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Your Hopkins Sinus Specialists -

Your Hopkins Sinus Specialists

Hopkins residents seeking relief from sinus problems can trust Oakdale Ear Nose & Throat Clinic’s specialists to provide the most accurate diagnosis and advanced treatments. We take pride in determining the cause of your symptoms so we can offer the most effective course of treatment for your sinuses. That means relief for you.

Oakdale ENT’s board-certified otolaryngologists (ENT specialists) have provided unsurpassed expertise in sinus care for patients from Hopkins and the Twin Cities metro area for more than 30 years. We strive to bring you world-class service in a relaxing, friendly environment. Our goal is to diagnose and treat your sinusitis or other sinus disorder while making it convenient for you.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis a common condition in which the sinuses (the cavities around the nasal passages) become swollen or inflamed. This inflammation, which may be caused by bacteria, funguses, viruses or allergies, blocks normal sinus drainage. This blockage can result in headaches, pain or pressure in the sinuses, ears or teeth, facial pain or tenderness, congestion and postnasal drainage.

Acute sinusitis, short-term sinusitis lasting a month or less, often improves with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home treatments aimed at improving drainage, relieving pain and pressure, and clearing up any infection. For sufferers of chronic sinusitis, sinusitis lasting 12 weeks or longer, prolonged inflammation (rather than infection) is typically the underlying cause and should be evaluated by an experienced ENT specialist.

Comprehensive Sinus Diagnostics for Hopkins residents

To ensure the most effective treatment plan for your sinuses, Oakdale ENT doctors conduct a thorough evaluation that includes a review of health history, a physical exam, and often, diagnostic imaging.

One of the most helpful diagnostic tools for our doctors is the CT (computed tomography) scan. This non-invasive exam, similar to an x-ray, creates 3D images of the sinus anatomy to provide our doctors with valuable information for an accurate diagnosis. At Oakdale ENT, our offices are equipped with ENT-specific, state-of-the-art CT scanners on site, allowing us to capture images of your sinuses and review them with you during your office visit.

Treatment Options for Hopkins residents with Sinus Problems

Treatments for sinusitis often begin with saline nasal sprays and decongestants, as well as the use of antibiotics and inhaled nasal steroids. Because allergies and sinus problems are often intertwined, immunotherapy (through either shots or sublingual therapy) can help to alleviate symptoms.

When these more conservative treatments do not provide relief for sinus pain, Oakdale ENT may recommend one of the following procedures.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is the most common procedure for treatment of chronic sinusitis. This procedure is performed to unblock the sinuses from any of the following:

  • Infected, swollen or damaged tissue
  • Bone which narrows the nasal passage
  • Growths or polyps inside the nose or sinuses
  • Foreign objects blocking the passage (often in children)

Balloon Sinuplasty, also called balloon sinus dilation, is a safe, effective, and less invasive surgical technique to treat chronic sinusitis and sinus symptoms, with fast recovery time for patients. This advanced procedure uses a small flexible tube with a balloon to open blocked sinus passageways and restore proper drainage. When the balloon is inflated, it restructures and widens the walls of the sinus passageway without harming the sinus lining.

If you’re suffering from sinus pain, consider a consultation with an Oakdale ENT physician to understand your options in finding relief.

Full ENT Care for Hopkins residents

In addition to diagnosing and treating sinuses, Oakdale has an ENT clinic serving the Hopkins patients with a wide range of ear, nose and throat condition. We also offer allergy diagnosis and treatment for Hopkins residents. Our audiologists have a special passion for the science and treatment of hearing loss and work with individuals one-on-one hearing test and discuss available treatment options.

Appointments for all conditions can be scheduled by calling 763-233-5755 or making an appointment online.