When you feel under the weather, you might lose your sense of smell for a couple of days. Since most of our senses are connected in some way, when we lose our sense of smell we also tend to lose our sense of taste. A decrease in the ability to smell is called hyposmia, while a total loss of smell is known as anosmia.
The causes of hyposmia and anosmia vary, ranging from a simple viral cold to an intracranial skull base tumor that has damaged the nerves responsible for the sense of smell.
While anosmia caused by a cold is just a temporary issue, unfortunately, many suffer from this problem more permanently as a result of sinusitis. The complexity of smell loss is exactly why you need an experienced ENT specialist.
Allow your local McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and sinus relief specialists team at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT to go more in-depth about smell and taste disorders, and to help you understand if balloon sinuplasty might be the right relief option for you.
The most common cause of loss of smell are viruses that cause upper respiratory infections, and COVID-19 has become a major cause of anosmia globally. In fact, loss of smell is one of the first symptoms of COVID-19.
If you’re experiencing anosmia or other COVID-19 symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately. Note that we CANNOT offer relief through our procedure if your loss of smell is a symptom of the coronavirus.
Anosmia is a condition that can be reversible. With the loss of smell, time plays a vital role, since the sooner treatment is started the more likely the sense of smell will come back. Anosmia is generally associated with dysgeusia, or taste loss, and the two conditions usually take place at the same time.
The two major types of loss of the smell are conductive smell loss and neural smell loss.
Conductive smell loss happens when a nasal obstruction blocks the passage of air odor molecules, while neural smell loss is the result of a damaged or defective olfactory nerve. Conductive smell loss is often easier to treat, and up to 70% of anosmia is conductive smell loss as the result of issues like nasal polyps or sinusitis. Neural smell loss can be a congenital condition or happen as the result of head trauma, a sinus or skull base tumor, or an infection.
If the symptoms of anosmia or hyposmia are present, it’s always important to consult an ENT specialist right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Nasal endoscopy is critical to assessing the problem and
figuring out whether you are suffering from a conductive or a neural cause of smell loss. A longer delay in beginning treatment can reduce the likelihood that the sense of smell will return.
If a viral cold is the source of smell loss, oral steroids can be prescribed. Olfactory training, which is like physical therapy for smell loss, has shown promising results for people with sudden smell loss that have not responded to oral steroids. Conductive causes of anosmia such as nasal polyps or nasal obstruction might require medical treatment, and if these fail, may require endoscopic sinus surgery.
Neural smell loss caused by sinus infections may be treated with antibiotics and oral steroids. Persistent infections may require a procedure that we offer in our office, known as balloon sinuplasty. This minimally invasive and innovative procedure opens up your sinus passageways in order to improve your sense of smell, along with other symptoms.
The key to successful anosmia treatment is choosing an approach tailored to the severity and cause of your smell loss. There is not one single solution that is correct for every patient, and that’s why we try to find one best suited for your personal needs.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, we continue to provide alternative options for having your symptoms addressed, including via telemedicine if you prefer to be seen without leaving your home.
For in-person appointments, we want you to feel safe and comfortable. Please know that we are taking all precautionary measures as necessary. We also take calls.
If you suffer from frequent sinus infections, you’re not alone. Roughly 37 million people are impacted by this condition each year. While the most obvious cause of sinus infections involve blockages in your sinus cavities, there are many other unusual sinus infection causes that can occur.
Today, the McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his right-hand team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will shed some light on some of the most uncommon causes of sinus infections in an effort to bring awareness.
Swimming as a form of exercise is wonderful for your health; however, spending too much time in chlorinated pools can raise the likelihood of sinus infections. The chlorine can irritate nasal passageways, causing inflammation and increasing susceptibility to infection. When you dive into the water, the pressure can push chlorinated water deeper into your sinuses, affecting deeper and delicate tissues.
People with diabetes generally have higher blood glucose levels. Those elevated levels can make it more likely for you to develop infections, particularly ones in the sinuses and other sensitive areas.
These infections aren’t limited to the common viral and bacterial invasions that often result in sinus infections. People with diabetes can also develop oral yeast infections, which may spread to the nasal cavity. This unusual sinus infection type can sometimes be tougher to spot and treat than more common infections.
Part of living in Texas means we hardly have to worry about a lack of humidity. However, if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned buildings or flying for work, dry air can cause issues. When the air is too dry, it can dry out your sinuses and thicken mucus trapped in your nasal openings. When this occurs, bacteria and viruses can get trapped as well, causing infection.
Staying well-hydrated when indoors can help. Avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink plenty of water. You can also irrigate your sinuses with a neti pot or a saline nasal spray to reduce dryness and irritation.
