Ear problems can affect hearing, balance, comfort, and everyday life. While some issues are temporary, others may require evaluation and treatment from an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Understanding common symptoms can help you recognize when something may be affecting your ears. Below are four common ear problems, their possible causes, and some of the treatment options available.
Hearing loss is one of the most common ear problems evaluated by an ENT. Changes in hearing can happen gradually or suddenly, and the appropriate treatment depends on the type and cause of the hearing loss.
There are three primary types of hearing loss:
Hearing loss can have many different causes. Identifying the cause helps determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. Options may include treating an underlying condition, hearing aids, other hearing devices, or surgical treatment in certain cases. If you notice a change in your hearing, an evaluation and hearing test can help determine the cause.
Ear infections are especially common in children, but adults can develop them as well. Middle ear infections occur behind the eardrum and commonly involve inflammation and fluid buildup.
Common symptoms may include:
An ENT can examine the ear with an otoscope to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or fluid. Some middle ear infections improve without antibiotics, while others may require medication or additional treatment depending on the patient's age, symptoms, and severity of the infection.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound that does not come from an outside source. It is often described as ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or humming in one or both ears.
Tinnitus varies from person to person. For some, it is occasional and mild. For others, it can interfere with concentration, sleep, hearing, and everyday activities.
Tinnitus may be associated with:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and how much tinnitus affects daily life. Options may include treating an underlying ear condition, hearing aids when hearing loss is present, sound therapy, and strategies that help reduce the impact of tinnitus.
Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected ear.
Symptoms can vary in frequency and severity. Some people experience episodes of intense vertigo along with changes in hearing or ringing in the ear. In severe cases, sudden loss of balance can occur.
The exact cause of Ménière’s disease is not fully understood. Diagnosis generally involves reviewing symptoms, examining the ears, and performing hearing and balance testing when appropriate.
There is currently no cure for Ménière’s disease, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Depending on the individual, treatment may include dietary changes, medications to help control dizziness, diuretics, vestibular rehabilitation, injections, hearing treatment, or surgery in more severe cases.
Some ear symptoms resolve on their own, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated. Consider seeing an ENT if you are experiencing ongoing ear pain, pressure, ringing, repeated infections, dizziness, drainage, or changes in your hearing.
Sudden hearing loss or rapidly worsening hearing should be evaluated promptly.
If ear pain, pressure, hearing changes, ringing, dizziness, or repeated infections are affecting your daily life, Glatz Group provides comprehensive ear care for patients in McAllen and throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Our team can evaluate your symptoms, identify the possible cause, and discuss treatment options based on your individual needs.
Balloon sinuplasty is designed to improve drainage through certain blocked sinus openings, but it is not a primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
However, some people with sleep apnea also have chronic sinus congestion or nasal obstruction that makes nighttime breathing more difficult. In those cases, treating the sinus problem may improve nasal airflow and make sleep or other sleep apnea treatments more comfortable.
Obstructive sleep apnea, commonly called OSA, occurs when the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep.
These interruptions can reduce airflow and cause repeated awakenings throughout the night.
Common symptoms may include:
Snoring alone does not necessarily mean someone has sleep apnea. A sleep evaluation is needed to determine whether OSA is present.
Nasal congestion and sinus inflammation can make it harder to breathe comfortably through the nose at night.
For someone who already has obstructive sleep apnea, additional nasal obstruction may make nighttime breathing feel more difficult and can sometimes make CPAP use less comfortable.
Treating nasal obstruction may improve breathing and sleep quality, but it does not necessarily eliminate the airway collapse responsible for OSA. Nasal treatment is often considered an additional part of a larger sleep apnea treatment plan. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="1"}
Balloon sinuplasty does not directly treat the throat or tongue base collapse that commonly causes obstructive sleep apnea.
Its purpose is to widen certain blocked sinus openings and improve sinus drainage.
If chronic sinusitis or poor sinus drainage is contributing to nasal obstruction, balloon sinuplasty may improve nasal breathing in an appropriately selected patient.
That improvement may make sleeping more comfortable or help some patients tolerate other sleep apnea treatments more easily, but balloon sinuplasty should not be considered a replacement for a proper sleep apnea evaluation or prescribed OSA treatment.
