Blog Archive

Poor oral health is one commonly overlooked culprit of sinus problems. If you’ve been struggling with recurring sinus infections or blockages, learn more about how improving your oral health can help.

It’s not uncommon to occasionally get a sinus infection. However, getting frequent sinus infections may be a sign that you have nasal polyps, a benign growth in your nose. Learn more about spotting the signs.

If you are living with a chronic sinus condition, a balloon sinuplasty might be what you need to provide long-lasting relief. However, you’re required to meet specific criteria to undergo the procedure. Find out if it’s right for you here.

A deviated septum can make breathing difficult, significantly affecting your daily functioning. Learn more about how fixing it can improve your quality of life.

Sinus infections cause many of the same symptoms of a cold or flu — at first. But there are some key symptoms that can help you tell them apart, so you can get prompt treatment and halt the infection. Here’s what to look for.

Each person has different goals in mind when considering rhinoplasty. For many, the hope is to produce a shapely nose that is more in line with the natural beauty and features of the patient’s face.

The nasal septum is located in between the nostrils and separates the two airways for optimal airflow. The majority of adults have some deviation of the septum, which may lead to difficulty with breathing.

A sinus pressure headache occurs when there is a buildup of mucus in the sinuses in the cavities behind the eyes, nose, cheeks, or forehead. This can occur as a result of an allergic reaction or infection.

There are a variety of substances floating in the air we breathe every day. From pollutants to pollen to mold to animal dander, these microscopic particles (otherwise known as allergens) are harmless to most of the population.

We have all suffered from the occasional cold or virus. Chronic sinusitis is a different story; the condition is painful, unpleasant, and can lead to other physical problems. Is chronic sinusitis contagious? It depends upon the root cause of the condition.

Fragrances are such a prominent part of our world, but perfumes or other scented products can irritate your sinuses and cause debilitating headaches. At times even compared to a migraine, perfume headaches can cause you to miss work...

The common cold is a virus that affects the upper respiratory tract. The average person will have a cold from two to four times a year. Children tend to have colds more often.

Sinus pressure, or sinusitis, is a common problem. Sinus pressure is often a chronic problem, and many people suffer from the condition and have trouble finding real relief.

Choosing a doctor can be a tough task, especially in a city as large as Los Angeles. During their medical training, doctors are educated in a wide range of specialties, and depending on your needs, it might be necessary to consult a specialist...

Turbinates are curved bones located inside the nasal passage which aid with filtering and humidifying the air we breathe. They can become swollen when impacted by factors such as allergens or impurities in the air.

Once you’ve identified structural problems or allergens, it’s time to begin treatment. Dr. Zadeh offers a variety of treatment options, ranging from non-invasive treatments to surgical procedures.

The discomfort caused by sinus allergies can have a serious impact on your work and other daily activities. As many as one-third of adults have sinus allergies, and each person’s symptoms are unique to the individual.

The pain from sinusitis can be intolerable and the remedies to soothe pain and treat the condition range from natural to prescription to over-the-counter medications. Applying the wrong treatment to a condition won’t alleviate the suffering,...

Chronic sinusitis is often the result of a deviated septum. Along with the painful symptoms of sinusitis, various other unpleasant problems are common, including snoring, bad breath, and nosebleeds.

Patients describing headache symptoms is an all too common medical condition we run into at our office. Many think that the forces of spring and fall are flaring up their allergies and are the culprit behind the throbbing headaches they experience.

Having a regular bout with sinusitis is already handful enough to deal with, but what if it is coupled with bad breath? That certainly makes things worse. Why You Experience Bad Breath When You Have Sinusitis

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, chances are your doctor will also advise you to use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to help improve the quality of your sleep.

You have just been to the doctor and were diagnosed with a deviated septum. You googled your condition online and came up with news that there are surgeries available to treat your deviated septum. Is surgery something you consider right away?

Had enough with your stuffy nose and clogged sinuses? You’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 29.4 million Americans who have been diagnosed with sinusitis.

It is natural to seek out medicine when you don’t feel good. Our nation’s OTC wellness industry pulls in billions in revenue each year because of this desire, peddling every possible permutation of painkillers, cough suppressants, and other medications...

Roughly one in seven Americans suffer from chronic sinusitis, a staggering figure by any standard. The figure swells even further if we include all sinusitis sufferers, such as those whose symptoms fall short of the repetitive patterns...

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, then you know that I have previously written about Jai McDowall, a British TV reality show singer whose singing was put on hold by a deviated septum.

Andre Drummond recently underwent a septoplasty surgery to correct a deviated septum. The Detroit Pistons’ center has established himself as a star early on in his professional career.

Having a hard time sleeping at night because your husband or wife’s snoring is through the roof? A good night’s sleep is important to properly function the morning after.

Imagine lying wide awake in the middle of the night, unable to sleep because of a stuffy nose. Most people who experience this will blame it on a seasonal allergy, or a nasty bout with a sinus infection.

A deviated septum is not something you can see or diagnose just by looking at one’s nose. Even if you have a nose that looks good and straight from the outside, that is not enough assurance that you don’t have this condition.

Spring may bring warmer weather and longer days, but it has its share of disadvantages. For one, it’s that time of the year when people seem to catch a cold and have stuffy noses all the time.

United Airlines was in the news recently after a video of a passenger that was bumped off a flight and dragged unceremoniously across the aisle went viral. According to his lawyers, David Dao suffered from a broken nose and an injury to the sinus...

Have you been suffering from sinusitis for the longest time and are barely getting by with medications? This may be the wrong approach to take. If your sinuses are no longer responding well to medication, then now is the best time...

Aside from breathing difficulties, having a deviated septum can also prevent you from pursuing the things you are passionate about. Just take a look at Jai McDowall, a support worker who came into the limelight after winning...

If you’ve had enough of our “cold” weather, take heart: spring is upon us. But while other people head outdoors to bask in the warm weather, sinus sufferers tend to opt to stay indoors.

Sinusitis can be a real pain in the nose. Although hardly life-threatening, this common constellation of symptoms can heavily interfere with your normal, day-to-day activities.

Do you often wake up in the morning with dry mouth? Or perhaps you wake up several times in the middle of the night to have a glass of water? You might be tempted to just dismiss that dry mouth as thirst, plain and simple.

Do you often find yourself tossing and turning while sleeping at night? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring? Find yourself irritated as soon as you wake up, or sleepy behind the wheel on your morning drive?

Chronic sinusitis, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, is a fairly miserable condition in which inflammation, congestion, and occasional pain become a patient’s new normal. Instead of beating these symptoms within a few days, as most of us do...

