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.
Sinus problems can affect far more than your nose. Ongoing congestion, facial pressure, drainage, headaches, ear pressure, and difficulty breathing can interfere with sleep, work, exercise, and everyday life.
Glatz Group provides comprehensive sinus care for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley from our McAllen location. Our team evaluates what is causing recurring sinus symptoms and helps patients understand the treatment options available to them.
A stuffy nose may be temporary. Sinus problems that continue returning are different.
Chronic inflammation, allergies, sinus infections, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and other forms of nasal obstruction can all make it difficult for the nose and sinuses to function normally.
The first step is understanding why the symptoms keep happening.
Patients sometimes get used to living with congestion and pressure, especially when symptoms have been present for months or years.
Common symptoms that may deserve a closer look include:
An ENT evaluation can help determine whether these symptoms are coming from chronic sinusitis, allergies, inflammation, a physical blockage, or another condition.
Different sinus problems can produce very similar symptoms. That is why simply treating congestion over and over may not solve the underlying problem.
At Glatz Group, the focus is on identifying the cause first. Once the source of the problem is better understood, treatment can be based on what is actually happening inside the nose and sinuses.
The Rio Grande Valley can expose patients to pollen and other environmental triggers throughout much of the year. For people with allergies, that exposure can contribute to inflammation inside the nose.
Allergy related inflammation may contribute to congestion, sneezing, drainage, sinus pressure, and difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose.
For some patients, addressing allergies is an important part of improving overall sinus health.
Learn more about allergy care at Glatz Group.
Sinusitis occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed. When those symptoms continue for an extended period or repeatedly return, patients may be dealing with chronic sinusitis.
Pressure, congestion, drainage, reduced smell, headaches, and recurring infections are common reasons patients seek an ENT evaluation.
Inflammation is not the only thing that can interfere with breathing and sinus drainage. Structural problems inside the nose may also restrict normal airflow.
Nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and other forms of nasal obstruction can contribute to persistent congestion and sinus symptoms.
Learn more about nasal polyps and obstruction.
A sinus evaluation gives your ENT team an opportunity to look beyond the symptoms and determine what may be contributing to the problem.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Some patients may benefit from medication or allergy management. Others may need an office procedure or surgical treatment to address an obstruction or chronic sinus disease.
The goal is not to recommend the same solution for every patient. It is to match treatment to the actual cause of the symptoms.
Many sinus conditions respond well to medical treatment. However, some patients continue experiencing pressure, congestion, infections, or difficulty breathing even after trying medication.
When symptoms continue, additional treatment options may be worth discussing with an ENT specialist.
Balloon sinuplasty may be an option for qualifying patients with chronic sinus problems. The procedure is designed to open blocked sinus pathways and improve normal drainage.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz has provided balloon sinuplasty to patients in the Rio Grande Valley since 2012.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty.
The nose, sinuses, and ears are closely connected. Changes in pressure and inflammation can sometimes make the ears feel full, plugged, or uncomfortable.
If ear pressure frequently happens along with congestion or sinus symptoms, evaluating both may help identify the source of the problem.
Learn more about sinus pressure and ear pressure.
For many patients, successful sinus treatment is about more than clearing a stuffy nose.
It can mean breathing more comfortably through the nose, sleeping with less congestion, exercising without constantly feeling blocked, experiencing fewer sinus infections, and spending less time thinking about sinus pressure.
Glatz Group provides sinus evaluation, medical treatment, allergy care, office procedures, and surgical options from our McAllen location.
Keeping evaluation and treatment within one ENT practice allows patients to move through the process with a team that already understands their symptoms and history.
If chronic congestion, sinus pressure, drainage, recurring infections, or difficulty breathing through your nose are interfering with your life, Glatz Group can help determine what may be causing the problem.
Visit Glatz Group at 400 E Dove Ave, McAllen, Texas 78504.
Schedule Your Sinus Evaluation
When ear, nose, throat, hearing, sinus, or sleep problems start affecting everyday life, having access to the right specialist matters. Glatz Group provides comprehensive ENT care for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley from our McAllen location.
Our team evaluates conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, hearing, breathing, and sleep so patients can better understand what is causing their symptoms and what treatment options may be available.
ENT conditions often overlap. Sinus inflammation can create pressure in the ears. Nasal obstruction can interfere with sleep. Hearing problems can affect communication, work, and quality of life.
Glatz Group provides care across the full ENT spectrum, giving patients throughout the Valley access to evaluation, treatment, advanced procedures, hearing care, and surgical options when appropriate.