For some patients, nasal obstruction can make CPAP treatment harder to tolerate.
Improving nasal airflow may make CPAP use more comfortable in selected patients. ENT evaluation can help determine whether allergies, sinusitis, a deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, or another nasal problem is contributing to difficulty breathing through the nose. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="2"}
A sinus evaluation may be useful if you have sleep apnea along with symptoms such as:
These symptoms do not automatically mean balloon sinuplasty is appropriate. An ENT first needs to determine what is causing the nasal obstruction.
Sleep apnea can involve several areas of the upper airway, not just the nose and sinuses.
Possible contributing factors may include:
Because several areas may contribute to OSA, treatment should be based on an evaluation of the entire airway rather than nasal symptoms alone.
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the sleep apnea.
Positive airway pressure therapy, including CPAP, is a standard treatment for many adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Other options may include oral appliances, weight management, positional treatment, or surgery depending on the patient. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}
For selected patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, other treatments may also be considered after a complete evaluation.
Glatz Group also provides evaluation for Inspire sleep apnea treatment for appropriate candidates.
Balloon sinuplasty may be considered when a patient has an appropriate sinus condition in addition to sleep related breathing concerns.
Examples may include chronic sinusitis, recurring sinus infections, persistent sinus pressure, or poor sinus drainage that has not improved enough with appropriate medical treatment.
For more information about candidacy, read signs that balloon sinuplasty may be appropriate.
If chronic sinus symptoms are making nasal breathing difficult, Glatz Group can determine whether balloon sinuplasty or another sinus treatment may be appropriate.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty in McAllen.
If you are dealing with both sleep apnea and chronic nasal or sinus problems, Glatz Group can evaluate how the nose and sinuses may be affecting your breathing.
Treating nasal obstruction may be one part of a broader sleep apnea treatment plan, but the right approach depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
After balloon sinuplasty, proper aftercare can help support healing and reduce irritation while the nose and sinuses recover.
Your exact instructions will depend on your procedure, medical history, and whether any additional sinus treatment was performed, so always follow the recommendations provided by your ENT.
This guide focuses specifically on what to do after balloon sinuplasty, what to avoid, and when to contact your doctor during recovery.
The first few days after balloon sinuplasty are an important part of recovery. Your doctor may give you specific instructions about rest, nasal care, medications, and activity.
General aftercare may include:
Many patients are able to return to light activity fairly quickly, but rest can still be helpful during the first part of recovery.
Avoid pushing yourself if you are experiencing fatigue, pressure, congestion, or discomfort.
Sleeping or resting with your head slightly elevated may help reduce the feeling of congestion and may make drainage more comfortable.
A wedge pillow or extra pillow may help keep your upper body raised without forcing your neck into an uncomfortable position.
Patients are often advised to avoid forceful nose blowing for a period of time after sinus procedures.
Forceful pressure may irritate healing tissue or increase the chance of bleeding.
Your ENT will tell you when it is safe to resume normal nose blowing based on your specific treatment.
Saline spray or nasal rinses may be recommended to help keep the nasal passages moist and support normal healing.
Use saline only according to your doctor's instructions and follow the recommended frequency and technique.
Temporary activity restrictions may be recommended while the nose and sinuses heal.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may be advised to avoid:
The length of these restrictions varies by patient, so follow the instructions given by your treating physician.
Light walking may be appropriate for some patients, but strenuous activity should usually be resumed gradually and according to your doctor's instructions.
Returning to intense exercise too quickly may increase pressure, discomfort, or bleeding.
Some patients return to work relatively soon after balloon sinuplasty, especially if their job is not physically demanding.
The appropriate timing depends on how you feel, the type of work you do, whether sedation was used, and whether other procedures were performed.
Your ENT can give you a more specific return to work recommendation.
Driving recommendations depend on whether sedation, pain medication, or other medications that affect alertness were used.
If your doctor instructs you not to drive, arrange for someone else to take you home.
Do not drive until you are medically cleared and feel fully alert.
Temporary symptoms may occur as the nose and sinuses heal.
These can include:
Symptoms should generally improve with time, although recovery varies from person to person.
