Chronic Sinusitis and Sinus Surgery (FESS)

At Spokane ENT, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of chronic sinusitis, a condition characterized by persistent inflammation of the sinuses lasting 12 weeks or longer despite medical treatment. Chronic sinusitis can significantly impact quality of life, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pressure or pain, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, post-nasal drip, and fatigue. Our team specializes in diagnosing and managing complex sinus conditions that have not responded to standard medical therapy, including cases complicated by nasal polyps, structural abnormalities, or underlying medical conditions. We offer both advanced medical management and surgical intervention when appropriate, utilizing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to restore normal sinus function.

We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate chronic sinusitis, including detailed history taking to understand symptom patterns, duration, and previous treatments. Our evaluation includes comprehensive nasal endoscopy to visualize the nasal passages and sinus openings, identifying signs of inflammation, polyps, or structural issues. We may also perform imaging studies such as CT scans to assess sinus anatomy, identify blockages, and plan surgical intervention when needed. Our team evaluates for underlying contributing factors such as allergies, immune system disorders, or anatomical variations that may predispose patients to chronic sinusitis. We work to differentiate chronic sinusitis from other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

Our treatment approach for chronic sinusitis is individualized and typically begins with aggressive medical management, including nasal irrigation, topical corticosteroids, and when appropriate, oral medications or allergy management. For patients who do not achieve adequate symptom relief with medical therapy alone, we offer functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), a minimally invasive procedure that uses specialized endoscopes and instruments to remove diseased tissue, open blocked sinus passages, and restore normal sinus drainage. We utilize state-of-the-art surgical techniques including image-guided surgery when indicated, allowing for precise navigation and preservation of healthy tissue. Our goal is to restore normal sinus function, improve quality of life, and reduce the need for ongoing medical therapy. Following surgery, we provide comprehensive postoperative care and monitoring to ensure optimal healing and long-term success.