From Sinus Infections to Nasal Polyps: Common Conditions an ENT Can Treat

If you’re dealing with ongoing nasal congestion, sinus pressure, or sleep issues, you’re not alone.

• An estimated 30 million adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with sinusitis each year.¹
• About 4 in 10 people with chronic nasal issues may also have nasal polyps.²
• Roughly 90 million Americans snore—and nearly half of them may have obstructive sleep apnea.³

The truth is that many people live with chronic ENT conditions for years, not realizing there are effective treatments that can transform their quality of life. That’s where a qualified ENT specialist comes in.

Also known as otolaryngologists, ENT specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat, and sinuses.

“One of the most common things I hear from patients is, ‘I thought this was just something I had to live with,’” says Dr. Shawn Allen, board-certified sinus specialist and ENT surgeon. “But the truth is, you don’t have to accept chronic congestion or sinus infections as normal.”

Dr. Allen explains some of the most common issues he treats—and how ENT care can help you breathe, sleep, and feel better.
 

Chronic Sinus Infections (Chronic Rhinosinusitis)

A sinus infection occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and filled with fluid, trapping bacteria or viruses. When these infections persist or return repeatedly, it’s known as chronic rhinosinusitis.

Common symptoms include:

• Facial pressure or pain
• Nasal congestion
• Thick nasal drainage
• Postnasal drip
• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing through the nose

Chronic sinus infections often don’t respond well to over-the-counter treatments. A sinus specialist can use imaging or nasal endoscopy to determine the root cause and recommend lasting solutions, from prescription medications to minimally invasive sinus procedures.
 

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form in the nasal passages due to chronic inflammation. While they are usually painless, they can significantly affect your quality of life.

Signs of nasal polyps may include:

• Persistent nasal congestion
• Decreased or lost sense of smell
• Postnasal drip
• Mild facial pressure

ENT specialists like Dr. Allen can diagnose nasal polyps during an in-office exam. Nasal Polyps treatment options range from nasal steroid sprays and rinses to nasal polyps removal using endoscopic techniques that minimize recovery time.
 

Deviated Septum

The septum is the wall of cartilage that divides your nasal passages. When it’s off-center or crooked, a condition called a deviated septum, it can make breathing through your nose difficult and contribute to snoring, sinus infections, and nasal congestion.

Common symptoms:

• Blocked nasal passages (especially on one side)
• Frequent sinus infections
• Snoring or sleep disturbances
• Nosebleeds

Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation or septum surgery (septoplasty) to straighten the nasal passage and improve airflow.
 

Enlarged Turbinates

Turbinates are small structures inside your nose that help humidify and filter the air you breathe. When they become swollen, often due to allergies or chronic irritation, they can block airflow and contribute to nasal congestion.

Symptoms of enlarged turbinates include:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Frequent sinus pressure or infections
• Snoring
• Dry mouth from mouth breathing

ENTs can evaluate your nasal passages and recommend turbinate reduction, a simple in-office procedure that shrinks the turbinates without damaging the surrounding tissue.
 

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring might seem like a nuisance, but it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

ENT specialists play a key role in diagnosing and treating airway-related causes of sleep disturbances. They can assess anatomical issues such as enlarged tonsils, nasal obstruction, or a deviated septum, all of which can contribute to snoring or poor-quality sleep.

ENT treatments may include:

• Nasal airway improvement
• Septoplasty
• Addressing nasal polyps or turbinate swelling
• Referral for a sleep study, if needed

“Snoring is often a sign your body is struggling to breathe at night,” explains Dr. Allen. “We can identify what’s causing the blockage and help open up your airway for better sleep and better health.”
 

When to See an ENT Specialist

It’s time to schedule an ENT consultation if you’re experiencing:

• Persistent nasal symptoms lasting more than 3–4 weeks
• Recurrent sinus infections that don’t resolve
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Snoring or disrupted sleep
• Loss of smell or taste
• Symptoms that don’t respond to typical medications

Dr. Shawn Allen provides comprehensive evaluations and customized ENT care using advanced tools and minimally invasive treatments. Whether you’re struggling with sinus infections, nasal polyps, or deviated septum treatment, he can help you get the relief you’ve been waiting for.
   
Citations

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
² American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
³ American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA)