Nose & Sinuses

At Bridger Ear, Nose and Throat, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of nose and sinus conditions. The nose and its surrounding sinus regions—the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses—are essential for proper health. These areas are lined with a mucous membrane that contains cilia, tiny hair-like structures that help clear out dust, pollen, and irritants from the air we breathe. In addition to filtering, the nose plays a critical role in warming and humidifying inhaled air.

When exposed to environmental irritants, viruses or bacteria, the nasal and sinus lining can become swollen or inflamed. This inflammation can compromise the body’s natural defenses and lead to bacterial infections, commonly known as sinusitis. In fact, nearly 50 million Americans experience sinus disorders each year.

Some patients may struggle with recurrent sinus infections, defined as four or more episodes per year, while others may face chronic sinusitis, characterized by persistent symptoms of sinus disease (e.g., sinus pressure/pus-like nasal discharge/loss of sense of smell) which are present for more than three months. Our clinic addresses a variety of conditions affecting the nose and sinuses.

Dr. Dodson has received the honor of Fellow of the American Rhinologic Society (FARS). FARS designation indicates Dr. Dodson’s expertise and commitment to excellence in the field of rhinology (treatment of the nose and sinuses). FARS designation is attained by demonstrating surgical depth of knowledge, support from Fellows of the American Rhinologic Society, participation in rhinologic education and teaching.

Common Nose & Sinus Conditions We Treat:

• Nasal Allergy & Hay Fever

• Nasal Valve Collapse

• Nasal Polyps

• Recurrent Acute Sinus Infections

• Nasal Congestion

• Deviated Nasal Septum

• Nasal Obstruction

• Recurrent Nosebleeds

• Sinus Infections

• Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

• Chronic Rhinitis

• Taste & Smell Disorders

• Non-Invasive Sinus Procedures

• Recurrent & Chronic Tear Duct Disorders

Innovative Treatments We Provide:

We offer a comprehensive range of treatments to improve your nasal and sinus health, including:

• VivAer: A minimally invasive procedure designed to improve nasal breathing by treating nasal obstruction caused by conditions such as inferior turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve (side-wall) collapse, and enlarged septal swell bodies. Using radiofrequency energy, VivAer reduces excess tissue in the nasal passages, enhancing airflow and alleviating chronic congestion. VivAer is an office-based procedure performed under local anesthesia with little to no downtime.

• RhinAer: Targeting chronic rhinitis (runny nose), RhinAer utilizes radiofrequency energy to ablate or damage the posterior nasal nerves which cause excessive runny nose. This non-invasive option helps reduce mucus production and provides lasting relief from chronic runny nose. RhinAer is performed in-office under local anesthesia with little to no downtime. RhinAer is good option for those with chronic rhinitis/runny nose due to vasomotor rhinitis (age or other-related) and allergic (allergy-caused) rhinitis.

• Septoplasty: Corrects a deviated septum to improve nasal airflow.

• Nasal Turbinate Reduction: Reduces enlarged turbinates for better nasal breathing.

• Functional Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the nose to improve nasal function.

• Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): A surgical option for recurrent and chronic sinusitis.

• Septal Swell Body Reduction: Alleviates nasal congestion by reducing swollen tissue via VivAer.

• Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation: Opens blocked sinus passages non-invasively which can be performed in the office with local anesthetic or in the operating room.

• Nasal Fracture Reduction: Realigns broken nasal bones.

• Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (Endoscopic DCR): Treats chronic tear duct infections or disorders with a minimally invasive approach.

If you’re experiencing any nasal or sinus issues, our experienced ENT specialists are here to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.