Some ear, nose, and throat symptoms clear on their own. Others continue returning, become more severe, or begin affecting sleep and daily activities.
An ENT evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are connected and what may be causing them.
Ear problems can range from temporary infections and pressure to hearing loss, dizziness, chronic ear conditions, and problems that require advanced treatment.
Glatz Group evaluates ear symptoms and provides hearing care for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including hearing evaluations, hearing solutions, cochlear implants, and implantable hearing technology.
Explore ear and hearing care at Glatz Group.
Constant congestion and sinus pressure are not something patients should simply learn to live with. Chronic sinusitis, allergies, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and other forms of nasal obstruction can all make breathing difficult.
Our ENT team evaluates the cause of recurring sinus and nasal symptoms and can recommend medical treatment, allergy management, office procedures, or surgical treatment when appropriate.
Persistent throat pain, tonsil problems, changes in your voice, swallowing concerns, and other throat symptoms may require evaluation by an ENT specialist.
Because the nose, throat, and airway work together, an ENT evaluation can also help determine whether another condition is contributing to recurring throat symptoms.
Sleep problems are not always just sleep problems. Snoring, interrupted breathing, poor quality sleep, morning headaches, and daytime fatigue may be connected to problems affecting the airway.
Glatz Group evaluates sleep related breathing conditions and offers treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, including Inspire therapy for qualifying patients.
Learn more about Inspire sleep apnea treatment.
Allergies can contribute to congestion, drainage, sinus pressure, sneezing, ear pressure, and difficulty breathing comfortably through the nose.
For patients with recurring nasal and sinus symptoms, identifying allergy triggers and controlling inflammation may be an important part of treatment.
Learn more about allergy care.
Patients should not have to leave the Rio Grande Valley simply to access experienced ENT care. Glatz Group provides evaluation and treatment for a wide range of conditions from our McAllen location.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz is a board certified otolaryngologist who attended Wake Forest University for medical school and completed fellowship training at Johns Hopkins.
His experience includes advanced sinus treatment, hearing restoration, cochlear implants, implantable hearing technology, sleep apnea treatment, and comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care.
Depending on the condition, treatment may involve medication, monitoring, hearing technology, an office procedure, or surgery. Having access to multiple options through one ENT practice can make it easier to move from diagnosis to treatment.
The right treatment starts with understanding the problem first.
Glatz Group welcomes patients from across the Rio Grande Valley at our McAllen office.
Whether you are looking for help with ear problems, hearing changes, chronic sinus symptoms, nasal obstruction, throat concerns, sleep apnea, or another ENT condition, our team can help determine the next step.
Visit Glatz Group at 400 E Dove Ave, McAllen, Texas 78504.
Sinus pressure, congestion, drainage, headaches, and trouble breathing through your nose can make everyday life uncomfortable. When those symptoms keep returning, it may be time to find out what is causing them.
Glatz Group provides comprehensive sinus care in McAllen for patients dealing with chronic sinus problems, nasal obstruction, allergies, recurring infections, and other conditions affecting the nose and sinuses.
Sinus problems are not always as simple as having a stuffy nose. Inflammation, allergies, structural problems, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and chronic sinusitis can all contribute to ongoing symptoms.
At Glatz Group, our goal is to determine what is causing the problem first. From there, we can discuss treatment options designed around your symptoms and your individual needs.
Sinus symptoms can return for many different reasons. Some patients may be dealing with allergies or inflammation. Others may have a physical blockage that makes it difficult for the sinuses to drain normally.
An ENT evaluation can help identify whether your symptoms are being caused by chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, polyps, turbinate problems, allergies, or another condition affecting normal airflow and drainage.
Symptoms that continue, frequently return, or interfere with your daily life may be worth discussing with an ENT specialist.
When sinus inflammation continues for an extended period of time or infections repeatedly return, the problem may be chronic sinusitis.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. An evaluation can help determine whether medication, allergy management, an office procedure, or another treatment option may be appropriate.
Not every sinus problem is caused by an infection. Structural conditions inside the nose can restrict airflow and interfere with normal sinus drainage.
Conditions such as nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, and other nasal obstructions may contribute to persistent congestion and difficulty breathing.
Learn more about nasal polyps and nasal obstruction.
Allergies can cause inflammation inside the nose, which may lead to congestion, sneezing, drainage, sinus pressure, and difficulty breathing comfortably.
For some patients, managing allergies is an important part of improving long term sinus and nasal health.
Learn more about allergy care.
