Del Rey MD | Sinus | Allergy | ENT

Products And Services

• Balloon Sinus Dilation

  Your Expert Guide To Balloon Sinus Dilation Balloon sinus dilation is a procedure similar to Balloon Sinuplasty that helps to relieve the symptoms of chronic sinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis without cutting or removing any bone or tissue from the sinus area. Balloon Sinus Dilation Balloon sinus dilation (also called balloon sinuplasty) technology gives our physicians additional tools for endoscopic surgery. Balloon sinus dilation uses a catheter-based device designed to clear blocked sinuses, restore normal sinus drainage and function, and preserve normal anatomy and mucosal tissue. Our doctors also use advanced diagnostic tools to determine when it is appropriate to use the balloon sinus dilation. Balloon sinus dilation procedure may not require general anesthesia and in many cases the patient is able to resume normal activities within 24 hours. Balloon Sinus Dilation Explained The sinuses are air spaces behind the bones of your upper face, and lie between your eyes, forehead, nose, and cheeks. Your sinuses are lined with a mucus layer and cells that have cilia, which are tiny hairs, on the surface. These cilia help trap and push out pollutants and bacteria. Your sinuses each have an opening that allows mucus to drain. When your sinuses are healthy, the drainage is working well. However, inflammation can occur in the lining if they aren't working efficiently. This is known as sinusitis. If your sinus openings become swollen shut, your mucus cannot drain away, which can lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses. In many cases, an ideal treatment to alleviate these symptoms at the source is through a minimally invasive procedure called Balloon Sinuplasty or balloon sinus dilation. Our expert team at Del Rey MD can conduct balloon sinus dilation in a single day without tissue removal, bleeding or pain, allowing you to breathe clearly again. At our Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, 100% of our balloon sinus dilation procedures are performed in the office. Our expert team has conducted the highest number of balloon sinus dilation procedures in the state of California, which enables us to provide exceptional patient outcomes. Patients can expect quick recovery times and very little pain as a result of our experience and specialized approach. We are also in network with many insurance plans which makes it easy for our patients to receive the benefit of having the balloon sinus dilation procedure covered by insurance. At Del Rey MD, we do not have to charge a facility fee, and there is no necessity to see a primary care doctor for a referral. Why Would You Need Balloon Sinus Dilation? When a patient comes to see the top-rated balloon sinus dilation team at Del Rey MD, there is an initial evaluation to see if they are a suitable candidate. Patients who can benefit from Balloon Sinuplasty or balloon sinus dilation, are typically experiencing chronic sinus problems. More than 37 million people are diagnosed with sinus problems in the U.S, including chronic sinus conditions such as rhinitis and sinusitis. If you are experiencing recurrent sinus infection, chronic sinus infection, pressure headaches, post nasal drip, or nasal congestion related to sinus disease, you may benefit from having balloon sinus dilation. Typically at Del Rey MD, we recommend having this procedure to patients who get sinus infections four to five times a year. Patients who may benefit from balloon sinus dilation also include those who have been looking to find relief from chronic sinus problems for more than 12 weeks. If you are looking for freedom from a chronic sinus problem, you may be experiencing symptoms including: Stuffy nose or runny nose Severe congestion Facial pressure or pain Loss of sense of smell Teeth pain Fatigue Difficulty breathing What is Sinusitis? Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Sinuses are hollow spaces within the bones between your eyes, behind your cheekbones, and in your forehead. Sinusitis can often be accompanied by a fever, sinus pressure, headache, and post-nasal drip. You may also have green or yellow nasal discharge. What is Rhinitis? Rhinitis is when a reaction occurs that causes nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Most types of rhinitis are caused by inflammation and are associated with symptoms in the eyes, ears, or throat. If you have nasal discharge, this is usually a strong indication of rhinitis. Balloon sinus dilation can release facial pressure, alleviate a stuffy or runny nose and help eliminate congestion for good. This treatment can also help regain loss of smell from such nasal conditions as well.

