Sinusitis Specialist
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South Coast Ear, Nose and Throat
Avrum Kaufman, DO
ENT & Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon located in Ladera Ranch, CA & Irvine, CA
A congested nose and discolored nasal discharge are signs you have sinusitis, an infection that may clear up without a problem, or turn into a painful, chronic condition. At South Coast Ear, Nose and Throat, Avrum Kaufman, DO, specializes in treating chronic sinusitis, providing long-lasting relief with procedures such as minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty. If you struggle with sinus and nose symptoms, call one of the offices in Ladera Ranch or Irvine, California, or book an appointment online.
Sinusitis Q & A
What causes sinusitis?
Your sinuses are lined with membranes that produce mucus, then the mucus drains into your nasal cavity through a small opening. When the opening is blocked, mucus builds up in the sinuses and becomes infected, a condition called sinusitis.
Sinusitis is most often caused by allergies, a viral infection, or structural blockages such as nasal polyps or enlarged turbinates. If your sinusitis lasts 12 weeks or longer, it becomes chronic sinusitis. This condition occurs when inflammation persists after an infection heals.
What symptoms develop due to sinusitis?
Sinusitis is known for causing three primary symptoms: nasal congestion, discolored nasal discharge, and pain or pressure around your sinuses. Many patients also experience:
- Decreased sense of smell
- Aching jaw or teeth
- Postnasal drip
- Headache
- Cough
- Earache
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
You may develop a fever if you have acute sinusitis caused by an infection.
How is sinusitis treated?
Your treatment depends on whether you have acute or chronic sinusitis and the cause of the infection. An acute viral infection naturally runs its course, so you only need medications to treat your symptoms.
Treatment for chronic sinusitis begins with conservative therapies such as nasal irrigation and nasal spray to reduce inflammation. When your chronic sinusitis doesn’t improve, surgery can deliver long-lasting relief.
What types of sinus surgery can treat chronic sinusitis?
Dr. Kaufman specializes in two procedures that effectively treat sinusitis:
Balloon sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is performed using a narrow endoscope that’s equipped with built-in lighting and a camera.
Dr. Kaufman gently inserts the endoscope through your nostril and guides it to the blocked sinus. When the endoscope is at the blocked opening, he guides a balloon catheter into place and inflates the balloon.
The inflated balloon widens the opening without tissue removal. Dr. Kaufman then deflates and removes the balloon.
You gain long-lasting results because pressure from the inflated balloon restructures the shape of the opening — a change that remains after the balloon is gone. As a result, normal sinus drainage is restored and your chronic sinusitis goes away.
Dr. Kaufman performs this procedure in-office and administers a local anesthesia.
Endoscopic sinus surgery
CT-guided endoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed when your sinuses are blocked due to structural problems in your nose.
Dr. Kaufman uses CT scans to visualize the tissues inside your nasal cavity and guides the endoscope through your nostril to the infected sinus. Then he uses specialized instruments to remove tissue inflammation blocking the sinus opening, thereby restoring normal function.
The surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.
To get long-lasting help for chronic sinusitis, call South Coast Ear, Nose and Throat or book an appointment online.
