Between the cooler winter air and the common cold and flu, most people expect some sinus issues this time of year. While medication and rest may work for some people, if you’re suffering from chronic sinus infections or swelling, you may need a different approach for sinus relief.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure during which a small balloon is inserted into your nasal passage to open the airway. During the procedure, your ear, nose, and throat doctor will also be able to flush out any bacteria or mucus with a quick saline rinse.
Keep reading to find out if the balloon sinuplasty is right for you and how your Edinburg ENT can help you breathe better!
Sinus problems don’t just affect the nose; sometimes, they can cause facial pain, pressure, headaches, congestion, and discharge. A balloon sinuplasty could be the answer to clearing up these annoying sinus issues.
ENTs generally recommend a balloon sinuplasty treatment after people with chronic sinus infections have tried medication and gotten no relief. Doctors also use it to treat sinusitis, a swelling or inflammation of the sinuses.
Not everyone will be a good candidate for a balloon sinuplasty. If you have an ethmoid disease, nasal polyps, nasal tumors, or anatomical issues like a deviated septum, balloon sinuplasty isn’t right for you.
However, if you’re an adult who has suffered for more than 12 weeks with sinusitis, or it keeps coming back, you may be a good candidate for a balloon sinuplasty, depending on your symptoms.
Keep in mind that doctors will try medication to resolve the issues first before attempting a balloon sinuplasty.
Your care team will place you under general or local anesthesia for the procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a couple of days. You may not be able to blow your nose for 24 hours and have to avoid strenuous activity for one week after the procedure.
Since a balloon sinuplasty is less invasive than an open sinus surgery, you shouldn’t have any bruising or scars on your face. You may experience discolored nasal drainage or small amounts of blood in your nasal drainage, congestion, and discomfort for a few days during recovery.
A balloon sinuplasty is not only effective in relieving symptoms, but it also requires minimal downtime! Without the need to cut or remove tissues, the risk of infections, complications, bruising, or swelling is much lower than with an open sinus procedure.
At the Glatz Group, Dr. Glatz and his trusted team are here to make sure you stay comfortable throughout the procedure and recovery process. While a balloon sinuplasty isn’t the right fit for everyone, it may be for you! Reach out to our Edinburg office to find out if balloon sinuplasty is the answer you need to breathe better!
Many sinus infections go away on their own, even without treatment. Since sinus infections can also be confused for a cold, it’s common for sinus infections to be left untreated.
However, an untreated sinus infection can lead to multiple problems. Your local ENT will break down common issues resulting from untreated sinus infections.
Sinus infections are also called sinusitis. Sinusitis occurs when the tissues lining your sinuses become swollen or inflamed. Usually, your sinuses fill with air, but when you have an infection, they become blocked and filled with fluid. Sinus infections cause symptoms such as congestion, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip, coughing, bad breath, and fatigue.
Common causes of sinus infections include bacteria, viruses, and, in rare cases–fungi. Colds, allergies, and anatomical issues like a deviated septum don’t directly cause these issues but can be contributing factors.
There are two main types of sinus infections: acute and chronic. The two types are separated based on their severity. Acute sinus infections usually have symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose and can last up to four weeks. A chronic sinus infection lasts 12 weeks or more.
Viruses trigger most sinus infections, and these infections will usually clear up with minor treatment or no treatment at all. Sinusitis caused by viruses is typically acute and only lasts up to 10 days. When a sinus infection lasts longer, this indicates that bacteria may be the trigger. Additionally, bacteria can cause sinus infections to return quickly.
Your sinus doctor can help identify the cause of your sinus infection and the most effective treatment.
As you can see, while acute sinus infections can often be left untreated, chronic infections can cause more significant harm. The most common side effects of sinus infections are similar to allergies, colds, and flu symptoms. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for non-medical professionals to tell the difference between these two types, so it’s important that you visit an ear, nose, and throat doctor if you think you may have a sinus infection. Otherwise, you may experience the following complications.
