A rhinologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of sinus problems. 

Rhinology is the medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of sinus problems. The rhinologist’s job includes diagnosing, treating, and preventing sinus disease. A rhinologist has fellowship training beyond otolaryngology residency to treat this complicated problem.  The rhinologist can perform sinus surgery, septoplasty, revision sinus surgery, frontal sinus surgery, and more to provide you a comprehensive approach to sinusitis with or without nasal polyps.

 
Rhinologists also use a variety of diagnostic techniques to determine whether or not a person has a sinus problem. When the problem is identified, the rhinologist will recommend treatments that will best suit your needs.
 

There are many types of rhinologic procedures that may be necessary in order to appropriately diagnose and treat your particular case: 

·        Nasal endoscopy - A procedure used to view the inside of the nose through a small camera; this may be done when there is suspicion of infection or pathology in the nasal passages 

·        Nasal polyps surgery or nasal polypectomy - This surgery involves removing nasal polyps (growths on the mucous membranes) from inside your nose.

·        Image-guided sinus surgery - This type of endoscopic sinus surgery allows the surgeon to precisely identify the problems and areas of danger, which reduces complications and allows for a more complete surgery. 

·        Septoplasty - This surgery is performed to correct a deviated septum causing nasal obstruction.

·        Skull base surgery and CSF leak repair - These complicated surgeries require rhinology-level expertise as the surgery operates between the sinuses and the brain. This surgery can often be performed endoscopically and in conjunction with a neurosurgeon. An example of this surgery includes endoscopic pituitary surgery in which pituitary tumors are removed completely through the nose. 

A rhinologist will perform an evaluation to determine the scope of the problem and then prescribe the appropriate treatment. 

Rhinology, or the study of noses and sinuses, is a highly specialized medical field that has been growing in popularity over the past few years. Rhinologists are experts at evaluating the nose and sinuses and skull base. 

A rhinologist will perform an evaluation to determine the scope of the problem and then prescribe the appropriate treatment. Depending on the findings of this evaluation, a rhinologist may recommend surgery, antibiotics, or other treatments.

Some common treatments that a rhinologist may recommend includes: sinus surgery, nasal polyps removal, sinus CT scan, and sinusitis treatment. 

The sinuses are cavities located inside and around our noses that connect through air passages. Inflammation of these areas can cause congestion of those, drainage, and various degrees of sinus pain or pressure. There are 4 sets of sinuses – maxillary sinuses, ethmoid sinuses, sphenoid sinuses, and frontal sinuses, each with its own set of complexities – so it’s important to have your symptoms evaluated by an expert. 

Endoscopic sinus surgery involves removing obstructions from one or more the sinuses using minimally invasive procedures. Revision sinus surgeries may be needed and a rhinologist has been trained to understand and fix the overlying issues. Frontal sinus surgery is also a complex procedure that rhinologists specialize in performing. CT scan images are often used together with computer-aided reconstructions during surgery to provide real-time 3D views to enable accurate localization while surgeons make precision cuts.

Conclusion 

Having trouble breathing through your nose? You might be suffering from a sinus problem, and it's time to see a rhinologist. A rhinologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of sinus problems and can help you get on the road to better health. By performing an evaluation to determine the scope of the problem and prescribing the appropriate treatments, a rhinologist can help you feel more comfortable and breathe normally again. In addition to sinus surgery, nasal polyps removal, sinus CT scan, and sinusitis treatment, don't forget that rhinologists also specialize in revision sinus surgery, so if you or someone close to you suffers from recurrent sinus infections in Troy MI, make an appointment with Dr. Eric Succar, MD, a rhinologist near you.