Nasal spray decongestants can be a lifesaver when you’re coping with the pain of a sinus headache or infection, but overusing this medication can make sinus pressure and sinus infections more likely.
When over-the-counter sinus sprays are used too much, your body becomes less sensitive to the medication. This can result in tissues becoming swollen again, which is called rebound nasal congestion. Fluids then become trapped, making infections more likely.
When a sinus infection inflicts pain and pressure, don’t automatically reach for an over-the-counter spray. These sprays should be used sparingly so that they don’t cause rebound congestion.
Chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis and other disorders that weaken your immune system can lead to inflammation in the airways and make you prone to building up thick mucus.
This thicker mucus, or an impaired ability to fight germs due to diabetes or HIV infection, can make you susceptible to sinus infections.
If a cold doesn’t resolve within 10 to 15 days, bacteria may have joined the party.
Bacterial infections rarely cause sinus infections, but they are almost always the cause of complicating secondary infections.
These bacteria can creep up in healthy people and grow. Take a decongestant during a cold to avoid those circumstances, and if you do develop bacterial sinusitis, you can treat it with antibiotics.
Certain people have nasal abnormalities that make them more prone to sinus infections. These can include deviated septums that make it difficult for your sinuses to drain properly. Other causes can include cleft palate, narrow sinus pathways, and even tumors.
Despite what nasal abnormalities you may have, balloon sinuplasty can be an option for relief. The procedure helps open up your sinuses, minimizing the likelihood of future sinus infections.
While sinus infections can have many causes, there’s one solution that can help: the balloon sinuplasty procedure. This minimally invasive technique requires minimal tissue removal with little to no pain.
All it takes is getting it done in our office, with a recovery time that’s significantly quicker than traditional sinus surgery. Many patients are able to go back to their normal activities within two days.
If sinus infections are a frequent issue, we recommend having a conversation with us to determine if you’re a candidate for balloon sinuplasty. If you wish to learn more about the benefits of balloon sinuplasty, feel free to reach out to The Glatz Group.
If you can’t figure out the cause of your sinus infections and want to eliminate them altogether, we’d be ‘Glatz’ to detect the problem and find a solution that works best for you.
As COVID-19 remains an ongoing health concern, we will keep providing the alternative to have your symptoms addressed through telemedicine if you’d rather seek treatment or help from the safety and comfort of your humble abode. If you need an appointment, you can rest assured knowing that we take all precautionary measures necessary to preserve the safety of our patients and staff members. For an in-office procedure, we also accept calls.
If you’ve stopped by the Glatz Group offices in McAllen, chances are that you may have seen some new faces around. However, they’ve actually been loyal and integral staff members for years.
One of those Glatz Group team members you’ll become even more familiar with is Jonathan Lerma, our very own certified Physician Assistant. He’s now leading our team, delivering the same quality care and service as Dr. Glatz.
Working alongside Dr. Glatz for a year and as a dedicated student for six months, Jonathan absorbed the lessons and wisdom of Dr. Glatz for nearly two years.
Today, we’re here to tell you a little bit more about Jonathan Lerma and his trusted team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT, as well as what inspired his career path, and what quality patient care means to him.
Jonathan Lerma decided to settle down in the Rio Grande Valley for its amazing environment and the laidback lifestyle it has to offer. Family-oriented, Jonathan wanted to find a home best suited for his new family, including his baby girl.
He brings this fatherly perspective into his profession and wants to make sure you and your little ones are always comfortable whenever you stop by our Glatz Group office.
Lerma’s favorite hobbies outside of work and spending time with his family include sports like football, basketball, and soccer.
Being involved in the medical field has always been a lifelong dream of Jonathan. He always carried a deep appreciation for those involved in the world of medicine and the impact they had on their patients. This passion grew stronger when he began to work with Dr. Glatz.
What intrigues him the most about working as a certified Physician Assistant in the specialized area of ENT is how different every single day can be. Jonathan finds it fascinating how unique each case is, and enjoys having the opportunity to see all sides of the spectrum.
His favorite part about being a part of Glatz Group is that he and his team are able to deliver medical services that are oftentimes outside of what a general doctor can do.
Patient care, overall, will always be his top priority. He values what people remember from their visit to Glatz Group, and has plenty of fond memories of his own experiences with patients. Providing exceptional quality patient care, he believes he can have a positive impact on his clients’ lives.
For those dealing with potential sinus-related health issues, here are some warning signs that Jonathan advises you should be aware of:
2020 has undeniably been the furthest thing from normal, but Lerma’s goal for the Glatz Group is to keep ensuring that patients are being properly taken care of. He’s also working closely with his team to deliver improved telemedicine services so that all patients can obtain the care they need, regardless of their ability to visit the office because of COVID-19.