Contact your medical provider if your symptoms seem severe, unexpected, or are getting worse instead of improving.
Examples may include:
Your ENT can tell you which symptoms require immediate evaluation based on your specific treatment.
Follow up appointments allow your ENT to evaluate healing and determine whether additional care is needed.
Keep your scheduled follow up visits even if you are feeling better, since your doctor may need to examine areas you cannot evaluate on your own.
For a detailed recovery timeline, including what patients may experience during the first day and first week, read our guide to balloon sinuplasty recovery and what to expect after the procedure.
For a complete overview of how the procedure works, read about the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
If you are considering balloon sinuplasty or already have a procedure scheduled, Glatz Group can explain what to expect before and after treatment.
Glatz Group provides balloon sinuplasty in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
If you have a sinus infection, smoking may make an already uncomfortable situation worse. Cigarette smoke and other inhaled irritants can irritate the lining of the nose and sinuses, increase inflammation, and interfere with the normal processes that help move mucus out of the nasal passages.
Avoiding smoke while your sinuses are inflamed may help reduce additional irritation while you recover. Persistent, recurring, or severe sinus symptoms may also need evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Smoking while you have a sinus infection is generally not helpful for irritated nasal and sinus tissue. Smoke can further irritate the lining of the nose, increase congestion, and make symptoms such as pressure, drainage, and coughing feel more noticeable.
Your nose and sinuses contain tiny structures called cilia that help move mucus and trapped particles through the respiratory system. Exposure to tobacco smoke can interfere with normal cilia function, which can make it harder for the nose and sinuses to clear mucus effectively.
Smoking does not mean that every sinus infection will become more severe, but continued exposure to smoke can contribute to inflammation and irritation while the sinuses are already affected.
Symptoms that may feel worse with smoke exposure include:
Avoiding cigarettes, cigars, vaping products, secondhand smoke, and other airborne irritants may help prevent additional irritation while your symptoms improve.
The lining of your nose and sinuses continuously produces mucus. That mucus helps trap dust, allergens, and other particles before they travel farther into the respiratory system.
Cilia help move that mucus through the nasal passages. Tobacco smoke contains chemicals and particles that can irritate nasal tissue and impair normal mucus clearance.
Over time, repeated smoke exposure may contribute to chronic nasal inflammation, congestion, changes in smell, and ongoing sinus symptoms.
You do not have to smoke yourself to experience irritation from tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke can irritate the nose, throat, and respiratory system.
For people who already have allergies, sinus inflammation, or respiratory problems, exposure to smoke may make congestion and other symptoms more noticeable.
Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the nose and sinuses that persists for an extended period. It can have several causes and contributing factors.
Smoking and repeated exposure to tobacco smoke may contribute to ongoing nasal and sinus inflammation and can make existing sinus problems harder to manage.
If you frequently experience congestion, facial pressure, drainage, or repeated sinus infections, an ENT evaluation can help determine whether chronic sinusitis or another condition is contributing to your symptoms.
Smoking can interfere with normal healing after many surgical procedures and may irritate tissue that is recovering from sinus treatment.
Patients undergoing sinus surgery should follow their surgeon's specific instructions about smoking before and after the procedure.
If you are considering a procedure such as balloon sinuplasty or another sinus treatment, tell your doctor about smoking, vaping, and other tobacco use so your care plan can account for it.
Reducing or stopping exposure to tobacco smoke removes an ongoing source of irritation from the nose and respiratory system.
Some people may notice improvements in congestion, coughing, nasal irritation, or their sense of smell after they stop smoking, although recovery varies from person to person.
If you need help quitting, your primary care provider can discuss resources and treatment options that may make quitting easier.
Many short term sinus symptoms improve with time, but an ENT evaluation may be appropriate when symptoms are persistent, severe, or repeatedly return.
Consider seeing an ENT if you experience:
If sinus infections, congestion, or drainage keep coming back, Glatz Group can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Smoking may be one factor, but allergies, chronic inflammation, structural problems, and other conditions can also affect the nose and sinuses.
Glatz Group provides sinus care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Ear pressure can make your ears feel clogged, full, muffled, or uncomfortable. It can happen with sinus congestion, allergies, colds, changes in altitude, or problems with the eustachian tubes that help regulate pressure in the middle ear.