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• Septoplasty

  Septoplasty is the generic term used for any type of surgery that can reshape your nasal septum, which is the midline thin wall that separates your left and right nasal cavities. The procedure can improve your breathing, so you do not have to rely on breathing through your mouth. At Del Rey MD septoplasty is one of the procedures we offer that can give relief and respite from nasal discomfort. If you are having issues with breathing through your nose, and have a deviated septum, you can see very positive results from undergoing septoplasty. Our expert team of ear, nose and throat specialists at our Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, are highly skilled in assessing whether your condition can benefit from having septoplasty surgery. After an in-depth consultation, one of our physicians can assess the best treatment plan to ease your symptoms. Why You May Need Septoplasty You may need to have septoplasty because your septum is bending to the left or the right in one direction. The condition can impede airflow through your nose. Breathing can become difficult, and you have to rely on breathing through your mouth, which causes dryness and can interrupt sleeping at night. On occasion, patients undergo septoplasty due to a sinus surgery or a tumor removal. In addition, you may need septoplasty if you have tried non-surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea or a snoring problem and they have been unsuccessful. At Del Rey MD, in 99% of cases, we can perform septoplasty in-office. We rarely recommend the procedure for cosmetic purposes; however, if this is appropriate for an individual case we can accommodate. Most septoplasty patients may return to work after three to four days. What Does Septoplasty Surgery Involve? Typically patients come in and see one of our surgeons so we can assess if they are a good candidate for the procedure. A member of our ENT team at our Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield can carry out a CT scan in-office, which will detect a deviated septum. Depending on the problem at hand, a septoplasty can be performed endoscopically, with small incisions inside the nose, or if necessary, as an open procedure. A septoplasty takes place entirely inside the nose. The surgeon cuts a wall on one side of the nose to lift or remove the mucosa, which is a thin membrane protecting the septum. Then it is possible to reshape the septum’s bone and cartilage. When the septum has been reshaped, the mucosa is placed back over the septum. The procedure takes between 30 and 90 minutes. Our teams at our Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, have a vast amount of experience, so patients experience the least amount of pain and enjoy the quickest recovery time. We also use minimal packing to make healing time faster and easier for the patient. What Are the Positive Outcomes of Having Septoplasty? Patients who have septoplasty can often experience relief in a few days from the symptoms of a deviated septum. Our patients at Del Rey MD who have undergone septoplasty, experience a positive change in their quality of life. The issues of sleepless nights and dry mouth because of mouth breathing are alleviated. At Del Rey MD, we believe our patients get a superior quality of care because we perform the highest number of nasal obstruction procedures, including septoplasty in the state of California. We are the experts. Common Questions Associated with Septoplasty Surgery When do you need septoplasty surgery for a deviated septum? At Del Rey MD, we recommend septoplasty if you have had medical therapy or treatments and you are still having issues with a stuffy nose caused by a deviated septum. Everyone has a slightly deviated septum, but this does not mean you have to undergo surgery. Will having a septoplasty change the shape of your face? No, septoplasty alone will not change the shape of your face. Are There Alternatives to Septoplasty? Septoplasty straightens the septum. So too, does balloon sinus dilation, a non-surgical option that can be useful in addressing some of the same symptoms. However, whereas results from septoplasty may be permanent, slight deviation can rebound after balloon sinus dilation. During your initial consultation, we will carefully evaluate your symptoms and the structure of your nose, and provide information about your options.

