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Nasal Blockage And Polyps Specialist

Tustin Ear, Nose & Throat, Sinus and Allergy Center

Otolaryngology located in Tustin, CA & Los Alamitos, CA

Blockages in the nasal passages from polyps or other causes can lead to chronic sinus infections and more severe complications, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Having these obstructions removed restores the ability to breathe without congestion. patients with nasal polyps or other blockages can get help from Dr. Charles Oh at Tustin Ear, Nose & Throat, Sinus and Allergy Center in Tustin and Los Alamitos, California.

Nasal Blockage and Polyps Q & A

What Causes Nasal Blockages?

There are several possible causes of nasal blockages or obstruction. These include allergies, sinus problems, nasal polyps, and a deviated septum. Using nasal sprays too much or having a foreign object in the nasal passages can also cause nasal blockages. In many cases, nasal blockages are temporary. Treating the underlying cause can remove the obstruction, allowing air to flow freely through the nasal passages again.

What are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are benign, or non-cancerous, growths that occur in the nasal passages. When these growths are small, they don’t usually cause any noticeable symptoms. When they’re larger or when they occur in groups, they can cause trouble breathing, frequent sinus infections, and asthma attacks. In some cases, nasal polyps can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, which is considered a serious condition. Signs of nasal polyps include constant nasal congestion, postnasal drip, an impaired sense of smell or taste, and facial pain.

What Causes Nasal Polyps?

Scientists haven't found the underlying cause of nasal polyps. Some patients develop these growths due to chronic nasal inflammation. Other risk factors for nasal polyps include having asthma, being sensitive to aspirin, having a family history of nasal polyps, and being allergic to airborne fungi. Nasal polyps can grow in any part of the nasal passages. However, they typically grow in the nasal passages near the eyes, cheeks, and nose. Dr. Oh evaluates patients to try to determine what's causing nasal polyps.

How Does Dr. Oh Treat Nasal Polyps?

Dr. Oh either reduces nasal polyps in size or removes them from the nasal passages. Initial treatment typically involves taking medication to shrink nasal polyps. Patients can use medications like nasal corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, injectable corticosteroids, antihistamines, or antibiotics.

When medications aren’t effective at shrinking nasal polyps, Dr. Oh might recommend surgery as another treatment option. Surgical procedures for removing nasal polyps include endoscopic surgery that involves the use of small tools to get rid of these growths. Another method involves making the openings to the nasal passages larger.

Tustin Ear, Nose & Throat Sinus and Allergy Center offers a non-surgical procedure for patients who suffer from repeat nasal polyps with SINUVA™ (mometasone furoate) Sinus Implant. SINUVA is proven to reduce polyps and nasal congestion and obstruction.

What is SINUVA?

SINUVA is a sinus implant that treats nasal polyps without surgery. During a routine office visit, Dr. Oh will use topical and/or local anesthesia to numb the patent’s nose and sinuses. SINUVA is then placed in the sinus cavity through the nasal opening.

How does SINUVA work?

Its innovative design provides a 2-in-1 approach: it is designed to open in the sinus cavity and release ant-inflammatory medicine to treat nasal polyps for up to 90 days.

What are the benefits of using SINUVA, after using for 90 days?

•Significantly reduces nasal obstruction and congestion

•Significantly improves impaired sense of smell

 

 For more information about how SINUVA works, please watch the following video below.


 

To learn more about treatment options for nasal blockages and polyps, please contact Tustin Ear, Nose & Throat, Sinus and Allergy Center to set up an appointment with Dr. Oh.

Accepted Insurance Providers

Tustin Ear, Nose & Throat, Sinus and Allergy Center accepts most major insurances. If you do no not see your insurance listed, please call our office and one of our knowledgable staff members would be happy to help

Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross
Beech Street
Blue Cross
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California
Cigna
Coventry
First Health
HealthNet
Humana
Multiplan
Tricare
United Health Care PPO
United Healthcare
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