When you feel under the weather, you might lose your sense of smell for a couple of days. Since most of our senses are connected in some way, when we lose our sense of smell we also tend to lose our sense of taste. A decrease in the ability to smell is called hyposmia, while a total loss of smell is known as anosmia.
The causes of hyposmia and anosmia vary, ranging from a simple viral cold to an intracranial skull base tumor that has damaged the nerves responsible for the sense of smell.
While anosmia caused by a cold is just a temporary issue, unfortunately, many suffer from this problem more permanently as a result of sinusitis. The complexity of smell loss is exactly why you need an experienced ENT specialist.
Allow your local McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and sinus relief specialists team at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT to go more in-depth about smell and taste disorders, and to help you understand if balloon sinuplasty might be the right relief option for you.
The most common cause of loss of smell are viruses that cause upper respiratory infections, and COVID-19 has become a major cause of anosmia globally. In fact, loss of smell is one of the first symptoms of COVID-19.
If you’re experiencing anosmia or other COVID-19 symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately. Note that we CANNOT offer relief through our procedure if your loss of smell is a symptom of the coronavirus.
Anosmia is a condition that can be reversible. With the loss of smell, time plays a vital role, since the sooner treatment is started the more likely the sense of smell will come back. Anosmia is generally associated with dysgeusia, or taste loss, and the two conditions usually take place at the same time.
The two major types of loss of the smell are conductive smell loss and neural smell loss.
Conductive smell loss happens when a nasal obstruction blocks the passage of air odor molecules, while neural smell loss is the result of a damaged or defective olfactory nerve. Conductive smell loss is often easier to treat, and up to 70% of anosmia is conductive smell loss as the result of issues like nasal polyps or sinusitis. Neural smell loss can be a congenital condition or happen as the result of head trauma, a sinus or skull base tumor, or an infection.
If the symptoms of anosmia or hyposmia are present, it’s always important to consult an ENT specialist right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Nasal endoscopy is critical to assessing the problem and
figuring out whether you are suffering from a conductive or a neural cause of smell loss. A longer delay in beginning treatment can reduce the likelihood that the sense of smell will return.
If a viral cold is the source of smell loss, oral steroids can be prescribed. Olfactory training, which is like physical therapy for smell loss, has shown promising results for people with sudden smell loss that have not responded to oral steroids. Conductive causes of anosmia such as nasal polyps or nasal obstruction might require medical treatment, and if these fail, may require endoscopic sinus surgery.
Neural smell loss caused by sinus infections may be treated with antibiotics and oral steroids. Persistent infections may require a procedure that we offer in our office, known as balloon sinuplasty. This minimally invasive and innovative procedure opens up your sinus passageways in order to improve your sense of smell, along with other symptoms.
The key to successful anosmia treatment is choosing an approach tailored to the severity and cause of your smell loss. There is not one single solution that is correct for every patient, and that’s why we try to find one best suited for your personal needs.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, we continue to provide alternative options for having your symptoms addressed, including via telemedicine if you prefer to be seen without leaving your home.
For in-person appointments, we want you to feel safe and comfortable. Please know that we are taking all precautionary measures as necessary. We also take calls.
If you suffer from frequent sinus infections, you’re not alone. Roughly 37 million people are impacted by this condition each year. While the most obvious cause of sinus infections involve blockages in your sinus cavities, there are many other unusual sinus infection causes that can occur.
Today, the McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his right-hand team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will shed some light on some of the most uncommon causes of sinus infections in an effort to bring awareness.
Swimming as a form of exercise is wonderful for your health; however, spending too much time in chlorinated pools can raise the likelihood of sinus infections. The chlorine can irritate nasal passageways, causing inflammation and increasing susceptibility to infection. When you dive into the water, the pressure can push chlorinated water deeper into your sinuses, affecting deeper and delicate tissues.
People with diabetes generally have higher blood glucose levels. Those elevated levels can make it more likely for you to develop infections, particularly ones in the sinuses and other sensitive areas.
These infections aren’t limited to the common viral and bacterial invasions that often result in sinus infections. People with diabetes can also develop oral yeast infections, which may spread to the nasal cavity. This unusual sinus infection type can sometimes be tougher to spot and treat than more common infections.