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• Nasal Allergy Relief

  Skip to content cropped logo Home Symptoms Solutions Our Team Media New Patients Schedule Appointment Blog Marina Del Rey Long Beach Bakersfield cropped logo Home Symptoms Solutions Our Team Media Do you suffer from nasal congestion, persistent runny nose, and itchy eyes? You might have allergies. The symptoms of allergies can become disruptive to your daily life. You don't have to live with the uncomfortable effects of environmental allergies or chronic sinus problems. We can help! The specialists at Del Rey MD offer you the expert diagnosis and treatment of allergic conditions. To learn more about our comprehensive menu of services, available at comfortable offices in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, contact us today! What are Sinus Allergies? Allergies are simply the way your body reacts to a substance it views as foreign. For example, your eyes may water or you may have discharge from your nose when you are exposed to a substance such as pollen. Allergies of the sinuses are one of the most common, most irritating and most misunderstood of human health conditions. At Del Rey MD, our doctors are specifically trained to provide solutions that will help you breathe better and feel better, faster. What is an Allergic Reaction? When exposed to an allergen, your body begins a sequence of events. Sometimes these offer you relief, but sometimes your body’s reaction causes uncomfortable side effects for you. In the process of trying to destroy the offending substance, your body releases a chemical called histamine in the bloodstream. A large amount of histamine causes inflammation, itching, enlarged blood vessels, increased secretions and bronchospasms (tightening of muscles that surround the airways). Sinus allergy symptoms can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe and may be associated with the following symptoms: Mild reactions include rash, hives, itchiness, watery or red eyes and/or runny nose. Moderate reactions spread to several parts of the body and include itchiness, hives, swelling and trouble breathing. Severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening. This occurs when the body’s response to the allergen is sudden and affects the whole body. It may begin with itching of the eyes or face and quickly develops other symptoms including throat swelling, abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and/or swelling (angioedema). The solution for you may be very simple. You do not have to live with sinus and nasal allergy symptoms! Make an appointment today. How Are Allergies Diagnosed? Nasal allergies are often misdiagnosed because the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis can be very similar. If you want a solution for your sinus and nasal allergies, you need the care of an expert. Our doctors are nationally recognized experts in sinus, allergy and other otolaryngological (ENT or ear, nose and throat) problems. With our expert diagnostic equipment including allergy skin testing, radioallergosorbent blood test (RAST) and an in-office CT scanner, we can accurately assess your condition and recommend the best treatment option for you, including minimally invasive and pain-free techniques. Allergy Symptoms Rhinitis Sinusitis Ear Congestion Ear Pressure Abnormalities What Can You Do About Allergies? Allergy symptoms can be difficult to manage successfully without the help of a doctor. There are several over-the-counter medicines that can be used for allergies, but they may each work slightly differently. For example, it may seem logical to take a decongestant for persistent nasal stuffiness, but, what you might benefit from the most is an antihistamine. To go one step further, your ongoing congestion may not be related to inflammation in the nasal lining at all! You may have another condition, such as mild septal deviation or nasal polyps, that require an entirely different course of care. Your specialist here at Del Rey MD performs a comprehensive consultation, medical history, examination, and tests as needed to accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Some of the treatment options they may consider for you include over-the-counter medications, prescription medication, balloon sinus dilation, or sinus surgery. Your doctor will thoroughly explain their recommendation, including how it can help you feel better more often than not! Can Allergies be Cured? Allergies are not curable, no. Some patients choose to receive immunotherapy for allergies that are interfering with their quality of life. This treatment may be better known as allergy shots. It works by introducing small amounts of known allergens to the body over the course of several sessions. Over time, the body should build up a tolerance to the substances that it once strongly reacted to.

  Link: Nasal Allergy Relief

• Sinus & ENT Treatments

  Using the latest advances in technology, technique and equipment, the sinus and ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists at Del Rey MD provide solutions for sinus, nasal, ear and throat conditions safely and effectively. Our team of sinus and ENT specialists are experts in minimally invasive and in-­office sinus procedures. We use a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat your sinus issues. With our in-house CT scanner we are able to perform a complete evaluation of your allergy and sinus issues in just ONE VISIT. And because we have a state-of-the-art surgical suite on-site, you can be treated right here in our office. We offer in-office treatment of rhinitis, nasal obstruction, sinusitis, sinus headache and many other conditions. Sinus Conditions Sinusitis Sinus Headache Nasal Conditions Nasal Obstruction Rhinitis Deviated Septum Nasal Valve Collapse Snoring & Sleep Apnea Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions Ear Pressure Abnormalities Ear Congestion Ear Infections Tinnitus Tympanic Membrane Perforation Balance Disorders Surfer's Ear Hearing Disorders Voice Disorders Swallowing Disorders Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Do You Need a Referral to See an ENT/Otolaryngologist? You do not need a referral to see one of our ENT specialists. However, as an established practice with experienced providers, we welcome referrals as well. What Conditions do ENT Specialists Treat? Our experienced ENTs treat a variety of ear, nose, and throat concerns, including chronic conditions such as sinusitis, tinnitus, and sleep apnea. In addition, we can treat structural issues, including septal deviation and nasal valve collapse, along with common problems such as congestion, balance difficulties, and swallowing disorders. If you are experiencing an issue with your ears, nose, or throat, our specialists are here to carefully evaluate your condition and help you understand your treatment options. You don’t have to live with discomfort. Use the contact form on this page or call us today to schedule your initial consultation at one of our three convenient locations. When Should I Consider Seeing an Otolaryngologist? If you are struggling with a chronic ear, nose, or throat condition, it’s time to see an otolaryngologist. This includes acute issues, such as sinus or ear infections and sore throat, and more significant concerns, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction, and tympanic membrane perforations. You should also consider seeing an ENT for issues such as hearing loss, voice dysfunction, frequent sinus headaches, snoring, and other conditions involving the ears, nose, and throat. When Should I Consider Seeing an Otolaryngologist? If you are struggling with a chronic ear, nose, or throat condition, it’s time to see an otolaryngologist. This includes acute issues, such as sinus or ear infections and sore throat, and more significant concerns, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction, and tympanic membrane perforations. You should also consider seeing an ENT for issues such as hearing loss, voice dysfunction, frequent sinus headaches, snoring, and other conditions involving the ears, nose, and throat. Will My Insurance Cover ENT Procedures? ENT services are covered by insurance. However, because ENT is considered a specialty, your co-pay may be different. For some plans, reaching a deductible may also be necessary. The physicians of Del Rey MD are in-network with most insurance providers. If you have questions about your provider or our billing and payment policies, please contact our billing department at billing@delreymd.com or by calling 310-823-4444. What is the Long Term Prognosis for ENT Conditions? Most ENT conditions are treatable, and with the advanced techniques and technologies employed by the physicians at Del Rey MD, we can help to ensure the longest-lasting and most pleasing outcomes. However, how long a treatment lasts depends on several factors, including the issue being addressed, its underlying causes, and personal considerations such as lifestyle and environment. During your time in our care, we will provide detailed information about treatment plans, success rates, and likely outcomes to help you determine the best course of action. We are fully committed to your health and happiness and are pleased to provide safe and effective treatments for lasting relief from many conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. Schedule an Appointment with Del Rey MD, the Top Reviewed Ear, Nose and Throat Experts in Los Angeles If you have a recurring or persistent ear, nose, throat or allergy problem, it is likely your condition can be treated. Our expert team of ear, nose and throat specialists can discuss your options at one of our Del Rey MD locations to see if what specific treatment is appropriate for your condition. Contact our practice locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield today to book an appointment.

