Winter weather in Texas isn’t as cold as in many of the northern states, but you may wonder if the cooler temperatures can improve your seasonal allergies. Since the sticky hot summer air has finally cooled off, you may hope that you’ll finally find some allergy relief.
Unfortunately, cold weather isn’t always a friend to your ears, nose, and throat. Keep reading to learn how a temperature change can trigger your allergies, and how you can get help from your Edinburg ENT doctor to fight off those pesky allergies!
When the outside temperature drops, the change can be hard on your lungs and lead to allergic reactions, including worsening congestion, runny nose, wheezing, and coughing fits.
But staying indoors all the time won’t help your allergies, either. Since it’s cooler outside, many people stay inside more often in the winter. You’re most likely keeping the windows closed and maybe turning the heat up a little higher. This creates a space with less fresh air and more dry heat. Staying indoors all the time in the winter can also make allergies to dust and pet dander worse.
Sometimes Texas winter days are really dry, which isn't the best for allergy sufferers. The cold, dry air can suck the moisture out of your nasal passages, lips, and skin, making it easier for allergens to settle into your lungs.
On the other hand, too much moisture in the air also isn’t good. If the Texas winter weather is too wet, it can encourage mold and dust mites to grow. The air moisture levels have to be just right to keep your allergies from reacting. However, that’s not always something we can control.
Being allergic to the cold is a real thing, and it’s called cold urticaria! The more common form causes itchy hives, swelling, and redness on the skin after exposure to cold temperatures. However, it needs to be under 39 degrees Fahrenheit for an allergic reaction to happen. Reactions usually pop up within a few minutes after warming the skin and only last a couple of hours.
Texas is great if you want to avoid having to deal with cold northern winters! However, you may not be able to completely escape your allergies just because the air is a bit warmer. But the Glatz Group has your back! There are a few things you can do to get winter allergy relief:
Knowing exactly what you’re allergic to can help you understand how you can protect your ears, nose, and throat. If you’re allergic to dust mites or pet dander, then you’ll know you need to dust often or bathe your furry friends more.
Reach out to our compassionate and experienced team at the Glatz Group to find out how you can fight off your allergy foes and still enjoy the cooler Texas weather!
If your loved ones' sneezes are enough to blow over the Christmas tree, they are probably looking for some relief! The cold and dry winter air can cause allergy flare-ups, and you don’t want anyone miserable during the holiday season. Give your friends and family a gift they can actually use for sinus relief this Christmas!
On the other hand, maybe your loved one’s allergies are under control, but you don’t want to give them a gift that could further irritate their ear, nose, or throat. Keep reading to find the ultimate list of gift ideas for anyone with allergies on your Christmas list!
Your loved ones will love the extra thought and care you’ve put into giving them a gift they can use for allergy relief!
You could also build a sinus relief holiday gift basket! Include tissues, nasal spray, decongestant tablets, allergy relief teas, and a gift card to their favorite pharmacy. Or, if they already have all the vacuums, air purifiers, and humidifiers they need, consider gifting your loved ones extra filters, as they can get a little expensive.
The one thing you don’t want to do this holiday season is to give your loved ones a thoughtful gift and then watch them suffer with a fit of sneezes. Protect your friends and family this Christmas by avoiding these gifts.
If your friends and family have a specific brand they know is safe, buy from them! Always ask before you buy a questionable product to avoid making your loved ones sick.
Allergies can really bring down the holiday spirit! Spending time sniffling, laying in bed, or sitting in front of the humidifier trying to find allergy relief isn’t the best way to spend the Christmas season.
Bring your loved ones with allergies to the Glatz Group to help them find relief this yea. With our experienced team, your friends and family can find the best solution to fighting allergies and get back to enjoying the things that matter most!
Now that summer has arrived, you may be hoping for some sinus relief after the colder winter months! Unfortunately, summer weather can still cause issues with your sinuses, despite being warmer. The changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can affect your sinuses, leaving you with pain or pressure in your eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
When humidity or dry heat hits, you may experience sinus pressure or pain. An ENT can help you learn how to keep sinus pain away this summer! Keep reading to learn how your sinuses can be harmed by humidity or dry heat and get some tips to avoid sinus pain this summer.
