Dealing with the pain and discomfort of ear pressure buildup can interfere with your daily life. The pain may come and go, or be a chronic issue, but finding out what’s causing it can get you one step closer to treatment.
Ear pressure buildup can have common and uncommon causes. Learn what these causes are from your McAllen sinus specialists at Glatz Group.
There are many common factors that can cause ear pressure buildup. These causes have often been linked to ear pressure buildup, and treatment can be made available once diagnosed.
Some common causes of ear pressure buildup include:
I. Sinus-Related Issues
Sinus and ear congestion can have common causes. Some of these causes include the flu, common cold, allergies, sinus infections, and irritants. If your ear pressure is building up due to sinus-related issues, your doctor may prescribe a treatment for those problems.
II. Fluid Buildup
Fluid buildup in your ear can lead to ear congestion. This can happen when water gets in your ear while showering or swimming. Allergies, eustachian tube dysfunction, and infections can also contribute to fluid buildup in the ears.
III. Wax Buildup
The purpose of earwax is to help clean, protect, and lubricate your ear canal. In certain circumstances, earwax can build up and block the eardrum. If you use cotton swabs to remove earwax, it can push the earwax even further into the ear canal.
IV. Allergies
Allergies can cause pressure to build up in your ear due to the mucus getting backed up into your eustachian tube. Tissues can also swell up in the eustachian tube due to nasal allergies.
V. Travel
The change in air pressure when flying can put stress on your middle ear and eardrum. This often happens during takeoff and landing due to the rapid air pressure changes.
Although less common, there are other instances that could cause your ear pressure buildup. Some of the less common causes include:
If you’re dealing with ear pressure buildup, our McAllen sinus doctor can help. Identifying the cause of your ear congestion can allow our ENT doctor to get to the root of your problem and diagnose the proper treatment.
Whether common or uncommon, our sinus specialists will figure out what is causing your ear pressure buildup.
Schedule an appointment today with your McAllen sinus doctor at Glatz Group of Valley ENT to get to the bottom of your ear pressure buildup.
If you’ve ever suffered from post-nasal drip, you’ve probably tried various at-home and over-the-counter remedies. For many, these offer great success, but there comes a time when it’s necessary to see a doctor. Knowing when to seek the help of your doctor can help you carefully judge and monitor your post-nasal drip symptoms.
Find out when you should see your doctor for a post-nasal drip from your McAllen sinus specialists.
Knowing the symptoms of post-nasal drip can help you identify when and where to seek treatment. Although symptoms may vary for each case, some common symptoms of post-nasal drip include:
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from post-nasal drip. At first, it’s best to monitor these symptoms at home and notify your doctor if they worsen with time.
Before you run to the doctor, there may be some things you can do at home to treat post-nasal drip. Your first line of defense against post-nasal drip includes:
Some of these at-home treatments can help with your post-nasal drip or make the symptoms less bothersome until you can seek help from your doctor. If you’re not sure whether at-home treatments are right for you, seek the guidance of your doctor or medical professional.
Each case of post-nasal drip is different, and children should be treated differently than adults. If you suspect your child is suffering from post-nasal drip, is younger than 2 months old, and has a fever, you should seek treatment from your doctor.
It’s also best to seek medical attention if your baby’s runny nose or congestion causes trouble with nursing or breathing. Once you see symptoms arising, watch them closely, and if there’s no change or they become more severe, reach out to their pediatrician immediately.
As an adult, you’ll be able to judge your symptoms and know if you require a doctor’s visit. If you’re an adult suffering from post-nasal drip, contact your doctor if:
If any of these symptoms apply to you, reach out to your doctor for treatment.
A sinus specialist can examine you and prescribe the best treatment option for you.
Once you discover that you’re suffering from post-nasal drip, it can be difficult to know when to seek treatment from your sinus doctor. At Glatz Group, our sinus specialists can take a look at your post-nasal drip and get you the treatment you need.
Reach out to your McAllen sinus specialists today to seek treatment for your post-nasal drip. Our team will be happy to take care of you and get you back to your happy, healthy self!
If you’ve experienced post-nasal drip firsthand, you know just how uncomfortable it can be. To properly treat post-nasal drip, your doctor will usually need to first determine its cause. Learning the possible causes of your post-nasal drip can help you identify what is behind that irritating feeling in the back of your throat.
