Most people turn to antibiotics in hopes of obtaining relief from their sinusitis symptoms. Unfortunately, most of this is wishful thinking more than actual results. Research has shown that antibiotics are ineffective at treating sinusitis — even in extreme scenarios in which symptoms are dire.
This leads us to question what can be done to ease your pain if antibiotics don’t function as they should to help you with your sinus issues. Let the McAllen certified physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his sinus relief specialist team at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT take a closer look at what your options are for relief if antibiotics don’t cut it.
Antibiotic resistance can take place when bacteria are treated with an antibiotic. The medicine may kill most of these germs, but a small group might survive. This can happen in a couple of ways.
The germs can either:
When bacteria get resistant, the original antibiotic can no longer kill them. These germs can grow and spread. They can result in infections that are difficult to treat. Sometimes they may even spread the resistance to other bacteria that they encounter.
When you use an antibiotic, there’s a risk that some of the bacteria will become resistant. Using these medicines when they’re not needed is a key reason why antibiotic resistance is becoming more common.
So it’s best to use these medicines only when absolutely necessary.
Antibiotics are labeled as narrow-spectrum drugs when they work against only certain kinds of bacteria. On the other hand, broad-spectrum antibiotics are more efficient as they fight a wide range of bacteria, but are more likely to promote antibiotic resistance. Because of this, your ENT will most likely prescribe narrow-spectrum antibiotics, which generally cost less. However, you may be recommended broad-spectrum antibiotics for infections that don’t respond to treatment with narrow-spectrum drugs.
In many instances, antibiotics are prescribed for patients dealing with specific issues such as persistent nasal discharge and facial pain, and who are not improving after seven days, or those with severe symptoms of rhinosinusitis, regardless of duration. On the basis of clinical trials, amoxicillin, doxycycline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are preferred antibiotics.
Even with a long regimen of antibiotics, chronic sinusitis symptoms can be tough to take care of. Generally speaking, however, treating chronic sinusitis with antibiotics and decongestants, is similar to treating acute sinusitis.
When antibiotic treatment fails, allergy testing, desensitization, and/or surgery may be suggested as the most effective options for treating chronic sinusitis. Research studies claim that the vast majority of people who go through with surgery experience improved symptoms and a better quality of life.
Antibiotics that are unlikely to be effective in children who don’t improve with amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), or erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Pediazole), since many bacteria are resistant to these older antibiotics. For kids that don’t respond to two courses of traditional antibiotics, the dosage and length of antibiotic treatment are usually expanded, or treatment with intravenous cefotaxime or ceftriaxone and/or a referral to an ENT specialist is recommended.
About 30 million Americans are diagnosed with inflamed nasal passageways and sinuses each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sinus infection symptoms are uncomfortable, painful and debilitating.
Symptoms can include:
While antibiotics are a common treatment approach, evidence suggests that they do no more good than a placebo in regards to improving sinusitis. Not only that, but adverse effects associated with antibiotic usage and escalating rates of drug resistance are also other reasons to avoid antibiotics.
Instead, we recommend using a variety of methods to accelerate the sinusitis recovery process, including:
While sinus issues will sometimes resolve on their own or with the help of the treatment methods we just mentioned, chronic sinusitis can last for months. If your symptoms last for more than 10 days or if they recur on numerous occasions, you still have another option.
One especially promising sinusitis treatment that has revolutionized sinus care is the balloon sinuplasty procedure. This minimally invasive technique involves minimal tissue removal with hardly any pain.
Not only can this be done in our very own office, but it also has quicker recovery times than traditional sinus surgery. In fact, most patients resume their normal activities within two days.
If you’ve been living with pesky sinus problems, there’s no reason to continue to suffer — especially if you’ve faced bad luck with antibiotic treatments in the past. If you’re wondering whether you are a candidate for balloon sinuplasty or are interested in learning more about the benefits of balloon sinuplasty, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Glatz Group.
If antibiotics aren’t doing you any favors and you would like another approach to match your specific needs, we would be more than ‘Glatz’ to answer all your questions and find an ideal resolution.
As COVID-19 concerns are still prevalent and serious, we continue to offer the option to have your symptoms addressed via telemedicine for those who feel more comfortable seeking treatment or help from the safety and comfort of their own homes. If you’re in need of an appointment, you can feel secure knowing that we take precautionary measures to protect our patients and staff on a daily basis. For an in-office procedure, calls are also accepted.
Enlarged turbinates, or turbinate hypertrophy, is a condition that happens as the result of chronic inflammation of the mucosal membranes that cover the turbinates. When these membranes become chronically swollen, they can develop prolonged nasal congestion.
