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In this episode of Rhinology Roundtable, Dr. Ashleigh Halderman talks with Dr. Greg Davis and Dr. Leah Hauser about the expanding role of awake, in-office procedures in rhinology and otolaryngology. They discuss how to decide which procedures belong in the clinic or operating room, how to identify patients who are likely to tolerate office treatment, and the importance of thoughtful anesthesia, trained staff, consistent workflows, and protected scheduling. The conversation also explores the practical side of office-based care: reimbursement and insurance denials, patient comfort, and how procedure durability can differ between office and OR approaches. Their central message is that successful in-office care depends not only on the procedure itself, but also on honest conversations with patients and systems that make the work safe, repeatable, and sustainable.
Advice From the Episode
Immunodeficiencies in Sinusitis
On this episode of Rhinology Roundtable, host Dr. Ashleigh Halderman, and guests Dr. Angela Donaldson, and Dr. Sandra Lin discuss a topic where evidence-based guidance is sorely lacking. Topics covered include when to consider immune deficiency in a patient with either recurrent acute or chronic sinusitis, and why evaluating immunodeficiency requires more than checking a few lab values. They review the most common immunodeficiencies rhinologists/otolaryngologists should be aware of, timing of and length of antibiotic courses in acute sinusitis in patients with ID, the importance of culture-directed treatment, and options for treatment including topical antibiotics, immunoglobulin replacement, and the role of surgery.
Key topics
Key takeaways
Let’s start with some numbers. Between 0.5-2% of upper respiratory viral illnesses convert to true acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Only 3-6% of the general population is thought to have chronic rhinosinusitis. An astounding 34.6% of people have a primary headache disorder. That is 1 person in 3.
The “sinus headache” may be the most costly misdiagnosis rhinologists see. It is made by patients themselves, primary care providers, and even neurologists. The literature has shown that 80-90% of patients with “sinus headache” actually meet the International Headache Society criteria for migraine or possible migraine. Labeling this wrong means patients can continue to struggle with symptoms for years while effective headache treatment is delayed.
If your patients (or you) experience “sinus headaches” or even recurrent “sinus infections” where headache is the primary symptom, this episode is for you. Dr. Ashleigh Halderman is joined by Dr. Mark Mehle, a comprehensive otolaryngologist and author of Sinus Headache, Migraine, and the Otolaryngologist, and Dr. David Jang Associate Professor of Rhinology at Duke University, both leaders in migraine in otolaryngology. Together, they unpack the evidence, the controversy, and the practical bedside clues that help separate true sinus disease from primary headache disorders. You'll discover:
Helpful Links:
Migraine in Otolaryngology Society
International Headache Society
American Migraine Foundation
Development of the Sinus Headache Screener (SHS)
The SNNOOP10
Clear, watery runny nose is only the beginning. The real question in chronic rhinitis is what is actually driving the symptoms, and the answer changes everything from diagnosis to treatment to whether a patient should ever need a procedure. Host Dr. John Craig is joined by two experts in the field, fellow rhinologists and skull base surgeons Dr. Michael Chang from Stanford University and Dr. Omar Ahmed from Houston Methodist for a clinically focused roundtable on the messy reality of non-allergic and mixed rhinitis. They break down why this diagnosis is still a diagnosis of exclusion, why history matters more than most endoscopies, and why so many patients sit in the overlap between allergic and non-allergic disease. You’ll discover:
The conversation gets especially useful when the group gets into procedures. They compare in-office ablation, cryoablation, radiofrequency treatment, and posterior nasal neurectomy, and they do not shy away from the uncomfortable truth that recurrence, technique, and symptom selection matter a lot. They also dig into newer ideas like anterior nasal nerve treatment and why the future of rhinitis care may be moving beyond the posterior nose. If you treat runny noses, post-nasal drip, or patients who have already failed the usual sprays, this episode gives you the current thinking, the practical algorithm, and plenty of new ideas to apply in clinic tomorrow.
Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome to Rhinology Roundtable and episode setup
00:33 - Why this episode focuses on non-allergic rhinitis
01:28 - Speaker disclosures and why unbiased discussion matters
02:25 - What non-allergic rhinitis actually is
05:51 - Mixed rhinitis as the real-world pattern most clinicians see
07:59 - Why symptoms matter more than labels
08:46 - Classic symptom profile of non-allergic rhinitis
10:08 - Why postnasal drip is harder to interpret than anterior rhinorrhea
15:25 - When to test for allergies
17:03 - Key symptom differences between allergic and non-allergic
18:09 - Mucus viscosity and the feeling of watery versus sticky drainage
20:18 - How often allergy testing changes the diagnosise
24:54 - Endoscopy as a rule-out tool, not a definitive rhinitis test
27:03 - Medical therapy starts with clear runny nose and ipratropium
28:43 - How strong is the response to ipratropium spray?