An untreated sinus infection may cause ansomnia, a decrease, or a complete loss of smell. Inflammation and blockage of your sinus passageways or damage to your olfactory nerves cause ansomnia. In many cases, ansomnia is only temporary but can become permanent.
Prolonged sinus infections can cause respiratory problems. Trouble breathing may result in your body feeling fatigued as it’s harder to get oxygen to your brain. Your doctor can drain your sinus passages, decreasing inflammation, and help you breathe easier.
Dacryocystitis occurs when a tear sac's inflammation or infection blocks your tear duct. Dacryocystitis causes tearing, pain, and swelling in the inner corner of your eye and will require antibiotic treatment.
Although rare, sinus infections can also spread to the brain and cause brain abscesses or meningitis. Both of these conditions are life-threatening. Although brain infections usually don’t happen following a sinus infection, they’re all the more reasons to visit a qualified sinus doctor.
At Glatz Group, our team of experienced sinus doctors can help diagnose your problem and recommend treatment, whether you have an acute infection or a more serious condition.
Whether you need some antibiotics or a procedure like a balloon sinuplasty, our qualified team can help you find the best option for you.
Millions of Americans suffer from sinusitis problems every year. These problems may range from a slightly runny nose to intense sinus ear pressure, difficulty breathing, and much more.
Often a result of infections or allergies, many people use medications to alleviate their sinus issues. However, this form of treatment doesn’t work for every individual.
When over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief, some will find that they benefit from a procedure known as a balloon sinuplasty. This minimally invasive procedure is safe, and our McAllen ENT and sinus doctor would like to provide you with a bit of information about balloon sinuplasty.
A balloon sinuplasty can be used to treat a wide list of sinus issues, and is often used when patients have already exhausted other forms of treatment. The procedure starts with your McAllen ENT spraying your nose with a numbing agent and decongestants.
Next, you’ll wait approximately 20 minutes or so for the anesthesia to take effect, or you may even have a local anesthetic applied directly to completely numb your nose. Your doctor will then examine your nose with an endoscope, place a catheter into your sinus, and may have to make a tiny puncture into your sinus right under your lip.
Finally, the doctor will inflate a small balloon specially designed for the procedure for about ten seconds before removing it. It’s possible that you may hear a cracking sound, but this is normal, and for most patients, the process isn’t painful.
The purpose of the procedure is to unblock your sinuses to help improve your breathing and alleviate other sinus issues.
The recovery process will vary depending on the patient. For the initial visit, patients can expect their appointment to last under two hours. While the procedure will almost never involve an overnight visit, and most patients feel good enough to leave the office after a short stay, it’s recommended to have a friend or family member drive you to and from the office.
Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid any intense physical activities for at least a week and to sleep or rest in a position that promotes an elevated neck and head to help with sinus drainage. Also, it’s a good idea to avoid blowing your nose for a couple of days and to use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to help mitigate any discomfort.
Following the initial procedure, there are typically follow-up appointments involving a nasal endoscopy after one week, three months, and a year.
Possible side effects that may occur as a result of a balloon sinuplasty include:
There are many benefits to getting a balloon sinuplasty, including:
Having sinus problems like pressure in the head and ears can be extremely frustrating and painful, especially for patients that have tried various treatments. That’s why exploring the option of balloon sinuplasty can be a great choice. Not only has the procedure proved to benefit many patients, but it’s also minimally invasive and has a fast recovery time.
Our sinus doctor at Glatz Group can help determine if balloon sinuplasty is a good choice for you. Our ENT doctor has years of experience and can perform the procedure effectively. Contact Glatz You Did! today to find out more.
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.
Enlarged turbinates block air from passing freely through your nose, making it difficult to breathe, sleep, and function. This makes it necessary to reduce the size of your turbinates and clear the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing.
This procedure is known as turbinate reduction.
Before having this procedure, many people like to weigh its pros and cons to determine if it is worth having. Learn what the benefits of turbinate reduction are from your McAllen sinus specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT.
Turbinate reduction, also referred to as turbinate surgery, is a procedure where the nasal turbinates, the fleshy structures inside your nose, are examined and reduced in size to allow air to flow freely through the nasal passages.