Part of living in Texas means we hardly have to worry about a lack of humidity. However, if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned buildings or flying for work, dry air can cause issues. When the air is too dry, it can dry out your sinuses and thicken mucus trapped in your nasal openings. When this occurs, bacteria and viruses can get trapped as well, causing infection.
Staying well-hydrated when indoors can help. Avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink plenty of water. You can also irrigate your sinuses with a neti pot or a saline nasal spray to reduce dryness and irritation.
Nasal spray decongestants can be a lifesaver when you’re coping with the pain of a sinus headache or infection, but overusing this medication can make sinus pressure and sinus infections more likely.
When over-the-counter sinus sprays are used too much, your body becomes less sensitive to the medication. This can result in tissues becoming swollen again, which is called rebound nasal congestion. Fluids then become trapped, making infections more likely.
When a sinus infection inflicts pain and pressure, don’t automatically reach for an over-the-counter spray. These sprays should be used sparingly so that they don’t cause rebound congestion.
Chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis and other disorders that weaken your immune system can lead to inflammation in the airways and make you prone to building up thick mucus.
This thicker mucus, or an impaired ability to fight germs due to diabetes or HIV infection, can make you susceptible to sinus infections.
If a cold doesn’t resolve within 10 to 15 days, bacteria may have joined the party.
Bacterial infections rarely cause sinus infections, but they are almost always the cause of complicating secondary infections.
These bacteria can creep up in healthy people and grow. Take a decongestant during a cold to avoid those circumstances, and if you do develop bacterial sinusitis, you can treat it with antibiotics.
Certain people have nasal abnormalities that make them more prone to sinus infections. These can include deviated septums that make it difficult for your sinuses to drain properly. Other causes can include cleft palate, narrow sinus pathways, and even tumors.
Despite what nasal abnormalities you may have, balloon sinuplasty can be an option for relief. The procedure helps open up your sinuses, minimizing the likelihood of future sinus infections.
While sinus infections can have many causes, there’s one solution that can help: the balloon sinuplasty procedure. This minimally invasive technique requires minimal tissue removal with little to no pain.
All it takes is getting it done in our office, with a recovery time that’s significantly quicker than traditional sinus surgery. Many patients are able to go back to their normal activities within two days.
If sinus infections are a frequent issue, we recommend having a conversation with us to determine if you’re a candidate for balloon sinuplasty. If you wish to learn more about the benefits of balloon sinuplasty, feel free to reach out to The Glatz Group.
If you can’t figure out the cause of your sinus infections and want to eliminate them altogether, we’d be ‘Glatz’ to detect the problem and find a solution that works best for you.
As COVID-19 remains an ongoing health concern, we will keep providing the alternative to have your symptoms addressed through telemedicine if you’d rather seek treatment or help from the safety and comfort of your humble abode. If you need an appointment, you can rest assured knowing that we take all precautionary measures necessary to preserve the safety of our patients and staff members. For an in-office procedure, we also accept calls.
If you’ve stopped by the Glatz Group offices in McAllen, chances are that you may have seen some new faces around. However, they’ve actually been loyal and integral staff members for years.
One of those Glatz Group team members you’ll become even more familiar with is Jonathan Lerma, our very own certified Physician Assistant. He’s now leading our team, delivering the same quality care and service as Dr. Glatz.
Working alongside Dr. Glatz for a year and as a dedicated student for six months, Jonathan absorbed the lessons and wisdom of Dr. Glatz for nearly two years.
Today, we’re here to tell you a little bit more about Jonathan Lerma and his trusted team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT, as well as what inspired his career path, and what quality patient care means to him.
Jonathan Lerma decided to settle down in the Rio Grande Valley for its amazing environment and the laidback lifestyle it has to offer. Family-oriented, Jonathan wanted to find a home best suited for his new family, including his baby girl.
He brings this fatherly perspective into his profession and wants to make sure you and your little ones are always comfortable whenever you stop by our Glatz Group office.
Lerma’s favorite hobbies outside of work and spending time with his family include sports like football, basketball, and soccer.