Chronic sinusitis is a scourge. When symptoms such as pressure and pain don’t go away – or worse, go away and then instantly recur – this is a sign that you are obviously dealing with something more aggressive than a common cold.

The lining of the nose is comprised of thin and highly vascularized tissue, making it more prone to bleeding than many other parts of the body. Most of us have experienced bleeding from the nose at one time or another, either as a result of injury,...

Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are two different things, but that hasn’t stopped them from becoming conflated in the public imagination. Part of this is because of a perceived stigma associated with rhinoplasty that causes many people to describe...

At the Los Angeles Sinus Institute, we treat a wide range of symptoms and complaints, from chronic sinusitis to deviated septums and nasal polyps. Although I fill a lot of space on this blog discussing persistent symptoms such as these,...

Balloon sinus surgery, or balloon sinuplasty, is not for everyone. This minimally invasive surgical procedure is best considered as a strategy of last resort, as most sinus symptoms will resolve on their own without any medical intervention.

I have been writing about the PROPEL sinus stent for some time. This clever medical device fills a niche that was sorely needed in the world of otolaryngology, providing sinus surgeons such as myself with a powerful tool to help prevent the collapse...

Balloon sinus surgery has become a popular procedure. Because it doesn’t require any incisions or major reconstruction, balloon sinus surgery is often the preferred choice of patients who are seeking lasting relief...

Most Americans have a deviated septum, but not everyone has at least one fully occluded nostril. Most people’s deviated septums exist somewhere on the spectrum from imperceptible to fully offset.

As the debate rages on over when to prescribe antibiotics for sinus symptoms, some of the biggest manufacturers of these common drugs are pushing back. The pharmaceutical industry has a vested interest in selling more of their patented drugs, of course,...

Sinusitis is a chronic and miserable condition where the walls of your sinuses remain inflamed for weeks, months, or even years at a time. The associated symptoms are just as bad as you might imagine: terrible pain, pressure, headaches,...

Septal surgery is the best bet for people who want to correct a deviated septum, which is typically caused by either an injury, or genetics. Unlike nasal spray or irrigation, septoplasty is a permanent fix, enabling patients who have struggled for years...

Sinus surgery is our specialty at the Los Angeles Sinus Institute. As a respected clinic dedicated to the safe and effective treatment of sinus symptoms throughout the Southland, we spend a good amount of time discussing the pros and cons...

Snoring is often treated as an embarrassment or a comical problem, but its health implications run far deeper. For the many millions of Americans who snore during their sleep every night, the snoring can be a harbinger of significant health problems...

You may have just finished reading my prior post about the dangers of unchecked sinus infection. Today I want to discuss an ongoing debate within the otolaryngological (ENT) community about when and how early antibiotics should be prescribed for cases...

Sinus infection is one of the most common medical complaints in the U.S. Each year, tens of millions of people visit their doctors for symptoms resembling a sinus infection, and many come away with unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics.

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon sinus surgery, is a fairly new procedure that involves inflating a tiny balloon inside your sinuses to promote drainage. The procedure is becoming more popular every day because it fills a niche,...

I occasionally use this space to express my gratitude for being included among a cohort of professionals I admire. The Super Doctors program has been very kind to my practice, and we always make a point of highlighting each distinction on our blog...

Mucus can wear many hats. When everything is working properly, your mucus cleans, hydrates, and warms the air you breathe, flowing in a continuous cycle through the sinuses of your face before draining painlessly down your throat.

Coughs and colds go hand in hand. Colds produce a constellation of symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. These are all related, of course: they involve the overproduction of mucus, which is your body’s bioweapons barrier against pathogens...

Deviated septum is an extremely common condition. In fact it’s more common than not: four out of five adults have a septum that is deviated to one side or the other. The symptoms of a deviated septum are hard to miss, especially if they hound you...

Sinus symptoms are some of the most common medical complaints in America. Dozens of millions of people report sinus symptoms each year, and many of those end up at the doctor’s office or the ER.

Distinguishing between migraine headaches and sinus headaches is notoriously difficult, even for some people who are trained in medicine. Because the two headaches share so many symptoms, and tend to follow similar timelines, it is easy to get them...

Recently, I was invited to the ABC7 newsroom to talk about some of the most common symptoms, presentations, and treatments for sinus pressure. Check out the full video below:...

Antibiotics have undoubtedly been a breakthrough for humanity. They are the principal reason that severe coughs, sore throats, and injuries are no longer fatal in most cases.

Sinus infections are vicious and painful disorders. Often the symptoms begin slowly, but quickly graduate to terrible pain, discomfort, and sensory effects. Understanding how to identify and treat sinus infections is essential if you want to find...

Sinus infections can take a few forms. They may be bacterial or viral, and may be caused by a broad variety of microbes and conditions, including polyps, allergies, and immunodeficiency.

Deviated septum is a common disorder – so common, in fact, that well more than half of all Americans show signs of septal deviation. The condition is characterized by a nasal septum that is offset to one side or another, creating asymmetry...

The arms race of neti pots is finally heating up, and not a millennium too soon. Although this ancient treatment has been around since long before modern medicine, it has only been in recent years that device makers have begun refining the design.

Coughs are hard for parents of babies and very young kids. Without any real language ability, little kids are often consigned to sleepless suffering – and their parents share the burden with them.

What is turbinate reduction surgery? It is a procedure which is designed to reduce the amount of obstructing tissue or bone in your turbinates, which are small, curvy bones inside your face used to warm and clean the air you breathe.

I believe my job as a sinus surgeon in Los Angeles is twofold: 1) help my patients feel and breathe better, and 2) to communicate clearly why and how we hope to do so. Doctors’ offices are confusing places already.

Billy Joel, the great songwriter and occasionally embattled rock star, has confirmed that he’ll be back to his punishing live tour again following a sinus surgery procedure:...

It is a staple of old cartoons, fairy tales, and modern sitcoms: the husband who roars like a buzz saw through the night, inconveniencing everyone else with his upper respiratory howl.

I tweeted about this a couple weeks back, but here’s the full story: Researchers [have] found a link between people in the United States ages 65 and older who had chronic sinusitis and an increased risk of being diagnosed...

It has become something of an article of faith in recent years that we have a real and growing problem with unnecessarily prescribing antibiotics in this country. ENTs such as myself are often fingered as the biggest culprits – overzealous...

Those of you who have seen my warnings about using non sterile nasal irrigation water may remember the villain of those tales: a brain-eating amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri.

Following up on my recent post about the decidedly mixed benefits of the CPAP machine, I thought I would review exactly why these issues are so important, and to whom.

