Nose and sinus conditions can make breathing difficult, impair the sense of smell, and cause persistent nasal congestion, recurrent sinusitis or a feeling of pressure in the face. These symptoms can have many causes – from inflammation of the nasal lining to a deviated septum, enlarged nasal turbinates or nasal polyps.
Baltic American Clinic provides specialised diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Our ENT doctors (otorhinolaryngologists) use conservative and modern surgical treatment methods, including septum correction, turbinate surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery. Treatment is tailored to you, taking into account your symptoms, test results and the nature of the condition.
You can schedule an ENT consultation and the examinations you need.
From medication to endoscopic surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses.
Specialists who have trained in the USA and Europe and perform complex ear, nose and throat surgery.
A continuous treatment pathway – from the first consultation to surgery and post-operative follow-up.
When should you see a doctor about nose and sinus problems?
Diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses can cause similar symptoms, but their causes and treatments differ. An ENT consultation is recommended if:
- Your nose is constantly blocked. It is hard to breathe through one or both nostrils even though you do not have an acute cold.
- You have frequent bouts of sinusitis. Symptoms of nasal and sinus inflammation keep coming back or do not go away.
- You feel pressure or pain in your face. Especially if it comes with nasal congestion, discharge or a reduced sense of smell.
- Your sense of smell has weakened. You find it harder to detect smells, or have lost your sense of smell altogether.
- You have a long-lasting runny nose. Nasal discharge or mucus running down the back of the throat lasts longer than usual.
- Nasal polyps are suspected. Breathing through the nose is constantly difficult, your sense of smell is reduced or sinus inflammation keeps recurring.
- You have frequent nosebleeds. The bleeding recurs or its cause is unclear.
- Breathing through your nose has become harder after an injury. The position of the nasal bones or septum may have changed.
- Previous treatment has not helped. Symptoms persist despite medication or procedures.
If symptoms last, recur or affect your sleep and everyday well-being, it is important to find their cause rather than simply relieve them for a short time.
Which nose and sinus conditions do we treat?
Acute sinusitis
Acute sinusitis, also called acute rhinosinusitis, is inflammation of the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses, which most often starts after a viral upper respiratory tract infection.
It can cause nasal congestion, discharge, pressure in the face, a reduced sense of smell and general malaise.
In most cases symptomatic treatment is enough. Antibiotics are prescribed only when a bacterial infection is reasonably suspected and there are appropriate medical indications.
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic rhinosinusitis is diagnosed when typical symptoms last 12 weeks or longer and examinations show signs of inflammation of the nose or paranasal sinuses.
It can cause persistent nasal congestion, discharge, a feeling of pressure in the face and problems with the sense of smell.
Treatment may include local medicines, nasal rinsing and, when conservative treatment is not effective enough, endoscopic sinus surgery.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are benign growths of the lining of the nose or paranasal sinuses, often associated with chronic inflammation.
They can make breathing through the nose difficult, weaken the sense of smell and contribute to recurrent sinusitis symptoms.
Depending on the size and extent of the polyps and the course of the disease, medication is used or endoscopic sinus surgery is considered, during which the polyps can also be removed.
Deviated nasal septum
The nasal septum divides the nasal cavity into two parts. When it is deviated, one or both nasal passages may be narrowed, making breathing more difficult.
Not every deviated septum causes symptoms or needs surgery.
When the deviation significantly impairs breathing, the doctor may recommend septoplasty – surgical correction of the nasal septum.
Enlarged nasal turbinates
The nasal turbinates help to warm, humidify and clean the air you breathe in.
When they are enlarged, they can cause persistent nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose and sleep problems.
Medication may be tried first. If it is not effective enough, turbinate reduction surgery is considered.
Recurrent nosebleeds
Bleeding can be caused by a dry or damaged nasal lining, local blood vessel changes, injury, medicines or other causes.
Treatment depends on where the bleeding comes from, how heavy it is and what caused it.
Changes caused by nasal injuries
After a nasal injury, the nasal bones may become deformed, the septum may change and breathing problems may develop.
