Balloon sinuplasty is designed to improve drainage through certain blocked sinus openings, but it is not a primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
However, some people with sleep apnea also have chronic sinus congestion or nasal obstruction that makes nighttime breathing more difficult. In those cases, treating the sinus problem may improve nasal airflow and make sleep or other sleep apnea treatments more comfortable.
Obstructive sleep apnea, commonly called OSA, occurs when the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep.
These interruptions can reduce airflow and cause repeated awakenings throughout the night.
Common symptoms may include:
Snoring alone does not necessarily mean someone has sleep apnea. A sleep evaluation is needed to determine whether OSA is present.
Nasal congestion and sinus inflammation can make it harder to breathe comfortably through the nose at night.
For someone who already has obstructive sleep apnea, additional nasal obstruction may make nighttime breathing feel more difficult and can sometimes make CPAP use less comfortable.
Treating nasal obstruction may improve breathing and sleep quality, but it does not necessarily eliminate the airway collapse responsible for OSA. Nasal treatment is often considered an additional part of a larger sleep apnea treatment plan. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="1"}
Balloon sinuplasty does not directly treat the throat or tongue base collapse that commonly causes obstructive sleep apnea.
Its purpose is to widen certain blocked sinus openings and improve sinus drainage.
If chronic sinusitis or poor sinus drainage is contributing to nasal obstruction, balloon sinuplasty may improve nasal breathing in an appropriately selected patient.
That improvement may make sleeping more comfortable or help some patients tolerate other sleep apnea treatments more easily, but balloon sinuplasty should not be considered a replacement for a proper sleep apnea evaluation or prescribed OSA treatment.
For some patients, nasal obstruction can make CPAP treatment harder to tolerate.
Improving nasal airflow may make CPAP use more comfortable in selected patients. ENT evaluation can help determine whether allergies, sinusitis, a deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, or another nasal problem is contributing to difficulty breathing through the nose. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="2"}
A sinus evaluation may be useful if you have sleep apnea along with symptoms such as:
These symptoms do not automatically mean balloon sinuplasty is appropriate. An ENT first needs to determine what is causing the nasal obstruction.
Sleep apnea can involve several areas of the upper airway, not just the nose and sinuses.
Possible contributing factors may include:
Because several areas may contribute to OSA, treatment should be based on an evaluation of the entire airway rather than nasal symptoms alone.
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the sleep apnea.
Positive airway pressure therapy, including CPAP, is a standard treatment for many adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Other options may include oral appliances, weight management, positional treatment, or surgery depending on the patient. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}
For selected patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, other treatments may also be considered after a complete evaluation.
Glatz Group also provides evaluation for Inspire sleep apnea treatment for appropriate candidates.
Balloon sinuplasty may be considered when a patient has an appropriate sinus condition in addition to sleep related breathing concerns.
Examples may include chronic sinusitis, recurring sinus infections, persistent sinus pressure, or poor sinus drainage that has not improved enough with appropriate medical treatment.
For more information about candidacy, read signs that balloon sinuplasty may be appropriate.
If chronic sinus symptoms are making nasal breathing difficult, Glatz Group can determine whether balloon sinuplasty or another sinus treatment may be appropriate.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty in McAllen.
If you are dealing with both sleep apnea and chronic nasal or sinus problems, Glatz Group can evaluate how the nose and sinuses may be affecting your breathing.
Treating nasal obstruction may be one part of a broader sleep apnea treatment plan, but the right approach depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
After balloon sinuplasty, proper aftercare can help support healing and reduce irritation while the nose and sinuses recover.
Your exact instructions will depend on your procedure, medical history, and whether any additional sinus treatment was performed, so always follow the recommendations provided by your ENT.
This guide focuses specifically on what to do after balloon sinuplasty, what to avoid, and when to contact your doctor during recovery.
The first few days after balloon sinuplasty are an important part of recovery. Your doctor may give you specific instructions about rest, nasal care, medications, and activity.