  Link: Sinus & ENT Treatments

• Snoring & Sleep Apnea

  Mild snoring can be an annoyance to you or your family. But if you have chronic, loud and excessive snoring, it may indicate a more serious condition known as sleep apnea. Those who have sleep apnea experience a sudden and repeated stoppage of breathing during sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a host of significant health issues, including heart problems, hypertension and stroke. The repetitive interruption of sleep each night can also result in daily fatigue, inability to concentrate, daytime sleepiness, headaches, sexual dysfunction and depression. If you snore excessively, a thorough examination by one of our expert doctors will determine your condition and the best course of treatment. Snoring occurs when you sleep and make raspy or harsh breathing sounds. The noise is caused by the tissues in the back of your throat vibrating as a result of the air you are inhaling. Almost everyone snores now and then, and it's possible that it's related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in some situations. Snoring is something that almost everyone does from time to time, but for some people it can become a persistent problem. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are both caused by the closure of the airway at the back of the throat while sleeping. Snoring occurs when the airway narrows somewhat but the person is still able to breathe normally. An apneic episode occurs when the airway collapses completely or nearly completely, preventing a person from drawing enough oxygen and exhaling enough carbon dioxide. Because of the disruption in your sleep, you may only get a few hours of sleep. This breathing pause pattern may be repeated several times throughout the night. At least five times during each hour of sleep, people with obstructive sleep apnea have periods when their breathing slows or stops. Snoring can be caused by a variety of things, including your mouth and sinus structure, alcohol intake, allergies, a cold, and your weight. Depending on the cause of your snoring or sleep apnea, we may have solutions to help alleviate the condition.

