruction. Though everyone experiences either allergies or a cold that causes mouth breathing, chronic allergies lead to mouth breathing being the normal way of getting air.

Adenoid Hypertrophy

Your adenoids are composed of tissue that connects the nasal cavity to the throat. Adenoids exist to fight off infections due to viruses or bacteria that enter your body through the nose. However, sometimes adenoids can be enlarged and when this happens they can lead to mouth breathing. Other complications from enlarged adenoids include loud snoring, sleep apnea and breathing that sounds labored.

Turbinate Hypertrophy

Turbinates are masses of tissue in your nose that warm and moisten the air you inhale. When your inferior turbinates become abnormally large they can cause a nasal obstruction that leads to mouth breathing. Other experiences that may appear with turbinate hypertrophy are a persistent runny nose, and nasal obstruction that worsens when you lay down.

Deviated Septum

The septum is a wall that separates the left nasal cavity from the right nasal cavity. Your septum is composed of cartilage in the front and bone in the back. It is completely normal to have one nasal cavity to be larger than the other, in fact nearly 80% of people experience a deviated septum according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. However, there are some deviated septums are so severe that they lead to nasal obstruction. When you cannot breath properly through your nose, you become a mouth breather.

What Symptoms Does a Mouth Breather Experience?

Mouth breathers often wake up with a dry mouth and throat. Dryness is also experienced in the daytime as well, but can be temporarily remedied by moistening the lips. While a dry mouth and throat seem annoying but harmless, other symptoms mouth breathers experience are far more problematic to their health. Symptoms of mouth breathing include:

  • Poor quality of sleep
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Low energy
  • Reduced cognitive functioning
  • Excessive snoring during sleep
  • Habitual bad breath
  • Sore throat
  • Dental conditions
  • Gingivitis

Additionally, a mouth breather has an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mouth breathing reduces the amount of oxygen found in the blood, which can lead to high blood pressure and other heart complications.

What Treatments are Available to Mouth Breathers?

Mouth breathing is not a new medical threat. In a paper published by the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine in 1913, W.W. James states that: “[t]he ill effects produced by nasal obstruction and mouth-breathing are so significant that in all branches of medical science the establishment of normal respiration is regarded as of the utmost importance.”

In children it is often the dentist who notices and diagnoses mouth breathing. A child mouth breather exhibits gingivitis and possible facial and dental development. Treatment for mouth breathers is performed by an ear, nose and throat doctor. The treatment necessary for mouth breathing is dependent on the cause of mouth breathing. Some of the possible treatments for mouth breathing are:

  • Septoplasty – During a septoplasty, your doctor will straighten and correctly position the septum.
  • Rhinoplasty – Not always done for cosmetic reasons, a rhinoplasty operation reshapes and modifies the nasal bones and cartilage.
  • Turbinate Reduction Surgery – Turbinate reduction surgery often takes place at the same time as a rhinoplasty. These surgeries, as the name implies, reduce the size of the turbinates. There are several options for turbinate reduction surgery. One possibility is radiofrequency reduction, which shrinks the size of your nasal turbinates without having to remove any nasal tissue or bone.
  • Adenoidectomy – This surgery is most often performed on children and is completed at the same time as a tonsillectomy. During an adenoidectomy, the adenoids are completely removed.

If you are a mouth breather, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to rectify the cause of your mouth breathing. A trusted ENT doctor, Dr. John Austin, has been practicing as an Austin ENT for 20 years. Dr. Austin has a broad range of expertise and treats patients who suffer from many ENT conditions, including mouth breathing. Contact one of his three office locations today to begin the process of normal respiration.

Turbinate Reduction Surgery

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Turbinate reduction surgery is a procedure that aims to reduce the size of nasal turbinates (or nasal concha) to increase airflow through the nasal passages. This surgery is minimally invasive and does not require a lengthy recovery time. Dr. John Austin is highly skilled at providing patients with relief from nasal obstruction due to enlarged turbinates. 

What are Turbinates?

The United States National Library of Medicine and National Health Institute states: “The inside walls of the nose have 3 pairs of long thin bones covered with thin tissue. These bones are called nasal turbinates.” John’s Hopkins Medicine describes the job of nasal turbinates as “to clean and humidify the air as it moves through your nose into your lungs.”

Turbinate hypertrophy is a condition in which the nasal turbinates become enlarged. When turbinate hypertrophy occurs, the result can be nasal obstruction. Nasal obstruction is a problem as it:

  • Leads to congested and labored breathing
  • Increases trouble breathing during sleep
  • Can induce chronic nosebleeds
  • Can cause chronic sinus infections

Turbinate Reduction Surgery

The goal of turbinate reduction surgery is to “correct the problem of nasal obstruction by reducing the turbinate size and thereby decreasing airway resistance while preserving the natural function of the turbinates,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Turbinate reduction surgery aims to improve airflow through the nasal passages. The surgery may also help reduce both nasal drainage and post-nasal drip.