General aftercare may include:
Many patients are able to return to light activity fairly quickly, but rest can still be helpful during the first part of recovery.
Avoid pushing yourself if you are experiencing fatigue, pressure, congestion, or discomfort.
Sleeping or resting with your head slightly elevated may help reduce the feeling of congestion and may make drainage more comfortable.
A wedge pillow or extra pillow may help keep your upper body raised without forcing your neck into an uncomfortable position.
Patients are often advised to avoid forceful nose blowing for a period of time after sinus procedures.
Forceful pressure may irritate healing tissue or increase the chance of bleeding.
Your ENT will tell you when it is safe to resume normal nose blowing based on your specific treatment.
Saline spray or nasal rinses may be recommended to help keep the nasal passages moist and support normal healing.
Use saline only according to your doctor's instructions and follow the recommended frequency and technique.
Temporary activity restrictions may be recommended while the nose and sinuses heal.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may be advised to avoid:
The length of these restrictions varies by patient, so follow the instructions given by your treating physician.
Light walking may be appropriate for some patients, but strenuous activity should usually be resumed gradually and according to your doctor's instructions.
Returning to intense exercise too quickly may increase pressure, discomfort, or bleeding.
Some patients return to work relatively soon after balloon sinuplasty, especially if their job is not physically demanding.
The appropriate timing depends on how you feel, the type of work you do, whether sedation was used, and whether other procedures were performed.
Your ENT can give you a more specific return to work recommendation.
Driving recommendations depend on whether sedation, pain medication, or other medications that affect alertness were used.
If your doctor instructs you not to drive, arrange for someone else to take you home.
Do not drive until you are medically cleared and feel fully alert.
Temporary symptoms may occur as the nose and sinuses heal.
These can include:
Symptoms should generally improve with time, although recovery varies from person to person.
Contact your medical provider if your symptoms seem severe, unexpected, or are getting worse instead of improving.
Examples may include:
Your ENT can tell you which symptoms require immediate evaluation based on your specific treatment.
Follow up appointments allow your ENT to evaluate healing and determine whether additional care is needed.
Keep your scheduled follow up visits even if you are feeling better, since your doctor may need to examine areas you cannot evaluate on your own.
For a detailed recovery timeline, including what patients may experience during the first day and first week, read our guide to balloon sinuplasty recovery and what to expect after the procedure.
For a complete overview of how the procedure works, read about the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
If you are considering balloon sinuplasty or already have a procedure scheduled, Glatz Group can explain what to expect before and after treatment.
Glatz Group provides balloon sinuplasty in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
If you have a sinus infection, smoking may make an already uncomfortable situation worse. Cigarette smoke and other inhaled irritants can irritate the lining of the nose and sinuses, increase inflammation, and interfere with the normal processes that help move mucus out of the nasal passages.
Avoiding smoke while your sinuses are inflamed may help reduce additional irritation while you recover. Persistent, recurring, or severe sinus symptoms may also need evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Smoking while you have a sinus infection is generally not helpful for irritated nasal and sinus tissue. Smoke can further irritate the lining of the nose, increase congestion, and make symptoms such as pressure, drainage, and coughing feel more noticeable.
Your nose and sinuses contain tiny structures called cilia that help move mucus and trapped particles through the respiratory system. Exposure to tobacco smoke can interfere with normal cilia function, which can make it harder for the nose and sinuses to clear mucus effectively.
Smoking does not mean that every sinus infection will become more severe, but continued exposure to smoke can contribute to inflammation and irritation while the sinuses are already affected.
Symptoms that may feel worse with smoke exposure include:
Avoiding cigarettes, cigars, vaping products, secondhand smoke, and other airborne irritants may help prevent additional irritation while your symptoms improve.
The lining of your nose and sinuses continuously produces mucus. That mucus helps trap dust, allergens, and other particles before they travel farther into the respiratory system.