The team will also continue to ensure that our offices follow all CDC recommendations for cleaning and protecting visitors.
For patients whose symptoms do not resolve with medication, Jonathan Lerma is able to perform the minimally invasive and effective procedure known as balloon sinuplasty. When it comes to your allergy and sinus problems, you can count on our McAllen Physician Assistant to take care of it.
If you’re experiencing any allergy or sinus issues, do not hesitate to set up an appointment with the Glatz Group of Valley ENT, and see Jonathan Lerma himself.
While COVID-19 continues to be a health concern, this allergy season has been more unforgiving than most, and you can’t ignore something as uncomfortable as your sinuses. One minute you think your sinus issues are getting better, but next thing you know, you lay down, your nose gets stuffy, and you’re stuck staring at the ceiling wondering why they worsen at night.
The answer to this isn’t always necessarily straightforward as it can vary for every individual. The universal truth is that if your nose is blocked at night on one side or both, or if you’re dealing with any other sinus-related problem, your chances of getting sleep in are slim.
But there’s no need to stress. The McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his loyal team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will list four of the most common conditions or factors that may worsen your sinuses at night, as well as potential solutions you can take to find relief.
When it comes to determining what makes your sinuses worse at night, a good place to begin is to ask yourself which sinus-related issues or household circumstances you go through.
It is worth noting, however, that your sinus problems may worsen at night since you’re less distracted and paying more attention to how you feel.
While this might be true to a certain extent, paying attention doesn’t lead to sinus symptoms. Sinus issues create sinus symptoms. Here are some potential factors to consider:
Imagine your bedroom and ask yourself the following questions:
If you answered “yes” to any of the following, you might have noticed a factor that is impacting both your sinuses and your sleep.
If you only experience a nose blockage when the night hits, making these adjustments in your bedroom could help relieve your congestion:
Many patients are surprised to find out the role gravity and blood pressure play in making sinus issues worse.
While you’re sitting up and standing throughout the day, your blood circulates through your body, with blood pressure and the forces of gravity influencing how easy it is for your blood to get to your head and sinuses. On top of that, when you’re vertical, gravity also helps your sinuses drain down your esophagus and into your stomach.
When you lie down on the other hand, your body doesn’t have to fight as much to deliver blood to your head. Increased blood flow in the blood vessels of your sinuses may result in sinus congestion, pressure, and pain. When that happens, gravity is no longer helping your sinuses drain, but instead increasing your chances of experiencing those same issues.
These nighttime sinus circumstances can affect those who have little to no sinus symptoms during the day. If you’re also suffering from sinusitis, GERD, or allergies, these circumstances can get aggravate already inflamed blood vessels and exacerbate other related problems.
The best sleeping position for sinus drainage problems and other sinus issues is to sleep with your head propped up. Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are hard to miss. Your drainage problems and inflamed blood vessels may get worse when you lay down.
Because of this, propping up your head while sleeping might not be sufficient; you’ll probably have no choice but to tackle the sinus infection itself. Many sinus infections will go away with OTC medication and rest, but chronic sinus infections usually require further treatment.
If you have chronic sinus infections that interrupt your sleep, you may have to meet with your doctor to discuss your options. We encourage you to ask your doctor about Balloon Sinuplasty, a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that provides long-lasting sinus relief.
Another possible factor to your sinuses getting worse at night is GERD, short for gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD takes place when acid from your stomach re-enters your esophagus because of a damaged or impaired esophageal valve.
This occurs more frequently at night while you’re lying down. GERD usually affects the back of the throat, leading to coughing, post-nasal drip, and even nausea. Since the throat is connected to your sinus passages, more doctors have started associating GERD with causing sinus problems.
The best way to target GERD-related sinus problems is to decrease the amount of acid that aggravates your throat. You can accomplish this by simply avoiding eating just before bed and speak to your doctor about antacids and proton pump inhibitors. Weight loss also could help relieve GERD.
Patients with allergies tend to suspect that their nighttime sinus issues come from allergies, but many are still left wondering why their nose gets clogged at night. As with sinus infections, allergies may exacerbate the sinus-related symptoms you face as a result of the effects of gravity and blood pressure when lying down.
Allergy-related nasal congestion at night might simply happen due to the fact that your bedroom is not enough to protect your body against allergens (pets may sleep there, the air filter or sheets may have to be changed, etc.). However, you might also have to take an antihistamine before bed to help lessen the inflammation caused by allergies from worsening.
If you’ve lost more nights than you can count to sinus issues caused by sinusitis, allergies, or even a deviated septum, it may be time to consider balloon sinuplasty.
During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into your sinus cavities through your nasal passageways. When these balloons are expanded, healthy drainage is restored.