Your sinuses are covered by a thin lining called the mucous membrane, which itself is covered by tiny particles called cilia. The cilia keep your sinuses clean and push out mucus. However, they can also be vulnerable to changes in the weather.
When the humidity is high, the extra moisture in the air causes the cilia in your nose not to work as they should, which can cause you to have extra mucus. This excess mucus can drain into your throat, leading to coughs or sore throats, or can drain into your ears, causing them to clog, feel tender, or become infected.
Cilia in your body are affected by dry heat as well. With less moisture in the air, there is less moisture in your nose, which causes the mucus to dry up and become thicker and more likely to clog your sinuses. Not only is this uncomfortable, but dry mucus can lead to swelling, nosebleeds, and infections.
When the humidity rises, you can take action to help your sinuses. Follow these five tips to prevent sinus pain from humidity this summer.
5 Ways to Avoid Sinus Harm From Dry Heat
You may not be able to control the dryness of the summer day, but you can do some things to help keep your sinuses moist. During the dry summer, you can find relief for your sinuses by following these five tips.
Summer is supposed to be a great time for fun and adventures, but sometimes you may experience sinus pain from the humidity or dry heat. Don’t let the weather ruin your summer!
Dr. Glatz and his team of sinus experts are here to help you with your sinus troubles so that you can get back to your summer plans!
January is the time when most of us get started on our plans for the new year, looking forward to the sweet-smelling flowers and bright green foliage of spring! Unfortunately with that beautiful time comes allergy season.
If you’re dealing with sinus problems, choosing the right ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor can make all the difference in the world. Here at Glatz Group, our sinus doctors can provide the care and services you need to get back to feeling your best.
Below, you can learn more about some of the most common causes of seasonal allergies.
Allergies may come in many forms, from hay fever in the summer and autumn to indoor dust, mold, and pet dander year-round. However, one of the leading causes of year-round allergies is pollen:
Thankfully, there are a few simple steps that you can take to protect yourself from the sinus infections often caused by pollen.
If your allergy symptoms and sinus problems last throughout the year, you may have an allergy to something indoors. Year-round allergies, especially those suffered primarily indoors, are most common with people who are allergic to mold spores, pet dander, dust, and even cockroaches.
On the other hand, if your allergies occur primarily outside, you may be allergic to various types of grasses, trees, weeds, flowers, or certain types of mold. The best way to determine the cause of your allergies is to get an allergy test performed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT), also called an otolaryngologist.
In order to conduct the test, your ENT doctor will perform either a skin test or an allergen-specific blood test. After the test, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine, or in severe cases, a balloon sinuplasty, a type of sinus surgery.
Many allergies are passed down from family member to family member, making the process of narrowing down what you’re allergic to easier if it’s been previously diagnosed in a close family member.
Most springtime allergies are a result of various types of trees. In Northern America, these trees can include birch, cedar, alder, horse, chestnut, willow, and poplar.
The biggest contender for summertime allergies is actually grasses. In Northern America, these grasses include ryegrass, Timothy grass, and certain types of weeds. During the summer months, it’s also common for people to be allergic to hay, as it’s seasonally cut at this time. This gives summer seasonal allergies the nickname, “hay fever.”
Common plants that drop their pollen in the autumn months include nettles, mugworts, sorrels, fat hens, and plantains. The most common allergen in this season, however, is ragweed. Ragweed is an invasive plant that is hard to kill, and the symptoms of this allergy can be sometimes more severe than allergens in other seasons.
Outdoor allergies usually die down during the winter, as many flowering plants go dormant. However, the leaves falling from the tops of trees can harbor mold, which can trigger allergies. Most allergens in this season result from being indoors more often, including mold from poor ventilation or water damage, dust mites, and pet dander.