Cilia help move that mucus through the nasal passages. Tobacco smoke contains chemicals and particles that can irritate nasal tissue and impair normal mucus clearance.
Over time, repeated smoke exposure may contribute to chronic nasal inflammation, congestion, changes in smell, and ongoing sinus symptoms.
You do not have to smoke yourself to experience irritation from tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke can irritate the nose, throat, and respiratory system.
For people who already have allergies, sinus inflammation, or respiratory problems, exposure to smoke may make congestion and other symptoms more noticeable.
Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the nose and sinuses that persists for an extended period. It can have several causes and contributing factors.
Smoking and repeated exposure to tobacco smoke may contribute to ongoing nasal and sinus inflammation and can make existing sinus problems harder to manage.
If you frequently experience congestion, facial pressure, drainage, or repeated sinus infections, an ENT evaluation can help determine whether chronic sinusitis or another condition is contributing to your symptoms.
Smoking can interfere with normal healing after many surgical procedures and may irritate tissue that is recovering from sinus treatment.
Patients undergoing sinus surgery should follow their surgeon's specific instructions about smoking before and after the procedure.
If you are considering a procedure such as balloon sinuplasty or another sinus treatment, tell your doctor about smoking, vaping, and other tobacco use so your care plan can account for it.
Reducing or stopping exposure to tobacco smoke removes an ongoing source of irritation from the nose and respiratory system.
Some people may notice improvements in congestion, coughing, nasal irritation, or their sense of smell after they stop smoking, although recovery varies from person to person.
If you need help quitting, your primary care provider can discuss resources and treatment options that may make quitting easier.
Many short term sinus symptoms improve with time, but an ENT evaluation may be appropriate when symptoms are persistent, severe, or repeatedly return.
Consider seeing an ENT if you experience:
If sinus infections, congestion, or drainage keep coming back, Glatz Group can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Smoking may be one factor, but allergies, chronic inflammation, structural problems, and other conditions can also affect the nose and sinuses.
Glatz Group provides sinus care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to help open blocked sinus passageways in certain patients with chronic or recurring sinus problems.
If medications and other treatments are not providing enough relief, an ENT may consider balloon sinuplasty as one possible treatment option depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms.
This guide explains how balloon sinuplasty works, what patients may experience during the procedure, what recovery can look like, and when additional sinus treatment may be needed.
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that uses a small balloon catheter to gently widen a blocked sinus opening.
Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty does not typically require removing large amounts of tissue or bone. The goal is to improve drainage and ventilation while preserving the natural sinus structure.
Balloon sinuplasty may be considered for certain patients with chronic sinusitis, recurring sinus infections, or persistent sinus blockage that has not improved with appropriate medical treatment.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty in McAllen.
The exact procedure can vary depending on the patient, the sinuses being treated, and the clinical setting.
In general, balloon sinuplasty involves the following steps:
The procedure is designed to improve sinus drainage while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.
Balloon sinuplasty is considered a sinus procedure, but it is less invasive than many traditional sinus surgeries.
Some patients may have balloon sinuplasty performed in an office setting, while others may have it performed as part of a larger sinus procedure depending on their condition.
Whether balloon sinuplasty is appropriate depends on the anatomy of the sinuses, the cause of the blockage, previous treatment, and the overall diagnosis.
Procedure time varies depending on how many sinus areas are being treated and whether balloon sinuplasty is being combined with another treatment.
Your ENT can explain what to expect based on your specific treatment plan.
Patients may feel pressure, movement, or temporary discomfort during balloon sinuplasty, but the nose is typically numbed or otherwise managed for comfort during the procedure.
Some patients may hear or feel pressure changes while the balloon is inflated. Experiences vary, so your doctor can explain what is expected based on the type of procedure being performed.
Recovery is different for every patient, but many people are able to return to normal daily activities relatively quickly after balloon sinuplasty.
Temporary symptoms after the procedure may include:
These symptoms often improve as the nose and sinuses heal.
