Medical and Surgical Treatment of Nasal Drainage

Your provider at the Nose and Sinus Institute of Boca Raton will evaluate you with a history and physical examination, as well as allergy testing and a CT (computed tomography) scan of the sinuses if needed. The procedures to treat drainage and congestion are recommended for patients whose symptoms are not satisfactorily brought under control by medical management.

The procedure involves minimal discomfort as a numbing agent is applied to the nostrils beforehand.

The cost varies depending on the specific treatment and individual case and whether any other procedures are performed at the same time. Many insurance plans cover nasal drainage procedures, and our office can assist with verifying benefits and discussing payment options.

The specific surgical treatment can be done as a separate procedure or in conjunction with procedures done for breathing or sinus issues. After your evaluation, your provider will review all of the findings and the treatment options.

Other nose and sinus procedures that may be performed at the same time as a surgical procedure to address nasal drainage include:

• Balloon Sinuplasty (for chronic sinusitis)
• Septoplasty (to improve breathing or snoring)
• Turbinate Reduction (for breathing)
• Removal of nasal polyps

In addition, any cosmetic concerns you have about your nose can be addressed with rhinoplasty surgery during the same operative session.

These are the most common conditions that contribute to nasal drainage and are best explained as follows:

• Allergic Rhinitis: It is caused by underlying allergies. Symptoms may include nasal or postnasal drainage and congestion. If left untreated, Allergic rhinitis can also lead to chronic sinusitis; blockage of the sinuses contributes to facial pressure, facial pain, headaches, and infection.
• Nonallergic Rhinitis: This condition mimics allergic rhinitis in many ways, except that the allergy cells normally seen in the mucous of patients with allergic rhinitis are absent. Irritants, such as strong fumes, smoke, perfumes, etc., can cause a nonallergic reaction that manifests as nasal drainage.
• Vasomotor Rhinitis: A disorder resulting from an over-active nerve in the nose, specifically the posterior nasal nerve. This increased activity is often associated with eating, leading patients to complain of excess nasal drainage during and after meals.