Read on to learn about the five primary causes of post-nasal drip, as well as how your McAllen sinus specialists can help you find relief with treatment.
Mucus plays an important role in your body: it helps trap and destroy bacteria and viruses before they cause an infection. Normally, your mucus goes unnoticed because it mixes with your saliva and smoothly drips down the back of your throat where it can be swallowed.
If your body starts producing greater amounts of mucus, or if your mucus becomes thicker, you may start to notice it gathering at the back of your throat. That feeling of mucus building up or sliding down the back of the throat or nose is referred to as post-nasal drip.
Post-nasal drip can be caused by several factors, including sickness, medical conditions, weather changes, and certain foods and medications. Getting to the root cause of your post-nasal drip can help your doctor find the best treatment plan. Below, you can read about the five most common causes of post-nasal drip.
The common cold, the flu, allergies, and sinus infections can all contribute to post-nasal drip. When your body becomes sick, it triggers excess mucus production which may cause you to notice that mucus build-up in the back of your throat.
There are some medical conditions that can cause a post-nasal drip, the most common being a deviated septum. A deviated septum is a malformation in the wall separating the two nostrils that can affect the flow of air through the sinuses.
Changes in weather can be another cause of post-nasal drip. When the temperature drops or the air becomes dry, your body may start producing more or thicker mucus in order to adapt.
Spicy foods can be a trigger for mucus flow, and can cause extra mucus to run down the back of your throat, resulting in a post-nasal drip.
Certain blood pressure medications can cause an increase in mucus production. The increased estrogen levels caused by the use of birth control pills can also contribute to post-nasal drip.
Identifying the cause of your post-nasal drip can help your doctor decide what treatment plan will work best for you. Keeping track of the medication you take, the foods you eat, and environmental conditions you are in can also help your doctor determine the cause.
To find the right treatment for your post-nasal, you and your doctor will first need to identify what's causing it. If you're suffering from a post-nasal drip that won't go away, visit your ENT to learn about the cause of your condition and the treatment most likely to give you relief. While cases may vary, some of the most common post-nasal drip treatments include the following:
Your doctor will help you choose the right method for addressing your post-nasal drip, but that might not include medication. Another solution can be to thin out your mucus by drinking more water, using saline nasal sprays, or turning on a humidifier in your home.
Post-nasal drip can be uncomfortable to deal with, but treatment can be found once your doctor has identified the cause. If you suspect that you are suffering from post-nasal drip, call your doctor to get to the root of the issue.
Schedule an appointment with your McAllen sinus specialists at the Glatz Group today to find out what’s causing your post-nasal drip.
Many of us look at healthcare as a process where our doctors make decisions, and we simply listen to those decisions. However, your comfort, preferences, and personal needs should play a significant role in your healthcare, including choosing the right doctor in the first place.
Selecting the right ear, nose, and throat (ENT) is just as important as choosing any other kind of doctor. Whether you’re struggling with allergy symptoms or sinus problems, or need a procedure like a balloon sinuplasty, picking a doctor who will acknowledge your concerns and meet your needs is essential.
Picking a doctor can be tricky, but today your experienced McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will list three steps to ease the process.
Before you can decide which ENT will align with your needs, you need to identify exactly what those needs are. ENT doctors specialize in specific fields and often have more experience dealing with certain issues or age groups than others.
Personal factors that could come into play when choosing an ENT include:
Once you have a clear picture of your own needs and preferences, you can begin researching ENTs in your area.
Next, you will need to gather information about the ENTs you are considering. You can then use this information to narrow down your list of options. Using the ENT’s own website, state websites, and Healthgrades.com, you can learn a lot about the ENT’s experience, history, and personal information. Aspects that you should consider include:
Ideally, you will find an ENT with experience regarding your specific needs, age, and gender. You also may wish to choose an ENT of the same gender as yourself if that will make you more comfortable sharing personal information. Another approach you can try is to check reviews from existing patients in order to verify that the ENT has a history of good service.
If any of this information isn’t available online, you can ask the ENT or their office directly.