Many patients experience a shorter recovery period than they would after more extensive sinus surgery, but recovery time depends on the individual and whether other procedures were performed at the same time.
Your ENT will provide specific instructions about activity, work, exercise, nose blowing, medications, and nasal care.
Do not rely on a general recovery timeline in place of the instructions given by your treating physician.
Following your doctor's post procedure instructions is an important part of recovery.
Your care plan may include recommendations such as:
Specific instructions vary, so follow the recommendations given by your ENT.
Balloon sinuplasty is generally considered minimally invasive, but every medical procedure has potential risks and side effects.
Possible temporary effects may include:
Less common complications can occur, and your ENT should review the potential risks and benefits with you before treatment.
Contact your medical provider if you develop symptoms after the procedure that are severe, unexpected, or concerning.
For appropriately selected patients, balloon sinuplasty may offer several potential benefits.
Results vary, and not every patient with sinus symptoms is a candidate for balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty may be considered for some patients who have persistent sinus symptoms despite appropriate medical treatment.
Symptoms that may lead to further evaluation include:
An ENT evaluation is necessary to determine whether balloon sinuplasty, another sinus procedure, or continued medical treatment is the better option.
Balloon sinuplasty is intended to improve drainage through treated sinus openings, but it does not eliminate every possible cause of sinus symptoms.
Allergies, inflammation, infection, structural problems, or other conditions may continue to affect the nose and sinuses after treatment.
If symptoms return, an ENT can determine whether additional medical treatment, further evaluation, or another procedure may be appropriate.
If chronic sinus pressure, congestion, or recurring infections are interfering with your breathing and daily life, Glatz Group can evaluate whether balloon sinuplasty may be appropriate for you.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz has provided balloon sinuplasty treatment for patients in the Rio Grande Valley for many years and can discuss whether the procedure fits your specific sinus condition.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty in McAllen or schedule an evaluation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Balloon sinuplasty is not the right treatment for every sinus problem, but it may be considered for certain patients with chronic or recurring sinus symptoms that have not improved enough with appropriate medical treatment.
The decision depends on the cause of your symptoms, the anatomy of your sinuses, how long the problem has lasted, and how you have responded to previous treatment.
An ENT evaluation is the best way to determine whether balloon sinuplasty or another treatment may be appropriate.
Balloon sinuplasty is designed to help widen certain blocked sinus openings so the sinuses can drain and ventilate more effectively.
It may be considered for some patients with chronic sinusitis or recurring sinus problems when appropriate medical treatment has not provided enough relief.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty in McAllen.
Chronic sinusitis can cause ongoing inflammation in the nose and sinuses and may lead to symptoms that continue for an extended period.
Common symptoms may include:
If these symptoms continue despite appropriate treatment, an ENT may evaluate whether a sinus procedure should be considered.
Some people experience repeated sinus infections throughout the year.
Recurring infections may be related to poor sinus drainage, inflammation, structural problems, allergies, or another underlying condition.
If infections repeatedly return, an ENT can evaluate whether the sinus openings are draining properly and determine whether balloon sinuplasty or another treatment may be appropriate.
Ongoing pressure around the cheeks, forehead, eyes, or nose may be associated with inflammation or blocked sinus drainage.
Sinus pressure can have several causes, so an evaluation is important before deciding whether a procedure is appropriate.
Balloon sinuplasty may be considered when symptoms are related to treatable sinus drainage problems and other treatments have not provided enough relief.
Persistent nasal congestion can make it difficult to breathe comfortably through the nose and may interfere with sleep, exercise, and daily activities.
Congestion can be caused by allergies, inflammation, structural problems, sinusitis, or other conditions.
Because balloon sinuplasty only addresses certain sinus drainage problems, an ENT must first determine what is causing the blockage.
Many sinus problems are treated first with medications or other conservative approaches.
Depending on the cause, treatment may involve saline rinses, allergy management, nasal medications, antibiotics when appropriate, or other therapies.