30:00 - When azelastine gets added
32:05 - Capsaisin as an underused option with real evidence behind it
33:44 - How long to trial ipratropium before calling it a success or failure
36:35 - How many patients improve enough to avoid surgery
41:06 - When symptoms move from medical management to procedures
42:49 - Office ablation versus operative neurectomy
44:12 - Real-world outcomes after cryoablation and recurrence patterns
48:14 - Radiofrequency versus cryoablation durability
49:49 - Outcomes after repeat procedures and why technique matters
52:39 - Ipratropium response as a predictor for ablation outcomes
55:24 - Why postnasal drip remains the hardest symptom to study and treat
58:40 - What anterior nasal nerves are and why they matter
60:07 - Why rhinitis is entering a rapid innovation phase
This episode of Rhinology Roundtable, the podcast of the American Rhinologic Society, hosted by Dr. Ashleigh Halderman breaks down pediatric sinusitis from the first diagnostic crossroads to surgical decision-making. The conversation focuses on how children differ from adults, why adenoids matter so much, and how to sort out chronic symptoms, recurrent infections, and the cases where an immune or systemic workup is needed. Joining the discussion are
Dr. Chadi Makary Professor, Vice Chair of Clinical Services, and Chief of Rhinology at West Virginia University, and
Dr. Sarah Maurrasse Assistant Professor, Assistant Program Director, and Pediatric otolaryngologist at Yale School of Medicine.
Our experts share practical, age-specific guidance on diagnosis, imaging, antibiotics, surgery, and long-term management.
Key topics
Timestamps
02:38 - Guest introductions: Dr. Chadi McCary and Dr. Sarah Maras
04:12 - Why adenoids are a major confounder
06:56 - Pediatric disease is more infectious than adult CRS
11:45 - Why cough is a core pediatric symptom
16:35 - Objective evidence and why scope comes before CT
19:11 - When to image
27:28 - Polyps in kids
32:14 - Saline rinses, sprays, and realistic compliance
37:45 - Antibiotic choice and duration for acute exacerbations
40:11 - When to consider surgery
42:11 - Immune workup
48:03 - Goals of surgery
51:53 - Post-op expectations
56:14 - Antibiotics in immunodeficient children
58:21 - Surgery in immune deficiency
In this episode of Rhinology Roundtable, hosted by Dr. Ashleigh Halderman, we explore the complex relationship between allergy and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our expert guests, Dr. Elina Toskala and Dr. Stella Lee, discuss current evidence, testing strategies, and treatment approaches, emphasizing personalized care and the importance of understanding each patient's unique inflammatory profile.
Key topics covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the complex link between allergy and CRS
02:42 - Meet the experts: Dr. Toskala and Dr. Lee
03:05 - Common misconceptions about allergy and CRS
04:00 - The coexistence of allergy and CRS
06:19 - Does allergy cause CRS? Insights from experts
08:24 - The relationship between allergy, disease severity
10:06 - Modulation versus causation: How allergy influences CRS
12:21 - CRS phenotypes: Polyps, endotypes, and clinical relevance
15:02 - Differentiating allergy symptoms from CRS symptoms
17:26 - The importance of assessing environmental and lifestyle factors
26:14 - Geography and genetics in fungal rhinosinusitis prevalence
30:16 - How environmental factors, like air quality, impact sinus health
39:26 - The role of allergy in specific CRS phenotypes
43:03 - Allergy testing methods: skin prick vs. blood tests
49:19 - Treating allergy to modulate CRS symptoms and improve outcomes
69:03 - Immunotherapy: indications, benefits, and limitations for CRS
78:19 - Key takeaways
Resources & Links:
Connect with the Experts:
Most clinicians rely heavily on CT scans for diagnosing and managing sinusitis — but when is the right time to order one, and when can it be safely skipped? In this episode of Rhinology Roundtable, Dr. Ashleigh Halderman hosts top experts Dr. Kevin Welch and Dr. Amber Luong challenge conventional wisdom around imaging, revealing how nuanced decision-making has become. Discover how to optimize CT timing to improve patient outcomes, avoid unnecessary radiation, and better understand the dynamic nature of sinus disease. They break down:
If you're a trainee wondering what you will do when you start practicing after graduation, a clinician looking to optimize when you order imaging, or a specialist wanting to refine your approach, this episode provides practical insights rooted in decades of experience. You'll learn why some scans may be unnecessary, how to time them effectively, and how to integrate clinical cues with imaging findings. Understanding the proper timing and interpretation of CT scans can prevent missed diagnoses, reduce patient exposure to radiation, and streamline treatment pathways. Don't miss this deep dive into one of rhinology’s most debated topics—perfect for ENT residents, practicing rhinologists, and anyone eager to make evidence-based imaging decisions. Join the conversation and elevate your diagnostic game—your patients will thank you.