Many mild cases of ear pressure improve on their own or with simple measures at home. The right approach depends on what is causing the pressure, and persistent or painful symptoms should be evaluated by an ENT.
The eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat. They normally open when you swallow, yawn, or chew to help equalize pressure.
When these tubes become swollen or do not open properly, pressure can build up behind the eardrum.
Common causes of ear pressure include:
If the pressure is mild and related to congestion, allergies, or a temporary change in air pressure, several simple measures may help.
Swallowing and yawning naturally encourage the eustachian tubes to open. Chewing gum or slowly sipping water may also help your ears equalize pressure.
If nasal or sinus congestion is contributing to your symptoms, saline may help keep the nasal passages moist and remove mucus and irritants.
If you use a nasal rinse, follow the product instructions and use water that is appropriate for nasal irrigation.
Drinking enough water can help keep mucus thinner and may make congestion easier to manage.
Dry air can irritate the nose and throat. A clean humidifier may make breathing more comfortable when dry air is contributing to nasal irritation or congestion.
If your nose is congested, gently clearing mucus may help. Avoid forceful nose blowing because excessive pressure can make ear discomfort worse.
Tobacco smoke, vaping aerosols, strong fragrances, and other airborne irritants can contribute to nasal inflammation and congestion.
Reducing exposure may help if irritation is contributing to your ear pressure.
Air pressure changes during takeoff and landing can temporarily make the ears feel blocked or painful.
To help equalize pressure, try:
If you frequently experience significant ear pain while flying, an ENT can determine whether eustachian tube dysfunction or another condition is contributing.
Earwax can sometimes create a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or pressure when it becomes impacted.
Do not place cotton swabs, tools, or other objects into the ear canal. These can push wax farther into the ear or injure the ear canal or eardrum.
Over the counter earwax softening products may be appropriate for some people, but they should not be used without medical guidance if you have:
If you are unsure whether earwax is causing the problem, an ENT can examine the ear safely.
Trying to force the ear to open or putting substances into the ear without knowing the cause can sometimes make the problem worse.
Avoid:
Temporary pressure caused by flying, altitude changes, or mild congestion may improve once the pressure equalizes or the underlying congestion clears.
If the pressure lasts for several days, keeps returning, becomes painful, or affects your hearing, it may need further evaluation.
If your symptoms are not improving, read more about when persistent ear pressure should be evaluated by an ENT.
Home measures are most appropriate for mild and temporary symptoms. Consider seeing an ENT if ear pressure is accompanied by:
Sudden hearing loss should be evaluated promptly.
If home remedies are not relieving your ear pressure, Glatz Group can help determine whether the problem is related to the ears, eustachian tubes, allergies, sinus congestion, or another condition.
Glatz Group provides ENT care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
For a more complete overview of sinus related ear pressure, read our guide on how to relieve sinus pressure in your ears.
Recovery after balloon sinuplasty is usually shorter than recovery from more extensive sinus surgery, but every patient heals differently.
Knowing what to expect during the first day, first few days, and first week can make the recovery process easier to understand and help you recognize which symptoms are normal and which should be discussed with your ENT.
This page focuses specifically on balloon sinuplasty recovery and aftercare. For a broader overview of how the procedure itself is performed, read our guide to the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
After balloon sinuplasty, some temporary nasal and sinus symptoms are common while the treated area begins to heal.
You may experience:
The amount and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on the patient and whether other sinus procedures were performed at the same time.
During the first day after the procedure, your main priority should be following the instructions provided by your treating physician.
Your care plan may include rest, nasal care, medication instructions, and temporary activity restrictions.
Some patients may feel well enough to return to light normal activities quickly, while others may prefer additional rest.
If you received sedation or medications that affect alertness, follow your doctor's instructions about driving and operating equipment.
There is no single recovery timeline that applies to every patient, but many people experience gradual improvement over the first several days.
Mild congestion, pressure, drainage, or fatigue may be present. Rest and follow your ENT's post procedure instructions.
Some patients begin feeling more comfortable as irritation and pressure start to improve. Nasal drainage or congestion may still be present.