If symptoms continue despite appropriate treatment, an ENT may discuss procedural options.
Healthy sinuses need open pathways that allow mucus and air to move normally.
When sinus openings become narrowed or blocked by inflammation, mucus may become trapped and contribute to pressure, congestion, or recurring infections.
Balloon sinuplasty is designed to widen certain sinus openings and may improve drainage in appropriately selected patients.
Having sinus pressure or congestion does not automatically mean balloon sinuplasty is the right treatment.
Symptoms may also be caused by:
Some of these problems may require different treatment or additional procedures.
An ENT may review your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and how long the problem has been occurring.
Evaluation may also include examination of the nose and sinuses and, when appropriate, imaging or nasal endoscopy.
The goal is to identify the cause of the symptoms before deciding whether balloon sinuplasty is likely to help.
During balloon sinuplasty, a small balloon catheter is guided into a blocked sinus opening and carefully inflated to widen the passageway.
The balloon is then removed, leaving the sinus opening wider so mucus and fluid may drain more effectively.
For a complete explanation, read our guide to the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
Recovery is different for every patient, but balloon sinuplasty is generally less invasive than more extensive sinus surgery.
Temporary congestion, pressure, drainage, or fatigue may occur while the nose and sinuses heal.
For more detail, read about balloon sinuplasty recovery and what to expect after the procedure.
If chronic sinus pressure, congestion, recurring infections, or poor sinus drainage continue despite treatment, Glatz Group can evaluate whether balloon sinuplasty may be appropriate.
Glatz Group provides balloon sinuplasty in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Recovery after balloon sinuplasty is usually shorter than recovery from more extensive sinus surgery, but every patient heals differently.
Knowing what to expect during the first day, first few days, and first week can make the recovery process easier to understand and help you recognize which symptoms are normal and which should be discussed with your ENT.
This page focuses specifically on balloon sinuplasty recovery and aftercare. For a broader overview of how the procedure itself is performed, read our guide to the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
After balloon sinuplasty, some temporary nasal and sinus symptoms are common while the treated area begins to heal.
You may experience:
The amount and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on the patient and whether other sinus procedures were performed at the same time.
During the first day after the procedure, your main priority should be following the instructions provided by your treating physician.
Your care plan may include rest, nasal care, medication instructions, and temporary activity restrictions.
Some patients may feel well enough to return to light normal activities quickly, while others may prefer additional rest.
If you received sedation or medications that affect alertness, follow your doctor's instructions about driving and operating equipment.
There is no single recovery timeline that applies to every patient, but many people experience gradual improvement over the first several days.
Mild congestion, pressure, drainage, or fatigue may be present. Rest and follow your ENT's post procedure instructions.
Some patients begin feeling more comfortable as irritation and pressure start to improve. Nasal drainage or congestion may still be present.
Many patients are able to resume more of their normal routine during the first week, depending on how they feel and the instructions provided by their doctor.
Recovery usually continues as the nasal passages heal and inflammation decreases. Follow up care may be used to evaluate healing and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Some patients return to work relatively quickly after balloon sinuplasty, especially when their job does not involve strenuous physical activity.
The right time to return depends on how you feel, the type of work you do, whether sedation was used, and whether additional procedures were performed.
Follow the return to work recommendations provided by your ENT rather than relying on a general timeline.
Strenuous exercise may need to be limited temporarily after balloon sinuplasty.
Walking and light activity may be appropriate for some patients, but more intense exercise should be resumed according to your doctor's instructions.
Returning to strenuous activity too quickly may increase discomfort or bleeding.
Patients are often advised to avoid forceful nose blowing for a period of time after sinus procedures.
Your ENT will tell you when it is safe to resume normal nose blowing based on your individual treatment and recovery.
Saline spray or nasal rinses may be recommended after balloon sinuplasty to help keep the nasal passages moist and support the healing process.
Use saline products only as directed by your treating physician and follow the recommended frequency and technique.
