ENT specialists treat a range of nose and sinus conditions including chronic sinusitis, nasal blockage or obstruction, deviated septum, nasal polyps, and sinus surgery assessment. Chronic sinusitis involves inflammation of the sinuses lasting 12 weeks or longer.
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal wall between nostrils is crooked or off-center. Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths inside the nasal passages. Treatment options include nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline rinses, antibiotics, and surgery for severe cases. A GP referral is required to see an ENT specialist in Australia.
Introduction
Nose and sinus problems are among the most common reasons people see an ENT specialist.
The nose and sinuses work together to warm, humidify, and filter the air you breathe. When something goes wrong, symptoms can range from mild congestion to chronic facial pain and difficulty breathing.
Common nose and sinus conditions include chronic sinusitis, nasal blockage, deviated septum, and nasal polyps. Many of these conditions can be managed with medical treatment. Some require surgery.
This guide provides educational information about nose and sinus conditions, treatment options, and how to access ENT specialist care in Sydney.
Important: In Australia, you cannot see an ENT specialist without a valid GP referral.
Simple Anatomy of the Nose and Sinuses
Understanding the basic anatomy helps explain what can go wrong.
The nose:
- Two nostrils or nasal passages separated by the septum
- The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone between the nostrils
- Turbinates are structures inside the nose that warm and humidify air
The sinuses:
- Frontal sinuses in the forehead
- Maxillary sinuses in the cheeks
- Ethmoid sinuses between the eyes
- Sphenoid sinuses behind the nose
How they work together:
- Air enters through the nose
- The sinuses produce mucus that keeps nasal passages moist
- Mucus traps dust, allergens, and germs
- Tiny hair-like structures called cilia move mucus toward drainage openings
When the sinus drainage openings become blocked, mucus cannot drain properly. This leads to inflammation, pressure, and infection.
Common Nose and Sinus Conditions
ENT specialists treat several common nose and sinus conditions.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses lasting 12 weeks or longer.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis:
- Nasal congestion or blockage
- Thick, discolored mucus
- Facial pain or pressure around the eyes, forehead, or cheeks
- Reduced sense of smell and taste
- Post-nasal drip
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
Causes of chronic sinusitis:
- Nasal polyps blocking drainage
- Deviated septum narrowing passages
- Recurrent infections
- Allergies
- Immune system disorders
Treatment options:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays
- Saline nasal rinses
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Surgery for severe cases
Deviated Septum
The septum is the wall between your left and right nostrils. A deviated septum means this wall is crooked.
Symptoms of a deviated septum:
- One nostril more blocked than the other
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Noisy breathing during sleep
- Preference for sleeping on one side
- Recurring sinus infections
Causes of deviated septum:
- Present from birth
- Trauma or injury to the nose
- Normal growth variations
Treatment options:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays to manage symptoms
- Decongestants for short-term relief
- Septoplasty surgery for severe cases
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths inside the nasal passages or sinuses.
Symptoms of nasal polyps:
- Persistent stuffy nose
- Loss of smell or taste
- Runny nose with clear mucus
- Facial pressure or pain
- Snoring or sleep apnea
Causes of nasal polyps:
- Chronic inflammation
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Aspirin sensitivity
Treatment options:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays
- Oral corticosteroids
- Biologic medications
- Surgery to remove polyps
Nasal Blockage or Obstruction
Nasal blockage means you cannot breathe easily through your nose.
Symptoms of nasal blockage:
- One or both nostrils feel stuffed
- Difficulty sleeping due to mouth breathing
- Snoring or disrupted sleep
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Reduced ability to taste food
Causes of nasal blockage:
- Swollen nasal tissues from dry air
- Enlarged turbinates
- Allergic reactions
- Deviated septum
Treatment options:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays
- Saline rinses
- Allergy medications
- Surgery for structural problems
When to See an ENT Specialist for Nose and Sinus Problems
Not every stuffy nose needs a specialist. Some symptoms do.