An important new study has determined that while CPAP machines reduce the incidence of breathing interruptions which are the signature symptom of sleep apnea, they do not seem to cause a concurrent reduction in heart risk.

Nasal septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to repair or realign the nasal septum, or “wall” that runs down between your nostrils. It is a common procedure because it’s designed to address a common ailment.

Headache treatments remain an evergreen topic for web content, not least because they remain an evergreen ailment among the American populace. Headaches strike hundreds of millions of Americans each year, in ways that are either chronic, acute,...

The experience of living with a deviated septum can be profoundly uncomfortable, in ways that few non-sufferers could ever imagine or predict. Consider this recent story, which discusses the whistling sound that is one of the telltale signs...

Sinus pain is difficult to describe unless you have experienced it firsthand. Often called a form of throbbing pressure, the particular discomfort of sinus pain may also present as tenderness, tingling, and stabbing sensation – even as low as the teeth.

Some of you may be aware that I am a fan of the Propel Sinus Stent inasmuch as a physician can appropriately support a particular device. I have seen success with Propel in my patients, and found a good deal of edifying data to support...

Antibiotic resistance is a real and growing danger, albeit one whose worst trends have been tempered somewhat as the public is awakening to the threat. But lost in the conversation about overprescription and resistance, is the discussion about where...

It is widely known that seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, affects us because our reptilian brains recognize the slowly dwindling daylight as a cause for hormonal transition.

Here’s an interesting set of findings: Researchers have discovered that long-term allergy exposure in mice causes measurable changes in the brain. The observed effect was twofold: an increase in new neuron production in the hippocampus,...

Snoring has nearly as many causes as there are articles on the subject. Snoring has been blamed on everything from slack tongue to inflamed sinuses, deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, poor posture, and body weight.

Sleep apnea can be caused by a number of issues, from anatomical blockages to genetics, disease, trauma, even ethnicity. This article discusses some of the most common culprits behind obstructed sleeping,...

Viral is a word whose meaning far predates its current Internet usage. A health issue is viral when it’s caused by a virus, which means that the inactive population in your body is a sort of self-replicating molecular machine, not a bacterium.

The Washington Post has published another analysis of the study I mentioned earlier this week, but the new article offers an important caveat which should be noted before readers begin using the neti pot dozens of times a day:

The world is generally divided up into two parts: those who use nasal irrigation faithfully, and those who have never heard of it. Although the second group is larger, the first group is stridently vocal in its support of this home remedy.

I read with some interest this fascinating Guardian article on “environmental illness,” a sort of pan-allergic reaction to many of the chemicals and signals of modern life.

Sinus balloon surgery, also known as balloon sinuplasty, changes the way you breathe. The procedure involves threading a very small balloon up into your sinuses by way of the nostril, positioning it where the mucus has become blocked from draining,...

Headaches are temperamental and hard to define. The criteria that define them tend to blur and mix, leaving many patients unsure which is cluster, which is sinus, and which is migraine. (Or is it just brain freeze?)

I don’t talk about Slurpees enough in this space, and that’s a crying shame. But this week I am grateful to get an opportunity to write about frozen drinks and their discontents, including the sudden, stabbing headache known as “brain freeze.”

The Los Angeles sinus surgery center boasts one of the highest success rates in the nation, measured by the very low incidence of revision surgery our patients require. But many patients across the country are not so lucky. 

Many of my patients at the Los Angeles Sinus Institute would describe the basic idea behind deviated septum surgery, also known as septoplasty, thusly: You take the midline between the nostrils, known as the nasal septum, and you move it to the middle.

It is something of an open secret in entertainment circles that surgery to correct a deviated septum is often code for “nose job.” There is an ounce of truth to this, of course: by definition, nasal septoplasty is a procedure...

Nasal polyps are small sacs in the lining of your nose and sinuses which fill with fluid as tissues become stretched and irritated. The usual remedy for nasal polyps is simply to remove them – but of course that is treating the symptoms, not the cause.

Balloon sinuplasty, or balloon sinus surgery, is a procedure which is easy to explain, but difficult to envision. Most patients understand that it involves a tiny inflatable balloon which inflates to greater volume, opening up the inflamed walls...

Balloon sinuplasty is once again having a moment. As more local ENTs and hospitals sign on to train for this procedure, experienced ENTs such as myself are finding more media mentions than ever.

What’s balloon sinuplasty? A very simple, minimally invasive technique for opening clogged sinuses so that they can drain and heal. This outpatient procedure relieves pressure in an instant, creating a sort of miraculous moment of relief...

As a Los Angeles ENT, I see many patients who have waited years to visit a specialist for breathing issues. I have learned to listen to patient histories very carefully, noting any moments or details with diagnostic significance.

I have written once before about the possible link between deviated septum and migraine headaches. Because of where your nasal septum is located, and because of the many robust inputs and outputs centered around this region (including the ocular nerve),...

This quick video provides a look at how balloon sinuplasty is helping people with chronic sinus pain, sinus headache, blocked nose and sinus pressure.

Sinus infections are rarely as serious as they feel. Most tend to go away on their own, brought to heel by the power of your immune system. But just because sinus infections often resolve without surgery doesn’t mean you can’t help them along.

A deviated septum can be caused by injury, genetics, or disease. Whatever the cause, the important part is what you’re left with: an asymmetrical breathing pathway that can lead to discomfort, sleeplessness, and infection.

Cases such as these, where sinus infection graduates to a more serious infection in the brain, are known as “edge cases” because they are so rare. But they do happen, and it’s important to be mindful of this risk if you let a sinus infection...

It’s not uncommon for patients with sinus pain to describe the pain as “acute.” But clinically acute sinusitis bears certain telltale markers that normal severe sinus pain does not, as this article describes:...

This clear and simply written article addresses one of the major concerns I see every day as a Los Angeles ENT: breathing problems. Breathing problems can be caused by something as basic as congestion or as complex as asthma,...

If you have a deviated septum, you know that it can create problems which run far deeper than the cosmetic. Many people with deviated septum are prone to breathing issues, sleep disorders, and infections as a result of blocked airways.

Sinus headaches are the worst. Often compared to migraines for their intensity, sinus headaches tend to include a similar constellation of symptoms such as pain, pressure, olfactory disturbances, even tooth pain.

Migraines represent a special breed of headache which rightfully own a place in the canon of terrible maladies. Distinguished by their unbearable pain, frequent nausea, and sensitivities to light and sound, migraines pretty well knock out the patients...