Temporary congestion can occur after balloon sinuplasty because the nasal and sinus tissues may still be irritated or swollen.
This does not necessarily mean the procedure was unsuccessful. Healing takes time, and symptoms may improve gradually.
If congestion becomes severe, continues longer than expected, or begins getting worse, contact your ENT.
A small amount of bloody drainage or spotting can occur after the procedure.
Your doctor should explain what level of bleeding is expected and what would be considered unusual.
Heavy bleeding, persistent bleeding, or bleeding that concerns you should be discussed with your medical provider.
Your doctor may recommend temporarily avoiding certain activities while the nose and sinuses heal.
Depending on your treatment plan, this may include:
Always follow the instructions given by your treating physician because restrictions can vary from patient to patient.
Contact your medical provider if your recovery does not seem to be progressing normally or if you develop symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Examples may include:
Your ENT can tell you which symptoms require immediate evaluation based on your specific procedure and medical history.
Follow up visits allow your ENT to check how the nasal and sinus tissues are healing and determine whether additional care is needed.
The timing of follow up appointments varies depending on the patient and the type of treatment performed.
Keep all scheduled follow up appointments even if you are feeling better.
The goal of balloon sinuplasty is to improve drainage through treated sinus openings, but long term results depend on the underlying cause of the patient's sinus problems.
Allergies, chronic inflammation, infection, and other conditions can continue to affect the nose and sinuses after treatment.
If symptoms return, an ENT can determine whether additional medical treatment or another procedure may be appropriate.
If you are considering balloon sinuplasty or already have a procedure scheduled, Glatz Group can explain what to expect before and after treatment.
Glatz Group provides balloon sinuplasty in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
For a complete explanation of the treatment itself, read our guide to the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
Between the cooler winter air and the common cold and flu, most people expect some sinus issues this time of year. While medication and rest may work for some people, if you’re suffering from chronic sinus infections or swelling, you may need a different approach for sinus relief.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure during which a small balloon is inserted into your nasal passage to open the airway. During the procedure, your ear, nose, and throat doctor will also be able to flush out any bacteria or mucus with a quick saline rinse.
Keep reading to find out if the balloon sinuplasty is right for you and how your Edinburg ENT can help you breathe better!
Sinus problems don’t just affect the nose; sometimes, they can cause facial pain, pressure, headaches, congestion, and discharge. A balloon sinuplasty could be the answer to clearing up these annoying sinus issues.
ENTs generally recommend a balloon sinuplasty treatment after people with chronic sinus infections have tried medication and gotten no relief. Doctors also use it to treat sinusitis, a swelling or inflammation of the sinuses.
Not everyone will be a good candidate for a balloon sinuplasty. If you have an ethmoid disease, nasal polyps, nasal tumors, or anatomical issues like a deviated septum, balloon sinuplasty isn’t right for you.
However, if you’re an adult who has suffered for more than 12 weeks with sinusitis, or it keeps coming back, you may be a good candidate for a balloon sinuplasty, depending on your symptoms.
Keep in mind that doctors will try medication to resolve the issues first before attempting a balloon sinuplasty.
Your care team will place you under general or local anesthesia for the procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a couple of days. You may not be able to blow your nose for 24 hours and have to avoid strenuous activity for one week after the procedure.
Since a balloon sinuplasty is less invasive than an open sinus surgery, you shouldn’t have any bruising or scars on your face. You may experience discolored nasal drainage or small amounts of blood in your nasal drainage, congestion, and discomfort for a few days during recovery.
A balloon sinuplasty is not only effective in relieving symptoms, but it also requires minimal downtime! Without the need to cut or remove tissues, the risk of infections, complications, bruising, or swelling is much lower than with an open sinus procedure.
At the Glatz Group, Dr. Glatz and his trusted team are here to make sure you stay comfortable throughout the procedure and recovery process. While a balloon sinuplasty isn’t the right fit for everyone, it may be for you! Reach out to our Edinburg office to find out if balloon sinuplasty is the answer you need to breathe better!