Finally, another way to ensure that the ENT you’ve chosen is the best possible fit for you is to call and speak with the ENT or their office to get more information. This is a good way to learn more about the ENT’s specific experience, training, and history of surgery complications.
Beyond that information, consulting with an ENT before you make your final decision will give you the opportunity to gauge whether or not the ENT’s communications style works for you. You need to be able to have open and clear conversations with your doctor regarding your needs and concerns. This means getting complete answers to any questions you may have, feeling free to voice any concerns, and having your concerns respected and addressed. Your ENT should be interested in getting to know you and your needs in order to give you the best service possible.
Consulting ahead of time will also allow you to ask about the doctor’s telehealth capabilities. While virtual appointments don’t replace in-person visits, they can reduce the number of trips you will need to make to the doctor’s office. Check-ups on symptoms and routine follow-ups can often be carried out over video or phone, saving you time and effort.
It is also worth noting that calling ahead will let you verify that the ENT is covered by your insurance. Unfortunately, the amount of insurance coverage available is usually the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a doctor. Regardless, it is best to be absolutely sure to take the aforementioned details into account when evaluating between the ENTs covered by your plan.
If you’ve ever experienced the burning pain in your chest that comes along with acid reflux, then you know how uncomfortable it is to suffer from and still try to live a normal life.
Today, your committed McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will highlight what you should know about acid reflux and how to get rid of it.
Acid reflux is a chronic disease caused when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time. This allows stomach acid to back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn that can sometimes feel like a heart attack.
Poor clearance of food or acid from the esophagus, too much acid in the stomach, and delayed stomach emptying can all be factors that lead to acid reflux.
Acid reflux can affect people of all ages, including infants. The only people who have a higher risk of developing acid reflux are those with asthma.
If you have nighttime acid reflux, you could also experience:
Acid reflux can also contribute to sinusitis. This is due to the fact that the acid can travel up to your nose and sinuses. This acid causes inflammation in the nose and sinus linings.
If you’re looking for a way to relieve acid reflux without medication, you could try the following:
When the stomach is full, there can be more reflux in the esophagus. If you can, eat small meals frequently throughout the day rather than three large meals.
Certain foods like mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, alcohol, and chocolate can all trigger acid reflux. It is in your best interest to avoid these foods if you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms.
Carbonated beverages are responsible for making you burp, meaning that they send acid into the esophagus. If you are suffering from acid reflux, make sure to drink water.
Gravity helps keep acid in the stomach so it is highly advised not to lay down after eating. Stay standing or even sitting up instead.
Nicotine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux.
If none of these solutions help relieve your acid reflux, it is important to seek medical care. Your primary care doctor will then refer you to an ENT. ENTs have extensive experience with diagnosing acid reflux.
Once in the office, your specialist will use an endoscopy to diagnose your condition. After providing a diagnosis, your ENT will offer a treatment plan to treat your acid reflux.
Any viral infection of the ears, nose, sinuses, or throat is referred to as an upper respiratory infection, or a URI.
These types of infections can be spread through direct contact, a cough, or a sneeze. While the most typical URI is the common cold, sinus infections, sore throat, and ear infections are other examples of URIs that can arise.
URIs frequently affect individuals mostly during fall and winter months, when the weather cools down. However, they can also happen in the spring and summer months. Most of the time, a URI is no big deal and goes away on its own within a week or so. Unfortunately, there are cases that may require medical attention or even some form of surgery.
Your 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 what causes respiratory infections and offer some solutions.
If you have an upper respiratory infection, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
You can also have these symptoms with other conditions such as the flu, allergies or a bacterial infection. Most upper respiratory infections last from a few days to two weeks and cause no lasting issues.
Many upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. In fact, over 200 viruses can lead to symptoms similar to a cold. You’re more likely to suffer from an upper respiratory infection in the winter months when you spend more time indoors. Being in close contact with people who are sick also increases your risk.
Unfortunately, the viruses that cause upper respiratory infections are contagious and can spread easily from person to person, and can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours. Viruses can also access your nose and throat through the air, when someone with an upper respiratory tract infection coughs or sneezes near you.
Although upper respiratory infections and colds are inconvenient and make you feel lousy, they’re not uncommon. The average adult gets two to four colds per year and children get twice as many. If it seems like your child always has a cold, you’re not imagining it!
