Have you suffered from sinus problems and aren’t sure where to go next? Are allergy symptoms taking over your life?
If the answer to both of those questions is, “Yes,” you could be the perfect candidate for balloon sinuplasty. This procedure can greatly improve your quality of life by helping you to breathe easier and removing many of the troubling symptoms that come with sinus problems.
Your team of sinus relief specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT want to provide you with some insight into how balloon sinuplasty can be the optimal choice for you if you’re ready to live a life free of sinusitis.
Balloon sinuplasty is a safe and affordable procedure to fix many of your sinus-related issues.
Balloon sinuplasty was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 and has since been used to treat over 375,000 individuals suffering from sinus problems.
During the procedure, our sinus doctor will put a small balloon in the sinus openings in order to expand them and improve drainage. After this part of the procedure is done, the balloon is then safely deflated and removed.
Amazingly, this non-invasive procedure does not require the removal of any tissue or bones, and has been said to be just as effective as conventional sinus surgery. Another benefit is that the balloon sinuplasty procedure can be performed in our McAllen ENT office, which means you save money and time by not having to stay overnight in a hospital.
If you suffer from chronic sinusitis that has not been effectively treated by over-the-counter or prescription medications, balloon sinuplasty could be the answer.
Individuals struggling with nasal congestion, coughing, headaches, or even bad breath due to sinus issues could also benefit from the procedure. If your sinusitis isn’t due to a deviated septum or nasal polyps, there is a good chance that balloon sinuplasty could be the answer to your problems.
However, if you are dealing with issues to the physical structure of your nose - such as a deviated septum - you will likely need the anatomical problem corrected through another procedure.
Otolaryngologists, also known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors specialize in performing balloon sinuplasty. Our sinus relief specialists at Glatz Group will perform a number of thorough exams in order to determine what procedure is right for you and to ensure that you are a prime candidate for balloon sinuplasty.
Ultimately, our goal is to provide the medical care and service that you need.
Not only is balloon sinuplasty less invasive than conventional sinus surgery, but it is also considered a safe alternative. Because balloon sinuplasty is not performed in an operating room at a hospital, which can greatly increase costs, the procedure is also a more cost-effective option. Additionally, the procedure is typically covered by most insurance companies.
Alongside being a less invasive and reasonably priced alternative, there’s also less downtime for recovery. This means less pain and bleeding that is associated with traditional sinus surgery.
Balloon sinuplasty also helps to preserve your healthy mucus membranes, nasal tissues, and structure.
And perhaps the biggest reason why you should choose balloon sinuplasty - you can rid yourself of the painful and bothersome symptoms associated with chronic sinusitis. An enhanced quality of life is something that you just can’t beat!
If you are looking for permanent relief from your chronic sinus pain, balloon sinuplasty could be a great option! If you are one of the 37 million Americans that suffer from sinusitis, the Glatz Group can help you get a new lease on life. Why spend one more day living in discomfort?
Runny noses, sore throats, sneezing, congestion, and itchy watery eyes are all dreadful allergy symptoms that people suffer from everyday. It can feel as if you would do anything to make these symptoms go away. However, it is important to know which fake allergy remedies to watch out for when looking for ways to relieve allergy symptoms.
Of course, a consultation with a McAllen ENT can help you find better solutions to easing allergy symptoms, so reaching out to one is always a great idea. But without further adieu, let’s identify what the fake and false are and take a look into the tried and true you should depend on.
It is a common misconception that drinking about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar every day will cure all allergy symptoms. However, this is not true. Drinking apple cider vinegar won’t do any harm to you, but it also will not relieve any allergy symptoms.
Decongestants help shrink nasal passages, which helps relieve allergy symptoms. Some common decongestants are Afrin, Sudafed PE, and Vicks Sinex, all of which can be purchased at your local drug store. Remember, it is always smart to consult with your doctor before taking any new medications, and always read and stick to the directions on the package.