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• Nasal Obstruction Surgery

  Skip to content cropped logo Home Symptoms Solutions Our Team Media New Patients Schedule Appointment Blog Marina Del Rey Long Beach Bakersfield cropped logo Your Expert Guide To Nasal Obstruction Surgery Anything that obstructs the airflow in and out of the nose, affecting one or both nasal passages, is referred to as nasal obstruction. Whether the nasal obstruction is caused by a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, or some other cause, the specialists at Del Rey MD can provide a quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Nasal Obstruction Surgery Nasal obstruction can affect one or both nasal passages, and includes any condition hindering airflow coming in and out of the nose. Nasal obstruction is not classed as a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying disorder. The University of Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness1 revealed in a study someone who has nasal obstruction may have an increased possibility of sleep-disorder breathing issues, such as hypopneas (episodes of extremely shallow breathing) snoring, and apneas (suspensions in breathing). Our expert teams at our Del Rey MD in locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield, are highly skilled in assessing what condition is causing a nasal obstruction in patients. After an in-depth consultation, one of our physicians can assess the best treatment plan to ease your symptoms and which type of nasal obstruction surgery is the right fit for your needs. Why You May Need Nasal Obstruction Surgery Our expert teams at our Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and Bakersfield see a number of different conditions in patients which can lead to the necessity for nasal obstruction surgery. Deviated Septum In some cases, patients can have a deviated septum, which is when one side of your nasal passages is smaller than the other. This is the case for many people – their nasal septum is off-center. Nasal Polyps Other patients who may need nasal obstruction surgery can have nasal polyps, which are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. The polyps hang down like teardrops or grapes and can cause chronic inflammation. Typically patients develop these polyps in their 30s and 40s, and the condition is usually associated with asthma, allergies, drug sensitivity and recurring infections. Small nasal polyps may not cause symptoms. However, if the polyps are larger, they can block your nasal passages, leading to breathing problems, and a loss of the ability to smell. Other Contributing Factors Another contributing factor to the necessity for nasal obstruction surgery is enlarged adenoids. Your adenoids are lymph tissues located in your upper airway between your nose and the back of your throat. When the tissue of your adenoids is swollen, they become enlarged. Children can frequently suffer with enlarged adenoids as well as nasal allergies when they have a nasal obstruction. What Does Nasal Obstruction Surgery Involve? Here at Del Rey MD, we specialize in solving problems associated with nasal obstruction, and there are a number of different surgeries we can perform to help patients breathe more easily. Septoplasty Septoplasty is a surgery that can straighten the septum. Depending on the problem at hand, a septoplasty can be performed endoscopically, with small incisions inside the nose, or if necessary, as an open procedure. At Del Rey MD, in 99% of cases, we can carry out any necessary septoplasty in the office. Our procedure is minimally invasive and the patient usually returns to work after 3-4 days. For more detailed information on septoplasty, you can read more here. Image Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery The procedure utilizes an endoscope to restore regular ventilation and drainage within your nasal cavity. Turbinate Reduction (turbinectomy or turbinoplasty) Patients who undergo this type of nasal obstruction surgery have the procedure under general anesthesia. The process can reduce airway resistance by making your turbinates smaller. Nasal Valve Surgery (functional rhinoplasty) The process is carried out while the patient is under general anesthesia. The inside and outside of your nose is repaired and also reconstructed, so airflow is more optimal.

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• Comprehensive Audiology

  Del Rey MD provides a wide range of services for the evaluation and remediation of hearing disorders for patients ranging in age from infants to geriatrics. Our services cover the following areas: tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions testing, auditory processing disorder evaluations, auditory brainstem response screenings and hearing aid recommendations. If you are experiencing ear pain, muffled hearing, ringing in the ears or loss of balance, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists right away. These symptoms can worsen quickly and it is important to intervene with treatment. Schedule an appointment today! Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. A common problem, tinnitus affects about 15 to 20 percent of people. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself — it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder. Although bothersome, tinnitus usually isn't a sign of something serious. Although it can worsen with age, for many people, tinnitus can improve with treatment. Treating an identified underlying cause sometimes helps. Other treatments reduce or mask the noise, making tinnitus less noticeable, so call to schedule an appointment today. Balance Disorders Balance disorders have many possible causes and can be difficult to diagnose. Our bodies maintain balance by way of a complex system that integrates components of the inner ear with the skeletal system, vision, brain and nervous system. When something is not right with any part of the system, balance can be compromised. The expert doctors of Del Rey MD are experienced in the area of balance disorders and can pinpoint the cause and begin treatment. Vestibular Testing c9785f7d02378e4936f3112eb4af078b57a5fa89 1995x1425 1 If you’re experiencing balance problems, including dizziness or spinning sensations, the problem may be related to your vestibular system. Located in your inner ear, your vestibular system is a critical part of how your body regulates your balance. At Del Rey MD, we provide vestibular testing to help identify balance disorders. Vestibular testing involves a series of tests performed by an ENT specialist to help understand what may be causing your balance problems. Your physician will use a series of devices to track your eye and head movement, as well as computerized tests to measure reflexes and nerve function. These tests usually take no more than two hours, and you should have results back by the end of your visit, allowing you to schedule any additional appointments to begin treatment. Treating a balance disorder shouldn’t be delayed. If you’re having trouble keeping your balance, you are at an elevated risk of falling, which could lead to serious injury. Diagnosing your balance disorder may also reveal underlying problems that also need to be treated.

  Link: Comprehensive Audiology