Fortunately, there’s a solution, and the McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT are here to help you understand your options for relief.
Turbinates are comprised of bone and soft tissue and are found inside the nose by the septum. The cartilage and bone are aligned with a thin protective membrane called mucosa which helps maintain moisture in your nose. There’s typically space between the septum and turbinates to let air pass through the nose, and the turbinates help bring warmth and moisture to the air that passes through.
There are three turbinates in both nostrils (inferior, middle, and superior), but the inferior turbinates impact airflow the most. For many, the soft tissue part of the turbinates is the key issue--where the turbinates become enlarged--causing nasal congestion and even obstruction.
As mentioned above, if the inferior turbinates are too large, they can cause nasal obstruction in one or both sides of the nose. Nasal obstruction is a blockage of the nose or nasal cavity that affects your ability to breathe through the nose.
As a result, those affected tend to breathe through their mouth, often resulting in dry mouth. For others, these symptoms worsen at night and can impact sleep. Learn more about nasal obstruction and what else causes it here.
Symptoms of enlarged turbinates may include:
Generally, we will ask you about your symptoms and conduct a nasal examination via a lighted, 4mm nasal endoscope. The endoscope will help us see the nasal and sinus passageways and figure out the source of your nasal congestion. For certain patients, CT scans and allergy testing may also be done.
When enlarged inferior turbinates are confirmed as the main contributing factor of nasal obstruction, turbinate reduction procedures may be recommended to reduce the size of the turbinates and improve breathing.
Two of the most commonly performed procedures include Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Submucosal Reduction (SMR). Both are efficient in shrinking the swelling of the turbinate mucosa and in decreasing the congested lining.
In this procedure, a small probe is placed in the submucosal area of the turbinate (between the inner turbinate bone and the outer mucosal lining) and low-power radiofrequency energy is applied to minimize tissue volume.
For the SMR procedure, a small incision is made in the front part (head) of the inferior turbinate. General or local anesthesia is administered to the patient, and dissection is done by making a pocket in the submucosal lining for placement of a tool called a microdebrider. The microdebrider utilizes suction to gently pull up the engorged submucosal tissue and some bone of the inferior turbinate, and the rotating blades slice it down or shrink it. Once the submucosal lining has been reduced, the healing process begins and scar tissue forms to prevent the lining from swelling as it had prior to surgery.
Another Option to Open Up the Nasal Pathway
Moving or “out-fracturing” the turbinate bone may be suggested to particular patients to open up the nasal pathway. This is an additional operation that can be done alongside an RFA or SMR.
In an “out-fracture” procedure, the inferior turbinate Conchal bone is moved or “out-fractured” from its usual midline position to a more lateral position alongside the nasal sidewalls. This permits the primary component of the nasal airway to open up, enhancing improved airflow.
If you have any questions about Turbinate Reduction, you can look through our frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) here.
If you have any other questions about what to expect from Turbinate Reduction surgery, you can also refer to Jonathan's first-hand experience with the procedure in his video where you’ll also find the list of FAQ’s to give patients an idea of what to expect.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, we can address your symptoms through telemedicine based on your preference, comfort, and safety. If you need an appointment, you can rest assured knowing that we take the precautionary measures to protect our patients and staff. For a procedure done in our office, calls are also welcomed.
Nasal breathing transfers roughly 70% of airflow to your lungs. Nasal airway obstruction is essentially blockage of the nose or nasal cavity, and more than 20 million Americans are estimated to suffer from nasal airway obstruction, which limits airflow through the nose with serious consequences in regards to the quality of life.
Either one or both nostrils may be impacted. While most nasal obstructions are temporary--caused by colds, allergies, sinus infections, or medications--others require medical intervention.
After years of working with our trusted McAllen ENT, Dr. Frank R. Glatz, McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT have just the remedy you’re looking for if you are suffering from nasal airway obstruction.
Narrowing of the nasal valve can be induced by an enlargement of any of the three main structures. The septum, lateral wall, and turbinates create a triangular area called the Nasal Valve. If any of these tissues expand in size, nasal airway size is minimized, resulting in decreased airflow.
Nasal polyps, foreign objects in the nose, oversized adenoids, and swelling of the nasal lining due to allergies can all cause a nasal obstruction as well. If any of these matches the symptoms you suffer from, an appointment with the Glatz Group can determine what your best options are for relief.