When performed, this surgical procedure usually goes inside the nostril on both sides of the nose and takes under 10 minutes to complete.
Whether it’s the amount of recovery time or the quality of life, these factors play a big role when patients decide to go forward with the procedure. A few pros are:
Although this procedure is done under general anesthesia, it is still an outpatient procedure, meaning you will get to go home the same day. Having an outpatient procedure also means that the recovery time is faster and you will be able to return to work in a few days.
Once performed, turbinate reduction will clear your nasal passageway, allowing you to breathe better at night. Sleep apnea is a common reason for getting this procedure and many find that their sleep is no longer disrupted after.
If your turbinates are swollen, it can result in pain or pressure in your head along with frequent headaches. After the procedure is done, the turbinates are no longer the cause of pain and pressure, which can lessen the chance of your headaches.
Another side effect of swollen turbinates is a stuffy nose. Once the turbinate reduction is done, the sinuses will be cleared, making it easier for air to flow through and improving your breathing.
With every procedure, there are bound to be side effects. Patients will often choose to move forward with the procedure if the pros outweigh the cons or the cons are manageable.
Some cons of turbinate reduction include:
If you have to have the whole turbinate removed, you will be unable to feel air passing through your nasal passages, resulting in the feeling of an empty nose. In cases such as this one, there is no treatment for it.
Depending on the case, some may have frequent drying and crusting of the nose. This can often be solved by using humidifiers, sea salt and saline nasal rinses, and avoiding caffeine.
The dryness that sometimes occurs can result in a greater number of nosebleeds. This can also be treated with the use of humidifiers and nasal rinses.
Although these side effects can happen after a procedure, they can often be avoided by seeing a physician who is board-certified in turbinate reduction.
Once it is confirmed that you have enlarged turbinates, our Physician Assistant (PA), Jonathan Lerma, who is certified through Medtronic in turbinate reduction, will perform one of the following procedures to reduce the size of your turbinates.
After each procedure, fatigue, nasal stuffiness, and mild drainage are to be expected. Because Jonathan Lerma is certified in this procedure, he and our team of sinus relief specialists will be able to walk you through each procedure and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
If you are suffering from the effects of swollen or enlarged turbinates, it may be time to schedule a turbinate reduction.
Make an appointment with Jonathan Lerma and our team of sinus relief specialists today to discuss your treatment options.
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September is Healthy Aging Month and Dr. Glatz believes the easiest way to achieve healthy aging is by following a few practical tips at home.
Let your trusted McAllen sinus relief specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT provide you with a few tips for healthy aging.
No matter your age, it is always important to eat well to keep your body healthy. By doing so, you will see a boost in your immune system, mood, and mental sharpness.
Dr. Glatz has implemented intermittent fasting into his lifestyle and has seen great results from it!
Here’s what you need to know about intermittent fasting:
During intermittent fasting, you only eat during specific times of the day. Instead of focusing so much on what you eat, it is more on when you eat. According to Hopkins, fasting for a certain number of hours each day or eating just one meal a couple of days a week, can help your body burn fat.
Fasting is focused on limiting your calorie intake. Studies on overweight adults have shown an increase in energy production and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
However, fasting can be challenging due to the calorie intake being decreased by 30-40% each day. By intermittent fasting, you are still receiving the benefits listed above, but aren’t as restricted in your calories.
If you’re wanting to give this a try, but don’t know where to start, here are a few examples of different intermittent fasting plans:
Every method is different to accommodate varying lifestyles. It is important for your overall body health that you find the plan that best fits your existing schedule.
Regular exercise provides many benefits to your overall body health. Some of these benefits include:
One of the most beneficial exercises you can do is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). By doing a HIIT workout, you will burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. These workouts consist of short and intense exercises followed by a period of rest. The benefits of HIIT workouts include:
Getting a good night’s sleep is key to healthy aging as it allows your body and mind to recover from a full day’s work. Benefits of sleeping well include:
Many issues can arise that cause disruptions in your sleep. It is important to pinpoint these and find a solution so you can get the quality sleep your body needs. Some disruptions include:
The thought of aging can be very overwhelming, but with Dr. Glatz’s 3 simple tips, you’ll be feeling healthier and happier in no time.