Seeing a chiropractor is great for back pain and sudden injuries, but unfortunately getting an adjustment won’t help cure any allergy symptoms. Going to your chiropractor won’t cause your allergy symptoms to get better or worse.
Nasal sprays are a great way to relieve allergy symptoms. Steroid versions of nasal sprays are often the first choice when looking for ways to relieve allergies. Nasal sprays can be purchased at drug stores or prescribed by your doctor.
If you’re allergic to your furry friend, continued exposure to them won’t make your allergy symptoms go away over time. Continued exposure will more than likely just end up making your allergy symptoms worse. The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to--unfortunately--stay away from the animal completely, then completely scrub the whole home of any residual dander.
We here at Glatz Group know that staying away from a pet you’ve come to love is impossible, so an antihistamine can help alleviate a lot of the allergy symptoms you may experience like runny noses, sneezing, and watery itchy eyes, all of which are common allergic reactions to pets.
Some common antihistamines you can take are Zyrtec, Allegra, Dimetane, and Benadryl and can all be purchased at your local drug store. If you’re concerned about the medication making you feel sleepy, check on the box for one that has a non-drowsy formula.
Most people think that eating honey will relieve allergy symptoms related to pollen. However, this is not true because the pollen that bees collect is hardly ever the one that causes allergic reactions. Most people that are allergic to pollen are allergic to the one found in trees and bushes, not the one found in flowers, and their eyes are what mostly suffer for it. Eating honey might be tasty, but it will not make a difference in your allergy symptoms.
Allergies that cause watery itchy eyes can be relieved by using eye drops. Eye drops that contain antihistamines such as Visine All Day Eye Itch Relief, Claritin Eye, and Alaway can be purchased over the counter. A trip to your ENT can also be beneficial because your ENT can prescribe prescription grade eye drops if your irritation worsens.
If your allergy symptoms have become too much to handle, balloon sinuplasty could be the answer. The sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group can help you live a life that isn’t controlled by allergies with this procedure.
Balloon sinuplasty reshapes the anatomy of one's sinus pathways in order to expand them. This allows the sinuses a better way to drain mucus and relieve congestion. Balloon sinuplasty is safe and effective and can be done right in our office! Click here to check and see if a trip to our office could be beneficial for you.
If your sinus symptoms get worse as the temperatures drop, there’s one thing that’s certain -- it’s not just in your head.
While sinus inflammation most commonly takes place during the spring and summer months because of seasonal allergies, there are plenty of people who suffer from sinusitis year-round. For certain individuals, sinus symptoms actually increase during fall and winter.
There are several factors that can aggravate the sinuses and trigger winter sinus flare-ups. Cold weather usually means drier air, both outside and indoors, due to heating in the home. Breathing in drier air can make your nose dry out and develop extra mucus, which can thicken and result in congestion and inflammation.
You can, however, take steps to help keep your sinuses in check this winter.
Today, your local McAllen certified physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his loyal team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will list 5 strategies to help you avoid winter sinus flare-ups and protect your sinuses.
Indoor allergens such as dust and pet dander are common triggers of sinusitis. Rugs, blankets, upholstered furniture, and winter bedding tend to collect extra allergens, which can make your sinusitis worse. These triggers may intensify during the winter months since there may be less air circulation in your home and pets may be spending more time indoors.
Vacuuming and dusting with a damp cloth frequently can help lessen your exposure to allergens and other sinus-irritating particles. It can also be beneficial to make sure your winter bedding is dry and dust-free.
One of the most important steps you can take to help ease winter sinus issues is to make sure the air you’re breathing is of the best quality possible.
Using a humidifier will help fight the dry air that comes from heating your home and to keep your sinuses moist. Also, running a HEPA air filter to eliminate irritating particles and allergens in the air can help your whole respiratory system function better.
Taking a hot shower and using steam is a simple, effective remedy that can help relieve sinus pressure and headaches. The steam from a hot shower may support the thinning and loosening of mucus and congestion, allowing for better drainage.