This decreased volume of air can lead to the following:
Treating nasal obstructions is a straightforward process where we carefully examine your nose through a lighted scope, a CT scan, or an MRI to determine what in particular is causing your nasal obstruction. The first step in treating nasal obstructions is getting those symptoms under control. Medications or nasal steroid sprays are generally helpful in reducing inflammation of the nose and turbinates and providing quick, temporary relief.
Nightly breathing strips and nasal dilators never fully fix the problem but are options for ongoing at-home remedies you can try. It is worth noting that home remedies are not a permanent solution.
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive sinus procedure available to eligible patients performed in our office.
This treatment has achieved outstanding outcomes for many patients, while requiring little or no anesthesia and minimal recovery time. This treatment is performed in place of more invasive and aggressive surgeries that involve general anesthesia with tedious recovery processes.
This technology utilizes a tiny, flexible, balloon catheter that is positioned into the nose to access the sinuses. The sinus balloon catheter gradually inflates to gently restructure the previously blocked sinus drainage opening, maintaining the integrity of the sinus lining and restoring typical sinus drainage and function.
There’s no cutting or tissue removal, with minimal risk of scarring within the nose. Most patients generally recover within 48 hours.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we will carry on taking all precautionary measures possible to keep our staff and patients safe. While we do in-house procedures with safety at the forefront, we are also able to address your nasal airway obstruction symptoms online via our telemedicine services or over the phone.
You may have a friend, family member, or neighbor who has been referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for their sinus issue, a chronic sore throat, or an ear infection. Or perhaps you have been facing these problems and have been recommended one yourself.
If that’s the case, you might be wondering what an ENT is and whether a consultation is worth your while. Suffice to say that seeking treatment from an experienced ENT can definitely help to improve many conditions.
After years of guidance under Dr. Frank R. Glatz, McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his right-hand team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT can give you a closer look at what ENTs do and how they can help you breathe better.
ENT is an abbreviation for ear, nose and throat, which has to do with the particular parts of the body treated by these types of doctors. They are commonly referred to as otolaryngologists.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, otarlyngolosists are physicians trained within medical and surgical management to treat patients dealing with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, as well as issues related to the structures of the head and neck. An ENT doctor’s special set of skills involve diagnosing and managing diseases and conditions in the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), along with structures of the neck and face.
On top of addressing various primary care issues in adult and pediatric patients, ENTs also diagnose, treat, and handle disorders specific to their field, including chronic sinusitis.
ENTs are required to be well-trained in order to practice their typical functions. In addition to completing up to 15 years of college, medical school, and specialty training, they also have to pass the American Board of Otolaryngology exam. Many also go after fellowships to gain more extensive training in subspecialty areas such as allergies, rhinology (nose), and laryngology (throat).
Because ENTs cover several areas of medicine, there are numerous reasons to see one. Some of the most common conditions that are treated by otolaryngologists include:
Some of the most typical health problems that cause patients to see an ENT include sinus issues, which may include pain, snoring, sore throat, runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing, asthma, and allergies.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million adults in the United States currently live with diagnosed sinusitis. This doesn’t include the countless others that might be suffering in silence. For these people, a visit to an ENT can be just what they need for a more comfortable, symptom-free life.
If you are unsure whether you have a health issue or condition that merits an appointment with an ENT, it is highly recommended that you consult with your primary care physician.
It is also worth noting that even if you saw an ENT in the past, new developments in the field, like cutting-edge balloon sinuplasty, have been providing optimal results for patients.
As the current pandemic poses a serious threat to the health of many, we are doing as much as we can every single day to prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. We are perfectly capable of addressing your sinus-related symptoms online through our telemedicine services or via a phone conference.
If you are in need of a sinuplasty procedure performed in our office, that may also be arranged upon request.
Balloon sinuplasty is a safe, effective, minimally invasive surgery that alleviates the pain and pressure associated with allergies or sinusitis. It is designed to treat patients who aren't reacting well to medications including antibiotics, nasal steroids, or over‐the‐counter (OTC) drugs, and who are seeking relief from intolerable and painful allergy or sinusitis symptoms.
The best part is that the balloon sinuplasty surgery can be done in-office at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT.
Today your certified McAllen physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his sinus relief specialist team will list the benefits that come from having balloon sinuplasty in-office (BSPIO).
Unlike traditional sinus surgery, this procedure involves no cutting, or removal of bone or tissue.
The procedure involves a small, flexible, balloon catheter that opens up blocked sinus passages, helping to drain built-up mucus. When the sinus balloon inflates, it restructures and widens the walls of the sinus, opening them while maintaining the immobility of the sinus lining.