Many patients are able to resume more of their normal routine during the first week, depending on how they feel and the instructions provided by their doctor.
Recovery usually continues as the nasal passages heal and inflammation decreases. Follow up care may be used to evaluate healing and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Some patients return to work relatively quickly after balloon sinuplasty, especially when their job does not involve strenuous physical activity.
The right time to return depends on how you feel, the type of work you do, whether sedation was used, and whether additional procedures were performed.
Follow the return to work recommendations provided by your ENT rather than relying on a general timeline.
Strenuous exercise may need to be limited temporarily after balloon sinuplasty.
Walking and light activity may be appropriate for some patients, but more intense exercise should be resumed according to your doctor's instructions.
Returning to strenuous activity too quickly may increase discomfort or bleeding.
Patients are often advised to avoid forceful nose blowing for a period of time after sinus procedures.
Your ENT will tell you when it is safe to resume normal nose blowing based on your individual treatment and recovery.
Saline spray or nasal rinses may be recommended after balloon sinuplasty to help keep the nasal passages moist and support the healing process.
Use saline products only as directed by your treating physician and follow the recommended frequency and technique.
Temporary congestion can occur after balloon sinuplasty because the nasal and sinus tissues may still be irritated or swollen.
This does not necessarily mean the procedure was unsuccessful. Healing takes time, and symptoms may improve gradually.
If congestion becomes severe, continues longer than expected, or begins getting worse, contact your ENT.
A small amount of bloody drainage or spotting can occur after the procedure.
Your doctor should explain what level of bleeding is expected and what would be considered unusual.
Heavy bleeding, persistent bleeding, or bleeding that concerns you should be discussed with your medical provider.
Your doctor may recommend temporarily avoiding certain activities while the nose and sinuses heal.
Depending on your treatment plan, this may include:
Always follow the instructions given by your treating physician because restrictions can vary from patient to patient.
Contact your medical provider if your recovery does not seem to be progressing normally or if you develop symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Examples may include:
Your ENT can tell you which symptoms require immediate evaluation based on your specific procedure and medical history.
Follow up visits allow your ENT to check how the nasal and sinus tissues are healing and determine whether additional care is needed.
The timing of follow up appointments varies depending on the patient and the type of treatment performed.
Keep all scheduled follow up appointments even if you are feeling better.
The goal of balloon sinuplasty is to improve drainage through treated sinus openings, but long term results depend on the underlying cause of the patient's sinus problems.
Allergies, chronic inflammation, infection, and other conditions can continue to affect the nose and sinuses after treatment.
If symptoms return, an ENT can determine whether additional medical treatment or another procedure may be appropriate.
If you are considering balloon sinuplasty or already have a procedure scheduled, Glatz Group can explain what to expect before and after treatment.
Glatz Group provides balloon sinuplasty in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
For a complete explanation of the treatment itself, read our guide to the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
Winter weather in Texas isn’t as cold as in many of the northern states, but you may wonder if the cooler temperatures can improve your seasonal allergies. Since the sticky hot summer air has finally cooled off, you may hope that you’ll finally find some allergy relief.
Unfortunately, cold weather isn’t always a friend to your ears, nose, and throat. Keep reading to learn how a temperature change can trigger your allergies, and how you can get help from your Edinburg ENT doctor to fight off those pesky allergies!
When the outside temperature drops, the change can be hard on your lungs and lead to allergic reactions, including worsening congestion, runny nose, wheezing, and coughing fits.
But staying indoors all the time won’t help your allergies, either. Since it’s cooler outside, many people stay inside more often in the winter. You’re most likely keeping the windows closed and maybe turning the heat up a little higher. This creates a space with less fresh air and more dry heat. Staying indoors all the time in the winter can also make allergies to dust and pet dander worse.
Sometimes Texas winter days are really dry, which isn't the best for allergy sufferers. The cold, dry air can suck the moisture out of your nasal passages, lips, and skin, making it easier for allergens to settle into your lungs.
On the other hand, too much moisture in the air also isn’t good. If the Texas winter weather is too wet, it can encourage mold and dust mites to grow. The air moisture levels have to be just right to keep your allergies from reacting. However, that’s not always something we can control.
