rhinologist

A rhinologist is a physician who specializes in rhinology, the branch of medicine dealing with the nose and paranasal sinuses. In practice, rhinologists are typically otolaryngologists (ENTs) who focus their clinical work on nasal and sinus disorders. They diagnose and treat conditions that affect nasal airflow, sense of smell, and sinus health, including chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, epistaxis, nasal trauma, and certain skull base diseases.

Evaluation commonly involves patient history, nasal endoscopy, and imaging such as computed tomography. Allergy testing and olfactory assessments may also be used. Medical management often includes intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, antibiotics for acute infections, and in some cases immunotherapy. When medical therapy fails or anatomy requires correction, rhinologists perform procedures such as endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and nasal valve repair. They also treat complex conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps and olfactory dysfunction, often in multidisciplinary teams.

Training typically requires a medical degree followed by a residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, with optional fellowship training in rhinology or endoscopic sinus surgery. Certification and subspecialty recognition vary by country. The term rhinologist emphasizes the focus on nasal and sinus disease within the broader field of ENT, and it may be used to distinguish clinicians with dedicated rhinology practice or research interests.

Rhinology research explores pathophysiology of nasal inflammatory diseases, outcomes of surgical techniques, and innovations in endoscopic technology and medical therapies. The field intersects with allergy, immunology, and neurology in areas such as smell disorders and headaches.