Balloon sinuplasty is now available to eligible patients as a procedure performed in our McAllen, Weslaco, or Harlingen office, and does not require general anesthesia. Jonathan Lerma and his right-hand team of sinus relief specialists will help determine the best option for you.
Sometimes a patient may have a combination of chronic sinusitis, septal deviations, turbinate hypertrophy, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. All of these problems can be treated with an in-office balloon sinuplasty procedure, helping to avoid the need for future treatment.
The questions below can be used to help determine whether balloon sinuplasty is the right choice for you. If you appear to be a candidate, we recommend you make an appointment for evaluation and treatment. This can be addressed through telemedicine to ensure your safety and well-being.
Do you feel any of the following symptoms? Checking them off may mean you are a candidate for the procedure:
Most insurance companies and Medicare cover balloon sinuplasty. Our staff will be ‘Glatz’ to provide detailed information based on your insurance to guide you through this aspect of the procedure.
Because of COVID-19, the safety of our staff and patients will continue to be our top priority. We offer the option to have your symptoms addressed online thanks to our telemedicine services or via phone.
If you are in need of an in-office procedure, we can set that up accordingly.
Most of us usually see summer as a time for fun in the sun and a break from spring pollen but, unfortunately, that may not be the case for all allergy sufferers. In fact, the summer heat can make allergies worse than usual.
Let your certified McAllen physician assistant, Jonathan Lerma, and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT explain how summer heat can impact your allergies.
While pollen can affect allergies at any time of the year, those who are most susceptible to it and ragweed may notice a drastic increase in their symptoms during the summer months.
In extreme heat, more pollen is produced, and with summer winds it can get spread around more easily.
There’s plenty of notable summer bugs that can cause you to have an allergic reaction, but we’re talking primarily about cockroaches. Of all non-plant or mold allergies, cockroaches are one of the most common insects that people are allergic to.
Cockroaches are always present in Texas, but summer is the time they become the most prominent and abundant. The feces, saliva, and shedding body parts of cockroaches may all be allergy triggers, and these allergens are spread by winds sweeping them into the air.
Luckily, reducing the effects of your cockroach allergy is the same as lessening the number of cockroaches in your house. Keep every area of your house clean, keep food in containers, and fix leaks to water and regions where cockroaches tend to flock.
If you’ve ever had one of those days where you check the weather app and notice three digit temperatures, it’s only natural for you to want to have a lazy day inside with air conditioning.
However, when we stay inside for long periods of time (and also due to stay-at-home orders), we are exposing ourselves to indoor allergens no matter how clean you may try to keep your house. Roughly 70% of homes have mold behind their walls. For some, a little mold can be fine and not really influence health or breathing, but mold allergies are very common, and in many cases, that could mean our indoor air quality might actually be worse than the outdoors.
Also, mold isn’t the only source of the sniffles inside your house. Dust mites are also a big factor. Dust mites and mold are year-round allergies that can greatly affect your health. Dust mites also like to spend much of their time where you are (hopefully) spending eight hours each day: your bed.
Dust can be much more manageable than mold since it’s not hiding behind the wall, but if you have any kids, pets, roommates, or anyone sharing your space with you, managing it can become less possible.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that even if you are treating your allergy symptoms, try to avoid triggers. If, for example, you’re allergic to pollen, stay indoors with windows closed when pollen count is high. Additionally, air conditioning can help reduce exposure to hot, humid air.
Bear in mind that certain days are worse than others in regards to heat, humidity, and air pollution. By keeping track of weather updates and air quality forecasts, you can limit your time outdoors on especially hot or high air pollution days to help avoid provoking your allergies.
Also, taking your medication as prescribed on top of keeping quick-relief medications with you at all times can help you lessen the degree to which changing weather conditions influence you and your breathing.
Despite your greatest efforts, you might still experience your allergy symptoms getting worse in the summer heat - but that doesn’t mean you have to continue to suffer.
You may be a candidate for balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure conducted in our office that can safely and effectively reduce uncomfortable and painful allergy-related symptoms. Every day we make sure that our office is a safe, healthy space for our patients and staff alike, especially due to the current circumstances of COVID-19.
Whether you prefer to have your symptoms addressed online through our telemedicine services or a phone call, we’re ready and ‘Glatz’ to help. For an in-office procedure, we can set that up with you as soon as possible.
Living with sinus issues is no walk in the park, as they can be very stubborn. If medications or other treatments have been ineffective in providing relief for your sinusitis or recurrent acute sinusitis, you may be a candidate for our in-office procedure known as balloon sinuplasty.