In order to combat these allergens, be sure to wash your clothes and bedsheets often, as well as rinse down you and your pets after being outside.
Your local sinus doctor and ENT specialists at Glatz Group can help you get relief from your sinus problems, regardless of the season. If you’re dealing with persistent symptoms, reach out to us today for a consultation and to start the process of taking control of your seasonal allergies.
Whether it’s a runny nose, a persistent cough, or a serious case of sniffles, allergies always seem to find a way to make our lives harder when the seasons change. One day you’re walking in the park and the next thing you know, you’ve entered a neverending sneeze marathon.
There’s never a convenient time to deal with seasonal allergies, but there are surprisingly effective ways to help combat those pesky symptoms whenever they pop up.
From making changes to your A/C to prioritizing hydration, there are all sorts of things that you can do to relieve your symptoms. Read on to learn more from your McAllen ENTs. If your symptoms persist or get worse, reach out to your sinus specialist for help.
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it can be easy to forget how many elements can impact your allergies throughout your day. Stay inside on especially windy days and steer clear of any outdoor work that can start your sinuses running.
Even if you’re staying inside, be sure to close your windows completely, especially if the pollen count is high that day. You want to maintain clean air in your personal space and not leave any room for outside allergens to work their way in.
For quick congestion relief, use a gentle nasal spray to effectively clean out mucus buildup and irritants from your nasal passages. If you have thicker buildup, saline spray is a major game-changer.
If you don’t have saline or any other nasal spray on hand, take a warm shower and breathe in the steam. This will gently loosen up any stubborn debris and work to relieve persistent sinus pressure. Laying a warm compress on your face afterward will also help to open up your sinuses.
The recommendation to drink plenty of fluids when you’re feeling under the weather is a common one, but for good reason. Staying hydrated not only flushes toxins out of the body but also works to combat high histamine levels. These histamines would otherwise trigger allergy-like symptoms.
Be as consistent as you can with your water intake. Challenge yourself to drink plenty of water even after allergy season. To boost your cells’ absorption levels and overall bodily functions, load up on essential electrolytes! These can be found in store-bought drinks like Pedialyte or Gatorade.
While staying inside is beneficial to keeping allergy triggers at bay, it can come with its own side effects. From dust mites to pet dander, your indoor air can be permeated with invisible allergens. The good news is that these allergens can be dramatically reduced.
Make it a point to change out your air filters about every 90 days. This helps ensure that you have clearer air to breath. Also, be sure to take the time to clean your space from the ground up. Start with a thorough vacuum or sweep, then wipe down surfaces (especially fan blades) with a multi surface cleaner. Decluttering in general is also key to cutting out places for dust to gather.
If you’re a pro at seasonal allergies, you can probably gauge when symptoms seem off-balance. If your allergies don’t get any better or get worse, consider making an appointment with your ENT. This can help you ensure that any issues are caught before they can become more severe and harder to treat.
Your local ear, nose and throat specialists at the Glatz Group can help you get through this season by alleviating your allergy symptoms or other sinus issues. Reach out to us today for a consultation, and get one step closer to taking control of your seasonal allergies.
Enlarged turbinates block air from passing freely through your nose, making it difficult to breathe, sleep, and function. This makes it necessary to reduce the size of your turbinates and clear the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing.
This procedure is known as turbinate reduction.
Before having this procedure, many people like to weigh its pros and cons to determine if it is worth having. Learn what the benefits of turbinate reduction are from your McAllen sinus specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT.
Turbinate reduction, also referred to as turbinate surgery, is a procedure where the nasal turbinates, the fleshy structures inside your nose, are examined and reduced in size to allow air to flow freely through the nasal passages.
When performed, this surgical procedure usually goes inside the nostril on both sides of the nose and takes under 10 minutes to complete.
Whether it’s the amount of recovery time or the quality of life, these factors play a big role when patients decide to go forward with the procedure. A few pros are:
Although this procedure is done under general anesthesia, it is still an outpatient procedure, meaning you will get to go home the same day. Having an outpatient procedure also means that the recovery time is faster and you will be able to return to work in a few days.