Being involved in the medical field has always been a lifelong dream of Jonathan. He always carried a deep appreciation for those involved in the world of medicine and the impact they had on their patients. This passion grew stronger when he began to work with Dr. Glatz.
What intrigues him the most about working as a certified Physician Assistant in the specialized area of ENT is how different every single day can be. Jonathan finds it fascinating how unique each case is, and enjoys having the opportunity to see all sides of the spectrum.
His favorite part about being a part of Glatz Group is that he and his team are able to deliver medical services that are oftentimes outside of what a general doctor can do.
Patient care, overall, will always be his top priority. He values what people remember from their visit to Glatz Group, and has plenty of fond memories of his own experiences with patients. Providing exceptional quality patient care, he believes he can have a positive impact on his clients’ lives.
For those dealing with potential sinus-related health issues, here are some warning signs that Jonathan advises you should be aware of:
2020 has undeniably been the furthest thing from normal, but Lerma’s goal for the Glatz Group is to keep ensuring that patients are being properly taken care of. He’s also working closely with his team to deliver improved telemedicine services so that all patients can obtain the care they need, regardless of their ability to visit the office because of COVID-19.
The team will also continue to ensure that our offices follow all CDC recommendations for cleaning and protecting visitors.
For patients whose symptoms do not resolve with medication, Jonathan Lerma is able to perform the minimally invasive and effective procedure known as balloon sinuplasty. When it comes to your allergy and sinus problems, you can count on our McAllen Physician Assistant to take care of it.
If you’re experiencing any allergy or sinus issues, do not hesitate to set up an appointment with the Glatz Group of Valley ENT, and see Jonathan Lerma himself.
Most people turn to antibiotics in hopes of obtaining relief from their sinusitis symptoms. Unfortunately, most of this is wishful thinking more than actual results. Research has shown that antibiotics are ineffective at treating sinusitis — even in extreme scenarios in which symptoms are dire.
This leads us to question what can be done to ease your pain if antibiotics don’t function as they should to help you with your sinus issues. Let the McAllen certified physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his sinus relief specialist team at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT take a closer look at what your options are for relief if antibiotics don’t cut it.
Antibiotic resistance can take place when bacteria are treated with an antibiotic. The medicine may kill most of these germs, but a small group might survive. This can happen in a couple of ways.
The germs can either:
When bacteria get resistant, the original antibiotic can no longer kill them. These germs can grow and spread. They can result in infections that are difficult to treat. Sometimes they may even spread the resistance to other bacteria that they encounter.
When you use an antibiotic, there’s a risk that some of the bacteria will become resistant. Using these medicines when they’re not needed is a key reason why antibiotic resistance is becoming more common.
So it’s best to use these medicines only when absolutely necessary.
Antibiotics are labeled as narrow-spectrum drugs when they work against only certain kinds of bacteria. On the other hand, broad-spectrum antibiotics are more efficient as they fight a wide range of bacteria, but are more likely to promote antibiotic resistance. Because of this, your ENT will most likely prescribe narrow-spectrum antibiotics, which generally cost less. However, you may be recommended broad-spectrum antibiotics for infections that don’t respond to treatment with narrow-spectrum drugs.
In many instances, antibiotics are prescribed for patients dealing with specific issues such as persistent nasal discharge and facial pain, and who are not improving after seven days, or those with severe symptoms of rhinosinusitis, regardless of duration. On the basis of clinical trials, amoxicillin, doxycycline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are preferred antibiotics.
Even with a long regimen of antibiotics, chronic sinusitis symptoms can be tough to take care of. Generally speaking, however, treating chronic sinusitis with antibiotics and decongestants, is similar to treating acute sinusitis.
When antibiotic treatment fails, allergy testing, desensitization, and/or surgery may be suggested as the most effective options for treating chronic sinusitis. Research studies claim that the vast majority of people who go through with surgery experience improved symptoms and a better quality of life.
Antibiotics that are unlikely to be effective in children who don’t improve with amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), or erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Pediazole), since many bacteria are resistant to these older antibiotics. For kids that don’t respond to two courses of traditional antibiotics, the dosage and length of antibiotic treatment are usually expanded, or treatment with intravenous cefotaxime or ceftriaxone and/or a referral to an ENT specialist is recommended.