Medication can provide relief for many sinus conditions, but some patients continue to experience pressure, congestion, infections, or difficulty breathing despite treatment.
When symptoms continue, Glatz Group can evaluate whether additional treatment options may be appropriate.
For qualifying patients with chronic sinus problems, balloon sinuplasty may be an option. The procedure is designed to help open blocked sinus pathways and improve drainage without traditional sinus surgery.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz has provided balloon sinuplasty to patients in the Rio Grande Valley since 2012.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty.
The ears, nose, and sinuses are closely connected. Congestion and inflammation can sometimes contribute to pressure or a plugged sensation in the ears.
If sinus symptoms and ear pressure seem to happen together, an ENT evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to both.
Learn more about sinus pressure and ear pressure.
Glatz Group provides patients with access to sinus evaluation, medical treatment, office procedures, and surgical options when necessary. Keeping care within one ENT team can make it easier to move from diagnosis to treatment without starting over somewhere else.
If sinus pressure, congestion, drainage, recurring infections, or trouble breathing through your nose are affecting your daily life, Glatz Group can help determine what may be causing the problem.
Visit our McAllen office at 400 E Dove Ave, McAllen, Texas 78504.
Schedule Your Sinus Evaluation
When you are dealing with ear pain, sinus pressure, hearing changes, throat problems, or trouble breathing, finding the right specialist can make a big difference. Glatz Group provides complete ENT care in McAllen, TX for adults and children with conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, hearing, and sleep.
If you are looking for an experienced ENT doctor in McAllen, our team can help identify what is causing your symptoms and guide you toward the right treatment.
Ear, nose, and throat conditions can affect much more than one part of your body. Congestion can affect sleep. Sinus problems can create pressure in the ears. Hearing changes can affect communication and quality of life.
At Glatz Group, we look at the complete picture. Our McAllen ENT team evaluates your symptoms, determines what may be causing them, and recommends treatment based on your individual needs.
An ENT doctor specializes in conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. Patients may visit an ENT for symptoms that are temporary, recurring, or affecting everyday life.
At Glatz Group, we provide care across a wide range of ENT conditions, including ear problems, hearing concerns, sinus conditions, nasal obstruction, throat problems, allergies, sleep apnea, and breathing concerns.
Ear pressure, infections, hearing loss, dizziness, pain, and other ear concerns can have many different causes. An ENT evaluation can help determine what is happening and whether treatment is needed.
Glatz Group also provides advanced hearing care, including hearing evaluations, hearing solutions, cochlear implants, and implantable hearing technology.
Learn more about ear and hearing care.
Chronic congestion, sinus pressure, recurring sinus infections, nasal obstruction, and difficulty breathing through the nose can interfere with sleep, exercise, concentration, and everyday comfort.
Our team treats a variety of nasal and sinus conditions, including chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, turbinate problems, allergies, and structural conditions that can affect airflow.
Explore our nose and sinus services.
Persistent sore throat, tonsil problems, hoarseness, swallowing concerns, and other throat symptoms may require evaluation by an ENT specialist.
Our goal is to identify the cause of your symptoms and help determine the most appropriate next step.
Snoring, poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and breathing interruptions during sleep may be signs of sleep apnea or another airway problem.
Glatz Group provides evaluation and treatment for sleep related breathing conditions, including Inspire therapy for qualifying patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Learn more about Inspire sleep apnea treatment.
Allergies can contribute to congestion, sinus pressure, drainage, sneezing, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Identifying allergy triggers and managing inflammation can be an important part of improving sinus and nasal health.
Learn more about allergy care.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz is a board certified otolaryngologist who attended Wake Forest University for medical school and completed fellowship training at Johns Hopkins.
Glatz Group has served patients throughout McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley for decades, providing comprehensive ENT care along with advanced treatment options for sinus, hearing, sleep, and other conditions.
You do not have to travel far to find comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care. Glatz Group is located at 400 E Dove Ave in McAllen, Texas.
If ear pain, sinus pressure, hearing changes, congestion, throat problems, or sleep concerns are affecting your daily life, schedule an evaluation with our McAllen ENT team.
Sinus pressure, congestion, drainage, and headaches can make it difficult to get comfortable at night. When your nose and sinuses feel blocked, even falling asleep can become frustrating.
Your sleeping position can affect how congestion and drainage feel overnight. For many people, keeping the head elevated can make breathing more comfortable and help reduce the feeling of pressure caused by congestion.
If sinus drainage or congestion is keeping you awake, sleeping with your head elevated is often the most comfortable position.
