Our Sinus Services
Sinus issues are rarely one-size-fits-all. We start with a thorough in-office evaluation, often including same-day imaging, so we can recommend the least invasive option that will solve your problem and provide lasting relief.
On-Site CT Imaging
Our on-site CT scanner captures a detailed 3D image of your sinuses during your exam. Your provider can pinpoint blockages, structural issues, or signs of chronic infection in real time and walk you through the findings on the spot. Faster, more convenient, and often more cost-effective than an outside imaging referral, this service is available at our Monroe and Charlotte locations.
In-Office Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that reshapes blocked sinus passages using a small, flexible balloon. No cutting and no removal of bone or tissue. The procedure is typically performed in our office under general anesthesia, and most patients are back to their normal routine within 24 to 48 hours.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)
For more complex sinus disease, including nasal polyps, severe chronic sinusitis, and anatomical blockages, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery offers a precise, camera-guided approach. Using tiny instruments passed through the nostrils (no external incisions), your surgeon opens and clears the affected sinuses to restore normal drainage and airflow.
Septoplasty
A deviated septum (when the wall between your nostrils is off-center) can block airflow on one or both sides. Septoplasty is a straightforward procedure that straightens the septum to open the nasal airway, often resulting in better breathing, fewer sinus infections, and improved sleep.
Turbinate Reduction
The turbinates are small structures inside your nose that warm and humidify the air you breathe. When chronically enlarged, they narrow the nasal airway. Turbinate reduction is a quick, low-risk procedure that shrinks the swollen tissue, and it pairs well with septoplasty or Balloon Sinuplasty when appropriate.
VivAer
VivAer is a non-invasive, in-office treatment designed for patients whose main issue is nasal airway obstruction. Using gentle, temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy, your provider reshapes the tissue inside your nose to open the airway. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Sinus Conditions We Treat
Sinus symptoms overlap and are easily mistaken for allergies or a lingering cold. Below are the conditions our ENT specialists across the greater Charlotte area most commonly diagnose and treat.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus lining that causes pressure, congestion, and pain. Acute sinusitis lasts a few weeks, while chronic sinusitis lasts 12 weeks or more and often keeps returning. Chronic cases are frequently underdiagnosed and benefit from specialist evaluation.
Sinus Headaches
True sinus headaches are caused by pressure and inflammation in the sinus cavities, not tension or migraines, though they are often confused. They typically produce a deep ache across the forehead, cheeks, or nose, often worsening when you bend forward.
Recurrent Sinus Infections
If you have had four or more sinus infections in a year, or feel like you are always on another round of antibiotics, something deeper is usually going on. Recurrent infections often point to a blockage, structural issue, or untreated inflammation.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip is the persistent sensation of mucus running down the back of your throat. It can trigger chronic throat clearing, a nagging cough, hoarseness, or a lump-in-the-throat feeling, and may stem from allergies, chronic sinusitis, or reflux.
Deviated Septum
The septum is the cartilage and bone that divides your nose into two sides. When it is crooked, airflow becomes uneven and one nostril can feel constantly blocked. A deviated septum can also contribute to recurring infections, snoring, and disrupted sleep.
Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction is the general term for anything that keeps air from moving freely through your nose. It can come from a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, inflamed tissue, nasal valve collapse, or polyps, often more than one at a time.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that form on the lining of the nose or sinuses, usually from long-term inflammation. They can block airflow, reduce your sense of smell and taste, and contribute to ongoing sinus infections.
Our Sinus And Allergy Specialists
William A. McClelland, MD, FACS
Matthew Gillihan, MD
Tyler Janz, MD
Karen Greene, PA-C
When to See a Sinus Specialist
Most people wait far too long before seeing a sinus doctor. If any of the following sound familiar, it's worth a conversation:
- Sinus infections that keep coming back, or never fully go away
- Persistent facial pressure, pain, or headaches behind the eyes and cheeks
- Chronic congestion that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications
- Difficulty breathing through your nose, especially at night
- Postnasal drip, chronic throat clearing, or a reduced sense of smell
- Snoring or disrupted sleep linked to nasal blockage
You don't have to live with it. A short evaluation with one of our specialists can identify what's actually driving the problem.
Get Started with Sinus Treatment in the Greater Charlotte Area
If sinus pressure, congestion, or chronic infections are making everyday life harder than it needs to be, schedule a visit at our Charlotte, Monroe, or Indian Land office. Most appointments are available within the same or next day, and many patients receive a diagnosis and treatment plan during that same visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to see a sinus specialist in the greater Charlotte area?
If you have had sinus symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks, four or more sinus infections in a year, or congestion that does not respond to medication, it is worth seeing an ENT. A specialist can identify structural or inflammatory issues that a standard primary care visit might miss.
What is the difference between a sinus infection and allergies?
Allergies typically cause itchy eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal drainage in response to a specific trigger. Sinus infections are marked by facial pressure, thicker or discolored drainage, and localized pain. The two often coexist, which is why a combined sinus and allergy evaluation can be so valuable.
Are sinus procedures painful?
Most of our in-office procedures, including balloon sinuplasty, turbinate reduction, and VivAer, are performed under local anesthesia and are well tolerated. Patients typically describe mild pressure rather than pain, and most return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
Will insurance cover my sinus treatment?
Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary sinus care, including diagnostic imaging and procedures such as balloon sinuplasty, FESS, and septoplasty. Our team verifies your benefits in advance and reviews expected costs with you before any procedure.
Do I need to try medication before considering a procedure?
In most cases, yes. We begin with appropriate medical therapy and only recommend a procedure when conservative treatment has not provided lasting relief, or when imaging shows a structural issue that medication alone cannot resolve.