Steven Houser, MD
Otolaryngology
Additional Languages: German and Polish
About Me
I’m a board-certified otolaryngologist and Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. I grew up in Cleveland, attended Strongsville High School, and have been proud to care for patients in my hometown since joining MetroHealth in 1999.
My practice focuses on a wide range of nasal and sinus conditions, including sinus surgery, septoplasty, functional septorhinoplasty, turbinate reduction, tear duct surgery, and septal perforation repair. I also treat inhalant allergies and perform sleep apnea procedures—including tonsillectomies for children—as well as general ear, nose, and throat care.
I completed my fellowship in rhinology and allergy at the University of Chicago and trained at the Cleveland Clinic. I’m fluent in German and Polish, and I believe in clear communication, personalized care, and helping patients breathe, sleep, and live better.
I have published on sinus surgery, allergy, septal perforation repair, and empty nose syndrome.
Voted into Cleveland Top Doctors through Cleveland.com, most recently in 2025
Former President of American Association of Otolaryngic Allergy
PubMed Publications
- International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis Abstract: CONCLUSION: This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR...
- Novel treatment of a septal ulceration using an extracellular matrix scaffold (septal ulceration treatment using ECM) Abstract: CONCLUSION: The use of extracellular matrix scaffolding provides the nasal septum with a framework for the in-growth of healthy mucosa over ulcerated areas. We propose this as a new treatment approach for patients who failed conservative medical management. Chronic septal ulcerations can be healed to provide improved quality of life to patients.
- A patient with an allergy emergency Abstract: Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening systemic reaction that otolaryngologists may come in contact with through emergency cases, or in their offices when delivering allergy immunotherapy. Rapid recognition of the entity should be followed by epinephrine administration. Anaphylaxis causes, including a hypothetical scenario, are described. Various risk factors for anaphylaxis, such as β-blocker use, are discussed. The differential diagnosis of anaphylaxis and adjunct treatment are explained.
- Surgery for allergic rhinitis Abstract: CONCLUSION: The inferior turbinate is the initial deposit point for allergens and undergoes dynamic changes through the allergic cascade, which results in nasal obstruction. Targeting the inferior turbinate to augment the nasal airway is the mainstay of surgical treatment in AR. Judicious technique and a mucosal sparing philosophy are necessary to maximize outcomes and improve quality of life.
- The physiological mechanism for sensing nasal airflow: a literature review Abstract: CONCLUSION: Understanding the physiological mechanism of how the nose senses airflow can aid in diagnosing the cause behind patient symptoms, which allows physicians to provide better treatment options for patients.
- Pathophysiology of empty nose syndrome Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: An evidence-based hypothesis for the development and symptoms of ENS is offered.
- Clinical consensus statement: appropriate use of computed tomography for paranasal sinus disease Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: For children, careful consideration should be taken when performing CT imaging but is needed in the setting of treatment failures and complications, either of the pathological process itself or as a result of iatrogenic (surgical) complications. For adults, imaging is necessary in surgical planning, for treatment of medical and surgical complications, and in all aspects of the complete management of patients with sinonasal and skull base pathology.
- Surgical options for the allergic rhinitis patient Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Allergic rhinitis is a very common disorder that affects millions of patients annually and the hallmark complaint of nasal obstruction significantly impacts the quality of life. Many surgical options exist for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, directed primarily at the underlying nasal obstructive component. The purpose of this review is to highlight and discuss the various surgical modalities and their historical efficacy.
- Endonasal repair of septal perforations using a rotational mucosal flap and acellular dermal interposition graft Abstract: CONCLUSION: Nasal septal perforations may cause bothersome symptoms and present a significant reconstructive challenge. Native septal tissue is advantageous due to a rich vascular supply and proximity to the defect, while interposition grafts act as a scaffold for the migration of respiratory mucosa. The method described herein combines these principles to provide a suitable technique for the closure of nasal septal perforations.
- The surgical management of allergic rhinitis Abstract: In their discussion of the treatment of allergic rhinitis, the authors present key features of the disease and its management, allergen responses, the role of the inferior turbinate, and reviews of outcomes with submucosal resection, total inferior turbinectomy, cryosurgery, laser cautery, radical turbinectomy, submucous turbinectomy, submucous electrocautery, and microdebriber turbinoplasty. The authors discuss radiofrequency ablation and coblation outcomes and complications, along with the...
- Maxillary sinusitis resulting from ostium plugging by dislodged bone graft: case report Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons performing this or similar procedures should be aware of the possible complications that can arise from foreign debris introduced into the maxillary sinuses. Also, the avoidance of empirically changing antibiotic regimens and the early use of CT scans should be considered.
- The diagnosis and management of empty nose syndrome Abstract: Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a poorly understood and rare iatrogenic disorder resulting from the destruction of normal nasal tissue. In severe forms, it can be debilitating. In this article, the authors elucidate the distinction between ENS and atrophic rhinitis, and provide a systematic approach to the diagnosis and management of ENS. They urge a judicious and cautious approach to turbinate resection, to help better prevent this sequela of nasal surgery. They state that patients with ENS can be...
- The role of allergy and smoking in chronic rhinosinusitis and polyposis Abstract: CONCLUSIONS: The close association of PAR and CRS suggests a possible causal link. Management of allergic rhinitis and tobacco cessation may provide greater control of chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis.
- Impact of newly revised sterile medication compounding guidelines USP {797} on allergy vial preparation Abstract: CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Offices preparing immunotherapy vials should consider formalizing and implementing vial preparation guidelines. These guidelines should be based on expert opinion, experience, and scientific literature.
- Chronic daily headache: when to suspect sinus disease Abstract: Migraine may be responsible for many headaches thought to be caused by the sinuses. Patients complaining of "sinus headache" must have a complete ear, nose, and throat examination. Occasionally, chronic headaches may arise from the sinuses; a thorough history is important to search for symptoms of facial pain and pressure along with other nasal sinus symptoms.
Education & Training
Education
Fellowship
University of Chicago Medical Center (Illinois) – AllergyMedical Education
Ohio State University College of Medicine & Public Health (Columbus) MDInternship
Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Ohio) – Surgery, GeneralResidency
Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Ohio) – Otolaryngology