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.
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.