See an ENT specialist if you have:
- Nasal congestion lasting more than 10 days
- Facial pain or pressure around eyes or forehead
- Thick yellow or green mucus for more than a week
- Loss of smell that does not return
- Frequent sinus infections, 4 or more per year
- Nosebleeds that do not stop
- Symptoms that improve with antibiotics but return quickly
- Symptoms lasting 12 weeks or longer
A GP referral is required to see an ENT specialist in Australia.
How to See an ENT Specialist for Nose and Sinus Conditions
The process for seeing an ENT specialist follows a standard pathway.
Step 1: Visit a GP
Your GP evaluates your symptoms. If specialist care is needed, they provide a written referral.
Step 2: Obtain a GP referral
The referral is required before you can book any ENT appointment. The referral includes relevant medical history and the reason for referral.
Step 3: Choose a specialist
Your GP may recommend an ENT specialist. Dr. Brett Leavers is an ENT specialist who consults across multiple Sydney locations including Kogarah, Darlinghurst, Rozelle, Eastwood, and Griffith.
Step 4: Book an appointment
Call the specialist’s clinic to book. Provide your GP referral details. Confirm fees and appointment availability.
Step 5: Attend your consultation
Bring your GP referral, identification, any previous scans or test results, and a list of current medications.
What to Expect During an ENT Consultation for Nose and Sinus Conditions
An ENT consultation typically follows a standard process.
The consultation may include:
- Review of your GP referral and medical history
- Nasal and sinus examination
- Discussion of findings
- Outline of management options
- Arrangement of further tests if required
Tests that may be ordered include:
- Nasal endoscopy
- CT scan of the sinuses
- Allergy testing
Resource: Sinus & Septum Specialist Sydney
Treatment Options for Nose and Sinus Conditions
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Medical treatments:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation
- Saline nasal rinses to clear mucus and allergens
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Allergy medications including antihistamines and immunotherapy
Procedures and surgery:
- Nasal endoscopy for diagnosis
- Balloon sinuplasty to open blocked sinus passages
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery or FESS to remove polyps and diseased tissue
- Septoplasty to straighten a deviated septum
- Turbinate reduction to improve nasal airflow
Your ENT specialist will explain which treatments are appropriate for your situation.
How to Get a GP Referral for Nose and Sinus Conditions
In Australia, you need a GP referral to see an ENT specialist.
Steps to get a referral via telehealth:
- Choose a telehealth service like InstantScripts or Qoctor
- Book a 15-minute video consultation
- Describe your nose and sinus symptoms clearly
- Tell the GP how long symptoms have lasted
- Ask for a referral to an ENT specialist
- Receive your referral by email instantly
Dr. Brett Leavers: ENT Specialist for Nose and Sinus Conditions
Dr. Brett Leavers is an ENT specialist and surgeon who treats nose and sinus conditions.
Areas of practice for nose and sinus include:
- Chronic sinusitis
- Nasal blockage or obstruction
- Deviated septum
- Nasal polyps
- Sinus surgery assessment
Consultation process:
- GP referral is required before booking
- Review of medical history and symptoms
- Nasal and ENT examination
- Discussion of findings and management options
- Arrangement of further tests if required
Clinic locations include:
- Kogarah
- Darlinghurst
- Rozelle
- Eastwood
- Griffith
A valid GP referral is required before booking any appointment.
Resource: ENT Specialist Appointment Sydney
How to Prevent Nose and Sinus Problems While Traveling
Prevention is better than treatment.
Before your trip:
- See a doctor if you have chronic sinus issues
- Get a treatment plan for sinus flares
- Pack saline spray and decongestants
- Research air quality at your destination
During your trip:
- Use a humidifier in dry climates
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Avoid known allergens when possible
- Rinse sinuses with saline solution
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Shower before bed to wash away allergens
When symptoms appear:
- Rest more than usual
- Drink warm fluids like tea or soup
- Apply warm compresses to your face
- Use over-the-counter decongestants short-term
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
If symptoms do not improve after 10 days, see a doctor.