The combination of moisture and warmth can soothe the irritation of the nasal passageways, and in particular cases, may help clear up a stuffy nose, at least temporarily.
Using a neti pot or other nasal irrigation tool is a great way to help alleviate sinus congestion. With regular use, it can help to keep sinus symptoms at bay while maintaining sinus health.
These instruments work by flushing out clogged sinuses and nasal openings with a saline solution. Rinsing daily helps to keep the nose and sinuses clear and moisturized, while also ridding your passageways of irritants, allergens, and bacteria that can cause an infection.
It’s critical to use only filtered, boiled, or distilled water, and to properly clean the pot after every use. Don’t use water straight from the tap.
Winter is the prime season for the cold, flu, and other viruses that provoke inflammation of the nasal passages, congestion, and the thickening of mucous. Catching a cold can make you more susceptible to having further sinus troubles, and when symptoms persist, it may result in a sinus infection.
To protect your sinus health, take precautionary measures to avoid getting sick. Basic measures to help keep your immune system strong include:
Feel like you’ve tried everything and are still stuck with chronic sinus symptoms? If your winter sinus flare-ups just won’t seem to disappear, it may be time to visit your local ENT at Glatz Group of Valley ENT.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise this winter, we will keep offering alternative methods to have your symptoms addressed with telemedicine, where you can be assisted without leaving your home. For in-person appointments, we ensure that all precautionary steps are being taken every day -- and we also take calls.
Take control of your sinusitis this winter. Enjoy the season without sinus troubles when you stop by The Glatz Group of Valley ENT!
The heat and humidity in our region can leave you dripping in sweat and running indoors to seek relief. However, this strong desire to be inside with the air conditioner isn’t the only impact that Texas weather has on our lives.
As anybody suffering sinus or allergy symptoms knows, Texas weather can cause serious Texas allergies. Today, your trusted McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his right-hand team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will discuss how Texas weather can affect your allergies.
Hot and muggy days can make it hard to breathe. This is especially the case for people with allergies. The high temperatures can also lead to your body working significantly harder to keep cool, making other physical processes tougher.
People whose nasal passages are blocked due to sinus inflammation will be particularly prone to breathing difficulties throughout humid weather. You may also find that you have issues breathing in the heat if you suffer from asthma.
While high humidity can be problematic, some of the solutions to mitigate any issues can be just as bad for allergy sufferers. If you spend a lot of time indoors to avoid outdoor weather that negatively affects your sinuses, you can end up exposing yourself to air that’s too dry.
Also, it’s not uncommon to bring outdoor allergens indoors. Pollen and dander, for example, can come on air currents and clothes, settling on furniture and bedding. Changing clothes when you get home and using high-quality filters on your home’s HVAC units can decrease the likelihood of running into allergies when indoors.
Here in Texas, our growing season tends to last year-round. Because of this, there’s almost always something blooming and releasing pollen into the air.
Some allergenic trees often bloom in the winter. Grasses release pollen in spring. Ragweed blooms in late summer and early fall. Learning which kinds of pollen you’re most susceptible to can make it easier to remain comfortable during the year.
Throughout high pollen count times of the year, try staying indoors during the day and engaging in outdoor activities after dark. Pollen counts and wind levels drop at night, meaning that you’re less likely to suffer from pollen-related allergy attacks.
Pollen isn’t the only allergen that can make allergy sufferers miserable. Mold is also an extremely common trigger for Texas allergies. Mold spores are always present in just about every environment. These spores linger unseen until they find the right combination of moisture and warmth to grow.
During heavy rains, there is almost always dead vegetation that can be host to allergenic mold and mildew. Inside homes, mold finds hospitable growing environments in damp cellars, closets, crawlspaces and even bathrooms with inadequate ventilation.