Many sinus infections go away on their own, even without treatment. Since sinus infections can also be confused for a cold, it’s common for sinus infections to be left untreated.
However, an untreated sinus infection can lead to multiple problems. Your local ENT will break down common issues resulting from untreated sinus infections.
Sinus infections are also called sinusitis. Sinusitis occurs when the tissues lining your sinuses become swollen or inflamed. Usually, your sinuses fill with air, but when you have an infection, they become blocked and filled with fluid. Sinus infections cause symptoms such as congestion, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip, coughing, bad breath, and fatigue.
Common causes of sinus infections include bacteria, viruses, and, in rare cases–fungi. Colds, allergies, and anatomical issues like a deviated septum don’t directly cause these issues but can be contributing factors.
There are two main types of sinus infections: acute and chronic. The two types are separated based on their severity. Acute sinus infections usually have symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose and can last up to four weeks. A chronic sinus infection lasts 12 weeks or more.
Viruses trigger most sinus infections, and these infections will usually clear up with minor treatment or no treatment at all. Sinusitis caused by viruses is typically acute and only lasts up to 10 days. When a sinus infection lasts longer, this indicates that bacteria may be the trigger. Additionally, bacteria can cause sinus infections to return quickly.
Your sinus doctor can help identify the cause of your sinus infection and the most effective treatment.
As you can see, while acute sinus infections can often be left untreated, chronic infections can cause more significant harm. The most common side effects of sinus infections are similar to allergies, colds, and flu symptoms. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for non-medical professionals to tell the difference between these two types, so it’s important that you visit an ear, nose, and throat doctor if you think you may have a sinus infection. Otherwise, you may experience the following complications.
An untreated sinus infection may cause ansomnia, a decrease, or a complete loss of smell. Inflammation and blockage of your sinus passageways or damage to your olfactory nerves cause ansomnia. In many cases, ansomnia is only temporary but can become permanent.
Prolonged sinus infections can cause respiratory problems. Trouble breathing may result in your body feeling fatigued as it’s harder to get oxygen to your brain. Your doctor can drain your sinus passages, decreasing inflammation, and help you breathe easier.
Dacryocystitis occurs when a tear sac's inflammation or infection blocks your tear duct. Dacryocystitis causes tearing, pain, and swelling in the inner corner of your eye and will require antibiotic treatment.
Although rare, sinus infections can also spread to the brain and cause brain abscesses or meningitis. Both of these conditions are life-threatening. Although brain infections usually don’t happen following a sinus infection, they’re all the more reasons to visit a qualified sinus doctor.
At Glatz Group, our team of experienced sinus doctors can help diagnose your problem and recommend treatment, whether you have an acute infection or a more serious condition.
Whether you need some antibiotics or a procedure like a balloon sinuplasty, our qualified team can help you find the best option for you.
According to Medical News Today, it is estimated that the number of people over the age of 18 suffering from diabetes in the United States is approximately 30.2 million. Diabetes is a condition that can arise when your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. If left untreated, the condition can cause strokes, heart attacks, nerve damage, and kidney failure, among other health issues.
Fortunately, it can be managed when caught early.
Today, your trusted McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will discuss diabetes and how it can be a risk factor for hearing loss.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that takes place when the pancreas is no longer able to properly make insulin. When the body lacks the right amount of insulin, it results in there being too much sugar in your bloodstream.
When this occurs it can cause vision impairment, gum disease, fatigue, and foot ulcers.
Type 1, type 2, and gestational are the three main types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes impacts approximately 5-10% of those suffering from diabetes. Children, teens, and young adults are typically the ones diagnosed with type 1. There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes and those who have it must take insulin daily.
Type 2 diabetes appears when your body does not use insulin correctly, thus causing blood sugar to rise to an abnormal level. Roughly 90-95% of people with diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes, which can be diagnosed in adults, children, teens, and young adults.