Depending on the type of injury and the time since it happened, repositioning of the nasal bones or planned surgical correction may be needed.
Nose and sinus diagnostics
To choose the right treatment, it is important to find the cause of nasal congestion, recurrent sinusitis or other symptoms. During the consultation, the ENT doctor assesses your condition and, if needed, orders further tests.
Baltic American Clinic performs endoscopic and ultrasound examinations of the nose and sinuses. They help to assess the anatomy of the nasal cavity, the condition of the nasal lining and possible inflammatory changes.
ENT examinationsWhich nose and sinus treatments are used?
The treatment method depends on the diagnosed condition, how severe and how long-lasting the symptoms are, and the results of previous treatment.
Surgery is not always necessary. Whenever possible, conservative treatment is tried first, and surgery is considered when there are medical indications.
Conservative treatment of the nose and sinuses
Conservative treatment is most often used for inflammation of the nasal lining, acute or chronic sinusitis and other conditions where surgery is not necessary.
Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor may recommend:
- Nasal rinsing with saline. Helps to remove mucus, moisten the nasal lining and reduce irritation.
- Local nasal medicines. Anti-inflammatory medicines, including nasal corticosteroids, may be prescribed when needed.
- Antibiotics. Prescribed only when there are indications for their use.
- Other individual treatment. Chosen according to the cause of the condition, the symptoms and any other health conditions.
If symptoms persist or an anatomical obstruction is found, a treatment procedure or surgery may be recommended.
Maxillary sinus lavage
Maxillary sinus lavage (washout) is a treatment procedure in which the contents that have built up in the sinus are removed and the sinus cavity is rinsed.
When is it performed?
The procedure may be recommended in certain cases of maxillary sinus inflammation when the doctor decides that this treatment is needed.
It is not a routine first-choice treatment for every patient with sinusitis.
How is the procedure performed?
Under appropriate anaesthesia, the maxillary sinus is reached with special medical instruments and rinsed.
After the procedure, the doctor gives recommendations on further treatment and care.
Nasal septum correction (septoplasty)
Septoplasty is an operation to correct a deviated nasal septum in order to improve airflow through the nose.
When is it performed?
When a deviated septum significantly impairs breathing and conservative measures do not relieve it sufficiently.
How is the operation performed?
The operation is usually performed through the nasal cavity, correcting the altered cartilage and bone parts of the septum.
The extent of the operation and the type of anaesthesia are decided individually.
What is important to know?
After the operation, nasal congestion, swelling or slight bleeding may persist for some time. The final improvement in breathing is assessed once the tissues have healed.
The aim of septoplasty is to improve how the nose works, not to change its outer shape.
Turbinate reduction (conchoplasty)
Conchoplasty is surgical reduction of the nasal turbinate tissue to improve airflow while preserving their physiological function as far as possible.
When is it performed?
When enlarged nasal turbinates constantly make breathing difficult and medication is not effective enough.
How is the operation performed?
The doctor chooses the turbinate reduction method according to their anatomical changes and the patient’s condition.
The operation can be performed on its own or together with septum correction.
Conchotomy with septoplasty
Baltic American Clinic also performs conchotomy with septoplasty – a combined operation in which the nasal septum is corrected and part of the enlarged turbinate tissue is removed.
This treatment may be recommended when both anatomical changes make breathing difficult.
Endoscopic sinus surgery
This is surgical treatment performed through the nasal cavity using an endoscope.
The aim of the operation is to improve ventilation and drainage of the paranasal sinuses and to remove diseased tissue or other changes when necessary.
When is it performed?
The operation may be recommended for chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps or other changes of the paranasal sinuses when conservative treatment is not effective enough or there are other surgical indications.
How is the operation performed?
The surgeon inserts an endoscope through the nasal cavity and opens the necessary areas of the paranasal sinuses with special instruments.
If needed, polyps or other diseased tissue are removed.
Because the operation is usually performed through the nose, external cuts on the face are usually not needed.
What is important to know?
After the operation there may be nasal congestion, blood-stained discharge and temporary discomfort.