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According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), five out of six children will have at least one ear infection before their third birthday.
Unfortunately, ear infections are a common occurrence. If you were to ask almost anyone, they would more than likely tell you that they have had an ear infection at least once in their life.
While chronic ear infections may be common in children, that shouldn’t mean they have to suffer through them. Today, your McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will tell you all there is to know about treating your child’s chronic ear infections.
An ear infection happens when there is a buildup of fluid behind the middle ear. When the Eustachian tube does not drain properly, it produces bacteria and inflammation that results in the ear infection.
Ear infections can happen to adults and children, however, they more frequently afflict children. One reason being that children are smaller and so are their Eustachian tubes. The Eustachian tube is responsible for draining fluid out of the inner ear. When they get swollen, it makes it very difficult for fluid to drain, therefore causing a buildup and an infection.
Another reason that children are more susceptible to ear infections is because of their developing immune systems. Due to the fact that their immune systems are not as strong as an adult’s, it is harder for them to fight off an infection each time.
While signs may vary from child to child, some common symptoms include:
If the ear infections keep coming back, your ENT may give you antibiotics and wait a couple of months to see if the infection clears up. If that does not help, the next step would be putting in tubes to assist with the drainage of fluid. Once the tubes are in, your child will have several follow-up visits until the tubes eventually fall out on their own.
Once all of that is done, and if the ear infections keep occurring, the next step would be a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids. The adenoids are two pieces of tissue located near the Eustachian tubes. When this tissue gets swollen, it can block the passageway of fluid through the tubes.
If your child’s chronic ear infections go untreated, it could start affecting them in other ways. Every situation and child is different, but possible damage could include:
If your child is exhibiting any of the signs or symptoms listed above, reach out to your local ENT to get an examination or to rule out any other possible infections.
If you notice that the ear infections are happening more frequently or the infections are not going away, your sinus doctor will take the necessary steps to treat your child and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Watching your child cope with an ear infection is already difficult enough without it becoming a chronic issue. Your sinus relief specialists in McAllen, TX, are here to help and put any worries you may have at ease.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from sinusitis on a yearly basis, accounting for roughly 12% of the population. With so many suffering, finding relief started to become much more of a priority a few years ago, causing many experts in the field to innovate new operations and techniques. One recent, non-invasive procedure, however, is taking the ENT world by storm.
There are various options when it comes to how to resolve chronic sinusitis, but today, Physician Assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists will take a look into why balloon sinuplasty could be the best choice for you.
Chronic sinusitis is a condition that interrupts the proper drainage of mucus, ultimately making your nose all stuffed up, and your eyes swollen and tender. It is typically caused by the inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses because of exposure to allergens, bacteria, or viruses.
One is typically diagnosed with chronic sinusitis when their symptoms persist three months or longer even with treatment. Some common symptoms of chronic sinusitis can range from nasal inflammation and discharge, ear pain, sore throat, bad breath and even physical pain throughout the face.
Allergens, foregin bacteria, and viruses can all contribute to the inflammation of the inner linings of the sinuses. This results in congestion that prevents mucus from flushing it out of your sinuses. This causes unwanted bacteria in your sinuses that can spread and lead to severe infections and chronic pain.
There are multiple causes to chronic sinusitis but a few of the most notable ones are:
Allergies/hay fever: Foreign substances in the air like pollen and unwanted toxins can travel to through your sinuses causing inflammation in the nasal passageways.
Nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are painless, non-cancerous growths that line your nasal openings or sinuses. Although they’re painless, they can block nasal passages, making it tough to breathe.
Deviated nasal septum: A deviated nasal septum takes place when the bone and the cartilage that divide the nasal cavity in half is off center and crooked. This condition makes you struggle more to breathe and happens either at birth or following injury to the nose.
Respiratory tract infections: Viruses including the common cold and the flu are considered respiratory infections, which are bugs that attack your respiratory tract. These infections impact mucus drainage and can cause inflammation in your nasal membranes.
