Center for Sinus, Nasal and Allergy Disorders

At The Center for Sinus, Nasal and Allergy Disorders at ENT Associates of Southern Indiana our board-certified ear, nose & throat physicians have dedicated a significant amount of their practices to diagnosing and treating patients with breathing difficulties, sinus headaches, allergies, chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, external nasal deformities and much more.

Sinusitis is one of the most common health conditions in the United States. It is estimated that more than 37 million people suffer from sinusitis and sinusitis-related conditions including allergies each year, and that more than 13 million people visit their physician each year due to chronic sinusitis. For more information on nasal and sinus disorders click here.

Due to the unique nature of sinus difficulties, many sinus and allergy sufferers become frustrated by failed attempts to end their symptoms. Since there are many different causes of sinus and allergy symptoms – some of which will “cover up” the source of the problem – it is important to receive comprehensive treatment that addresses your specific underlying problem.

We offer patients a comprehensive “one-stop-shop” for evaluating and treating their nasal, sinus and allergy problems.

For the diagnosis of inhalent allergies we offer Serial End Point Titration (SET) testing which is commonly known as skin testing. We also offer RAST allergy testing for certain patients and children as an alternative to skin testing. Once testing is complete, traditional immunotherapy (allergy shots) is available for patients whose allergies are not controlled by medications.

Our state-of-the-art  Xoran “mini-CAT” CT scanner allows us to provide patients with fast, convienient, exceptional quality sinus x-rays in the office. The in-office location allows us to discuss x-rays with the patient while viewing their films. Our physicians believe the ability to visually educate patients about their sinus disorders provided by the mini-CAT has revolutionized their practices. Dr. Johnson feels that “It is much easier for patients to agree to proceed with surgery or long courses of medication if they can look at their own films and understand, with the help of their surgeon, why the treatment being recommended is necessary. I can’t imagine not having it available to us.”

Our physicians attempt to treat most patients initially with antibiotics, nasal sprays, steroids and anti-histamines. While most patients are able to be managed medically, those patients who need surgery are in fine hands with the surgeons at The Center for Sinus, Nasal and Allergy Disorders at ENT Associates of Southern Indiana.

We employ the latest surgical techniques and combine it with the latest technology to optimize the surgical outcomes of our patients. We perform traditional nasal procedures such as septoplasty and turbinate surgery to correct nasal obstruction. For chronic sinusitis, patients undergo Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). For these procedures we use high-definition cameras and monitors and employ the Medtronic LandmarX® Element system to ensure safe, accurate and efficient sinus procedures.

In an effort to continually advance the technology we employ in treating our sinus patients we have recently began to perform Balloon Sinuplasty™. Balloon Sinuplasty technology is an endoscopic, catheter-based system for patients suffering from sinusitis. The FDA-cleared technology uses a small, flexible sinus balloon catheter to open up blocked sinus passageways, restoring normal sinus drainage. When the sinus balloon is inflated, it gently restructures and widens the walls of the passageway, while maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining. There is minimal bleeding, and many patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours. 

Not all patients are candidates for this procedure. Your surgeon will need to perform a complete evaluation of your unique situation to decide if you are an acceptable candidate.