Some patients who require turbinate reduction surgery might undergo a surgical septoplasty at the time of the turbinate reduction surgery. A surgical septoplasty “is performed to straighten a deviated, or crooked, nasal septum.” A deviated septum is an incredibly common occurrence, indeed it is rare for a doctors to see septums that are truly straight. Surgical septoplasty may be performed simultaneously with turbinate surgery in order to further improve airflow and reduce nasal discharge and post-nasal drip.

The methods for surgical turbinate surgery vary from case to case. However, most frequently the procedure is done using a nasal endoscope. A nasal endoscope is a thin tube that is inserted into the nose and provides the doctor with a magnified view of the area during surgery. Turbinate reduction may be done under both local or general anesthesia.

Johns Hopkins Medicine describes the surgical procedure, saying: “Your surgeon makes an incision in the lining mucosa of the turbinate and carefully removes the underlying bone of the turbinate. Your doctor may elect to use a micrdebrider to thin the tissue around the turbinate. Alternatively, they may be cauterized with radio frequency or electrical current (cautery or radiofrequency surgery).”

Benefits to Turbinate Reduction Surgery

The first major benefit to turbinate reduction surgery is the improved airflow and relief from nasal obstruction. Also, the surgery may reduce the amount of nasal drainage and post-nasal drip. Turbinate reduction surgery is completed entirely via the nostrils, so there is no facial scarring to worry about. Most patients are able to return home the same day they have the surgery.

The Provider You Can Trust

Dr. John Austin has been serving the Austin area as an ENT expert since 1995. In 1997, Dr Austin became the first ENT physician in the Austin area to become certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Austin is also a board certified Otolayrngologist.

Dr. Austin and his staff provide the care and convenience you desire. With three office locations in the Austin area, there is sure to be one located near you. Dr. Austin provides turbinate reduction surgery in addition to a vast list of other ENT conditions. Stop suffering and start your journey to wellness and a healthier, happier life by contacting Dr. John Austin today.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

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Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed on individuals with severe, chronically blocked sinuses or other nasal problems. Patients who undergo endoscopic sinus surgery can expect better drainage and increased airflow through the nose as a result of the procedure.

What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

John’s Hopkins Medicine defines endoscopic sinus surgery as “a surgical procedure used to remove blockages in the sinuses.” Endoscopic procedures were first used in Austria in the 1970s, but did not become common in the United States until the 1980s. The American Rhinologic Society elaborates on the required tool for this procedure:  “The nasal endoscope is a small lighted metal scope placed into the nostril, which allows the surgeon to visualize the nose and sinuses.”

During the actual procedure, the surgeon inserts a nasal endoscope with the goal being “to identify the narrow channels that connect the paranasal sinuses to the nasal cavity, enlarge these areas and improve the drainage from the sinuses into the nose.” The surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia and is generally done on an outpatient basis.

Who is Eligible for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

The American Rhinologic Society lists chronic rhinosinusitis as  one of the most common reasons for endoscopic surgery. “Chronic rhinosinusitis is a term applied to various nasal processes which involve inflammation of the nose and sinuses that do not adequately improve with medical management.” However, there are other indicators that sinus surgery is necessary. A sampling of these indicators include, but are not limited to: sinusitis, recurrent infections, chronic and complicated sinus infections, tumors of the nasal and sinus cavities, chronic sinus headaches, nasal polyps and nasal obstruction.

What are the Benefits of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

When other medical interventions or therapies are not effective at treating your sinus or nasal problems, there are many benefits to endoscopic sinus surgery. The first benefit of the surgery is that it opens the nasal passages and allows for better airflow and drainage. The surgery should also drastically reduce the number, severity and duration of sinus infections experienced.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology states the advantages to an endoscopic sinus surgery succinctly saying: “The advantage of the procedure is that the surgery is less extensive, there is often less removal of normal tissues and can frequently be performed on an outpatient basis.” Because nasal endoscopes are inserted into the nostril, there is no need to cut facial skin for this procedure, which eliminates any facial scarring. Another important advantage to an endoscopic sinus procedure is the reduced recovery time.

The ENT Expert you can Trust

Dr. John Austin has a simple goal:  “to give my patients the life they want and deserve.”  Dr. Austin has been treating patients in the Austin area since 1995. In 1997, Dr. Austin became the first Austin physician to be certified by the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery. He is also board certified in Otolaryngology.

Dr. Austin has the experience, skill and compassionate care that you deserve. With 20 years of experience in the Austin area alone, Dr. Austin gives his patients superior medical treatment. Dr. Austin maintains three offices in Central Texas: Central Austin, Round Rock and Lakeway. Stop suffering from sinus problems and contact one of Dr. Austin’s three convenient locations.