As an expert in septoplasty, or surgery for a deviated septum, I am often asked about the preparation and recovery times associated with this procedure. Septoplasty has been around for quite some time and is generally considered quite safe,...

Deviated septum can be responsible for a number of health issues, include difficulty sleeping and frequent infections. Bt for some people, a deviated septum is also a barrier to successful athletic accomplishment.

If you’re concerned about a deviated septum and considering deviated septum surgery, it helps to start with a solid working knowledge of the anatomy. A deviated septum is the name we give it when the wall between your nostrils, known as the nasal septum...

Sinus headaches are their own animal, distinct from migraines in some important ways, but debillitating nonetheless When sinus headaches turn from occasional to chronic, it’s time to visit a great sinus doctor.

I have written before about the rare but terrifying outcomes that can result if sinus infections are left untreated for too long. Because of their proximity to neural tissue, these infections can spread through the head,...

Sinus infections remain some of the most common complaints in modern medicine, responsible for millions of doctor visits each year and millions of dollars in costly care.

Sinusitis is legendary for its painful symptoms: pressure, swelling, tooth pain and general misery. For many years sinus doctors such as myself fought these with a combination of antibiotics and occasional surgery, but as many individuals can attest,...

I am proud to have been called the best sinus surgeon in Los Angeles, and to have been given the Super Doctors award here in Southern California several years running.

Much has been written and legislated about the mysterious constellation of health problems that many first responders have experienced since 9/11. As more funds flow toward treatment and recovery for this cohort, studies are still coming out...

Chronic sinusitis is often counted among the most painful of long-term conditions, affecting patients’ ability to smell, hear, think, and sleep. Since most OTC medications are ineffective against this chronic disorder,...

Sinus irrigation is exactly what it sounds like: a process of rinsing your sinuses to loosen and dissolve hardened mucus. Why would you want to irrigate your sinuses? Because when mucus becomes overly thick or dried out, it can stop draining properly,...

I like to post videos about balloon sinuplasty for two reasons. One, everyone likes videos. And two, these media clips do a nice job of explaining the procedure visually in a way that many people cannot understand through words alone.

Sinus pain and pressure comes from mucus that has become trapped and started pressing outward on the bones and tissues of your face. But what causes the blockage, and how does it form?

The Web is filled with articles which describe unorthodox ways that people have treated medical ailments at home. Some of these stories are dubious, to put it kindly, while others may contain a valuable grain of wisdom.

A recent news story contained many parents’ nightmare scenario: a child with an everyday infection who suddenly took a turn for the worse and ended up in a life-threatening situation.

I sit on the board of a local organization known as Our House, which provides grief counseling to people who have lost a loved one. It is a difficult and essential mission which makes a true difference in many hundreds of lives.

The Huffington Post recently published one of their perennial roundups of remedies for sinus problems. The list covers familiar ground, recommending steam, irrigation, and clean living above all else. But one item on the list was novel: vibration.

Case studies such as this one have been popular for some time. Stories such as these offer readers a window into a new procedure known as balloon sinuplasty, a procedure designed to open a blocked airway in your sinuses without actually cutting...

Nasal polyps can form as a result of several different ailments, and usually resolve on their own. If polyps persist, medication may be necessary to help reduce inflammation, shrink the polyps, and accelerate the body’s natural healing processes.

My Los Angeles sinus surgery practice focuses on the relief of chronic conditions such as sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea, deviated septum, and enlarged turbinates. The turbinates tend to prompt the most questions from my patients. What are turbinates?

Antibiotics are not a panacea for sinus pain. In fact they may not be helping at all, given the fact that most sinus infections are viral and not bacterial, and therefore likely to resolve on their own.

I wrote a few days back about a sleep apnea study which found a twofold increase in workplace injuries for people with the sleeping disorder. Shortly after, I learned of another study that considered the effects of sleep apnea on workplace safety...

Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by injury, obesity, or something else. Whatever its cause, the result is exhaustion: limited focus, depressed mood, and a telltale lack of energy for tackling new tasks.

One evergreen source of ENT curiosity is the foreign object news item, wherein a patient whose symptoms never really responded to typical measures suddenly discovers a really old hidden object that has been embedded in the sinuses for months or years.

Let’s face it: your pharmacy is a zoo. Between the bright colors, overlapping claims, and endless brands, it can be utterly mystifying to choose an OTC medication for any kind of cold or allergy.

Balloon sinuplasty is one of those procedures whose simplicity belies its usefulness. With a staggering success rate in the very high 90s and a rash of anecdotal support, it isn’t hard to understand the popularity of this procedure.

I am proud to announce that I have been awarded the Spectrum Award, a competitive prize given to doctors whose mission and practice fulfill the very highest ideals of its patients.

It’s not uncommon for rhinoplasty procedures to involve some degree of functional sinus surgery, and vice versa. There are certain issues which touch both specialties, and certain patient complaints that can straddle the line between cosmetic...

Chronic snoring can portend many things, from obesity and enlarged adenoids to a deviated septum, illness, or injury. Understanding the origins of your snoring is Step One in your quest for a cure.

Despite the clear warning recently issued by the CDC (with an assist from Consumer Reports), confusion still reigns over when antibiotics are strictly necessary for various ailments of the face and throat.

Allergies and sinus infection can seem like evil twins. They both inflame your mucosa, leaving you with sensations of fullness, pain and difficulty breathing. But here the similarities end, and the symptoms begin to diverge.

One of the drumbeats you hear frequently in these pages is that antibiotics are being grossly overprescribed. Study after study bear this out, supporting the notion that we are creating a significant and irreversible health crisis by doing so.

Patients who experience asymmetrical and labored breathing from a deviated septum often wonder whether surgery is necessary. The short answer is yes: surgery is the only known way to correct a deviated septum. But does that mean it’s always necessary?

It has been a ringing bell for some time: the slow alarm about the danger of overprescribing antibiotics for ENT ailments. Now there is new ammunition to support sinus doctors such as myself who favor a more conservative approach...

If you have a blocked nose, or you are experiencing serious pain in your face, a sinus infection could be to blame. The good news is that you have a number of possible remedies at your fingertips, from sinus surgery procedures like septoplasty...

Pain management is a paramount concern for medical specialists throughout Southern California, from sinus surgeons in LA to orthopedic surgeons in San Diego. One of the most common reasons people seek out specialists in the first place is pain,...

Some ailments simply defy our sanitized medical language to properly describe the discomfort they cause. Anyone who has suffered through a severe sinus infection, for instance, knows just how unspeakably bad the pain can get.

Medical education has long included computer modeling among its teaching tools. Computers’ unique ability to create 3D environments ready for exploration make them outstanding instructional aids.