Even for people without chronic sinusitis or other sinus health problems, allergies can be a painful reminder of sudden weather changes. But how can you tell whether allergies are causing your pain or if you have an actual sinus infection? If you don’t have a history of sinus infections and think your allergies may be giving you trouble, try taking an antihistamine to treat your symptoms.
If your sinus issues are caused by allergies, taking an antihistamine should offer some relief. However, antihistamines aren’t beneficial for non-allergy related sinus issues. Even if they do provide some temporary relief, it’s not in your best interest to keep taking them.
A balloon sinuplasty treatment can help chronic sufferers without the painful traditional surgical procedures of cutting through nasal bone and tissue. This means patients feel less pain and heal at a quicker rate compared to other types of sinus treatments.
Whether you’re suffering from painful dry air, nagging allergies, or something in between, you should visit your local ENT for lasting relief. At our office or online, we can offer quality allergy treatments to help both diagnose and treat your pesky seasonal allergies. The road to healthier sinuses is only an appointment away.
With COVID-19 cases rising again this season, we will continue providing alternative options to have your symptoms addressed through telemedicine, where you can be taken care of from the safety of your home.
For in-person appointments, you can rest assured knowing we’re taking all precautionary measures, and we also accept 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.
Enlarged turbinates, or turbinate hypertrophy, is a condition that happens as the result of chronic inflammation of the mucosal membranes that cover the turbinates. When these membranes become chronically swollen, they can develop prolonged nasal congestion.
Fortunately, there’s a solution, and the McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT are here to help you understand your options for relief.
Turbinates are comprised of bone and soft tissue and are found inside the nose by the septum. The cartilage and bone are aligned with a thin protective membrane called mucosa which helps maintain moisture in your nose. There’s typically space between the septum and turbinates to let air pass through the nose, and the turbinates help bring warmth and moisture to the air that passes through.
There are three turbinates in both nostrils (inferior, middle, and superior), but the inferior turbinates impact airflow the most. For many, the soft tissue part of the turbinates is the key issue--where the turbinates become enlarged--causing nasal congestion and even obstruction.
As mentioned above, if the inferior turbinates are too large, they can cause nasal obstruction in one or both sides of the nose. Nasal obstruction is a blockage of the nose or nasal cavity that affects your ability to breathe through the nose.
As a result, those affected tend to breathe through their mouth, often resulting in dry mouth. For others, these symptoms worsen at night and can impact sleep. Learn more about nasal obstruction and what else causes it here.
Symptoms of enlarged turbinates may include:
Generally, we will ask you about your symptoms and conduct a nasal examination via a lighted, 4mm nasal endoscope. The endoscope will help us see the nasal and sinus passageways and figure out the source of your nasal congestion. For certain patients, CT scans and allergy testing may also be done.
When enlarged inferior turbinates are confirmed as the main contributing factor of nasal obstruction, turbinate reduction procedures may be recommended to reduce the size of the turbinates and improve breathing.
Two of the most commonly performed procedures include Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Submucosal Reduction (SMR). Both are efficient in shrinking the swelling of the turbinate mucosa and in decreasing the congested lining.
In this procedure, a small probe is placed in the submucosal area of the turbinate (between the inner turbinate bone and the outer mucosal lining) and low-power radiofrequency energy is applied to minimize tissue volume.
For the SMR procedure, a small incision is made in the front part (head) of the inferior turbinate. General or local anesthesia is administered to the patient, and dissection is done by making a pocket in the submucosal lining for placement of a tool called a microdebrider. The microdebrider utilizes suction to gently pull up the engorged submucosal tissue and some bone of the inferior turbinate, and the rotating blades slice it down or shrink it. Once the submucosal lining has been reduced, the healing process begins and scar tissue forms to prevent the lining from swelling as it had prior to surgery.
Another Option to Open Up the Nasal Pathway
Moving or “out-fracturing” the turbinate bone may be suggested to particular patients to open up the nasal pathway. This is an additional operation that can be done alongside an RFA or SMR.