Deviated Septum

deviated septum

What is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal septum is the thin walled structure between your nasal passages. It is highly common to have a nasal septum that is not perfectly centered, leaving one nostril larger than the other. The American Academy of Otolaryngology states that nearly 80% of septums are not centered. A displaced nasal septum is referred to as a deviated septum. Often, a crooked septum is not a cause for concern. However, there are instances where the nasal septum is so displaced that it causes difficulty breathing or contributes to a tendency for crusting or bleeding along the nasal passages as the drying effect of breathing occurs. Causes of deviated septums include a birth defect or a nasal injury.

What are Symptoms of a Deviated Septum?

Most cases of a displaced septum result in no symptoms at all. In cases of severe septum deformities, the following symptoms may be present:

  • Nostril obstruction
  • Facial pain
  • Nosebleeds
  • Tendency to sleep on a particular side
  • Loud breathing while asleep

If any of the following symptoms are present, it is important to visit an ENT:

  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Obstructed nostrils
  • Chronic or recurring sinus infections

How is a Deviated Septum Treated?

There are several ways to manage symptoms caused by an off-center septum. Some of the treatments intended to manage symptoms include:

  • Decongestants
  • Antihistamines
  • Nasal Spray

In order to actually correct a deviated septum, surgery is required. The two surgeries used to treat crooked septums are:

  • Septoplasty – During a septoplasty, the surgeon will straighten and correctly position the septum. In order to do this, your surgeon may need to remove pieces and replace them.
  • Rhinoplasty – A rhinoplasty is surgery that reshapes and modifies the shape of the nasal bones and cartilage.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as frequent nosebleeds or chronic sinusitis, a deviated septum could be to blame. Contact Dr. John Austin today to schedule an appointment for the correction of your deviated septum.

Nasal Airway Obstruction

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Nasal airway obstruction impacts daily activities such as breathing, eating and sleeping. Dr. John Austin is experienced in treating patients with nasal airway obstruction. 

 

The Nasal Cavity

Your nasal cavity is an air-filled space in the interior of your nose. The nasal cavity is lined with a mucous membrane  and is separated, ideally in the center, by a wall of cartilage and thin bone, known as the septum. The septum is what creates your right and left nostrils. Additionally, there are six curved bones covered by expansile tissue in the nasal cavity that are called turbinates, or nasal concha. These paired turbinates function to cleanse, condition and heat (or cool) the air you breathe. Once the air has passed through your nostrils, it travels via the respiratory tract to your lungs.

Causes of Nasal Airway Obstruction

There are several common causes for nasal airway obstruction. The most frequently experienced causes include:

  • Enlarged Turbinates – Known as turbinate hypertrophy, enlargement of the turbinates can be a cause of nasal airway obstruction. Turbinate hypertrophy is an incredibly commonplace condition, though it is not a large cause for concern in many. The enlarged turbinates can make breathing through one, or both, nostrils nearly impossible.
  • Deviated Septum – The American Academy of Otolaryngology estimates that as many as 80% of Americans experience an off-center septum. While this is not a problem in many instances, it can increase the likelihood of chronic sinusitis and be a contributing factor to nasal airway obstruction. A septum being crooked makes breathing with one of the nostrils significantly more difficult.
  • Nasal Polyps – Polyps are benign growths that appear on the lining of the nasal cavity. These growths can congest the nasal cavity, making it harder to breath.
  • Enlarged Adenoids – The adenoid tissue, located in the back of the nose, generally shrinks late in the teen years. If the adenoid tissue does not get smaller, it can contribute to chronic sinus infections and airway obstruction. Enlarged adenoids are not just problematic in terms of airway obstruction; they may also indicate the presence of a tumor.

In addition to these causes of nasal airway obstruction, the condition can also occur as a result of a foreign object, swollen nasal lining due to allergies and certain medications, such as nasal decongestant sprays.

Treatments

Ultimately, the treatment for your nasal airway obstruction is determined by the cause of the problem. Often, the condition can be treated with the use of nasal corticosteroids or topical antihistamines. Other causes of nasal airway obstruction require surgery to treat. Potential surgeries used to correct obstruction of the nasal cavity include:

  • Septoplasty – When the cause of the obstruction is a deviated septum, surgery to correct the deviation is a treatment. During this surgery, the crooked cartilage and bone of the septum are straightened.
  • Surgery of the Turbinates – These surgeries are commonly known as turbinate reduction surgery or turbinate resection. Often these procedures occur at the same time of a septoplasty. Some methods, such as radiofrequency reduction, shrink turbinates without removing tissue or bone. In some instances, it may be necessary to remove a portion of the turbinate.

Dr. Austin has served the Austin area since 1995. His experience and care make him the leading choice for your Austin ENT doctor. Contact his office today to learn more about your nasal airway obstruction and how it can be treated.

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(956) 350-8787
4770 North Expy.
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Brownsville, TX 78526

Harlingen ENT

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510 Victoria Ln.
Suite 5
Harlingen, TX 78550

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