Did you know that more than 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with sinusitis (sinus infection and inflammation)? This is not accounting for the millions more who struggle with sinus headaches and other uncomfortable symptoms. This means millions of people are struggling with chronic sinusitis and other related medical conditions. If you are one of them, isn’t it time you got relief?
Your Solution to Chronic Sinusitis
Your relief is here at South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center. Our team of sinus specialists, led by Dr. Lee Mandel, is here to help you breathe better. With two convenient locations in South Florida – one in Ft. Lauderdale and one in Plantation – relief from chronic sinusitis has never been easier. Dr. Mandel, Director of South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center and South Florida Snoring and Sleep Center, is one of the most accomplished Otolaryngologists and Rhinologists in the country. He is also one of South Florida’s only Rhinologists. Dr. Mandel has used his decades of experience to create a number of innovative and proprietary sinus treatments. He has also put together a team of talented and dedicated sinusitis specialists. The result is South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center. All of our procedures are done in our state-certified Level III surgical suites. You’ll receive an individually tailored treatment plan, quick and effective treatment, and non-invasive surgical options. Doesn’t that sound better than a frustrating and expensive hospital visit? Call us today at (954) 883-9449 or book your appointment online!
Sinus Treatments at South Florida Sinus and Allergy
We offer a number of procedures designed to treat chronic sinusitis. These include:
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon Sinuplasty is one of the most effective treatments available for sinus infections. It can lead to a drastic reduction in symptoms, including sinus headaches. The best part is that the entire procedure can take as little as 15 minutes. Your Balloon Sinuplasty begins with sedation. You will receive anesthesia to make sure you are comfortable from our board-certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Mandel will then insert a balloon catheter into your nasal pathway. This opens your sinuses and helps them to drain. Dr. Mandel will also use a saline solution to help jumpstart the drainage process and make sure any infected liquid is fully discharged. The balloon catheter is removed, but not before it has had a chance to reshape your nasal pathway and improve your airflow. The entire process is minimally invasive and leads to long-term chronic sinusitis relief. While the time varies from patient to patient, it is often completed within 15 minutes.
Diagnostic Studies
The first step to treating any sinus infection is comprehensive testing. Thankfully, we are here to help turn your diagnostic and imaging tests into one quick, simple, and effective process. Diagnostic studies begin with a thorough medical history. After determining any familial illnesses or genetic predispositions you may have, we move to the testing itself. This consists of a nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan. Your nasal endoscopy begins by inserting a thin camera into your nasal cavity. This sounds invasive, but the process has been designed to maximize your comfort throughout. Our chronic sinusitis specialists use the camera to get a direct view of your nasal passage and check for any signs of sinus infection. This can include inflammation, fluid buildup, and bleeding. Your CT scan is a type of X-ray test which produces a cross-section image of your internal organs, tissue, and bones. It helps us determine any potential issues. The combination of nasal endoscopy and CT scan gives Dr. Mandel and his team a holistic view of any and all sinus problems you may be experiencing.
Latera Implant
Patients suffering from sinus headaches often complain of nasal congestion and blockage. If left untreated, this blockage can affect your lateral nasal cartilage and lead to something called Nasal Airway Obstruction. LATERA implants work to treat nasal airway obstruction by providing support to your upper and lower lateral nasal cartilage. This, in turn, opens your sinuses up and allows for greater airflow. Over 50% of patients who receive a LATERA implant reported a continued reduction in nasal obstruction two years after the procedure. The entire LATERA implant procedure is under local anesthesia and can be completed in as little as five minutes. That’s right – up to two years of reduced symptoms, including sinus infections, can be yours in as little as five minutes.
Sinus GPS
Sinus GPS is an innovative form of image-guided surgery. Using Fiagon©, Dr. Mandel is able to offer the most precise results possible during all phases of your treatment. You can rest assured during testing, surgery, and recovery that no other Rhinologist in South Florida has a higher level of accuracy. That is because Sinus GPS is available exclusively at South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center. Sinus GPS works by combining Fiagon© technology with the results of your CT scan. Dr. Mandel is able to use the two together to map your nasal cavity and sinuses to the millimeter. This allows for more accurate diagnoses, more successful surgeries, and a quicker recovery time than traditional medical imaging.
Sinusitis Signs and Symptoms
While chronic sinusitis is widespread, its symptoms can often mimic those of the common cold. You may want relief from these symptoms but be unsure whether you need to contact South Florida and Allergy Center. You should contact a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following sinus infection signs and symptoms:
- Facial tenderness
- Pressure in your cheeks
- Pressure behind your eyes
- Tooth pain
- Continual postnasal drip
- Discolored mucus
- Congestion and stuffed nose
- Coughing
- Headaches (including sinus headaches)
- Fever
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Halitosis (bad breath)
These are the most common sinus infection symptoms, but there are many others. If you have noticed a decreased sense of smell, for example, you may be suffering from a sinus infection. There are also certain physical attributes that may place you at an increased risk of infection. These include polyps, a deviated septum, a narrowed sinus opening, and more.
Common Sinus Infection Medications
It may seem like there is no relief for chronic sinusitis. This is not the case at all. There are actually a number of over the counter treatments that may help. The most common of these are:
- Antihistamines – These are medications which reduce inflammation in your sinus cavities. They work best for allergic inflammation which results in swollen sinuses.
- Nasal Decongestants – These are medications which you take orally or spray into your nose. They are similar to antihistamines in that they help reduce swelling in your nasal passages. Do not use nasal decongestants for more than three or four days (this can cause rhinitis medicamentosa or “rebound sinusitis”).
- Nasal Washes – There are sometimes referred to as nasal rinses and include neti pots. Nasal washes work to help clear your sinuses by rinsing them with a saline solution.
There are also prescription medications available to help fight sinus infections. One of the most popular types of prescription sinusitis medication are nasal corticosteroids (sometimes simply called nasal steroids). There are many different brands of these medicines, but they all work in similar ways – mimicking your body’s natural production of cortisone and reducing symptoms. While over the counter and prescription medications are a great way to get temporary relief from frustrating symptoms like sinus headaches, they do not offer lasting relief. That is because these medicines work to treat the symptoms of chronic sinusitis, not the underlying causes and conditions. This is when an experienced sinus doctor becomes invaluable.
Lasting Relief From Sinus Infections
You are choosing lasting relief from sinus infections when you choose South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center. You will no longer have to worry about taking antihistamines or other medication daily. You will not have to struggle with several days of nasal sprays. Our innovative and effective treatments are designed with one goal – to make sure you get and stay better. Dr. Mandel and his team of sinusitis specialists have helped thousands of patients start living symptom-free lives. We can help you too. Our treatments and procedures begin by acknowledging that every patient is different and requires an individualized solution. We are able to diagnose your unique sinus issues and create a treatment plan that just for you. All of our sinus treatments are minimally invasive, which means you can start feeling better without complicated or major surgery. As one of South Florida’s only Rhinologists, Dr. Mandel is able to help when other clinics simply can’t. His decades of experience, knowledge and expertise of our other industry-leading specialists, our two state-of-the-art offices, and our overwhelming positive patient testimonials make your choice clear. Call South Florida Sinus and Allergy Center today at (954) 883-9449. We are here to help you breathe better, whether you suffer from chronic sinusitis, debilitating sinus headaches, or any other uncomfortable sinus-related illness.