Most of us who suffer with seasonal rhinitis, or seasonal allergies, are aware of the basic advice: stay indoors, get a filter, avoid allergens. But already, there are longer-lasting remedies which have shown great promise...

We have already looked at one line of research this week about nasal polyps; here’s another good study. Researchers have been investigating the causes of nasal polyps and found some strong correlations,...

Sinusitis is a complex disorder which can have many causes, both proximal and distal. Anatomy plays a role, but so can allergies, body weight, lifestyle and genetics.

Balloon sinuplasty is a painless procedure in which a small balloon is threaded up into the sinuses, and then inflated remotely to create an opening for drainage. Does it work?

Sinus headaches are raw, persistent and deeply uncomfortable. Most doctors recommend a variety of OTC measures before considering any surgical intervention. But when surgery proves necessary, balloon sinuplasty is your best bet.

Most cases of deviated septum are generic, meaning they develop naturally according to the blueprints we all carry inside us. But others can be caused by an injury or disease which leaves the cartilage inside the nose displaced to one side or another.

The science of ENT medicine is always growing, with innovative new studies appearing year. Some of these are focused on surgical devices, while others explore promising new medical treatments.

I recently wrote a post about the unique agony of sinus headache, and discussed some of the best commonsense home remedies available. One detail which escaped the piece, and which has increasingly come to be accepted in the ENT community,...

You know the feeling: that dull, diffuse pain which somehow manages to be acute as well. The extreme sensitivity to movement. Tipping, tilting, bending: everything hurts. Sinus headache is the worst.

For many years, the continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine has been the standard in treating obstructive sleep apnea. Designed to produce a seal over the nose and mouth to open the airway with a gentle breeze...

Sleep apnea is a significant problem in the U.S., one which has spawned a significant cottage industry. The number of medical devices designed to reduce, alleviate, cure and reverse sleep apnea is staggering,...

I have covered the media accounts of balloon sinuplasty several times before. As more markets and communities become aware of this popular sinus procedure, local news packages inevitably follow about how effective the approach can be.

The winter isn’t over yet, so it is perhaps premature to announce a better-than-expected flu season nationwide. But early indicators suggest this may be a mild season for chronic flu sufferers, and possibly an (ahem) shot in the arm for the scientists who

Deviated septums are common in many people. For most, the deviation is natural – an anatomical anomaly with no particular origin in disease or injury. But for millions more, a deviated septum can arise after a traumatic event such as a collision.

Sinus pressure can take many forms, including sinus headache and blocked nose. Whatever you call it, the symptoms are unmistakable: crushing pain, occasional tingling in the jaw and teeth, and positional pain that worsens when you rock your head forward.

Seasonal allergies are so called because they tend to rise and fall with the cycles of the earth. Many of these are environmental in nature, meaning that they are prompted and triggered by flowering plants and the cycles of our biosphere.

Not every cold resembles an allergic reaction, or vice versa, but sometimes the symptoms can overlap so much that even practiced medical professionals are unsure which they’re looking at.

Most people possess a hazy understanding of the sinuses at best. It is widely known that the sinuses are empty pockets of air within the skull, for instance, but locating them on a map of the face would be difficult for many.

It’s that time of year, when many Americans travel great distances. With airfares continuing to drop each season, it’s no surprise that a record number of people are taking airplanes to see friends and loved ones throughout the winter months.

The Los Angeles Sinus Institute is dedicated to providing the standard in sinus medicine and sinus surgery. Founded by esteemed ENT Dr. Mani Zadeh, the center includes a number of expert caregivers and technicians who offer essential services...

The name says it all: ear, nose and throat. This medical specialty, also known as otolaryngology, involves the study and treatment of several interconnected systems within the head – systems that can share infections and symptoms...

One of the subjects I write about on occasion here at the LA sinus surgery blog is air pollution, and how people with asthma and allergies contend with the rising clouds of particulates in various cities.

One of the sadly predictable byproducts of climate change is an increase in extreme or aberrant weather events. From floods to tornadoes, such incidents have been rising slowly for many years.

Balloon sinuplasty is a fast and easy procedure designed to open up the sinuses for drainage. It is used to help patients with persistent sinus infections and pressure which cannot resolve on their own.

Sinus surgery is not for everyone, nor is it the appropriate response to every long-term sinus issue. Many sinus symptoms resolve by themselves over time; others can be treated medically with antibiotics, corticosteroids or something else.

The principal problem with antibiotic prescriptions in this country is that they are often dispensed on a preventive basis. Viewed on the level of each individual doctor, it isn’t hard to see the logic in this choice:...

The reason many doctors prescribe antibiotics for sinus symptoms is because the alternative – waiting several days for a culture to come back – can be slow, and, in very rare cases, dangerous.

Sinusitis is often caused by bacterial infections. These invading populations gain a foothold in the sinuses when inflammation stops them from draining mucus properly, creating fertile breeding grounds.

Ear, nose and throat doctors, known as ENTs, train in a field known as otolaryngology. Even though this word appears frequently online and within medical publications, its actual scope and meaning remain a mystery to many people. That’s why for this post.

It is tempting to look at the morphology of nasal polyps and dismiss them as an advanced form of congestion. In a sense, that’s precisely what they are. But nasal polyps can levy a far greater toll than mere discomfort.

Allergies are more than a nuisance. For many patients, they can be a continuing curse, dragging down mood, productivity and quality of life. Getting treatment for your nasal allergies is essential if you fall into this camp.

Looking for the best sinus surgeon in Los Angeles? The Los Angeles Sinus Institute is widely regarded as the leader in this region, boasting outstanding patient outcome numbers and dozens of accolades from organizations such as Yelp and SuperDoctors.

Sinus pressure is one of the most agonizing symptoms of modern life. Unlike traditional congestion, sinus pressure can graduate quickly from a dull ache to acute pain, including stabbing sensations in the cheeks and jaw.

Sinus anatomy is a mystery to many people. It isn’t hard to see why: because the principal structures are basically empty and filled with air, many find themselves wondering whether these spaces serve any function whatsoever.

The history of aspirin is long and storied, and includes countless trends of various medical specialties claiming acetylsalicylic acid as a cure-all. Although today aspirin is generally thought of as a benign boost for cardiac health and a mild pain...

We know that sinus surgery can resolve the symptoms of sinusitis for good. Procedures such as balloon sinuplasty and septal surgery can help to open airways and prevent relapse.

Sinus pain can arise from a number of possible sources. Some of the most common include allergies, pressure and congestion. Although many of these can be treated with a combination of rest and medication,...

