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Expert Ear, Nose and Throat Care in Northeast Ohio

Medical and surgical expertise from our caring team of providers in the treatment of ear, nose, & throat disorders and common head & neck issues.

To schedule an appointment, call 216-778-4391.

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Rhinology

Disorders of the nose and sinuses can impact every breath you take. At MetroHealth, we have a team of doctors available to deal with these sensitive issues. Our rhinologists are capable of treating all sorts of nasal and sinus disorders, including allergies, deformities, growths, infections and cosmetic concerns.

Our rhinologists are skilled clinicians, capable of treating almost any rhinology condition. Often, people come to us with sinusitis, rhinitis or empty nose syndrome.

Sinusitis Help

The sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones of your face. They connect with the nose through small openings that are lined with membranes that make mucus.

If you have a cold or allergies, the openings of your sinuses may be blocked by excess mucus or a swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses. When drainage of mucus from the sinuses is blocked, the sinuses become congested. They may become infected with bacteria, a virus or even fungus. The sinus infection can make the sinuses even more clogged.

Our rhinologists can perform a thorough exam to get to the root of your sinusitis symptoms. And if your condition is not caused by a sinus issue but by another medical issue, your rhinologist can refer you to another MetroHealth specialist who can help.

Rhinitis Help

The inside of your nose is lined with tissues that create mucus. That mucus helps trap tiny particles in the air you breathe, keeping those particles out of your lungs, where they could cause irritation and infections.
The term rhinitis refers to irritation and inflammation of the lining inside the nose. People with rhinitis may feel congested. And they may feel as though their nose is dripping or running.

Rhinitis can be caused by allergies or, in some cases, by some other medical problem. Our rhinologists can perform an exam to determine the overall health of the inside of your nose. And your rhinologist can develop a treatment plan that can help. Allergy testing, allergy trigger avoidance, medications or ENT surgery might all be part of your treatment plan.

Help for Empty Nose Syndrome

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a rare condition, but if you have it you may feel as though your nose is always congested and that you cannot take in sufficient air through the nose. This might occur after nasal turbinate excision. You may also feel as though you are suffocating. Pain and nasal crusting might also be an issue. Symptoms of a cold may make you feel better.

Most people do not develop ENS after nasal surgery. Those who do will encounter no breathing issues following surgery. Years later, ENS symptoms may appear.

At MetroHealth, we can evaluate and discuss your options. That consultation can be performed over the phone. There is a charge for a phone consultation, and it is typically not covered by insurance. A standard visit without a phone consult is also an option. 
Our rhinologists can provide a number of treatment options, including nasal sprays, saline jelly, estrogen drops or over-the-counter medications.

About Septoplasty

The nasal septum is made of cartilage and bone covered with a lining called mucosa. It divides the nose into two separate chambers, left and right. Normally, the septum is relatively straight, with right and left nasal cavities of similar size. Occasionally, the nasal septum may be severely bent, or deviated, enough to occupy too much of the nasal cavity.

A deviated nasal septum that interferes with proper function of the nose is corrected by septoplasty, surgery to straighten the septum of the nose. The surgery can take place under general or local anesthesia with sedation. Using a headlight or an endoscope, the surgeon makes an incision inside the nose, lifts up the lining of the septum, and removes and straightens the deviated portions of the septal bone and cartilage. 

A septoplasty approach can be used to close septal perforations as well. The perforation cannot be too large (limit of 2 to 2.5 cm in diameter) or it cannot be closed. Smaller perforations are closed by turning the existing septal mucosa over the hole and placing skin within the septal flap.

Making a Rhinology Appointment

Whether you're dealing with rhinitis, sinusitis, empty nose syndrome, or some other nose or sinus condition, our rhinologists can help. We can also perform rhinology surgery to amend some common causes of nose and sinus dysfunction.