Treatment for a URI usually involves limiting discomfort. The following things can help lessen the severity or duration of the symptoms:
Some over-the-counter medicines may also help adults with URI symptoms. These include:
Antihistamines
Pain-relievers
Decongestants
Some people use home remedies to help alleviate URI symptoms. These include:
If your symptoms do not subside after a week or so or worsen over time, see an ENT specialist. Your McAllen ENT at Glatz Group can conduct a thorough exam and determine if the URI is a sign of a more serious condition like bronchitis, pneumonia, or allergies.
In the event that this is the case, antibiotics or an alternative treatment might be necessary. Many patients experience an improvement in their allergies after balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure we provide at our office.
There are several ways you can minimize your risk of catching a URI.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of germs. Also, stay away from anyone who has a URI and wipe down doorknobs, countertops, and other frequently touched surfaces. In addition, do not smoke or vape, and use a tissue to cover your mouth any time you cough or sneeze.
Given the current circumstances of COVID-19, we still offer alternative options to have your symptoms addressed, including telemedicine.
For in-person appointments, your safety and comfort come first. For the peace of mind of all of our loyal patients and staff members, we’re taking all possible precautionary measures to protect our clients and team from the spread of COVID-19.
Don’t ignore your respiratory infection if it persists. Feel like yourself again after stopping by The Glatz Group of Valley ENT!
When people think they may have a sinus infection, they may expect to have a slight fever, maybe some pressure around the eyes and cheek bones, or a congested nasal passage.
That isn’t always the case, however. Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, aren’t solely painful. If left untreated, they could cause meningitis--a bacterial or fungal inflammation of the brain or spinal cord’s surrounding membranes--putting you at risk for seizures, brain damage, and even death.
The good news is there are things you can do to promote sinus health. Your reliable McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT know a few things you can use to avoid getting a particularly bad case of sinus infection.
Many viruses and bacteria are contracted by someone touching a contaminated surface and then touching their bodies and getting sick. When washing your hands, you reduce the bacteria and virus count that your immune system has to deal with.
Avoid touching your face and/or rubbing your nose. Not only does this put any bacteria or virus remaining on your hands in closer contact with being inhaled into your system, but it also increases the transmission of any illness you might have to others.
Invest in small bottles of hand sanitizers to carry with you so that if water isn’t available, you can still clean your hands regularly, especially before eating.
These are available over the counter and should be used without any decongestant as additive. Similar to washing your hands, when you rinse your nose, the concentration of virus and bacteria that you have inhaled is diminished.
If you’re new to saline sprays, try purchasing smaller bottles of different strengths to see which you prefer, or try using saline gel. Many people use a Neti pot for added humidity and nasal irrigation. These can be great for nasal moisture and cleaning, but they also have the potential for negative consequences if not cleaned regularly.
There are several types of the flu vaccines, from nasal mist to an injection. By getting the flu vaccine, you give your body improved defenses to lower your chances of getting the more common forms of influenza. This can also help you avoid developing infections in your sinuses caused by the virus.
Getting sufficient sleep is crucial for the body to rejuvenate and be better prepared to combat infections. When you’re not sleeping properly, your cortisol--also known as the stress hormone--rises, and this makes you less capable of handling the stress that comes with fighting off an infection.
Also throughout sleep, many of the supporting hormones and factors that are important for a healthy immune system are amplified. This is crucial for anyone fighting off sinusitis.
It’s imperative to incorporate leafy green vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C to help support our bodies defenses against viral and bacterial infections, especially if they are the cause of your sinusitis.
In addition, your body can lose moisture from daily activities and shivering, so staying hydrated is vital. In fact, dehydration can cause your mucus to thicken, making it easier for your sinuses to become more susceptible to infection.
Increase the sterilization of your equipment, especially if there’s any nasal sniffling or symptoms of onset sinusitis. Sterilizing equipment daily will minimize the likelihood of bacteria, settling in the tubing and/or humidifier chamber and resulting in more constant infections.
Especially after any illness, put your pillows in the dryer for a 60 minutes cycle or cover them in a plastic bag that’s tied and left in the garage for several days to support their sterilization.