In an “out-fracture” procedure, the inferior turbinate Conchal bone is moved or “out-fractured” from its usual midline position to a more lateral position alongside the nasal sidewalls. This permits the primary component of the nasal airway to open up, enhancing improved airflow.
If you have any questions about Turbinate Reduction, you can look through our frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) here.
If you have any other questions about what to expect from Turbinate Reduction surgery, you can also refer to Jonathan's first-hand experience with the procedure in his video where you’ll also find the list of FAQ’s to give patients an idea of what to expect.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, we can address your symptoms through telemedicine based on your preference, comfort, and safety. If you need an appointment, you can rest assured knowing that we take the precautionary measures to protect our patients and staff. For a procedure done in our office, calls are also welcomed.
Nasal breathing transfers roughly 70% of airflow to your lungs. Nasal airway obstruction is essentially blockage of the nose or nasal cavity, and more than 20 million Americans are estimated to suffer from nasal airway obstruction, which limits airflow through the nose with serious consequences in regards to the quality of life.
Either one or both nostrils may be impacted. While most nasal obstructions are temporary--caused by colds, allergies, sinus infections, or medications--others require medical intervention.
After years of working with our trusted McAllen ENT, Dr. Frank R. Glatz, McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT have just the remedy you’re looking for if you are suffering from nasal airway obstruction.
Narrowing of the nasal valve can be induced by an enlargement of any of the three main structures. The septum, lateral wall, and turbinates create a triangular area called the Nasal Valve. If any of these tissues expand in size, nasal airway size is minimized, resulting in decreased airflow.
Nasal polyps, foreign objects in the nose, oversized adenoids, and swelling of the nasal lining due to allergies can all cause a nasal obstruction as well. If any of these matches the symptoms you suffer from, an appointment with the Glatz Group can determine what your best options are for relief.
This decreased volume of air can lead to the following:
Treating nasal obstructions is a straightforward process where we carefully examine your nose through a lighted scope, a CT scan, or an MRI to determine what in particular is causing your nasal obstruction. The first step in treating nasal obstructions is getting those symptoms under control. Medications or nasal steroid sprays are generally helpful in reducing inflammation of the nose and turbinates and providing quick, temporary relief.
Nightly breathing strips and nasal dilators never fully fix the problem but are options for ongoing at-home remedies you can try. It is worth noting that home remedies are not a permanent solution.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus procedure available to eligible patients performed in our office.
This treatment has achieved outstanding outcomes for many patients, while requiring little or no anesthesia and minimal recovery time. This treatment is performed in place of more invasive and aggressive surgeries that involve general anesthesia with tedious recovery processes.
This technology utilizes a tiny, flexible, balloon catheter that is positioned into the nose to access the sinuses. The sinus balloon catheter gradually inflates to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus drainage opening, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining and restoring typical sinus drainage and function.
There’s no cutting or tissue removal, with minimal risk of scarring within the nose. Most patients generally recover within 48 hours.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we will carry on taking all precautionary measures possible to keep our staff and patients safe. While we do in-house procedures with safety at the forefront, we are also able to address your nasal airway obstruction symptoms online via our telemedicine services or over the phone.
Allergies to our little furry friends are common, especially for people who already suffer from allergies or asthma, and it doesn’t help that the pandemic has given those affected no choice but to spend more time stuck at home with those allergens.
But your time cooped up at home doesn’t have to be miserable when there are options for relief. After years working alongside our McAllen ENT, Dr. Frank R. Glatz, McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT have the solutions you need when it comes to dealing with pet allergies.
The immune system’s role is to locate foreign substances like viruses and bacteria and eliminate them. People with pet allergies, however, have over-sensitive immune systems, reacting to the pet's urine, saliva, or dander--a.k.a. dead flakes of skin.
Cat and dog allergens are all over the place, as they can gather on furniture as well as other surfaces. In fact, pet allergens can be found in places that have never housed pets because people can carry them on their clothes.
