When Should I See a Sinus Surgeon?

You should consider seeing a sinus surgery specialist if sinus symptoms are persistent, recurrent, or affecting your quality of life, especially when standard treatments have failed.

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• Common reasons to seek a sinus specialist include:

• Sinus infections lasting more than 12 weeks

• Recurrent sinus infections (4+ per year)

• Chronic nasal congestion or blockage

• Facial pressure or sinus headaches

• Thick postnasal drip

• Poor response to antibiotics, nasal sprays, or allergy treatment

• Reduced sense of smell

• Breathing difficulty through the nose

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• You may also need a sinus surgery consultation if imaging (such as a CT scan) shows:

• Chronic sinus inflammation

• Blocked sinus drainage pathways

• Nasal polyps

• Structural issues contributing to sinus disease

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• Seeing a sinus surgery specialist does not mean surgery is inevitable. In many cases, the goal is to determine why symptoms persist and whether they can be managed medically—or whether a targeted procedure could provide lasting relief.

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• Finding the right sinus surgery specialist in Houston starts with choosing a board-certified ENT who specializes in sinus disease, offers comprehensive treatment options, and takes time to truly understand your symptoms.

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​If sinus problems are interfering with your breathing, sleep, or daily life, a consultation with an experienced sinus specialist, like Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD at SCENT Houston -  Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston can provide clarity—and often relief. ​At SCENT Houston, patients are evaluated by a board-certified ENT with advanced training in sinus and nasal airway surgery. Dr. Madeleine Herman specializes in treating complex sinus conditions, nasal obstruction, and breathing issues using both traditional and minimally invasive techniques—tailored to each patient’s anatomy and symptoms.

Dr. Herman is a Houstonia Magazine Top Doctor 2020-2026, a Houston Chronicle "Best of the Best" 2026 nominee, and has multiple publications in advanced sinonasal disease treatments. You can also relax knowing that every evaluation and surgery is performed by her.