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Local Researchers Working On Alternative Treatment For Sinus Pain And Inflammation

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Dr. Brad Otto uses a non-invasive sinus procedure on a patient.

Common treatment options for sinus pain and inflammation have been limited to medication, breathing strips, or surgeries with long recovery periods. 

But researchers in Columbus are testing a new, non-invasive approach. Mike Foley explains.

In a new clinical trial, Dr. Brad Otto at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center explores how a small adjustment in the nasal cavity can impact airflow and the quality of life for the millions of Americans with nasal obstruction.

“What this technology does is reshape the internal nasal valve region, which is the region where cartilage on the side of your nose meets your septum,” Dr. Otto said. “Basically what it causes the cartilage to do is barely denature and change its shape just a little bit in order to open up that valve and improve airflow in that region. We use a technique here called computational fluid dynamics, which is a study we can base on CT scans that are done to show how the airflow through the nose travels. So part of the goal of this study is to understand better how this technology changes the airflow through the nose to make people feel happy with their nasal breathing.”

Dr. Otto says the procedure takes only 15 minutes, and patients can resume their normal routine. The study is recruiting patients with chronic nasal obstruction due to the shape of the nasal valve who have experienced a positive response to temporary measures to open up the nasal cavity. It’s open to patients between the ages of 18 and 75. 

For more information about the clinical trial, visit the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Division of Otolaryngology.

Mike Foley joined WCBE in February 2000, coming from WUFT in Gainesville, Florida. Foley has worked in various roles, from producing news and feature stories to engineering Live From Studio A sessions. A series of music features Foley started in 2018 called Music Journeys has grown into a podcast and radio show. He also assists in developing other programs in WCBE's Podcast Experience. Foley hosts The Morning Mix, a weekday music show featuring emerging and established musicians, our Columbus-area and Ohio-based talent, and additional artists that inspire him.
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