Rhinologists

Rhinologists are physicians who specialize in diseases of the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, and related structures. They form a subspecialty within otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and focus on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect nasal airflow, nasal mucosa, and the sinuses, as well as related olfactory disorders and nasal tumors.

Training and practice typically begin with medical school followed by a residency in otolaryngology. Many physicians pursue a rhinology fellowship to gain advanced expertise in endoscopic sinus surgery, skull base approaches, nasal reconstruction, and allergy management. Certification and formal subspecialty recognition vary by country, but professional societies such as the American Rhinologic Society provide guidelines and resources for practitioners.

Rhinologists rely on a combination of clinical examination and specialized tests. Diagnostic tools include nasal endoscopy, imaging studies such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and olfactory or allergy testing. They perform medical management as well as surgical interventions and often collaborate with allergists, pulmonologists, and other specialists to manage complex airway and sinus disease.

Common conditions treated by rhinologists include allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum and turbinate hypertrophy causing obstruction, nasal polyps, olfactory or taste disorders, epistaxis (nosebleeds), and certain sinonasal tumors. Treatments range from intranasal corticosteroids, saline irrigation, antihistamines, and antibiotics to procedures such as endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and, when necessary, minimally invasive skull base or orbital procedures.