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Rhinology — Nose and Sinus Disorders

A blocked nose is often underestimated, yet its impact on daily life can be considerable. Persistent nasal obstruction disturbs sleep, dulls the sense of smell and taste, worsens snoring, and for many people quietly reduces quality of life for years before they seek help.

Rhinology — the surgical sub-specialty concerned with the nose, sinuses and anterior skull base — is one of Dr Ellinas’s principal areas of interest. He is an Examiner at the Rhinology Section of the European Board Examination of ORL – HN S and had previously headed the Rhinology Department at Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust Hospitals in the United Kingdom. He is also an active member of the European Rhinology Society, the American Rhinology Society and the British Rhinology Society.

CONDITIONS COMMONLY SEEN

  • Chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps — persistent blockage, facial pressure, nasal discharge and reduced sense of smell lasting beyond twelve weeks
  • Recurrent acute sinusitis
  • Deviated nasal septum causing one-sided or persistent nasal obstruction
  • Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
  • Loss of sense of smell (anosmia and hyposmia)
  • Recurrent nosebleeds (epistaxis)
  • Sinonasal tumours, both benign and malignant
  • Nasal obstruction contributing to snoring and sleep-disordered breathing

ASSESSMENT

Diagnosis rests on nasal endoscopy — a flexible telescope used to inspect the nasal cavity and the sinus drainage pathways directly. This is performed in clinic and it only takes a few second.

Where required, computed tomography (CT) imaging of the sinuses is arranged and reviewed by Dr Ellinas, and allergy testing is organised where an allergic component is suspected.

TREATMENT

The majority of nose and sinus disease is treated medically. A structured medical plan — which may include topical nasal steroids used with correct technique, saline irrigation and allergy management — is always the starting point. In selected cases, biologic therapy for severe polyp disease may also be an option.

Where medical treatment has been given a fair trial and has not succeeded, surgical options include:

  • Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) — endoscopic surgery that restores the natural drainage and ventilation of the sinuses, performed entirely through the nostrils with no external incisions or facial scars
  • Septoplasty — correction of a deviated septum using a minimally invasive technique that avoids postoperative nasal packing, so recovery is considerably more comfortable than the procedure’s reputation suggests
  • Turbinate reduction for persistent nasal congestion, in selected cases
  • Endoscopic resection of sinonasal tumours

WHEN TO SEEK AN OPINION

Book an assessment if nasal blockage has been persistent, if your sense of smell has reduced or disappeared, if you have facial pain or pressure with nasal symptoms, if you get recurrent nosebleeds, or if sinus infections keep returning despite antibiotics.

Request an appointment: +357 24 840840