Ear, Nose & Throat
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) services and allergy treatments at Methodist Health System
Whether you are fighting seasonal allergies, frequent sinus infections, or other ear, nose, and throat issues, Methodist Health System offers a variety of innovative procedures that can minimize the effects of the passing seasons. From laser sinus treatment to bronchial thermoplasty for asthma to balloon sinuplasty, many ENT treatments can be performed on an outpatient basis by experienced physicians who specialize in otolaryngology (ENT).
Treatments We Offer
How Balloon Sinuplasty Can Restore Nasal Passage Function
Balloon Sinuplasty opens clogged nasal passages using a small thin tube, called a catheter, with a balloon at the end. As illustrated below, the balloon catheter is positioned in the blocked sinus. During Balloon Sinuplasty, the balloon is gently inflated, opening the blocked sinus, restoring normal function, and offering immediate relief.
Unlike conventional sinus surgery, Balloon Sinuplasty offers significant advantages, because it is minimally invasive and involves no incisions or cutting. This leads to faster recovery and significantly less associated discomfort. In fact, many patients report Balloon Sinuplasty to be virtually painless, and recover fully within 24 hours.
The procedure includes the following 3 steps:
Step 1: A soft flexible tube is gently inserted through the nostril.
Step 2: The balloon catheter is moved into the blocked passageway and gently inflated.
Step 3: The balloon is then deflated, removed, and leaves the sinus passageway open. This restores normal drainage and function.
What is laser submucosal resection (SMR)?
The SMR is a 15-minute procedure that shrinks blood vessels in the turbinates, structures in the nose that expand and contract in response to irritants, humidity, infection, and other factors. When the turbinates are swollen, they narrow the nasal passages, making it more difficult for air to get in or for mucus to get out. This can cause congestion and breathing problems. Shrinking the blood vessels in the turbinates prevents them from swelling up.
Methodist Health System offers innovative laser submucosal resection (SMR) to relieve:
- Chronic congestion
- Drainage
- Sinus infections
- Headaches caused by allergies
Benefits of laser sinus treatment can include:
- Quick procedure
- Less pain
- Effective reduction of chronic allergy symptoms
All SMR procedures are performed by independently practicing physicians on the medical staff at Methodist Health System.
What is Bronchial Thermoplasty?
Bronchial Thermoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed in three outpatient visits, each treating a different area of the lungs and scheduled approximately three weeks apart. The procedure is performed with a long, flexible tube called a bronchoscope that is inserted through the mouth or nose and allows the physician to see inside the airways. The device applies mild heat inside the airways to reduce excessive muscle tissue, which helps minimize airway constriction. No incision is needed. Each Bronchial Thermoplasty session is performed under sedation and typically takes less than an hour.
Benefits of Bronchial Thermoplasty
- 5 years of efficacy
- 79% of people show improvement
- 32% of people saw a decrease in asthma attacks
- 84% reduction in ER visits for respiratory symptoms
- 73% reduction in hospitalization for respiratory symptoms
- 66% less days lost from work, school and other daily activities due to asthma