Show Notes
00:00 - Introduction
00:21 - The "presidential sandwich" analogy and light-hearted trivia
01:18 - The history and legacy of CT scans in CRS management
03:44 - Indications for ordering CT scans during CRS workup
04:11 - Limitations of symptoms and findings without imaging
05:27 - When and why to order a scan to rule out or confirm sinusitis
06:22 - The role of objective imaging in surgical planning
07:04 - Correlation between nasal endoscopy and CT findings
08:08 - The utility of immediate in-office CT scans during patient visits
09:37 - Differentiating sinus-origin headaches versus other causes
11:18 - When sinus inflammation contributes to migraines and vascular headaches
12:00 - Identifying underlying sinus issues that may influence migraine treatment
14:13 - Incorporating previous imaging into current decision-making
16:03 - The influence of symptom severity and timing on ordering scans
17:42 - Scanning during active symptoms for better diagnostic clarity
18:25 - The shift away from routine post-treatment scans towards symptom-driven imaging
19:12 - Optimal timing for CT scans in relation to recent symptoms or treatments
28:46 - When re-imaging is necessary based on treatment response and symptoms
36:34 - Practical considerations, including insurance, ethics, and surgical planning
38:22 - Specific scenarios in odontogenic sinusitis and timing of pre- and post-therapy scans
43:17 - Final thoughts
Most nasal perforations are caused by trauma, drug use, or prior surgery—yet many patients endure persistent symptoms and struggle to find effective treatment. In this episode, Dr. Amar Miglani from the Mayo Clinic shares pioneering techniques and strategic insights into repairing even the most challenging septal perforations. Discover how to assess perforation size, inflammation, and mucosal health with practical tips on imaging, exam, and patient selection. Learn about the latest flap techniques—bipedicle, anterior ethmoid artery, and posterior septal modifications—and how to choose the right approach for each case.
You'll also hear the surprising impact of climate and habits like nose picking or cocaine use on perforation formation, plus effective conservative strategies, from topical ointments to nasal silicone buttons. Drs Halderman and Miglani emphasize the importance of patient counseling, realistic expectations, and shared decision-making.
00:00 - Introduction to septal perforations and their challenges 02:00 - Causes and etiology of septal perforations 04:40 - Signs of cocaine and other drug-induced perforations 06:27 - Infectious causes, including rhinoscleroma 08:24 - Classifying perforations: inflammatory, post-surgical, and others 10:07 - Symptoms: whistling, crusting, bleeding, obstruction 12:34 - Examination techniques: endoscopy, photo documentation, CT measurement 15:00 - Imaging specifics and measurement tips during surgery 16:46 - Impact of perforation on nasal projection and external appearance 18:06 - Habitual nose picking and nasal neuroses considerations 20:09 - Lab work and autoimmune workup recommendations 22:35 - Communicating surgical risks and realistic outcome expectations 24:18 - Surgical approaches: endoscopic, flap choices, and repair techniques 28:00 - Use of septal buttons and innovative solutions like 3D printing 30:12 - Patient selection criteria: symptoms, mucosa quality, comorbidities 32:43 - Postoperative healing timeline and residual symptoms 34:12 - Counseling on outcomes — "not perfect but better" 36:45 - Managing complex cases with autoimmune or prior surgeries 39:05 - Informed consent: discussing risks, recovery, and expectations 40:34 - Surgical techniques: open vs endoscopic, flap selection 43:15 - Graft materials and securing repairs: sutures and sheeting 46:26 - Postoperative care, packing, antibiotics, and follow-up 48:45 - Timeline for healing, feeling of new baseline 49:05 - Takeaways: rewarding procedure, comprehensive nose management
Many cases of unilateral maxillary sinusitis are caused by dental issues that often go unnoticed—until severe complications like brain abscesses occur. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. John Craig teams up with international experts Dr. Alberto Saibene – rhinologist from the University of Milan, and Dr. Rod Tataryn Endodontist in private practice from Spokane, WA to unravel the misunderstood world of odontogenic sinusitis. This episode breaks down crucial signs: persistent foul smell, unilateral symptoms, and subtle dental clues that highlight an ongoing bacterial invasion. Dr.’s Craig, Saibene, and Tataryn share decades of experience on clinical features, from vital pulp tests to radiographic signs, helping you identify hidden dental sources before they escalate. Whether you’re an ENT, general practitioner, or dentist, learn how to build multidisciplinary networks that facilitate faster diagnoses and targeted treatments—potentially avoiding devastating consequences like orbital infections or brain abscesses.