How Flying Affects Nose and Sinus Problems
Flying with sinus problems can be painful.
Why flights hurt when you have sinus issues:
- Pressure changes during ascent and descent
- Blocked sinus passages cannot equalize pressure
- Pain can be severe in forehead, cheeks, or teeth
Tips for flying with sinus problems:
- Do not fly with an active sinus infection
- Use a decongestant spray 30 minutes before landing
- Stay hydrated throughout the flight
- Chew gum or yawn during descent
- Use saline spray to keep nasal passages moist
- Consider nasal irrigation before flying
If you must fly with sinus congestion, these tips can reduce pain. For frequent flyers with chronic sinus problems, seeing a specialist is recommended.
How to Verify ENT Specialist Registration
All medical practitioners in Australia must be registered with AHPRA.
To verify registration:
- Visit the AHPRA website
- Use the Register of Practitioners search tool
- Enter the practitioner’s name
- Confirm current registration status
This ensures you are seeing a qualified, registered specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nose and Sinus Conditions
- What is chronic sinusitis?
Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses lasting 12 weeks or longer. - What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?
Symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, thick mucus, and reduced sense of smell. - What is a deviated septum?
A deviated septum is when the nasal wall between nostrils is crooked or off-center. - What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths inside the nasal passages or sinuses. - When should I see an ENT specialist for sinus problems?
See a specialist if congestion lasts more than 10 days, you have facial pain, or symptoms last 12 weeks or longer. - Do I need a referral to see an ENT specialist for nose and sinus conditions?
Yes, you need a valid GP referral to see any ENT specialist in Australia. - How do I get a GP referral as a traveler in Australia?
Use a telehealth service like InstantScripts or Qoctor for a 15-minute online consultation. - How much does an ENT consultation cost?
Private ENT consultations typically cost between 200 and 350 Australian dollars. - Where does Dr. Brett Leavers practice?
His clinic locations include Kogarah, Darlinghurst, Rozelle, Eastwood, and Griffith. - What is nasal endoscopy?
Nasal endoscopy is a thin camera inserted through the nose to view the sinuses. - What is a CT scan of the sinuses?
A CT scan provides detailed images of the sinuses to identify inflammation and structural problems. - Can sinus problems affect my sleep?
Yes, nasal blockage can cause snoring, mouth breathing, and disrupted sleep. - What is balloon sinuplasty?
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that opens blocked sinus passages using a small balloon. - What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is surgery to straighten a deviated septum and improve nasal airflow. - Is sinus surgery painful?
Sinus surgery is performed under anesthesia. Recovery varies by procedure. - How do I know if I need sinus surgery?
An ENT specialist will assess your symptoms, examine your nose, and may order a CT scan. - Can I use decongestants for sinus problems?
Yes, but only for short-term use. Long-term use can worsen congestion. - Can allergies cause sinus problems?
Yes, new pollen, dust, and mold in different environments can trigger sinus symptoms. - Does travel insurance cover sinus treatment?
Some policies cover sinus infections and specialist visits. Check your policy before booking. - Who is an ENT specialist for nose and sinus conditions in Sydney?
Dr. Brett Leavers is an ENT specialist who treats nose and sinus conditions including chronic sinusitis, deviated septum, and nasal polyps.
Final Words
Nose and sinus conditions are common and treatable.
Chronic sinusitis, deviated septum, nasal polyps, and nasal blockage can all be managed with appropriate care. Treatment options range from nasal sprays and saline rinses to surgery for severe cases.
If you have persistent sinus symptoms, see your GP for a referral to an ENT specialist.
Dr. Brett Leavers is an ENT specialist who consults in Kogarah, Darlinghurst, Rozelle, Eastwood, and Griffith. He treats chronic sinusitis, nasal blockage, deviated septum, and nasal polyps.
This guide provides educational information only. For medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. The author is not a medical professional. This content does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns. For emergencies, go to a hospital or call emergency services immediately.