Sinus Disease in Poway, CA

Constant congestion, facial pressure, or sinus pain can make every day feel exhausting. At Rancho Ear, Nose & Throat, we provide advanced sinus treatment services designed to relieve discomfort and treat the underlying causes of sinus disease, not just the symptoms. Serving patients throughout San Diego and Poway, our experienced team uses both medical and surgical approaches to restore clear, healthy breathing.

What Are the Sinuses?

Your sinuses are four pairs of air-filled spaces connected to the nasal passages:

Maxillary sinuses: Located in the cheeks
Frontal sinuses: Found in the forehead
Ethmoid sinuses: A cluster of small air cells between the eyes
Sphenoid sinuses: Deep within the skull, behind the nose and eyes

Though their exact purpose isn’t fully understood, sinuses are thought to reduce the weight of the head and help the voice resonate. Each sinus is lined with tiny hair-like structures called cilia, which move mucus through small openings (called antra) into the nasal passages. This natural drainage keeps the sinuses clear of debris and bacteria.

How Sinus Infections Develop

Sinus infections occur when the drainage pathways become blocked, allowing mucus to build up and bacteria to grow. Common causes include:

Viral infections, such as the common cold
Allergies or chronic nasal inflammation
Structural issues like a deviated septum or nasal polyps
Thickened mucus or trapped debris

When sinus drainage is blocked, the result is sinusitis: inflammation and infection that can cause pain, congestion, pressure, and fatigue.

It’s important to distinguish between a viral infection, which typically improves on its own, and a bacterial sinus infection, which may require antibiotics. Patients who experience frequent or long-lasting infections may have chronic sinusitis, often related to anatomy or persistent inflammation.

Advanced Diagnosis with In-Office Point-of-Care CT Imaging

At Rancho ENT, accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective sinus treatment. That’s why we offer point-of-care CT imaging conveniently performed in our office.

This advanced imaging technology provides high-resolution, three-dimensional views of your sinus anatomy, allowing our specialists to precisely identify:

Blocked or narrowed sinus openings
Chronic inflammation or infection
Nasal polyps
Deviated septum or other structural abnormalities

Unlike standard X-rays, in-office CT scans deliver detailed anatomical insight with low radiation exposure, helping your physician make informed decisions during your visit—without delays or referrals to outside imaging centers.

Point-of-care CT imaging allows us to:

Diagnose sinus conditions more accurately
Customize treatment plans based on your unique anatomy
Determine candidacy for procedures such as Balloon Sinuplasty™
Plan surgical interventions with greater precision

This streamlined, same-day imaging means faster answers, clearer treatment pathways, and better outcomes for our patients.

Sinus Treatment Options

Medical Management

Medications: Including antibiotics, steroids, and nasal sprays to reduce inflammation and infection.
Allergy Testing & Treatment: To identify and manage triggers that may be contributing to sinus swelling.
Lifestyle and Environmental Modifications: Reducing exposure to allergens and irritants that can worsen symptoms.

Surgical Solutions

When sinus blockages don’t respond to medical treatment, surgery may be recommended to improve drainage and airflow. Surgical options include:

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Uses a small telescope and camera to gently open blocked sinus passages.
Balloon Sinus Dilation (Balloon Sinuplasty™): A minimally invasive, FDA-cleared procedure that uses a small balloon catheter to expand the sinus openings without cutting or removing tissue.
Advanced Sinus Reconstruction: For patients with complex sinus disease or anatomic abnormalities.

These modern techniques provide faster recovery, less discomfort, and lasting relief from chronic sinus symptoms.

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

For patients with chronic sinusitis who haven’t found relief from medications alone, Balloon Sinuplasty™ may be an excellent option.

This minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment uses a small, flexible balloon to gently open blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal drainage while preserving the natural sinus lining. Benefits include:

Quick recovery with minimal downtime
No cutting or removal of tissue
Long-lasting symptom relief
Performed comfortably in-office for eligible patients

Dr. Ashish Wadhwa, board-certified otolaryngologist at Rancho ENT, will evaluate your sinus anatomy and determine if this treatment is right for you.

Gain Access to the Sinus.
To gain initial sinus access, our sinus guide catheter is introduced into the nasal cavity to target the sinus ostia under endoscopic visualization. Our sinus guidewire or our sinus illumination system is introduced through the sinus guide catheter and gently advanced into the target sinus.
Inflate Balloon Across Ostium. The sinus balloon catheter is introduced over the sinus guidewire or sinus illumination system and positioned across the blocked ostium. The position of the sinus balloon catheter is confirmed and the balloon is gradually inflated to open and remodel the narrowed or blocked ostium.
Deflate and Remove Balloon. The sinus balloon catheter is then deflated and removed, leaving the ostium open allowing the return of sinus drainage. There is little to no disruption to mucosal lining.

Why Choose Rancho ENT

At Rancho Ear, Nose & Throat, we go beyond symptom management; we focus on lasting relief. Here’s what makes us a trusted choice for sinus care in San Diego:

Comprehensive Expertise: Board-certified ENT specialists skilled in both medical and surgical sinus treatments.
Advanced Technology: State-of-the-art equipment for endoscopic and balloon sinus procedures.
Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your specific anatomy, lifestyle, and health needs.
Allergy & Sinus Integration: Our in-house allergy services ensure that underlying inflammation is properly addressed.
Proven Results: We help patients breathe easier, sleep better, and live more comfortably—every day.

Start Breathing Clearly Again with Sinus Treatment in Poway, CA

Don’t let chronic sinus problems hold you back. The experts at Rancho ENT can help you find relief through precise diagnosis and customized treatment.

Call 858-674-1165 today to schedule your appointment for a sinus evaluation.

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Rancho Ear, Nose and Throat

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