Once performed, turbinate reduction will clear your nasal passageway, allowing you to breathe better at night. Sleep apnea is a common reason for getting this procedure and many find that their sleep is no longer disrupted after.
If your turbinates are swollen, it can result in pain or pressure in your head along with frequent headaches. After the procedure is done, the turbinates are no longer the cause of pain and pressure, which can lessen the chance of your headaches.
Another side effect of swollen turbinates is a stuffy nose. Once the turbinate reduction is done, the sinuses will be cleared, making it easier for air to flow through and improving your breathing.
With every procedure, there are bound to be side effects. Patients will often choose to move forward with the procedure if the pros outweigh the cons or the cons are manageable.
Some cons of turbinate reduction include:
If you have to have the whole turbinate removed, you will be unable to feel air passing through your nasal passages, resulting in the feeling of an empty nose. In cases such as this one, there is no treatment for it.
Depending on the case, some may have frequent drying and crusting of the nose. This can often be solved by using humidifiers, sea salt and saline nasal rinses, and avoiding caffeine.
The dryness that sometimes occurs can result in a greater number of nosebleeds. This can also be treated with the use of humidifiers and nasal rinses.
Although these side effects can happen after a procedure, they can often be avoided by seeing a physician who is board-certified in turbinate reduction.
Once it is confirmed that you have enlarged turbinates, our Physician Assistant (PA), Jonathan Lerma, who is certified through Medtronic in turbinate reduction, will perform one of the following procedures to reduce the size of your turbinates.
After each procedure, fatigue, nasal stuffiness, and mild drainage are to be expected. Because Jonathan Lerma is certified in this procedure, he and our team of sinus relief specialists will be able to walk you through each procedure and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
If you are suffering from the effects of swollen or enlarged turbinates, it may be time to schedule a turbinate reduction.
Make an appointment with Jonathan Lerma and our team of sinus relief specialists today to discuss your treatment options.
A sore throat is by far one of the most unpleasant parts of getting sick. Luckily, there are several home remedies you can try on your own.
Today, your experienced McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will share six of the most effective home remedies for a sore throat, as well as those that do not work as advertised.
Enjoy some warm drinks like tea or chicken soup. Or give cold liquids, including ice water or popsicles, a try.
Liquids help clear out mucous membranes, maintain the flow of things, and prevent sinus infections. Warm temperatures may also minimize coughs by soothing the back of the throat. Try both temperatures out to determine which is ideal for you.
Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt — or a relative portion of baking soda — into a glass of warm water. Gargle this every three hours for a sore throat remedy that is completely natural. Make sure you do not swallow it.
Salt water can help decrease swelling and irritation in your throat. Baking soda also tones down the throat pain by breaking up the built-up mucus. It can in turn help with the throat irritation that comes from acid reflux.
An antihistamine may moderate or alleviate throat pain. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are also good options to assist with pain that’s found a bit deeper in the glands and other neck regions.
Histamines are chemicals that give your immune system the strength to combat foreign substances. However, it is worth mentioning that sometimes they can be too much, triggering symptoms (e.g. congestion and post-nasal drip) that may cause a sore throat to feel even worse. Antihistamines can offset this overreaction.
Treat yourself to a hot shower. Once your bathroom gets really steamy, breathe it all in.
The steam from the hot shower loosens mucus and can provide moisture and relief to a sore throat.
A hot toddy is a drink concoction made up of water, whiskey, honey, and lemon juice and served hot. Some people like to add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
Hot toddies have been shown to be extremely soothing. The following reasons are:
Don’t underestimate how much physical rest can help your body and voice. Keep in mind that lying flat can sometimes lead to swelling from a rise in pressure at the back of the throat. Instead, try creating a higher elevation for your bed or sitting propped up or in a chair to calm the pain and discomfort.
