Loma Linda University Health Care Sinus Center is in the Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery in the Surgery Department at the Faculty Medical Offices across from Loma Linda University Medical Center.

The Sinus Center specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases and ailments of the nose and sinuses including:

• Acute and chronic sinus infection
  
• Nasal allergies
  
• Fungal infections of the sinuses
  
• Nosebleeds
  
• Tumors of the nose and sinuses
  
• Nasal polyps
  
• Asthma associated sinus disease
  
• Persistent disease after previous surgery
  
• Sinus headache
  
• Complications of previous sinus surgeries
  
• Frontal and sphenoid sinusitis
  
• Nasal obstruction and deviated septum
  
• Blocked nasal passages
  
• Surgical management of Grave's disease
  

Mission

• To provide the highest level of nasal and sinus care
  
• Postgraduate education of health care professionals
  
• Rhinogenic and sinus research
  

What is sinusitis?

Your sinuses are air-filled chambers within the bones of the face. There are four pairs of sinuses: the frontal, ethmoid, maxillary and sphenoid sinuses, forming an irregular, honeycomb structure. When they are working well, the sinuses constantly circulate air and produce/drain mucous which lubricates your nose and helps keep it clean. This drainage system can shut down when an underlying problem, such as colds, allergies or an obstruction causes blockages, resulting in nasal congestion, headache, pain and pressure around the face, lethargy, low-grade fevers, post-nasal discharge and post-nasal drip. During infections or allergy flare-ups, the cilia (tiny hair-like structures) can stop working and contribute to the build-up of fluid within the sinus cavities. This stagnant fluid is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and viruses. Chronic sinusitis is the main disease in which the center specializes.

Advanced sinus care

At the Loma Linda Sinus Center, our doctors have the highest level of training available in diseases of the nose and sinuses. We use the most modern and best tools in the diagnosis and management of our patients. This includes regular use of diagnostic nasal endoscopy and multiplanar CT scans.

Culture-directed therapy

We believe that the best method to treat patients with sinus infections is to obtain endoscopically guided cultures. Using cultures may result in more effective treatment or protect you from side effects when no antibiotic is required.

Sinus nebulization therapy

Doctors at the Center have been involved in research on this exciting new way to treat sinus infections. Sinus nebulization allows medications to be delivered directly to the surface of the nose and sinuses.

Computer assisted surgery

Your surgeon may also suggest that your surgery include surgical navigation. This involves a special type of CT scan, which is used during the surgery to decrease complications and improve results.

Sinus surgery

Most cases of sinus-related diseases can be treated with medicines. However, in some cases surgery may also be needed. Newer less deforming and less painful surgeries are now used. The most common type of surgery is called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).

During FESS, your surgeon will use small cameras and instruments to carefully work in the nose. This is similar to the equipment used in the office to examine your nose. The obstructing tissues will be removed to allow the sinuses to drain more naturally. This should decrease the severity, frequency and duration of the infections.

If surgery is recommended, the doctors at the Center will clearly explain the procedure, benefits, risks, post-op care and answer all your questions.

Before your visit

You may need a referral from your primary care provider. The staff at the Center will provide you with information required to preauthorize your visit and any diagnostic studies that may be needed. The staff will also provide you or your insurance provider with necessary codes and procedure information.

We suggest that you bring copies of your previous medical records and X-ray films to your visit. You should also make a list of your questions to be reviewed together with your surgeon.

Expect to spend at least 45 minutes during your first visit and allow time for diagnostic studies, which may be necessary also. The doctors at the Center do not rush during the care of their patients and may be involved with teaching others during your visit.

If you are being referred for surgery, we may be able to pre-schedule your clinic and surgery dates in advance - especially if you are traveling far for your visit.

The Sinus Center staff

Christopher Church, MD - Dr. Church is the director of the Sinus Center. He completed his residency in otolaryngology/head & neck surgery at Loma Linda University. He then spent a dedicated year pursuing a fellowship in Advanced Sinus Surgery & Rhinology at Stanford University. Dr. Church has completed the highest level of training in sinus disease management, and has attended and taught several sinus courses. His special interests include sinusitis and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Dennis Chang, MD - Dr. Chang completed his residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Otolaryngology/ Head & Neck Surgery. He then completed his fellowship in Academic Rhinology, Advanced Sinus Surgery and Allergy at Northwestern University Medical Center. His clinical interests lie in Advanced Management of Sinus Diseases. 

Mark Rowe, MD - Dr. Rowe completed his residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Otolaryngology/ Head & Neck Surgery. He then spent a dedicated year at The Johns Hopkiins Medical Center pursuing a fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology. Dr. Rowe specializes in the sinus care of children.

Directions

Take I-10 to the Tippecanoe/Anderson Street exit. Go south. Turn right at the four-way stop, stay on Anderson and pass Loma Linda University Medical Center. The Faculty Medical Offices building is located on the southwest corner of Anderson Street and Barton Road.

Sinus & Allergy Center
Toll free: 1 (866) LL-SINUS
(1 (866) 557-4687)
Fax: (909) 558-2554
Web: www.lomalindasinuscenter.com
Email: sinus-allergy@hotmail.com
11370 Anderson Street, Suite 2100
Loma Linda, CA 92354

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