The road to becoming a Rhinologist is a long one. After earning a bachelor’s degree, the graduate must then complete medical school, complete a residency, obtain a licensure and in efforts to broaden employment opportunities, they must earn certification in a specialized area.

Simply put, a Rhinologist is a doctor who has specialized in a subspecialty. A Rhinologist is a board-certified Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat Physician) who has successfully completed fellowship training in the field of rhinology and skull base surgery. To achieve this distinction, a Rhinologist must be selected for an additional sixth year of advanced specialized training beyond what is required of a general ENT doctor. A subspecialty focuses on the diagnosis and management of diseases of the nose, paranasal sinuses, skull base and orbit. As experts in endoscopic sinus surgery, Rhinologists treat patients medically and surgically depending on the nature of disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dating back to early mankind, the presence of paranasal sinuses and attempts of treatment have intrigued humanity. Besides sensory functions of smell and taste, little was known for causation of nasal related issues. Subsequently, self-diagnosis was common. Treatments ranged from cold baths and aromatherapy to cautery and teeth removal. (Ouch!) Although these methods are unconventional to us now, they led us to further investigate the nasal anatomy.

Centuries later, with clinical and surgical innovation, the development of computer-aided systems and an operating endoscope evolved the medical field completely. Endoscopy uses a flexible tube with an attached camera to maneuver through small incisions or natural body openings. This minimally invasive procedure not only helps accurately diagnose, but also provides a safer way of treating sinus related issues.

See a Rhinologist When You Experience:

• Allergic Fungal Sinusitis
• Allergies
• Anosmia
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks
• Chronic Epiphora 
• Chronic Nasal Drip
• Chronic Sinusitis
• Deviated Septum
• Epistaxis
• Hyposmia 
• Inferior Turbinate Enlargement 
• Nasal Obstruction
• Nasal Polyps
• Orbital Proptosis
• Pituitary Tumors
• Sinus Mucoceles
• Skull Base Tumors

Consult With a Rhinologist

If you or someone you know has been experiencing sinus problems frequently and over-the-counter medicines or repeated oral antibiotics fail to provide relief please consider expert help. Get in touch with Dr. Arjuna Kuperan at Houston Advanced Nose & Sinus for a complete checkup and consultation. To schedule an appointment with one of our sinus specialists, contact us here.