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction 02:21 - Definition of odontogenic sinusitis 03:36 - Infectious nature 04:30 - Mucosal thickening vs. true sinusitis 06:33 - Uncomplicated vs. complicated odontogenic sinusitis including risk of orbital and intracranial complications 08:17 - Typical presentation: symptoms and presentation to ENT versus dental providers 09:22 - Recognizing clinical features 11:16 - Imaging clues: teeth, periapical lesions, and the importance of multi-plane CT review 12:44 - Differential diagnosis considerations 14:23 - The importance of dental history and evaluation: vital pulp testing and imaging 16:51 - Common dental pathologies on CT: implants, grafts, and periapical lesions 20:05 - The significance of missing teeth and previous dental procedures 21:13 - Differential diagnosis 22:29 - Role of dental evaluation in confirming odontogenic source 24:41 - When to consider root canal failure or residual infection 26:22 - Common endodontic issues 28:14 - Challenges in general dental practice 29:54 - Treatment strategies: when to observe, when to operate 30:59 - Effectiveness of proper dental and sinus treatments 35:47 - Antibiotic therapy 37:06 - The role of dental source control before sinus surgery 38:58 - Surgical approaches 50:16 - Building multidisciplinary networks 57:09 - Final pearls
Resources & Links:
Understanding Post-Nasal Drainage: Insights from Rhinology and Laryngology Experts
Most cases of post-nasal drainage are dismissed as benign or overlooked, but beneath the surface lies a complex, under-researched challenge affecting millions. In this eye-opening episode of Rhinology Roundtable, host Dr. Ashleigh Halderman pulls back the curtain on post-nasal drainage—a symptom that can feel like drowning in mucus despite normal exam findings. Joining her is renowned laryngologist Dr. Kathleen Tibbetts from Thomas Jefferson University, who reveals surprising insights that challenge conventional thinking. From the pivotal role of mucus quality over quantity, to how medications, aging, and sleep apnea subtly sabotage the body's ability to clear secretions, this episode is packed with actionable knowledge. You'll learn:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to post-nasal drainage and its clinical importance
02:12 - The role of ENT and interdisciplinary approach in managing drainage
03:03 - Nuanced history-taking and detective work
04:16 - The significance of mucus quality vs. quantity
05:33 - Impact of previous radiation therapy and mucosal changes
07:17 - Pathophysiology overview
08:13 - Aging-related changes in swallowing and mucosa
09:27 - Medication effects: antihypertensives, antidepressants, anticholinergics
11:03 - Recognizing signs of salivary gland hypofunction and dehydration
12:05 - Differential diagnosis: rhinitis, sinusitis, CSF leak, etc
13:17 - Reflux, sleep apnea, and anatomical variations like the Shar-Pei larynx
15:31 - Sensory disorders and upper airway cough syndrome
16:48 - Physiological effects of CPAP
18:04 - The role of medications in causing dry mouth and mucus alterations
19:02 - Management strategies and medication review
21:00 - Reassessment of longstanding reflux treatment habits
22:28 - Emerging therapies and the natural approach toward reflux management
25:36 - Practical lifestyle modifications for managing mucus
27:23 - When and how to perform targeted examinations and imaging
30:02 - Empiric treatment trials, including nasal sprays and allergy testing
33:34 - The significance of nasal endoscopy and findings on physical exam
35:50 - Recognizing when symptoms lack visible nasal secretions and differential considerations
37:25 - The value of CT scans and the role of allergy testing
39:20 - The non-surgical management: education, hydration, and over-the-counter options
42:21 - The mucus management handout: a versatile tool for patient empowerment
44:35 - Collaborative approach in patient management
46:35 - Closing thoughts
Resources & Links:
From the publisher's feed
Rhinology Roundtable: where expertise meets honesty, and the conversations go beyond the slides.
Rhinology Roundtable — brought to you by the American Rhinologic Society — is…
This isn’t another recap of what you already heard at national meetings or read in journals. Instead, Rhinology Roundtable pulls back the curtain on the unspoken, the under-discussed, and the clinically nuanced topics that shape everyday practice but rarely make it to the podium or the page.
Join candid, unscripted discussions between colleagues as they tackle high-yield clinical dilemmas, gray-zone decision-making, and the practical realities of rhinologic care. From controversial management strategies to “what we actually do” in clinic and the OR, this podcast delivers insights you won’t find in textbooks.
Whether you’re a seasoned rhinologist, a general otolaryngologist, or a trainee looking for real-world perspective, expect thoughtful debate, expert opinion, and actionable takeaways — all in a conversational format that feels like sitting in on a trusted peer discussion.