Additionally, pet allergens can get into the air whenever the animal is petted or groomed, and it can be stirred up where the allergens originally settled, either through dusting, vacuuming, or other household chores. Once airborne, the particles can stay in the air or settle on walls for long periods of time.
Cat and dog allergens can land on membranes lining the eyes and nose, causing swelling and itching of the membranes, stuffy nose, and inflamed eyes. A pet scratch or lick can also irritate the skin area, and itchy eyes can occur after petting an animal and touching your eyes as well.
As a matter of fact, contact with a cat may trigger an asthma attack for at least three in ten people with asthma, and it can also result in chronic asthma.
Many airborne particles are microscopic enough to access the lungs. For some, this exposure can lead to breathing issues. Highly sensitive people can start to cough, wheeze, and experience shortness of breath within 15 to 30 minutes of inhaling allergens. Sometimes people also get a severe rash on the face, neck, and upper chest.
Your sinus doctor will diagnose a pet allergy based on your symptoms, your medical history, a physical examination, and/or a blood or skin test. The results of the allergy testing will display if there’s allergic sensitivity to the animal.
The doctor may tell you to stay out of the home where the pet lives to see if your symptoms stop. It doesn’t help to remove the dog or cat because the allergen will stay in your home, so much so, in fact, that pet allergens in the home can trigger symptoms months after the animal is gone.
Keeping your pet outside will help but won’t take out the allergens inside your home. Another alternative is to pick pets without fur or feathers like fish, snakes, or turtles.
While finding a new home for a pet and a thorough house cleaning is the best option to eliminate pet allergies, most animal lovers prefer to keep their little fur babies. Here are few things you can do to lessen exposure:
Since COVID-19 remains a major health crisis, the safety and well-being of our staff and patients will continue to be our top priority. We can address your pet-related allergy symptoms online with our telemedicine services or through a phone call.
If you’re in need of an immediate procedure done in our office, that may also be scheduled upon request.
Hurricane season can be unforgiving, as we most recently experienced here in the Rio Grande Valley with Hurricane Hanna.
The destruction hurricanes leave behind can take years to rebuild. The toll on an individual’s well-being and overall health can be just as serious, especially if they suffer from allergies or asthma.
As if COVID-19 concerns aren’t worrisome enough, allergy season is worse than ever this year, and hurricane season isn’t going to make it any better. If anything, it can worsen those symptoms.
Today, your certified McAllen physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his dependable team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will help provide you with a better understanding of how hurricane season can worsen your allergies or asthma.
Weather patterns affect environmental allergies.
Hurricanes can make allergy and asthma symptoms worse due to the fact that pollen and mold spores spread into the air after intense weather conditions. The high winds spread those wet mold spores into the air and a lack of air circulation because of lost power allows more allergens to enter your home.
Following a severe storm, debris from trees and plants also become covered with mold and other triggers that can intensify allergic and asthmatic symptoms. Allergic reactions to mold include nasal congestion, coughing, and sneezing. Asthmatics can experience wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Allergy season generally peaks once the leaves start to fall in October and November, but the damage caused by hurricanes results in many trees on the ground and a multitude of mold from standing water.
The cleanup process should begin as soon as you're possibly able to. This can’t take place without proper preparation for those with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, and those with weak immune systems.
When the floodwater recedes and cleanup starts, respiratory ailments rise as a result of mold.
You should always take precautions when cleaning up after a hurricane since it comes with several risks. Mold can begin to grow shortly after flooding and can quickly take over a home.
Try taking the following precautions when you being the cleaning process:
We hope that the advice we shared can help to prepare you for what may come with hurricane season and your allergies.
Since COVID-19 is an unresolved health crisis, we continue to look after the safety and well-being of our beloved staff and patients. If you would like to have your symptoms addressed without coming to the office, it can be conducted online with our telemedicine services.
Appointments are also a phone call away.
If you are in need of an in-office procedure, we can set that up accordingly.