For short time periods, air out and ventilate the house. This’ll help to reduce bacterial and viral counts indoors, especially when multiple family members get sick and pass it around to each other. Purchase air purifiers, and avoid sharing utensils.
Sometimes despite your best effort to avoid exposures, practice good hygiene, and follow a healthy diet, you may still contract an illness and need medical assistance for symptoms of cough, yellow or green nasal drainage, and/or worsening fevers that aren’t improving, especially after three days.
Sometimes the solution may be antibiotics and/or medicated nasal sprays like nasal steroids, antihistamines, or cough suppressants. Other lasting remedies for sinusitis may fall in line with balloon sinuplasty, so speak with your sinus relief specialists here at the Glatz Group to see if this procedure is right for you.
With the pandemic in mind, we still provide alternative options to have your symptoms addressed, including via telemedicine where you can be taken care of from home.
For in-person appointments, your safety and comfort is important to us. Please note that we’re taking all precautionary measures necessary, and we also accept calls.
While COVID-19 continues to be a health concern, this allergy season has been more unforgiving than most, and you can’t ignore something as uncomfortable as your sinuses. One minute you think your sinus issues are getting better, but next thing you know, you lay down, your nose gets stuffy, and you’re stuck staring at the ceiling wondering why they worsen at night.
The answer to this isn’t always necessarily straightforward as it can vary for every individual. The universal truth is that if your nose is blocked at night on one side or both, or if you’re dealing with any other sinus-related problem, your chances of getting sleep in are slim.
But there’s no need to stress. The McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his loyal team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will list four of the most common conditions or factors that may worsen your sinuses at night, as well as potential solutions you can take to find relief.
When it comes to determining what makes your sinuses worse at night, a good place to begin is to ask yourself which sinus-related issues or household circumstances you go through.
It is worth noting, however, that your sinus problems may worsen at night since you’re less distracted and paying more attention to how you feel.
While this might be true to a certain extent, paying attention doesn’t lead to sinus symptoms. Sinus issues create sinus symptoms. Here are some potential factors to consider:
Imagine your bedroom and ask yourself the following questions:
If you answered “yes” to any of the following, you might have noticed a factor that is impacting both your sinuses and your sleep.
If you only experience a nose blockage when the night hits, making these adjustments in your bedroom could help relieve your congestion:
Many patients are surprised to find out the role gravity and blood pressure play in making sinus issues worse.
While you’re sitting up and standing throughout the day, your blood circulates through your body, with blood pressure and the forces of gravity influencing how easy it is for your blood to get to your head and sinuses. On top of that, when you’re vertical, gravity also helps your sinuses drain down your esophagus and into your stomach.
When you lie down on the other hand, your body doesn’t have to fight as much to deliver blood to your head. Increased blood flow in the blood vessels of your sinuses may result in sinus congestion, pressure, and pain. When that happens, gravity is no longer helping your sinuses drain, but instead increasing your chances of experiencing those same issues.
These nighttime sinus circumstances can affect those who have little to no sinus symptoms during the day. If you’re also suffering from sinusitis, GERD, or allergies, these circumstances can get aggravate already inflamed blood vessels and exacerbate other related problems.
The best sleeping position for sinus drainage problems and other sinus issues is to sleep with your head propped up. Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are hard to miss. Your drainage problems and inflamed blood vessels may get worse when you lay down.
Because of this, propping up your head while sleeping might not be sufficient; you’ll probably have no choice but to tackle the sinus infection itself. Many sinus infections will go away with OTC medication and rest, but chronic sinus infections usually require further treatment.
If you have chronic sinus infections that interrupt your sleep, you may have to meet with your doctor to discuss your options. We encourage you to ask your doctor about Balloon Sinuplasty, a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that provides long-lasting sinus relief.
Another possible factor to your sinuses getting worse at night is GERD, short for gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD takes place when acid from your stomach re-enters your esophagus because of a damaged or impaired esophageal valve.
This occurs more frequently at night while you’re lying down. GERD usually affects the back of the throat, leading to coughing, post-nasal drip, and even nausea. Since the throat is connected to your sinus passages, more doctors have started associating GERD with causing sinus problems.