Other conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and HIV can all cause irritation within the nasal pathways which leads to mucus blockage over time.
Balloon sinuplasty is an endoscopic nasal surgery that uses a small balloon to open up your nasal sinuses slightly and gently to improve drainage. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005, balloon sinuplasty has been performed on over 375,000 people and is mildly invasive with little downtime required upon surgery. Balloon sinuplasty has been proven effective in diminishing symptoms of chronic sinusitis.
If you think that balloon sinuplasty might be the optimal alternative for you, reach out to us to set up your consultation with the Glatz Group today! If eligible for the surgery, balloon sinuplasty can be done by our very own McAllen ENT doctors and staff right here in the office.
If your sinus symptoms get worse as the temperatures drop, there’s one thing that’s certain -- it’s not just in your head.
While sinus inflammation most commonly takes place during the spring and summer months because of seasonal allergies, there are plenty of people who suffer from sinusitis year-round. For certain individuals, sinus symptoms actually increase during fall and winter.
There are several factors that can aggravate the sinuses and trigger winter sinus flare-ups. Cold weather usually means drier air, both outside and indoors, due to heating in the home. Breathing in drier air can make your nose dry out and develop extra mucus, which can thicken and result in congestion and inflammation.
You can, however, take steps to help keep your sinuses in check this winter.
Today, your local McAllen certified physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his loyal team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will list 5 strategies to help you avoid winter sinus flare-ups and protect your sinuses.
Indoor allergens such as dust and pet dander are common triggers of sinusitis. Rugs, blankets, upholstered furniture, and winter bedding tend to collect extra allergens, which can make your sinusitis worse. These triggers may intensify during the winter months since there may be less air circulation in your home and pets may be spending more time indoors.
Vacuuming and dusting with a damp cloth frequently can help lessen your exposure to allergens and other sinus-irritating particles. It can also be beneficial to make sure your winter bedding is dry and dust-free.
One of the most important steps you can take to help ease winter sinus issues is to make sure the air you’re breathing is of the best quality possible.
Using a humidifier will help fight the dry air that comes from heating your home and to keep your sinuses moist. Also, running a HEPA air filter to eliminate irritating particles and allergens in the air can help your whole respiratory system function better.
Taking a hot shower and using steam is a simple, effective remedy that can help relieve sinus pressure and headaches. The steam from a hot shower may support the thinning and loosening of mucus and congestion, allowing for better drainage.
The combination of moisture and warmth can soothe the irritation of the nasal passageways, and in particular cases, may help clear up a stuffy nose, at least temporarily.
Using a neti pot or other nasal irrigation tool is a great way to help alleviate sinus congestion. With regular use, it can help to keep sinus symptoms at bay while maintaining sinus health.
These instruments work by flushing out clogged sinuses and nasal openings with a saline solution. Rinsing daily helps to keep the nose and sinuses clear and moisturized, while also ridding your passageways of irritants, allergens, and bacteria that can cause an infection.
It’s critical to use only filtered, boiled, or distilled water, and to properly clean the pot after every use. Don’t use water straight from the tap.
Winter is the prime season for the cold, flu, and other viruses that provoke inflammation of the nasal passages, congestion, and the thickening of mucous. Catching a cold can make you more susceptible to having further sinus troubles, and when symptoms persist, it may result in a sinus infection.
To protect your sinus health, take precautionary measures to avoid getting sick. Basic measures to help keep your immune system strong include:
Feel like you’ve tried everything and are still stuck with chronic sinus symptoms? If your winter sinus flare-ups just won’t seem to disappear, it may be time to visit your local ENT at Glatz Group of Valley ENT.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise this winter, we will keep offering alternative methods to have your symptoms addressed with telemedicine, where you can be assisted without leaving your home. For in-person appointments, we ensure that all precautionary steps are being taken every day -- and we also take calls.
Take control of your sinusitis this winter. Enjoy the season without sinus troubles when you stop by The Glatz Group of Valley ENT!