About 30 million Americans are diagnosed with inflamed nasal passageways and sinuses each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sinus infection symptoms are uncomfortable, painful and debilitating.
Symptoms can include:
While antibiotics are a common treatment approach, evidence suggests that they do no more good than a placebo in regards to improving sinusitis. Not only that, but adverse effects associated with antibiotic usage and escalating rates of drug resistance are also other reasons to avoid antibiotics.
Instead, we recommend using a variety of methods to accelerate the sinusitis recovery process, including:
While sinus issues will sometimes resolve on their own or with the help of the treatment methods we just mentioned, chronic sinusitis can last for months. If your symptoms last for more than 10 days or if they recur on numerous occasions, you still have another option.
One especially promising sinusitis treatment that has revolutionized sinus care is the balloon sinuplasty procedure. This minimally invasive technique involves minimal tissue removal with hardly any pain.
Not only can this be done in our very own office, but it also has quicker recovery times than traditional sinus surgery. In fact, most patients resume their normal activities within two days.
If you’ve been living with pesky sinus problems, there’s no reason to continue to suffer — especially if you’ve faced bad luck with antibiotic treatments in the past. If you’re wondering whether you are a candidate for balloon sinuplasty or are interested in learning more about the benefits of balloon sinuplasty, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Glatz Group.
If antibiotics aren’t doing you any favors and you would like another approach to match your specific needs, we would be more than ‘Glatz’ to answer all your questions and find an ideal resolution.
As COVID-19 concerns are still prevalent and serious, we continue to offer the option to have your symptoms addressed via telemedicine for those who feel more comfortable seeking treatment or help from the safety and comfort of their own homes. If you’re in need of an appointment, you can feel secure knowing that we take precautionary measures to protect our patients and staff on a daily basis. For an in-office procedure, calls are also accepted.
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.
You may have a friend, family member, or neighbor who has been referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for their sinus issue, a chronic sore throat, or an ear infection. Or perhaps you have been facing these problems and have been recommended one yourself.
If that’s the case, you might be wondering what an ENT is and whether a consultation is worth your while. Suffice to say that seeking treatment from an experienced ENT can definitely help to improve many conditions.
After years of guidance under Dr. Frank R. Glatz, McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his right-hand team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT can give you a closer look at what ENTs do and how they can help you breathe better.
ENT is an abbreviation for ear, nose and throat, which has to do with the particular parts of the body treated by these types of doctors. They are commonly referred to as otolaryngologists.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, otarlyngolosists are physicians trained within medical and surgical management to treat patients dealing with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, as well as issues related to the structures of the head and neck. An ENT doctor’s special set of skills involve diagnosing and managing diseases and conditions in the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), along with structures of the neck and face.
On top of addressing various primary care issues in adult and pediatric patients, ENTs also diagnose, treat, and handle disorders specific to their field, including chronic sinusitis.
ENTs are required to be well-trained in order to practice their typical functions. In addition to completing up to 15 years of college, medical school, and specialty training, they also have to pass the American Board of Otolaryngology exam. Many also go after fellowships to gain more extensive training in subspecialty areas such as allergies, rhinology (nose), and laryngology (throat).
Because ENTs cover several areas of medicine, there are numerous reasons to see one. Some of the most common conditions that are treated by otolaryngologists include:
Some of the most typical health problems that cause patients to see an ENT include sinus issues, which may include pain, snoring, sore throat, runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing, asthma, and allergies.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million adults in the United States currently live with diagnosed sinusitis. This doesn’t include the countless others that might be suffering in silence. For these people, a visit to an ENT can be just what they need for a more comfortable, symptom-free life.
If you are unsure whether you have a health issue or condition that merits an appointment with an ENT, it is highly recommended that you consult with your primary care physician.
It is also worth noting that even if you saw an ENT in the past, new developments in the field, like cutting-edge balloon sinuplasty, have been providing optimal results for patients.
As the current pandemic poses a serious threat to the health of many, we are doing as much as we can every single day to prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. We are perfectly capable of addressing your sinus-related symptoms online through our telemedicine services or via a phone conference.