The doctor may recommend nasal rinsing, prescribed medicines and follow-up endoscopic examinations.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
FESS is a functional endoscopic sinus surgery technique that aims to restore the natural ventilation and drainage pathways of the paranasal sinuses while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
When is it performed?
Most often for chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps or other paranasal sinus diseases that need surgical treatment.
How is the operation performed?
Using endoscopic equipment, the altered sinus openings are corrected through the nasal cavity.
If needed, polyps, inflamed tissue or other obstructions that prevent normal sinus ventilation are removed.
How does FESS differ from endoscopic sinus surgery?
FESS is one of the methods of endoscopic sinus surgery. The terms are closely related in medical practice, but the operations may differ in their extent and the surgical steps performed.
These operations may be offered as separate services depending on their extent. The ENT doctor decides on the most suitable method and the extent of the operation.
Correction of nasal shape and function (septorhinoplasty)
Septorhinoplasty is an operation in which the nasal septum and the external structures of the nose are corrected.
Its aim may be to improve breathing through the nose and to correct the shape of the nose at the same time.
When is it performed?
When breathing problems are caused not only by changes of the nasal septum but also of the external nasal structures, or when a combined functional and aesthetic correction is needed.
How is the operation performed?
The surgeon corrects the position of the nasal septum, the cartilage and, if needed, the bone structures.
The surgical method and extent depend on the anatomical changes and the intended result.
What is important to know?
Septorhinoplasty is a more extensive operation than standard septoplasty.
Afterwards there may be swelling of the nose and surrounding tissues, bruising and temporarily more difficult breathing.
The final result for the shape and function of the nose is assessed once the tissues have healed.
Repositioning of broken nasal bones
Nasal bone repositioning is a procedure in which displaced nasal bones are put back into position after a fracture.
When is it performed?
When displacement of the nasal bones is found after an injury and the doctor decides that their position needs to be corrected.
How is the procedure performed?
Under appropriate anaesthesia, the doctor moves the nasal bones back into a more correct position.
The timing of the procedure after the injury matters, so if you suspect a broken nose, see a specialist without delay.
What is important to know?
Not every nasal bone fracture needs repositioning. The decision depends on the displacement of the bones, how the nose works and other consequences of the injury.
Stopping nosebleeds
Baltic American Clinic treats both anterior and posterior nosebleeds.
Stopping anterior nosebleeds
Measures are taken to stop bleeding from the front part of the nasal cavity.
Depending on the situation, local measures to stop the bleeding or nasal packing may be used.
Stopping posterior nosebleeds
Control of more complex bleeding when its source is deeper in the nasal cavity.
In such cases special measures to stop the bleeding and closer monitoring of the patient may be needed.
The treatment method is chosen according to the severity, location and cause of the bleeding and the patient’s general condition.
How does nose and sinus treatment work?
The doctor listens to your complaints and reviews how long the symptoms have lasted, your previous illnesses and any treatment you have had.
The examination assesses the nasal cavity and lining, breathing through the nose and possible anatomical changes.
If more information is needed to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor orders the most suitable tests.
Their scope depends on the suspected condition and the planned treatment.
Depending on the diagnosis, conservative treatment, a treatment procedure or surgery is chosen.
If surgery is recommended, the doctor explains its purpose, how it is done, the possible benefits, risks and alternatives.
Treatment is carried out according to the agreed plan.
After a procedure or operation you receive recommendations on medicines, nasal care, physical activity and follow-up visits.
If needed, further monitoring is arranged to assess healing and the results of treatment.
How to prepare for nose and sinus treatment
Preparation depends on the planned treatment. An ENT consultation usually needs no complicated preparation, but additional requirements may apply before surgical procedures.
We recommend that you:
- Bring the results of previous tests. Especially nasal endoscopy, CT scans or records of previous operations.
- Tell us about the medicines you take. Especially medicines that affect blood clotting. Do not stop taking them on your own.
- Tell us about allergies and other conditions. This matters when choosing medicines, anaesthesia and the treatment method.
- Discuss previous treatment. The doctor needs to know which medicines or procedures you have already had and whether they helped.