Being allergic to the cold is a real thing, and it’s called cold urticaria! The more common form causes itchy hives, swelling, and redness on the skin after exposure to cold temperatures. However, it needs to be under 39 degrees Fahrenheit for an allergic reaction to happen. Reactions usually pop up within a few minutes after warming the skin and only last a couple of hours.
Texas is great if you want to avoid having to deal with cold northern winters! However, you may not be able to completely escape your allergies just because the air is a bit warmer. But the Glatz Group has your back! There are a few things you can do to get winter allergy relief:
Knowing exactly what you’re allergic to can help you understand how you can protect your ears, nose, and throat. If you’re allergic to dust mites or pet dander, then you’ll know you need to dust often or bathe your furry friends more.
Reach out to our compassionate and experienced team at the Glatz Group to find out how you can fight off your allergy foes and still enjoy the cooler Texas weather!
If your loved ones' sneezes are enough to blow over the Christmas tree, they are probably looking for some relief! The cold and dry winter air can cause allergy flare-ups, and you don’t want anyone miserable during the holiday season. Give your friends and family a gift they can actually use for sinus relief this Christmas!
On the other hand, maybe your loved one’s allergies are under control, but you don’t want to give them a gift that could further irritate their ear, nose, or throat. Keep reading to find the ultimate list of gift ideas for anyone with allergies on your Christmas list!
Your loved ones will love the extra thought and care you’ve put into giving them a gift they can use for allergy relief!
You could also build a sinus relief holiday gift basket! Include tissues, nasal spray, decongestant tablets, allergy relief teas, and a gift card to their favorite pharmacy. Or, if they already have all the vacuums, air purifiers, and humidifiers they need, consider gifting your loved ones extra filters, as they can get a little expensive.
The one thing you don’t want to do this holiday season is to give your loved ones a thoughtful gift and then watch them suffer with a fit of sneezes. Protect your friends and family this Christmas by avoiding these gifts.
If your friends and family have a specific brand they know is safe, buy from them! Always ask before you buy a questionable product to avoid making your loved ones sick.
Allergies can really bring down the holiday spirit! Spending time sniffling, laying in bed, or sitting in front of the humidifier trying to find allergy relief isn’t the best way to spend the Christmas season.
Bring your loved ones with allergies to the Glatz Group to help them find relief this yea. With our experienced team, your friends and family can find the best solution to fighting allergies and get back to enjoying the things that matter most!
Now that summer has arrived, you may be hoping for some sinus relief after the colder winter months! Unfortunately, summer weather can still cause issues with your sinuses, despite being warmer. The changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can affect your sinuses, leaving you with pain or pressure in your eyes, cheeks, and forehead.
When humidity or dry heat hits, you may experience sinus pressure or pain. An ENT can help you learn how to keep sinus pain away this summer! Keep reading to learn how your sinuses can be harmed by humidity or dry heat and get some tips to avoid sinus pain this summer.
Your sinuses are covered by a thin lining called the mucous membrane, which itself is covered by tiny particles called cilia. The cilia keep your sinuses clean and push out mucus. However, they can also be vulnerable to changes in the weather.
When the humidity is high, the extra moisture in the air causes the cilia in your nose not to work as they should, which can cause you to have extra mucus. This excess mucus can drain into your throat, leading to coughs or sore throats, or can drain into your ears, causing them to clog, feel tender, or become infected.
Cilia in your body are affected by dry heat as well. With less moisture in the air, there is less moisture in your nose, which causes the mucus to dry up and become thicker and more likely to clog your sinuses. Not only is this uncomfortable, but dry mucus can lead to swelling, nosebleeds, and infections.
When the humidity rises, you can take action to help your sinuses. Follow these five tips to prevent sinus pain from humidity this summer.
5 Ways to Avoid Sinus Harm From Dry Heat
You may not be able to control the dryness of the summer day, but you can do some things to help keep your sinuses moist. During the dry summer, you can find relief for your sinuses by following these five tips.
Summer is supposed to be a great time for fun and adventures, but sometimes you may experience sinus pain from the humidity or dry heat. Don’t let the weather ruin your summer!
Dr. Glatz and his team of sinus experts are here to help you with your sinus troubles so that you can get back to your summer plans!
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.
