I will design a treatment plan specific to you and your clinical situation. A thorough and complete treatment plan is key to a successful outcome. The treatment plan provides a logical progression of care, making sure that you and I are both on the same page and that you understand what to expect each step of the way.

Developing a treatment plan involves several diagnostic steps. These steps include:

Medical questionnaire and history
It is important to understand what treatment you have undergone previously and to what extent that treatment helped you. I will explore this information with you in a written and verbal interview.

Nasal endoscopy
A nasal endoscope is a small telescope that allows me to look into your nose for obstructions or other abnormalities which might be contributing to your sinus problems.

CT scan
The endoscope allows a limited view of the sinus anatomy. In order to better evaluate your condition, I may also order a CT scan of your sinuses.

Allergy testing
Uncontrolled allergies can worsen sinus conditions. If you are already seeing an allergist, I will work closely with that physician and keep him/her informed of what our plans are. If you do not already have an allergist, we will perform allergy testing and treatment in order to properly treat your sinus problems.

Medical treatment
After a diagnosis is made, a custom-tailored treatment plan will be recommended. This may include nasal irrigations, nebulizers, decongestants, antihistamines and antibiotics when necessary.

Surgical treatment
Medical treatment is not always successful. Abnormal anatomy, either from birth, disease or trauma is often the cause of sinus problems and cannot be corrected with medicines. In those cases, surgery may need to be considered. I routinely use Image Guidance when I do sinus surgery. Image Guidance is a sophisticated intraoperative computer that provides the surgeon with improved ability to remove all of the disease in less time without doing inadvertent damage. I was one of the earliest users of this technology in Texas and I am very competent in its use.

Continued Follow-Up
Whether success is achieved with medical or surgical treatment it is important to follow up on a regular basis. Re-examination of your nose on a regular basis can help us detect problems with inflammation, scarring, polyps, etc. before they start affecting you. Providing a long term resource for your sinus problems is part of the solution we offer at the Texas Sinus Center.