Raising your head and upper body may help mucus drain more naturally and may reduce the feeling of pressure or congestion while you sleep.
Some options include:
The goal is to keep your head comfortably elevated rather than completely flat.
Sleeping on your back with your head elevated can be comfortable for many people dealing with sinus pressure, congestion, or drainage.
Keeping your upper body slightly raised may make it easier to breathe through the night and can help prevent mucus from collecting in the back of the throat.
If sleeping on your back is uncomfortable, choose the position that allows you to breathe and rest most comfortably while keeping your head slightly elevated.
Side sleeping is not necessarily harmful when you have sinus problems. However, some people notice that the nostril closest to the mattress feels more congested because nasal airflow can naturally shift depending on body position.
If one side of your nose feels especially blocked, changing sides or elevating your head may help you feel more comfortable.
If you have symptoms of a sinus infection, sleeping with your head elevated may help reduce the feeling of congestion and drainage overnight.
Your sleeping position will not treat an infection, but it may make symptoms more manageable while your body recovers or while you are receiving treatment.
If symptoms are severe, continue to worsen, or do not improve, an ENT evaluation may help determine what is causing the problem.
Your sleeping position is only one part of managing nighttime sinus symptoms. A few simple changes may also make it easier to rest.
Sinus symptoms can sometimes feel more noticeable at night because lying down changes how mucus drains and can make congestion feel more pronounced.
Allergies, dry air, bedroom irritants, and post nasal drainage can also contribute to nighttime discomfort.
If your symptoms consistently become worse at night, you may also want to read about why sinus symptoms can feel worse at night.
Occasional congestion may improve on its own, but recurring or persistent sinus symptoms may need further evaluation.
Consider seeing an ENT if you are experiencing:
If sinus pressure, congestion, or drainage is regularly interfering with your sleep, Glatz Group can help determine what may be causing your symptoms.
Treatment depends on the underlying problem, which may include allergies, inflammation, chronic sinusitis, structural nasal problems, or another condition affecting the nose and sinuses.
Glatz Group provides sinus care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
If you have a sinus infection, you may wonder whether exercise will help you feel better or make your symptoms worse.
The answer depends on how severe your symptoms are, whether you have a fever or significant fatigue, and how your body responds to activity.
Mild activity may be reasonable for some people with minor nasal congestion or other symptoms above the neck, but rest is usually more appropriate when symptoms are more severe.
Light exercise may be acceptable for some people who have mild symptoms such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, or a minor sore throat and who do not have a fever.
If you decide to exercise, reduce the intensity and duration of your normal workout and pay attention to how you feel.
You should generally avoid exercise if you have symptoms such as:
If your body is telling you to rest, taking time off from exercise is unlikely to hurt your fitness and may make recovery more comfortable.
Sinusitis can cause inflammation, congestion, facial pressure, and headaches. These symptoms may become more noticeable when you bend over, move your head quickly, or perform strenuous activity.
If exercise increases facial pressure, headache, dizziness, or congestion, stop and allow your body to recover.
Not every headache during exercise is a sinus headache.
Exercise itself can trigger a type of headache known as an exertion or exercise headache. These headaches occur during or after physical activity and may be related to changes in blood flow and pressure during exertion.
Sinus infections can also cause facial pain or headache, particularly around the forehead, cheeks, eyes, or bridge of the nose.
Because several types of headache can occur during exercise, recurring or severe exercise related headaches should not automatically be assumed to come from the sinuses.
A true sinus related headache usually occurs along with other symptoms of sinusitis.
These may include:
Many headaches that people call sinus headaches are actually caused by other headache disorders, so persistent or recurring headaches may need further evaluation.
If your symptoms are mild and you feel well enough to be active, keep the workout easier than usual.
Walking, gentle cycling, stretching, or another low intensity activity may be more comfortable than a strenuous workout.
A gradual warm up can help your body adjust to activity and may reduce the likelihood of an exercise related headache.
Drink enough fluids throughout the day, particularly if congestion, fever, or illness has reduced your normal fluid intake.
Stop exercising if you develop worsening facial pressure, significant headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest symptoms, or unusual fatigue.
Rest instead of exercising if you have a fever, significant fatigue, body aches, chest congestion, or symptoms that make normal daily activity difficult.
You should also avoid exercising around other people when you may have a contagious respiratory illness.
If congestion or sinus pressure is making exercise uncomfortable, simple measures may help while your symptoms improve.