Obstructive sleep apnea is typically considered a male problem, especially given the widespread images we see in the media of overweight, snoring men. But men are not the only one who suffer with this disorder, and new evidence...

Obstructive sleep apnea has long been associated with a litany of health risks, from stroke to weight gain. One of the most widely reported symptoms among sufferers is depression: when sleep is constantly interrupted and rarely satisfying,...

Seasonal allergies, also known as rhinitis, can be persistent and uncomfortable. But the sniffling and fuzzy brain are nothing compared with what can follow: full-blown sinusitis.

An interesting new theory holds that people have developed allergies as a sort of superannuated immune response to parasites. After millennia spent in close contact with, and exposure to, parasitic worms, goes the theory,...

There is a widespread misconception that a deviated septum is largely a cosmetic disorder. Although it’s true that the resulting asymmetry can sometimes be a source of diminished confidence and embarrassment among sufferers,...

Memphis isn’t the only town to be stricken with an especially aggressive flu this year, but this report from a local station includes some good advice for all of us. The report touches on how to tell the difference between the flu and a sinus infection,...

Balloon sinuplasty, also known as balloon sinus surgery, is made for people whose chronic sinusitis has become an incurable hindrance. Although many sinus infections respond to a mix of antibiotics, rest, and steroids, chronic sinus infections...

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Is pain or labored breathing involved? If so, the solution might be sinus surgery, according to a new study: The study’s researchers interviewed more than 400 patients who underwent sinus surgery.

For a while, it was standard procedure to treat sinus infections with antibiotics. Longtime readers know that I am on record against this kind of preventive prescription, especially given the current crisis of antibiotic resistance looming before us.

The Internet is a great resource in many ways. Besides mirroring the totality of human knowledge, it can also help individuals find smarter, less invasive medical treatments when doctors become overly aggressive.

Sleep sits at the center of our lives, which may be why not getting enough of it has been shown to carry broad health risks. Some of these include an elevated risk of stroke, mood disorders, even diminished IQ. And now, there’s gout.

Our understanding of sinusitis has grown over the years as scientists discovered a variety of bacterial culprits and developed an enhanced understanding of biofilms. And treatment options have improved in lockstep.

As a Los Angeles sinus surgeon, I help my patients wth everything from snoring to sinusitis to chronic infections. One of the most common issues facing any sinus specialist is a deviated septum, a simple anatomical quirk...

Balloon sinuplasty isn’t just faster than traditional endoscopic sinus surgery: in many cases, it’s better. That’s the inevitable takeaway from the many dozens of news stories and personal accounts I have scoured over the last few years.

One of the gravest issues facing people with chronic sinusitis is sleep deprivation. Throbbing pain, unyielding pressure and endless irritation can wake people multiple times in the night, promoting depression and clouding judgment.

Longtime readers know that I spend a lot of time discussing the latest innovations in ENT surgery. The best of these tend to improve patients’ lives radically, shortening recovery times and promoting much better quality of life.

Sinus headaches are mysterious things – to some people, they are instantly familiar, easy to diagnose and completely ordinary. To others they are a cause of great confusion. This is a quick post for the second group.

Nasal septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct or repair a deviated nasal septum. Many patients undergo septoplasty to promote better breathing, especially during sleep when slackness in the mouth and jaw can place undue stress...

Intersect, the folks behind the new Propel sinus stent, recently presented some findings about the device. The numbers were exceptionally strong across the board, suggesting that implants such as these – and the steroids they use to promote healing...

Our own former Laker Pau Gasol, now in Chicago with the Bulls, has undergone sinus surgery and experienced a major improvement. After many years playing at an elite level, Gasol has struggled in recent years with breathing and stamina...

Many of my readers are by now familiar with the many dangers of obstructive sleep apnea, but few people understand exactly where surgery comes into the picture. As a sinus surgeon, my role is to determine the source of the apnea,...

Sleep apnea has, perhaps rightly, become something of a bogeyman in medical circles. Blamed for a huge variety of modern maladies that include depression, heart disease, and even decreased IQ, apnea’s dangers have inspired a generation...

Chronic sinusitis is – forgive the complex medical terminology – the worst. Born of infection and characterized by severe pain and ongoing respiratory struggle, sinusitis is one of the most common complaints of adults in this country.

For most of us, allergies are temporary. Seasonal allergies, or seasonal rhinitis, are defined by this transient quality, proscribed within months-long periods during which environmental factors tend to cause flare-ups.

When I write about balloon sinuplasty, the focus is usually on this procedure’s speed and rapid recovery times. But one aspect that occasionally gets overlooked is its versatility: balloon sinuplasty can open airways...

Recently a major study found a connection between sinus disorders and obstructive sleep apnea that was more than anecdotal. It seems that sinus surgery can address breathing interruptions during sleep with surprising effectiveness:...

It has long been a vexing question in otolaryngology: what role do bacteria play in the development of chronic sinusitis? Of course we know that infections can lead to drainage issues, which can spawn more infections,...

I have mentioned before the surprising study which demonstrated that sinus surgery could also prevent asthma. Now the Cleveland Clinic has taken up the cause, writing recently about this tantalizing link, and expounding on its possible biological origins:

We have been here before: discussing the broad overprescription of antibiotics “just in case” within America’s urgent care clinics, primary care practices, and yes, even among ENTs. It’s not getting much better.

Some of you may be familiar with Khan Academy, the low-budget educational video series that grew into a venture-backed powerhouse thanks to donors such as the Gates Foundation.

The fast and effective outpatient procedure known as balloon sinuplasty has won over many converts in the years since the technique first earned a nod from the FDA. Today it is fast becoming the approach of choice for sinus surgeons...

Initial trials of the spring-like postoperative sinus device known as the PROPEL stent were promising, which led many sinus surgeons such as myself to experience success with the device.

I am a sinus surgeon here in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean that I assume every problem that I face warrants a sinus surgery procedure. On the contrary: one of my bedrock commitments as a medical doctor is to prevent undue procedures wherever possible.

Chronic sinusitis is defined by infections, pain, and near-endless suffering. Although patients may go a few weeks or months at a time without these symptoms, the chronic part means that they will always return.

This blog has covered balloon sinus surgery success stories in well over a dozen states, including plenty of individual accounts. Now we can add Pennsylvania native Cassandra Nailor to the list: her story comes to us by way of local paper The Sentinel...

Sinusitis can be a debilitating disorder, characterized by pain, pressure and difficulty speaking. But many people do not know the other great cost of chronic sinusitis – actual cost, as in money:...