If your sinuses do not go away after trying the approaches mentioned above, you are welcome to set up an appointment with us where you can either have your symptoms addressed online through our telemedicine services or via phone call if you are in need of a procedure done in our office.
We will continue to keep our office a safe, clean space for our patients and staff members alike amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most people turn to antibiotics in hopes of obtaining relief from their sinusitis symptoms. Unfortunately, most of this is wishful thinking more than actual results. Research has shown that antibiotics are ineffective at treating sinusitis — even in extreme scenarios in which symptoms are dire.
This leads us to question what can be done to ease your pain if antibiotics don’t function as they should to help you with your sinus issues. Let the McAllen certified physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his sinus relief specialist team at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT take a closer look at what your options are for relief if antibiotics don’t cut it.
Antibiotic resistance can take place when bacteria are treated with an antibiotic. The medicine may kill most of these germs, but a small group might survive. This can happen in a couple of ways.
The germs can either:
When bacteria get resistant, the original antibiotic can no longer kill them. These germs can grow and spread. They can result in infections that are difficult to treat. Sometimes they may even spread the resistance to other bacteria that they encounter.
When you use an antibiotic, there’s a risk that some of the bacteria will become resistant. Using these medicines when they’re not needed is a key reason why antibiotic resistance is becoming more common.
So it’s best to use these medicines only when absolutely necessary.
Antibiotics are labeled as narrow-spectrum drugs when they work against only certain kinds of bacteria. On the other hand, broad-spectrum antibiotics are more efficient as they fight a wide range of bacteria, but are more likely to promote antibiotic resistance. Because of this, your ENT will most likely prescribe narrow-spectrum antibiotics, which generally cost less. However, you may be recommended broad-spectrum antibiotics for infections that don’t respond to treatment with narrow-spectrum drugs.
In many instances, antibiotics are prescribed for patients dealing with specific issues such as persistent nasal discharge and facial pain, and who are not improving after seven days, or those with severe symptoms of rhinosinusitis, regardless of duration. On the basis of clinical trials, amoxicillin, doxycycline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are preferred antibiotics.
Even with a long regimen of antibiotics, chronic sinusitis symptoms can be tough to take care of. Generally speaking, however, treating chronic sinusitis with antibiotics and decongestants, is similar to treating acute sinusitis.
When antibiotic treatment fails, allergy testing, desensitization, and/or surgery may be suggested as the most effective options for treating chronic sinusitis. Research studies claim that the vast majority of people who go through with surgery experience improved symptoms and a better quality of life.
Antibiotics that are unlikely to be effective in children who don’t improve with amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), or erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Pediazole), since many bacteria are resistant to these older antibiotics. For kids that don’t respond to two courses of traditional antibiotics, the dosage and length of antibiotic treatment are usually expanded, or treatment with intravenous cefotaxime or ceftriaxone and/or a referral to an ENT specialist is recommended.
About 30 million Americans are diagnosed with inflamed nasal passageways and sinuses each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sinus infection symptoms are uncomfortable, painful and debilitating.
Symptoms can include:
While antibiotics are a common treatment approach, evidence suggests that they do no more good than a placebo in regards to improving sinusitis. Not only that, but adverse effects associated with antibiotic usage and escalating rates of drug resistance are also other reasons to avoid antibiotics.
Instead, we recommend using a variety of methods to accelerate the sinusitis recovery process, including:
While sinus issues will sometimes resolve on their own or with the help of the treatment methods we just mentioned, chronic sinusitis can last for months. If your symptoms last for more than 10 days or if they recur on numerous occasions, you still have another option.
One especially promising sinusitis treatment that has revolutionized sinus care is the balloon sinuplasty procedure. This minimally invasive technique involves minimal tissue removal with hardly any pain.
Not only can this be done in our very own office, but it also has quicker recovery times than traditional sinus surgery. In fact, most patients resume their normal activities within two days.
If you’ve been living with pesky sinus problems, there’s no reason to continue to suffer — especially if you’ve faced bad luck with antibiotic treatments in the past. If you’re wondering whether you are a candidate for balloon sinuplasty or are interested in learning more about the benefits of balloon sinuplasty, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Glatz Group.
If antibiotics aren’t doing you any favors and you would like another approach to match your specific needs, we would be more than ‘Glatz’ to answer all your questions and find an ideal resolution.
As COVID-19 concerns are still prevalent and serious, we continue to offer the option to have your symptoms addressed via telemedicine for those who feel more comfortable seeking treatment or help from the safety and comfort of their own homes. If you’re in need of an appointment, you can feel secure knowing that we take precautionary measures to protect our patients and staff on a daily basis. For an in-office procedure, calls are also accepted.
