Breathing well isn't possible for more than 32 million Americans who have problems with their sinuses or noses. They may experience chronic stuffiness, facial pain or pressure, difficulty breathing through the nose, nasal discharge, an inability to taste and smell, headaches and other uncomfortable symptoms. These problems are some of the most common reasons that patients visit their doctors.

At GW Hospital, doctors use leading-edge therapies, tools and techniques to give patients relief.

"Today, we have a much better understanding of the causes of many sinus and nasal disorders," says Ameet Singh, MD, otolaryngologist and Assistant Professor of Surgery. "And we have more treatment options and better targeted therapies that cause fewer side effects. We offer patients different medications and new ways of delivering them, as well as a variety of minimally invasive surgical treatments."

Complex Problems
A host of medical problems can cause temporary or chronic symptoms by preventing the sinuses from draining properly or blocking the nasal passageways. Some of these conditions are:

• Allergies
• Acute and chronic sinusitis
• Benign or malignant tumors
• Infections or inflammation
• Structural problems with the nose or sinuses
• Obstructions, like nasal polyps or deviated nasal septums
• Blockages in the lacrimal duct system that produces tears
• Trauma to the nose
• Other medical problems, like cystic fibrosis, reflux, fungus, systemic inflammatory diseases and certain conditions that affect the eyes

Ameet Singh, MD Otolaryngologist

Pills and Sprays
Over-the-counter medications are often the first line of treatment for sinus and nasal disorders. Depending on the causes of patients' symptoms, doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics. Antifungal and anti-inflammatory medications can relieve inflamed sinuses and surrounding areas, while decongestants can shrink blood vessels in the nose that lead to sinus congestion. Newer medications like steroid irrigations or mist nebulizers deliver medications directly to the nose where they can work quickly to ease symptoms.

Convenient Outpatient Options
Surgeons perform many outpatient procedures at the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) located just a few blocks from the hospital.

"We've streamlined processes so patients can receive minimally invasive treatments for sinus and nasal problems in a convenient setting and go home in a matter of hours," says Philip Zapanta, MD, otolaryngologist and Assistant Professor of Surgery. "Some of the techniques we use to improve airflow include a septoplasty [straightening the septum], the removal of nasal polyps and the reduction in size of the turbinate bones on the sides of the nose."

Philip Zapanta, MD Otolaryngologist

When Surgery Is the Solution
Surgeons are skilled in all types of sinus and nasal surgery. While open surgery is still an option, minimally invasive procedures are revolutionizing the treatment of these disorders.

"We operate using small endoscopes through the nose rather than making incisions around the nose or face," Dr. Singh says. "The endoscope gives us a superior view of the anatomy and allows us to look around corners." Doctors can use image-guided endoscopic procedures to:

• Widen the opening of the sinus cavity with tiny balloons
• Remove benign and malignant tumors of the sinus or nose
• Extract the wall between the eye and the sinuses to correct eye problems often associated with Graves' disease
• Relieve pressure on the optic nerve
• Remove obstructions of the lacrimal ducts
• Surgically treat complicated or recurrent sinus disease

Some sinus and nasal problems go away completely after treatment. To prevent recurrences, however, many patients may need ongoing therapy to address the allergies, reflux or other chronic medical problems that caused their symptoms.

Smell the Roses Again
To make an appointment with a physician to discuss sinus and nasal treatments, please call Direct Doctors^SM Plus at 1-888-4GW-DOCS or visit www.gwhospital.com.

900 23rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20037 (202) 715-4000