Unfortunately, not all sore throat remedies are made equal. It is in your best interest to avoid the following remedies:
And avoid anything that may potentially irritate your throat, such as:
Reach out to a doctor if you:
If after trying out these home remedies, your sore throat has worsened or persisted, don’t wait to book your appointment with our McAllen sinus doctor.
Don’t forget, when dealing with illnesses, an ounce of prevention is worthwhile. Wash your hands frequently. And if you do happen to get sick, it is highly recommended that you replace your toothbrush with one that is fresh and free of germs as soon as possible.
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Managing a sinus infection can feel especially difficult throughout pregnancy.
Sinus infections are not an uncommon complication of having a cold or dealing with allergies and, unfortunately, they can lead to painful nasal congestion (rhinitis) along with other symptoms.
Experts have suggested that hormonal changes may play a part in rhinitis being brought out by pregnancy, which generally takes place during the second and third trimesters and goes away within two weeks of childbirth.
Regardless of the source of your sinus infection during pregnancy, it is critical to be familiar with how to alleviate symptoms in a non-threatening manner. Today, your team of McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will demonstrate how to deal with a sinus infection while pregnant.
A sinus infection by itself has a low chance of harming the developing fetus. It is worth noting, however, that in rare circumstances, symptoms can result in complications.
Being pregnant may also impact how severe the sinus infection symptoms are.
For instance, one study observed the effect that a pregnant woman’s body mass index (BMI) and stage of pregnancy could have on nasal congestion. The researchers discovered that both enhanced BMI and gestational age have a significant influence on the degree of nasal congestion throughout pregnancy.
They claim that women with gestational diabetes or several pregnancies (like twins or triplets) may be more at risk of getting pregnancy-induced rhinitis. This could be because of a rise in pregnancy hormones.
The researchers also state that recurring nasal congestion could come with risks for a fetus’ development and growth due to a gradual drop of oxygen.
Complications like these are quite rare, and with the right treatment, the threats to the fetus are rather low.
Another study came to find that nasal congestion from allergies had nothing to do with birth outcomes. In fact, there was a less frequent occurrence of congenital abnormalities in the babies of women who had faced these symptoms.
While there may be temptations to go for the common over-the-counter (OTC) medications for fast relief, some of these drugs could be dangerous, based on the period of the pregnancy.
A doctor might prescribe corticosteroids to handle nasal congestion, but only following the initial trimester.
It is highly recommended to avoid the following drugs when pregnant, although a few doctors may prescribe them at small dosages, particularly for those suffering from allergies:
Other effective OTC medications and home remedies are okay to take during pregnancy. A doctor can advise the most ideal treatment options for your unique needs.
Potential home remedies that could help provide some relief from your symptoms include:
The most common symptom of a sinus infection, or sinusitis, is painful sensations or sensitivity in the nose and cheeks areas.
An infection causes inflammation in the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead. The inflammation prevents mucus in the sinuses from draining properly, causing pain and pressure.
Other symptoms of a sinus infection are the following:
In many situations, people can take care of a sinus infection with remedies from home.
However, if a pregnant woman notices the following symptoms, it is in their best interest to visit their doctor immediately:
A doctor may prescribe medication to get rid of the infection, which could affect the woman’s overall health and pregnancy trimester.
Getting sick is already a drag on its own, but getting sick during pregnancy can be especially tough, as you may not be able to take your average OTC medications.
In some cases, a doctor can provide medication with little risk to the developing fetus.
If the following home remedies do not help resolve your sinusitis symptoms, you may wish to consider setting up an appointment with us. We want to make sure your pregnancy is a healthy one for you and your baby.
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While flu and cold season may have passed, many people are still suffering from allergies that cause them to sneeze constantly.
Sneezing is a reflex we simply cannot control and can actually occur in several different forms. Your McAllen sinus specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT would like to share some fun facts about sneezing.
Sneezes can travel up to 100 mph but are generally between 30 to 35 mph. Unfortunately, the speed at which they travel means germ-ridden sneezes can cover a lot of ground.
Sneezes generally spread in about a five-foot radius, but a powerful sneeze can land as far as 30 feet away.