The best way to target GERD-related sinus problems is to decrease the amount of acid that aggravates your throat. You can accomplish this by simply avoiding eating just before bed and speak to your doctor about antacids and proton pump inhibitors. Weight loss also could help relieve GERD.
Patients with allergies tend to suspect that their nighttime sinus issues come from allergies, but many are still left wondering why their nose gets clogged at night. As with sinus infections, allergies may exacerbate the sinus-related symptoms you face as a result of the effects of gravity and blood pressure when lying down.
Allergy-related nasal congestion at night might simply happen due to the fact that your bedroom is not enough to protect your body against allergens (pets may sleep there, the air filter or sheets may have to be changed, etc.). However, you might also have to take an antihistamine before bed to help lessen the inflammation caused by allergies from worsening.
If you’ve lost more nights than you can count to sinus issues caused by sinusitis, allergies, or even a deviated septum, it may be time to consider balloon sinuplasty.
During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into your sinus cavities through your nasal passageways. When these balloons are expanded, healthy drainage is restored.
If your sinuses do not go away after trying the approaches mentioned above, you are welcome to set up an appointment with us where you can either have your symptoms addressed online through our telemedicine services or via phone call if you are in need of a procedure done in our office.
We will continue to keep our office a safe, clean space for our patients and staff members alike amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The symptoms of allergies and sinusitis can be very similar. Both problems can cause sinus pain and pressure, a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and other issues.
In fact, allergies can sometimes result in sinus infections. An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen. Sinusitis is a sinus infection that is generally bacterial or viral.
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis of your condition because the treatments for allergies and sinusitis can be quite different. Certified McAllen physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his sinus relief team at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT want to clear things up by discussing the differences between sinusitis and allergies.
At the surface level, sinusitis and allergies can cause very similar symptoms but are actually very different conditions.
Sinusitis is when the sinuses become infected or inflamed. There are four pairs of sinuses in the skull and face, any of which can develop sinusitis.
Sinusitis can be considered acute or chronic. If it’s acute, then it is temporary and the symptoms should fade within about 10 days. Chronic sinusitis is when symptoms have persisted for more than 12 weeks and medical treatment has been ineffective.
Chronic sinusitis is more common among those with allergies, asthma, a deviated septum, and other conditions that block the nose or sinuses.
Allergies, on the other hand, are a type of immune system response. In allergy sufferers, the immune system attempts to combat a foreign substance that has entered your body. This can, in turn, induce pain and inflammation around the sinuses. When a person breathes in an allergen and their sinuses get inflamed, this is often referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
Allergies, like dust and dander, may cause inflammation and symptoms that resemble those of sinusitis. It is important to be aware, however, that in some cases, an allergy CAN trigger sinusitis.
When the sinuses swell in response to an allergy, bacteria can get stuck in your nose, potentially causing an infection. Sinusitis, however, does not cause allergies. Note that if an individual has allergies and sinusitis, the infection can exacerbate the allergy symptoms.
Sinusitis and allergies can cause swelling in the nasal passageways, leading to a stuffy nose, or congestion. They both can cause headaches and a feeling of pressure along the sinuses, resulting in pain on the face.
However, there are certain distinctions that can help determine whether you’re experiencing an allergic reaction or sinusitis.
Allergies can come without warning or with seasonal changes. Sinusitis typically follows a cold or other viral infection.
A person might be having an allergic reaction if they have:
A person may have sinusitis if they experience:
Treatment for allergies can include a range of different kinds of medications, such as pills, inhalers, and eye drops. Some are available as over-the-counter medications, while others are available by prescription.
Antihistamines can be utilized to block the histamine that provokes many symptoms, and decongestants may also be used to help alleviate congestion.
Immunotherapy is also another treatment option designed to build up tolerance for those with environmental allergies. It usually involves using injections of a tiny amount of the allergen, but it can also be done with a bit of the allergen placed underneath the tongue.
Sinusitis treatment options include:
Balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure done, is another option that may be just the solution you need when antibiotics and other medicines aren’t effective at treating your sinusitis.
Sometimes an underlying issue, either a deviated septum or nasal polyps, is the source of your symptoms and can be corrected with surgery. At Glatz Group, We also provide nasal polyp removal surgery.