If you are in need of a sinuplasty procedure performed in our office, that may also be arranged upon request.
Balloon sinuplasty is a safe, effective, minimally invasive surgery that alleviates the pain and pressure associated with allergies or sinusitis. It is designed to treat patients who aren't reacting well to medications including antibiotics, nasal steroids, or over‐the‐counter (OTC) drugs, and who are seeking relief from intolerable and painful allergy or sinusitis symptoms.
The best part is that the balloon sinuplasty surgery can be done in-office at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT.
Today your certified McAllen physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his sinus relief specialist team will list the benefits that come from having balloon sinuplasty in-office (BSPIO).
Unlike traditional sinus surgery, this procedure involves no cutting, or removal of bone or tissue.
The procedure involves a small, flexible, balloon catheter that opens up blocked sinus passages, helping to drain built-up mucus. When the sinus balloon inflates, it restructures and widens the walls of the sinus, opening them while maintaining the immobility of the sinus lining.
Balloon sinuplasty is now available to eligible patients as a procedure performed in our McAllen, Weslaco, or Harlingen office, and does not require general anesthesia. Jonathan Lerma and his right-hand team of sinus relief specialists will help determine the best option for you.
Sometimes a patient may have a combination of chronic sinusitis, septal deviations, turbinate hypertrophy, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. All of these problems can be treated with an in-office balloon sinuplasty procedure, helping to avoid the need for future treatment.
The questions below can be used to help determine whether balloon sinuplasty is the right choice for you. If you appear to be a candidate, we recommend you make an appointment for evaluation and treatment. This can be addressed through telemedicine to ensure your safety and well-being.
Do you feel any of the following symptoms? Checking them off may mean you are a candidate for the procedure:
Most insurance companies and Medicare cover balloon sinuplasty. Our staff will be ‘Glatz’ to provide detailed information based on your insurance to guide you through this aspect of the procedure.
Because of COVID-19, the safety of our staff and patients will continue to be our top priority. We offer the option to have your symptoms addressed online thanks to our telemedicine services or via phone.
If you are in need of an in-office procedure, we can set that up accordingly.
Most of us usually see summer as a time for fun in the sun and a break from spring pollen but, unfortunately, that may not be the case for all allergy sufferers. In fact, the summer heat can make allergies worse than usual.
Let your certified McAllen physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT explain how summer heat can impact your allergies.
While pollen can affect allergies at any time of the year, those who are most susceptible to it and ragweed may notice a drastic increase in their symptoms during the summer months.
In extreme heat, more pollen is produced, and with summer winds it can get spread around more easily.
There’s plenty of notable summer bugs that can cause you to have an allergic reaction, but we’re talking primarily about cockroaches. Of all non-plant or mold allergies, cockroaches are one of the most common insects that people are allergic to.
Cockroaches are always present in Texas, but summer is the time they become the most prominent and abundant. The feces, saliva, and shedding body parts of cockroaches may all be allergy triggers, and these allergens are spread by winds sweeping them into the air.
Luckily, reducing the effects of your cockroach allergy is the same as lessening the number of cockroaches in your house. Keep every area of your house clean, keep food in containers, and fix leaks to water and regions where cockroaches tend to flock.
If you’ve ever had one of those days where you check the weather app and notice three digit temperatures, it’s only natural for you to want to have a lazy day inside with air conditioning.
However, when we stay inside for long periods of time (and also due to stay-at-home orders), we are exposing ourselves to indoor allergens no matter how clean you may try to keep your house. Roughly 70% of homes have mold behind their walls. For some, a little mold can be fine and not really influence health or breathing, but mold allergies are very common, and in many cases, that could mean our indoor air quality might actually be worse than the outdoors.
Also, mold isn’t the only source of the sniffles inside your house. Dust mites are also a big factor. Dust mites and mold are year-round allergies that can greatly affect your health. Dust mites also like to spend much of their time where you are (hopefully) spending eight hours each day: your bed.
Dust can be much more manageable than mold since it’s not hiding behind the wall, but if you have any kids, pets, roommates, or anyone sharing your space with you, managing it can become less possible.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that even if you are treating your allergy symptoms, try to avoid triggers. If, for example, you’re allergic to pollen, stay indoors with windows closed when pollen count is high. Additionally, air conditioning can help reduce exposure to hot, humid air.