The biological reboot signaled by the pressure force of a sneeze is similar to a computer quickly rebooting.
Sneezes reset the setting within our nasal passageways, helping to remove the contaminants in our airways. The microscopic hairs that line our nasal cavities help to moderate sneezes.
Did you know sunlight makes us sneeze?
A reaction referred to as a photic sneeze reflex causes some people to sneeze because of sunlight. Though not fully understood, it’s believed that the signal the brain receives to shrink the pupils when near bright light may run into the message the brain is given to sneeze.
There’s little you can do to keep your eyes open if you’re about to sneeze. The buildup to a sneeze includes closing the eyes as part of the message the brain gets.
Your heart actually doesn’t skip a beat when you sneeze, contrary to popular belief. The stimulation of the vagus nerve that takes place during a sneeze is a result of the deep breath most people take prior to sneezing.
It is best to stop attempting to stuff that sneeze back in. While it is rare, trying to hold a sneeze can actually result in serious injuries.
We happen to be capable of stopping the urge to sneeze.
There are a couple tricks that may cause a sneeze to pass if you’re getting a light tingle. Rubbing your nose, pressing on your upper lip under your nose, or forcing a big, deep breath out your nose can help stop a sneeze.
There are times when particles that are stuck in the nasal passageways need some extra help getting removed from your airways. More often than you would assume, it takes more than one attempt to get all of those irritants out, which is why we generally sneeze several times in a row.
Our McAllen ENT specialists are ready to help with all your sinus relief needs. While sneezing is common, it can be an indicator of another problem.
If you are dealing with allergies, reach out to our ENT office in McAllen to diagnose the issue and help you find the relief you deserve.
As flu season peaks, it’s imperative to understand exactly what the flu is, when to get the flu vaccine, and how you can prevent yourself from catching it. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to get vaccinated, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that flu activity is low at this time.
In the United States, flu season peaks between December and February, but can run until May.
During this time it is crucial to know the difference between the common cold and the influenza virus. Luckily, your trusted McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT are here to explain everything you need to know about the flu.
The flu is a contagious respiratory disease brought on by influenza viruses, and which can result in severe infections in the nose, throat, and even the lungs. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the illness.
During flu season, it is vital to be aware of the fact that there are two separate flu strains, type A and type B.
These two strains are the source of the seasonal flu epidemics that generally occur every year. Type B flu is only found in humans and generally causes a less severe reaction when compared to type A. Another important distinction is that type B does not result in pandemics.
Depending on the type of flu strain that is affecting you, and the severity of the illness, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
You might ask yourself why the flu vaccine is important. Despite the fact that the flu vaccine won’t help to protect you from COVID-19, it is proven to lessen the risk of catching the flu, being hospitalized, and — in the worst-case scenario — a flu-related death.
It is also worth noting that by getting the flu vaccine, you could be saving vital healthcare resources for those that have been infected with the coronavirus. The CDC states that the flu vaccine minimizes your risk of needing to pay a visit to the doctor by 40-60%.
Additionally, getting the flu vaccine is beneficial for those with chronic health problems because it can lower the rate of a cardiac event, can reduce hospitalizations related to chronic lung disease, and is associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for those with diabetes.
The flu vaccine is also helpful for women throughout and after pregnancy, school-aged children, and those who get vaccinated but still find themselves getting sick.
According to the CDC, throughout the 2018-2019 flu season, roughly 35.5 million people caught the virus, which resulted in about 34,000 deaths in the US. The best way to stay safe during flu season is to prevent yourself from catching it.
The best preventive measure to take during flu season is to get your flu shot. The next important steps you can take are:
By taking these precautions and taking care of yourself during flu season, not only are you saving yourself from catching the flu, but you are also protecting others from the illness.
Although the flu is not usually fatal, here at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT, we strongly urge those debating whether or not to get a flu shot to do so. By taking this preventive measure, you can save lives and keep those you love healthy.
If you experience symptoms that are similar to the flu, but which turn out to be allergies or sinuses, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.