- Follow your individual preparation instructions. If surgery under anaesthesia is planned, additional tests, a set period without food and drink and other preparation may be required.
- Plan time for recovery. After some operations you may be advised to limit physical exertion for a while, avoid blowing your nose or other actions that could trigger bleeding.
You will be informed in advance about preparation for your specific procedure and post-operative care.
When may nose and sinus treatment be postponed?
There are usually no specific contraindications for an ENT consultation, but planned procedures or operations may be postponed in certain cases.
The main circumstances are:
- Acute infection or fever. When a planned intervention would be unsafe because of the patient’s condition.
- Uncontrolled other conditions. They can increase the risks of anaesthesia or surgery.
- Blood clotting disorders. They can increase the likelihood of bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Taking certain medicines. When the treatment plan needs to be adjusted individually before surgery.
- Other medical contraindications. Identified by assessing your general health and the type of the planned intervention.
The doctor makes the final decision on the safety of the procedure and the best time to perform it.
When do you need urgent medical help?
Not all nose and sinus symptoms can wait for a planned consultation.
Urgent medical assessment is needed if:
- A heavy or non-stop nosebleed starts.
- Marked swelling around the eye or vision problems appear.
- You have a severe, unusual headache, especially with fever or neurological symptoms.
- After a nasal injury breathing becomes harder, a marked deformity appears or other complications are suspected.
- Your general condition is getting worse quickly.
If you have life-threatening symptoms, call 112 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Does a blocked nose always mean that surgery is needed?
No. A blocked nose can be caused by inflammation of the nasal lining, allergy, enlarged turbinates, a deviated septum or other causes. In most cases conservative treatment is tried first. Surgery is considered only when there are appropriate indications.
Can chronic sinusitis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients are treated with medication and nasal rinsing. Surgery may be recommended if appropriate conservative treatment is not effective enough or if changes are found that need surgical correction.
Can nasal polyps grow back after surgery?
Yes. Nasal polyps are often associated with chronic inflammation, so they can return even after successful surgery. That is why a long-term plan to control inflammation and the care recommended by your doctor are important.
What is the difference between septoplasty and rhinoplasty?
Septoplasty corrects the nasal septum and improves breathing. Rhinoplasty changes the outer shape of the nose. When both functional and external correction of the nose are needed, septorhinoplasty may be performed.
Does septoplasty change the appearance of the nose?
Usually the aim of septoplasty is to improve breathing, not to change the outer shape of the nose. If a correction of the nose’s appearance is also planned, this is discussed separately with the surgeon.
Is sinus surgery performed through the nose?
Yes. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is usually performed through the nasal cavity using an endoscope and special instruments. As a result, external cuts on the face are usually not needed.
How long does recovery after nose surgery take?
Recovery time depends on the type and extent of the operation. After some procedures you can return to everyday activities fairly quickly, but complete healing of the nasal lining may take several weeks or longer. The surgeon gives you individual recommendations.
Will I need to rinse my nose after sinus surgery?
Often, yes. After endoscopic sinus surgery the doctor may recommend nasal rinsing with saline, prescribed medicines and follow-up examinations. The exact care depends on the operation performed.
Do you treat nose and sinus problems in children?
Yes. ENT doctors at Baltic American Clinic see both children and adults. The choice of tests and treatment depends on the child’s age, the diagnosis and medical indications.
Do I need an ENT consultation before nose or sinus surgery?
Yes. During the consultation the doctor assesses your symptoms and test results, decides whether surgery is needed and discusses the most suitable treatment method.
Price of nose and sinus treatment
Prices for ENT consultations, nose and sinus diagnostic tests, treatment procedures and operations are set according to the Baltic American Clinic price list in force.
The consultation, diagnostic tests and treatment procedures are separate services, so they are charged separately, except where specific steps are included in the price of the chosen service.
If surgery is planned, its final price depends on its extent, complexity and any additional services needed. Anaesthesia, inpatient services and post-operative care may be charged additionally according to the price list in force.
The specific scope of treatment and the expected costs are discussed before the procedure or operation.
A referral does not change the clinic’s set prices for paid services at Baltic American Clinic.