Depending on the cause, options may include:
Many acute sinus symptoms improve on their own, but an ENT evaluation may be appropriate when symptoms persist, repeatedly return, or become more severe.
Consider seeing an ENT if you experience:
Seek prompt medical attention for a sudden severe headache, a first severe exercise headache, vision changes, confusion, neck stiffness, or other concerning neurological symptoms.
If sinus pressure, congestion, or recurring infections are interfering with exercise or daily life, Glatz Group can help determine what may be causing your symptoms.
Glatz Group provides sinus care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
If you’re dealing with sinus problems, it might be time to consult a sinus doctor. Whether you’re struggling with cold-like symptoms, including runny nose, sore throat, and headaches, or are looking for simple allergy relief, an ENT has the answers you need.
If you have severe symptoms that last longer than a week, consider reaching out to your McAllen ear, nose, and throat doctor for help.
Also known as otolaryngologists and sinus doctors, ENTs treat issues in your ear, nose, and throat as well as some related issues in your head or neck. An experienced ENT can help you find relief from the following issues.
ENTs also sometimes perform cosmetic and restorative surgeries to help patients improve their breathing and their self-confidence.
Out of all of the treatments an ENT can provide, balloon sinuplasty is one of the most common procedures used to eliminate sinus issues. The procedure works to reshape your sinus pathways in order to facilitate sinus drainage and congestion relief.
Compared to other options such as nasal sprays and medical therapy, balloon sinuplasty is usually more effective and long-lasting. Your ENT can tell you whether or not you may benefit from the procedure, but it does have some general advantages you can keep in mind:
There are a few things you can expect from your first appointment with an ENT. First of all, you can rest assured that your ENT is here to help you find solutions to your medical problems, so there’s no need to be nervous about saying the right things. A typical first appointment will follow the steps listed below:
Your sinus doctor will first ask you questions about your current symptoms and medical conditions, as well as your medical history. In most cases, your ENT will ask for information not just about your health history, but also the history of your close relatives. Be as honest and comprehensive as you can.
After establishing your history and gathering information about your problem, your doctor will administer a physical examination. This exam can identify any problems related to your sinuses, ears, nose, throat, head, or neck.
Following the physical examination, your sinus doctor may require additional testing, including but not limited to the following:
Our team of ENTs are ready to diagnose and treat your sinus issues. Whether you need simple treatment, like relieving ear pressure, or can benefit from more extensive treatments options, like balloon sinuplasty, our team is here to help!
With years of experience giving the highest-quality care to our patients, you can put your trust in us for any sinus issues!
With spring fully upon us, allergy season is in full swing, and many Americans (approximately 37 million of us) are starting to feel the itch. Sinus pressure, nasal pain, and congestion ramp up when there are more allergens thanks to our body’s uncomfortable process of attempting to fight off the allergy.
While allergies are incredibly common, long-term congestion and allergies can lead to more serious sinus problems down the line. If sinus issues are affecting your daily life, talk to your McAllen ENT about chronic sinusitis.
Chronic Sinusitis is characterized by the annual swelling of nasal cavities and passages that can affect the nose, cheeks, and behind the eyes. Chronic sinusitis, compared to usual allergies, can last at least 12 weeks and usually sticks around even after you use over-the-counter or prescription medicine.
Sinusitis affects the drainage of mucus which causes a build-up and contributes to difficulty breathing.
Chronic sinusitus is characterized by most of the same symptoms that most of us associate with allergies and colds, but the effects last longer and sufferers are more likely to see several of the following specific symptoms:
However, these symptoms can also be a sign of acute sinusitis when accompanied by a fever or head cold. Acute sinusitis can also cause a loss of vision and a loss of smell. If left untreated, sinusitis can lead to more serious conditions such as meningitis, or the infection could spread to your bones.
Chronic Sinusitis can be caused by several conditions including nasal polyps, cystic fibrosis, a deviated septum, hayfever, respiratory infections, as well as HIV and other immune-compromising illnesses. You may be more at risk of developing chronic sinusitis if you live with any of the following conditions:
The first step to avoiding chronic sinusitis and many other illnesses is keeping your hands clean, but there are also a few extra things you can add to your daily routine to decrease the likelihood that you’ll develop this condition:
You should consult your doctor if you feel any stiffness in your neck, become confused, have blurred vision, have a fever, or your symptoms have lasted longer than 10 days after treatment.
Once you have a diagnosis, your chronic sinusitis can be remedied in several ways, including using medications, natural therapies, and non-invasive techniques performed by a doctor. Our ENTs can give you the care you need to find relief.