Bear in mind that certain days are worse than others in regards to heat, humidity, and air pollution. By keeping track of weather updates and air quality forecasts, you can limit your time outdoors on especially hot or high air pollution days to help avoid provoking your allergies.
Also, taking your medication as prescribed on top of keeping quick-relief medications with you at all times can help you lessen the degree to which changing weather conditions influence you and your breathing.
Despite your greatest efforts, you might still experience your allergy symptoms getting worse in the summer heat - but that doesn’t mean you have to continue to suffer.
You may be a candidate for balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure conducted in our office that can safely and effectively reduce uncomfortable and painful allergy-related symptoms. Every day we make sure that our office is a safe, healthy space for our patients and staff alike, especially due to the current circumstances of COVID-19.
Whether you prefer to have your symptoms addressed online through our telemedicine services or a phone call, we’re ready and ‘Glatz’ to help. For an in-office procedure, we can set that up with you as soon as possible.
Living with sinus issues is no walk in the park, as they can be very stubborn. If medications or other treatments have been ineffective in providing relief for your sinusitis or recurrent acute sinusitis, you may be a candidate for our in-office procedure known as balloon sinuplasty.
This minimally invasive procedure is performed using a tiny balloon to dilate the sinuses, rather than using surgical tools to cut and remove tissue. As the balloon gently inflates, it increases the sinus openings and removes structural blockages, which are usually a primary source or factor in sinus issues.
While the procedure is frequently performed, there are quite a few myths regarding balloon sinuplasty that may scare candidates away. Let certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT help you separate the facts from the fiction.
Below you will find some of the most common misconceptions regarding balloon sinuplasty and the facts behind them, all according to the American Sinus Institute.
Fact: The innovation of new technologies has eliminated the requirement for nasal packing post-procedure. Whether the patient gets traditional sinus surgery or goes through with balloon sinuplasty, the gauze is no longer necessary to use.
Fact: Most people who have balloon sinuplasty notice improvements in their quality of life after the operation and it does not need to be repeated.
Fact: When it comes to balloon sinuplasty, there’s little to no downtime. Patients can generally go back to work and resume daily activities after a single day of rest.
Fact: There is typically no change to a patient’s appearance unless they got cosmetic nasal work done at the same time.
Fact: Many plans cover it, but there may be a pre-authorization required prior to the procedure being completed. The medical office where you’re having the balloon sinuplasty should handle these details with you.
Fact: The tools utilized in balloon sinuplasty were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 and thousands of these procedures have been done ever since. The procedure’s safety profile is legitimate.
Fact: When a patient has a deviated septum or large polyps, they might be better suited to traditional sinus surgery that is conducted under general anesthesia. Certain patients who have these issues could still benefit from balloon sinuplasty with less recovery time.
Fact: While they may reoccur, advances in the treatment options lessens the likelihood of them coming back. Our specialists can provide navigation of a patient’s polyps so they can identify where they take place and treat them more precisely. Glatz Group also offers nasal polyp removal surgery.
Fact: Balloon sinuplasty involves the usage of local and topical anesthetics to make the procedure more comfortable. There is a chance the patient will experience a sensation more like pressure and less like pain.
Fact: Balloon sinuplasty has been proven to be effective in offering lasting relief of sinusitis symptoms.
Balloon sinuplasty works well for those who would not be candidates for traditional surgery due to particular factors such as their health, age, previous response to anesthesia, or fear of being put under general anesthesia. For many patients, balloon sinuplasty can minimize symptoms as much as traditional surgery.
Understanding the treatment options available can bring you one step closer to getting the real, lasting relief you deserve. And our physician assistant and sinus relief specialists would be ‘Glatz’ to help make that possible.
Despite the uncertain circumstances COVID-19 has created, we continue to preserve the safety and quality care of both our patients and staff. If you would like to address your allergy or sinus symptoms from home, we can assist you via telemedicine - we’ve helped many of our patients via online services!
We also offer online consultations or phone calls.