The causes of type 2 diabetes vary but the most common variables include an unhealthy lifestyle, being overweight, family history, genetic factors, and even ethnicity.
Gestational diabetes shows up in pregnant women who have never had a history of diabetes. Gestational diabetes puts your baby at a greater risk for health issues, including obesity and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes often goes away after childbirth but can increase the risk of the mother developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Diabetes and hearing loss have been correlated. In a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, it was shown that hearing loss is twice as common in those who suffer from diabetes than those who do not.
Researchers believe that hearing loss presents itself in those who have diabetes because of the damage it inflicts to nerves and blood vessels. By not managing your diabetes, you become more susceptible to suffering from hearing loss.
If you believe that you might be losing your hearing, it is important to know the signs so that you can begin seeking solutions to slow down or stop the issue:
When diagnosed with diabetes, it is especially imperative to do everything possible to protect your hearing. Some approaches include:
If you or a loved one believe that you might be suffering from hearing loss due to diabetes, it is in your best interest to speak with your primary care doctor and a specialist that focuses on hearing problems.
A hearing exam can be done to assess hearing loss. Once the test is completed you will be able to learn more about the condition and how it can be treated.
If you believe that you could potentially suffer from hearing loss due to diabetes, get in touch with Glatz Group today to get professional help from specialists you can count on.
Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from sinusitis on a yearly basis, accounting for roughly 12% of the population. With so many suffering, finding relief started to become much more of a priority a few years ago, causing many experts in the field to innovate new operations and techniques. One recent, non-invasive procedure, however, is taking the ENT world by storm.
There are various options when it comes to how to resolve chronic sinusitis, but today, Physician Assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists will take a look into why balloon sinuplasty could be the best choice for you.
Chronic sinusitis is a condition that interrupts the proper drainage of mucus, ultimately making your nose all stuffed up, and your eyes swollen and tender. It is typically caused by the inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses because of exposure to allergens, bacteria, or viruses.
One is typically diagnosed with chronic sinusitis when their symptoms persist three months or longer even with treatment. Some common symptoms of chronic sinusitis can range from nasal inflammation and discharge, ear pain, sore throat, bad breath and even physical pain throughout the face.
Allergens, foregin bacteria, and viruses can all contribute to the inflammation of the inner linings of the sinuses. This results in congestion that prevents mucus from flushing it out of your sinuses. This causes unwanted bacteria in your sinuses that can spread and lead to severe infections and chronic pain.
There are multiple causes to chronic sinusitis but a few of the most notable ones are:
Allergies/hay fever: Foreign substances in the air like pollen and unwanted toxins can travel to through your sinuses causing inflammation in the nasal passageways.
Nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are painless, non-cancerous growths that line your nasal openings or sinuses. Although they’re painless, they can block nasal passages, making it tough to breathe.
Deviated nasal septum: A deviated nasal septum takes place when the bone and the cartilage that divide the nasal cavity in half is off center and crooked. This condition makes you struggle more to breathe and happens either at birth or following injury to the nose.
Respiratory tract infections: Viruses including the common cold and the flu are considered respiratory infections, which are bugs that attack your respiratory tract. These infections impact mucus drainage and can cause inflammation in your nasal membranes.
Other conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and HIV can all cause irritation within the nasal pathways which leads to mucus blockage over time.
Balloon sinuplasty is an endoscopic nasal surgery that uses a small balloon to open up your nasal sinuses slightly and gently to improve drainage. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005, balloon sinuplasty has been performed on over 375,000 people and is mildly invasive with little downtime required upon surgery. Balloon sinuplasty has been proven effective in diminishing symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
If you think that balloon sinuplasty might be the optimal alternative for you, reach out to us to set up your consultation with the Glatz Group today! If eligible for the surgery, balloon sinuplasty can be done by our very own McAllen ENT doctors and staff right here in the office.