The pain and pressure of allergies and sinusitis can make it challenging to sleep and concentrate, which can greatly impact your quality of life. Thankfully, both conditions are treatable. Our certified specialists can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
We continue to provide state-of-the-art care in a manner that’s individualized and compassionate, even amidst the unusual circumstances of COVID-19. Thanks to telemedicine, we’ve been able to successfully address the allergy symptoms of our patients without an in-person meeting.
If you need immediate treatment, we can schedule an in-office procedure as soon as possible. We also offer online consultations or phone calls.
If you're allergic to outdoor allergens, you’re probably familiar with how to relieve some of the symptoms, but what about those sneaky allergens that can dwell within your home?
Plenty of allergens can hide indoors, causing you plenty of sneezing, coughing, and discomfort. The good news is that your local certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma, and his sinus relief team at the Glatz Group at VALLEY ENT, know all about the top hidden allergy triggers that can exist inside your home and what you can do about them.
Microscopic dust mites live on dead skin cells shed by us and our furry friends. They are generally to blame for allergy symptoms, and these little bugs can hide everywhere in your home where dust builds up like hard surfaces, tabletops, bookshelves, and hardwood floors.
In addition, dust mites love warm, humid areas, which make soft surfaces where you sit and rest good hiding spots. These include bedding, carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Curtains hide dust mites, too.
To get rid of dust mites and reduce dust mite allergy:
Pet allergens go beyond just dander and fur. Those who are allergic to pets may also allergic to their saliva and urine. Sadly, you may have to get rid of your pets depending on the severity of your allergies, but if your allergies are manageable, take efforts to minimize pet allergens in your home by:
You spend a lot of time in your bed, and it just so happens to be a prime spot for household allergens. Dust mites and pet allergies gather in your mattress, sheets, and pillows.
Get rid of these allergens by:
Mold spores are common indoor allergens. Your bathroom and kitchen are primary spots where mold spores tend to germinate, but any area that's damp or where there’s standing water or leakage can grow mold.
Get rid of mold by:
It also helps to refrain from putting carpeting in moist or humid regions.
Cockroaches can crawl into any home, leaving behind droppings and skin sheddings that can set off your allergies. They usually find their way into your home through cracks and holes, openings around your doors and windows, and sometimes through the plumbing.
These resilient critters are not exclusive to a dirty home. In fact, any home with a food and water source--even non-food items like clothing and paper--can be a paradise for a cockroach.
Keeping a tidy kitchen sink and floor free from foodstuffs and water and sealing up all of their entrances, however, can help you get rid of your cockroach, and allergen, problem.
Aside from the more obvious dangers that smoking presents, tobacco smoke can make your allergy symptoms, and asthma, much worse. While the smoke itself may be a primary irritant, many in the medical field also believe it may be due to an allergy to any of the many harmful chemicals that are present in each inhale.
The bottom line, however, is that you shouldn't smoke or let others smoke inside your home or vehicle if you have allergies that stem from cigarette smoke--and for primary health concerns as well. The smoke settles in your furniture, carpets, and curtains for a long time, and this can mess with your airways and worsen other allergies in the process over a long period of time.
Pollen can float its way into your home through the slight breeze that accompanies you inside, your clothes, your hair, and your pet’s fur, making the time you spend indoors unbearable. By the same token, if you leave your windows open or let your laundry air-dry outside, outdoor allergens will gladly invite themselves in.
Reduce outdoor pollen exposure by:
Clearing out the sources of allergens is the best way for you to ensure that the air in your home is clean. Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA air filter to catch tiny particles of allergens and search for air conditioner filters that are able to filter them out as well.
In fact, don't start your car in the garage if the garage is attached to your home, and don't keep chemicals like pesticides inside your home. These fumes these objects produce can aggravate your airways and worsen allergy symptoms.
If you are still struggling with allergies after following these tips, it may be time to pay a visit to your McAllen ENT to discuss your options for relief.
Despite COVID-19 concerns, we want to remind our guests that we are doing everything possible to maintain health standards in our office for the safety and wellbeing of you and our staff.
The use of telemedicine has allowed us to address 90 to 95% of our patients’ allergy symptoms without an in-person meeting, but we also take online consultations, phone calls, and in-person visits as well.