As one of the first Los Angeles sinus surgeons to make use of the Propel stent, I have closely followed the rapid adoption of this medical device across the nation. Surgical outcomes have been generally outstanding, with most reviews...

Run a quick search for balloon sinuplasty here or here, and you’ll see that helping to demystify this popular procedure has been an abiding goal of mine. Some people instantly understand the appeal of using a balloon to open sinus passages,...

Sleep apnea is more than an inconvenience; it can also be a killer. That’s the conclusion of a growing consensus in the medical community which holds that obstructed breathing at night can set off a cascade of symptoms that can quickly turn systemic,...

Most of the local news outlets that report on the revolutionary sinus procedure known as balloon sinus surgery, or balloon sinuplasty, tend to use stock video footage made available by ENT, the manufacturer of this technology.

A year ago it was balloon sinuplasty; today the Propel sinus stent is making the rounds of local news coverage as more and more sinus surgeons begin to deploy this spring-like device.

Look below and you’ll see my latest blog post about the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. ENTs are notorious for prescribing antibiotics as a prophylactic measure, before the results of a culture are known.

A growing alarm has alerted many millions of Americans to the dangers of overprescribing antibiotics. These days a number of journalistic outlets have begun covering the problem in some depth, and a few of them rightly single out ENTs...

Many Americans don’t realize that the constellation of issues surrounding chronic sinus infection and irritation has a name all its own: sinusitis. This common diagnosis afflicts more than 30 million people each year, and its effects can be devastating...

As a Los Angeles sinus surgeon, I hear a lot of questions about which procedures are indicated for which ailments. If you have trouble sleeping but no known allergies, is it time for a septoplasty? (Maybe.)

Sinus surgeons have gotten better and better at minimally invasive techniques that shorten recovery time and improve outcomes. But one constant factor has been the body’s own rate of healing: we are generally limited...

There are sinus symptoms that resolve on their own, and then there are the other kind. Many millions of Americans wrestle with sinus symptoms so severe and so chronic that they never seem to abate on any day, or any season.

Whether you’re a fan of This American Life or not, this recent piece about grief counseling for children is a knockout. Filled with good advice about how and when to breach discuss hard subjects, and how to “own” the facts of a family tragedy,...

From time to time, I like to check in on social media and see whether the work we do at the Los Angeles Sinus Institute has inspired any reviews. Recently I was gratified to note that my review page includes 41 comments – and counting...

At long last, we have a good study that shows a strong link between obstructive sleep apnea – suffering with periods of lapsed breathing during sleep – and depression in human beings.

Treating issues such as sinusitis and nasal polyps occasionally requires more than one procedure. That’s because when airways are opened, the body sometimes compensates by returning to its old form,...

Balloon sinus surgery continues to gain new advocates and praise. This fast and safe procedure involves a tiny balloon that is threaded into a blocked sinus, and gently inflated under anesthesia.

I have said it before in this space: antibiotics are a hot topic in sinus medicine, and everyone should be paying attention. The simple fact is that too many people are taking too many antibiotics which are unlikely to improve their health...

Another local news team has taken up the mantel of sinus balloon surgery evangelism, this time as part of a piece about chronic sinusitis and the many trials of seasonal allergies.

Many people who suffer from seasonal allergies and other respiratory problems, such as asthma, find that they can manage these symptoms with OTC medicine. Others with more severe cases may turn to doctors to secure prescriptions instead.

We live in a time and a region where shifting weather can put a significant strain on sinuses. Although some people wrestle with permanent allergies whose cause is clear, many more struggle with seasonal allergies that seems to wax...

One of the nice things about writing regularly about sinus medicine is that I review lots of new medical technology. Some of it may be more hype than help, but some innovations are continuing to improve our lives as sinus surgeons...

Chronic sinusitis is one of those quiet tortures that many people bear without seeing a doctor. Often patients opt to “wait it out,” or else they resort to copious amounts of OTC medications.

More news outlets have begun to discuss those shifting guidelines which hold that ENTs and GPs should resist the urge to overmedicate patients who present with signs of a sinus infection. The reason?

Seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal rhinitis, is a common ailment around the nation at this time of year. Many people who visit their doctor complaining of a runny nose and stuffy head will come away with a prescription for an antihistamine,...

Sinus surgery has improved by leaps and bounds since the advent of endoscopic sinus surgery. Today’s patients have a number of minimally invasive options to choose from for the relief of chronic symptoms, including the best-known of the bunch...

The miseries of sinusitis go far beyond pain and pressure. Although chronic discomfort tops the list of common complaints, a considerable percentage of patients also report a near-total loss of taste and smell—two essential elements of a full life.

It has been a week of good videos. This one recently came to us from yet another happy patient. It tells the unusual story of a woman who was both a cancer survivor and pregnant, and who still undertook the revolutionary procedure...

Sinusitis afflicts many tens of millions of Americans each year, but it still remains poorly understood. One of the principal reasons for this is because sinusitis can flow from a number of root causes – infection, injury, poor anatomy, allergies,...

I wrote once before about the possible connection between fatty liver—a hallmark symptom of metabolic disorder—and obstructive sleep apnea. Now a new article has reexamined the evidence from a pair of studies, and found the connection compelling...

Many cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be resolved with sinus surgery such as septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery. But when sleep apnea goes unchecked, the results can be dangerous for everybody involved – even other drivers on the road...

One of the common sources of confusion about sinusitis is that it can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. The term sinusitis is merely descriptive – it literally means “irritation of the sinuses” – so nailing down a proper diagnosis...

One of the many things that have made the Propel sinus stent so popular is that it reduces the need to administer other drugs. Fewer oral steroids mean fewer risks and complication, not to mention a faster and more convenient healing process.

What’s the difference between a sinus headache and a conventional one? Some people will tell you that it’s the quality of the pain; others might say it is the location.

We know that obstructive sleep apnea is a killer. It has been strongly linked to depression, heart disease, metabolic disease, stroke and various other health issues.

Sinus infections can be acutely painful and distracting, but that doesn’t mean every patient should immediately jump for the phone to schedule an appointment with these symptoms appear.

When you are an actor or a singer, your voice is your livelihood. Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett recently disclosed that she has struggled with sinus symptoms for many years, to the point where those symptoms had to be shoehorned...

Balloon sinuplasty in Los Angeles has taken off. A growing number of medical practices and clinics now offer this breakthrough technique, and as a result I field questions about the procedure on a daily basis.

Sinusitis can be tricky to diagnose and trickier to explain. Because its initial onset can resemble other disorders such as seasonal rhinitis and common colds, determining when and how to intervene usually takes a sinus expert’s examination.