If you suffer from frequent sinus infections, you’re not alone. Roughly 37 million people are impacted by this condition each year. While the most obvious cause of sinus infections involve blockages in your sinus cavities, there are many other unusual sinus infection causes that can occur.
Today, the McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his right-hand team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will shed some light on some of the most uncommon causes of sinus infections in an effort to bring awareness.
Swimming as a form of exercise is wonderful for your health; however, spending too much time in chlorinated pools can raise the likelihood of sinus infections. The chlorine can irritate nasal passageways, causing inflammation and increasing susceptibility to infection. When you dive into the water, the pressure can push chlorinated water deeper into your sinuses, affecting deeper and delicate tissues.
People with diabetes generally have higher blood glucose levels. Those elevated levels can make it more likely for you to develop infections, particularly ones in the sinuses and other sensitive areas.
These infections aren’t limited to the common viral and bacterial invasions that often result in sinus infections. People with diabetes can also develop oral yeast infections, which may spread to the nasal cavity. This unusual sinus infection type can sometimes be tougher to spot and treat than more common infections.
Part of living in Texas means we hardly have to worry about a lack of humidity. However, if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned buildings or flying for work, dry air can cause issues. When the air is too dry, it can dry out your sinuses and thicken mucus trapped in your nasal openings. When this occurs, bacteria and viruses can get trapped as well, causing infection.
Staying well-hydrated when indoors can help. Avoid caffeine and alcohol and drink plenty of water. You can also irrigate your sinuses with a neti pot or a saline nasal spray to reduce dryness and irritation.
Nasal spray decongestants can be a lifesaver when you’re coping with the pain of a sinus headache or infection, but overusing this medication can make sinus pressure and sinus infections more likely.
When over-the-counter sinus sprays are used too much, your body becomes less sensitive to the medication. This can result in tissues becoming swollen again, which is called rebound nasal congestion. Fluids then become trapped, making infections more likely.
When a sinus infection inflicts pain and pressure, don’t automatically reach for an over-the-counter spray. These sprays should be used sparingly so that they don’t cause rebound congestion.
Chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis and other disorders that weaken your immune system can lead to inflammation in the airways and make you prone to building up thick mucus.
This thicker mucus, or an impaired ability to fight germs due to diabetes or HIV infection, can make you susceptible to sinus infections.
If a cold doesn’t resolve within 10 to 15 days, bacteria may have joined the party.
Bacterial infections rarely cause sinus infections, but they are almost always the cause of complicating secondary infections.
These bacteria can creep up in healthy people and grow. Take a decongestant during a cold to avoid those circumstances, and if you do develop bacterial sinusitis, you can treat it with antibiotics.
Certain people have nasal abnormalities that make them more prone to sinus infections. These can include deviated septums that make it difficult for your sinuses to drain properly. Other causes can include cleft palate, narrow sinus pathways, and even tumors.
Despite what nasal abnormalities you may have, balloon sinuplasty can be an option for relief. The procedure helps open up your sinuses, minimizing the likelihood of future sinus infections.
While sinus infections can have many causes, there’s one solution that can help: the balloon sinuplasty procedure. This minimally invasive technique requires minimal tissue removal with little to no pain.
All it takes is getting it done in our office, with a recovery time that’s significantly quicker than traditional sinus surgery. Many patients are able to go back to their normal activities within two days.
If sinus infections are a frequent issue, we recommend having a conversation with us to determine if you’re a candidate for balloon sinuplasty. If you wish to learn more about the benefits of balloon sinuplasty, feel free to reach out to The Glatz Group.
If you can’t figure out the cause of your sinus infections and want to eliminate them altogether, we’d be ‘Glatz’ to detect the problem and find a solution that works best for you.
As COVID-19 remains an ongoing health concern, we will keep providing the alternative to have your symptoms addressed through telemedicine if you’d rather seek treatment or help from the safety and comfort of your humble abode. If you need an appointment, you can rest assured knowing that we take all precautionary measures necessary to preserve the safety of our patients and staff members. For an in-office procedure, we also accept calls.