There are many good reasons why the PROPEL sinus stent is improving recovery times for sinus surgeons and patients alike, but the biggest is simple: there is no second procedure.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a fairly indiscriminate bad actor, wreaking havoc not just on your sleep patterns, but on the many biological processes which depend on steady rest and respiration.

One of the difficult parts of my work as a Los Angeles sinus surgeon is that occasionally even successful procedures can eventually lose the efficacy over many years. Tissues which have been corrected surgically can rebound and acquire the same problems...

Snoring is no laughing matter. Although it has long been a staple of sitcom gags and standup routines, the truth is that an obstructed airway during sleep is a serious medical condition— one which can portend truly dangerous risks.

Experiencing seasonal allergies earlier than ever this year? You’re not alone. California has been beset by an epidemic of premature allergy symptoms, and scientists believe they have found the reason why. Blame it on the rain.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a (not so) silent killer, one whose many thousands of victims often fly below the radar of our national health reporting. Yet with a growing body of evidence tying the sleep disorder to heart disease, brain damage...

As a Los Angeles balloon sinus surgery expert, I am always scouring the Web for good journalism on this revolutionary procedure. Although most of the local news videos I post describe the procedure without much background,...

A recent news story in South Carolina included a local ENT discussing the many ways to combat chronic sinus pain and pressure. After reviewing a number of commonsense treatments, the doctor then brought out a Propel sinus stent delivery device.

It has long been a source of some debate in ENT circles: to prescribe, or to wait. Antibiotic resistance is a grave and growing threat to human health, and the overprescription of antibiotics is one of the principal reasons why.

Another news story is making the rounds touting the proven efficacy of balloon sinus surgery. For those who don’t know, this new procedure offers lasting relief to chronic sinus pain sufferers, especially those who are prone to recurrent sinusitis.

Hot on the heels of my last post about a local news video highlighting the benefits of in-office balloon sinuplasty comes this one, from a CBS affiliate in Philadelphia.

I recently posted about Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting’s sinus surgery, and how the Big Bang Theory actress says it changed her life. What hasn’t been discussed until now is precisely what her symptoms were, and whether any particular disease or disorder...

The star of The Big Bang Theory recently underwent sinus surgery to help her breathe better and curb the persistent sinus infections that have dogged the actress for many years.

Add one more compelling video to the march of success stories spawned by balloon sinuplasty, the extraordinarily effective sinus surgery procedure that continues to gather fans around the world.

This site was designed to be a fast resource for patients and families in search in clear information. Look around and you will find sections on everything from in-office balloon sinuplasty to septoplasty, as well as many blog posts detailing...

I have spilled a lot of digital ink warning my readers about the many pernicious effects of sleep apnea: dementia, depression, diabetes, and more. One thing I have rarely addressed is the question of whether these issues may be reversible.

It has long been known that sleep apnea can lead to a number of collateral health problems beyond basic fatigue. Mood swings, cognitive impairment, even dementia have all made the shortlist of the waking disorder’s side effects.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that helps chronic sinus pain sufferers create open airways, often for the first time in their lives. Although the procedure is a form of sinus surgery, its quick execution and fast recovery time...

This story highlights one of the most fascinating dimensions of my work as a Los Angeles ENT: the challenge of differential diagnosis. A patient found herself unable to resolve a lifetime of respiratory issues...

Most of us who go through our days nursing a sinus ailment find that it saps our energy and makes it hard to focus. Now imagine if you were battling the very same symptoms while competing with the world’s most elite athletes...

Several news stories have recently taken up an age-old question: is there a right way to blow your nose? Hot on the heels of one study suggesting that one nostril at a time is the only way to go, comes a new study which suggests that too much pressure...

A number of studies have discovered linkages between obstructive sleep apnea and various health problems. One issue whose connection to apnea has been suggested but never definitively confirmed is dementia; now the connection appears stronger than ever.

Perhaps you’ve heard: this season’s flu shot is a bit of a bust. The reasons something like this fails can be myriad and may take years to fully analyze, but the results don’t lie.

The Gawker media empire is known for many things – snarky writing, personal essays, and political activism – but rarely is it considered a hotbed of sound medical advice.

Local news has been discovering the many advantages of balloon sinus surgery for a few years now, and I like to highlight these reports when they pop up on the national radar.

I have written about the revolutionary PROPEL sinus stent before; this simple spring-like device has given sinus surgeons and their patients a powerful new tool to promote healing and prevent the closure of sinus openings after surgery.

As a Los Angeles sinus surgeon, I see my fair share of sinus cancer diagnoses. It is a sad but true fact that many of these cases don’t arrive at my offices until the cancer has progressed considerably.

It’s that time of year again. As soon as the clocks fall backwards and our afternoons grow cold and dark, suddenly it seems as if all your coworkers are packing tissues everywhere they go. Winter is cold and flu season.

Another week, another encouraging tale of recovery through balloon sinuplasty. This one comes from Philadelphia, where a chronic sinusitis sufferer finally bit the bullet and signed up for the popular in-office sinus procedure.

Sleep apnea is associated with a disheartening number of chronic ailments. Over the last ten years, obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to heart disease, stroke, arthritis, even diminished IQ in children.

Many stories about balloon sinuplasty involve long tales of suffering and relief. This one involves a patient with a sense of humor. As he described his own life-long struggle with sinus symptoms, the man in question put his experience thusly:...

It is widely known that going through life without a sense of smell can inhibit pleasure. Some patients report feeling disgusted by foods they used to love; others find the whole world gray and without interest.

When a valuable medical device appears in the world of ENT surgery, I pay attention. That’s why I was one of the first surgeons in Southern California to offer balloon sinuplasty, and it’s why I have helped to pioneer the use of the PROPEL sinus stent...

Most of us associate allergies with being outdoors. There’s a reason all those television ads show people wheezing in the presence of pollen, dust and changing seasons.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by anatomy, infection or injury. Whatever the cause, its effects can be devastating – think depression, cognitive impairment, weight gain and immune issues.

A new report has identified sleep apnea as one of the primary causes of a deadly Metro-North subway crash that killed four people and injured dozens more last December.

This is a sinus surgery blog, so it tends to focus on the details and news of this field. But sometimes patients come to this site looking for a more global perspective before getting into the nuts and bolts of balloon sinuplasty or septal surgery.

Balloon sinuplasty is a simple and speedy procedure that can clear a path for your sinuses to drain in a matter of minutes. Using a simple wire and inflatable tube, your sinus surgeon can promote healing, relieve pressure, and prevent further infections...