This minimally invasive procedure is performed using a tiny balloon to dilate the sinuses, rather than using surgical tools to cut and remove tissue. As the balloon gently inflates, it increases the sinus openings and removes structural blockages, which are usually a primary source or factor in sinus issues.
While the procedure is frequently performed, there are quite a few myths regarding balloon sinuplasty that may scare candidates away. Let certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT help you separate the facts from the fiction.
Below you will find some of the most common misconceptions regarding balloon sinuplasty and the facts behind them, all according to the American Sinus Institute.
Fact: The innovation of new technologies has eliminated the requirement for nasal packing post-procedure. Whether the patient gets traditional sinus surgery or goes through with balloon sinuplasty, the gauze is no longer necessary to use.
Fact: Most people who have balloon sinuplasty notice improvements in their quality of life after the operation and it does not need to be repeated.
Fact: When it comes to balloon sinuplasty, there’s little to no downtime. Patients can generally go back to work and resume daily activities after a single day of rest.
Fact: There is typically no change to a patient’s appearance unless they got cosmetic nasal work done at the same time.
Fact: Many plans cover it, but there may be a pre-authorization required prior to the procedure being completed. The medical office where you’re having the balloon sinuplasty should handle these details with you.
Fact: The tools utilized in balloon sinuplasty were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 and thousands of these procedures have been done ever since. The procedure’s safety profile is legitimate.
Fact: When a patient has a deviated septum or large polyps, they might be better suited to traditional sinus surgery that is conducted under general anesthesia. Certain patients who have these issues could still benefit from balloon sinuplasty with less recovery time.
Fact: While they may reoccur, advances in the treatment options lessens the likelihood of them coming back. Our specialists can provide navigation of a patient’s polyps so they can identify where they take place and treat them more precisely. Glatz Group also offers nasal polyp removal surgery.
Fact: Balloon sinuplasty involves the usage of local and topical anesthetics to make the procedure more comfortable. There is a chance the patient will experience a sensation more like pressure and less like pain.
Fact: Balloon sinuplasty has been proven to be effective in offering lasting relief of sinusitis symptoms.
Balloon sinuplasty works well for those who would not be candidates for traditional surgery due to particular factors such as their health, age, previous response to anesthesia, or fear of being put under general anesthesia. For many patients, balloon sinuplasty can minimize symptoms as much as traditional surgery.
Understanding the treatment options available can bring you one step closer to getting the real, lasting relief you deserve. And our physician assistant and sinus relief specialists would be ‘Glatz’ to help make that possible.
Despite the uncertain circumstances COVID-19 has created, we continue to preserve the safety and quality care of both our patients and staff. If you would like to address your allergy or sinus symptoms from home, we can assist you via telemedicine - we’ve helped many of our patients via online services!
We also offer online consultations or phone calls.
Smoking has been widely known to increase the risk for respiratory illnesses, as well as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Naturally, smoking, as well as other bad habits, can negatively affect your sinuses.
The certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his sinus relief team at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT are here to explain how smoking can cause issues with your sinuses.
In order to comprehend how smoking harms your sinuses, you need to understand how your nose and sinuses help maintain your health. The membranes in your nose and sinuses are constantly developing mucus to protect your respiratory system.
The lining of your nose and sinuses is the same as the lining in your lungs. There are tiny hair-like structures called cilia that clean the nose, sinuses, and lungs of airborne matter, bacteria, and mucus. Smoking causes the cilia to stop functioning, making the smoker predisposed to increased infections of the lungs and sinuses.
The nose and sinuses create roughly one to two quarts of mucus each day. Usually, all that mucus goes to the back of your throat and you swallow it. When the cilia are damaged by smoking, the mucus backs up in the sinuses and bacteria begins to multiply there. This can result in a sinus infection.
From the moment you first inhale tobacco smoke, it begins to irritate your entire upper airway. Irritating gases, such as ammonia and formaldehyde, cause your nose and sinuses to produce excessive mucus. This makes you more susceptible to colds and allergies and, eventually, to lung and throat cancer.
Other ENT-related hazards linked to smoking include:
Smoking has been shown to decrease immune function, which is your body's defense mechanism against diseases. When you stop smoking, it may take the nose and sinuses months to years to get back to normal.
While swimming is a healthy activity to partake in, it too can have negative effects on your body. This is typically the case if you do too much of any activity.
Swimming can lead to sinus pain, headaches, and congestion. Sometimes the pressure changes in the water can affect the nose and sinuses. However, an infection can happen due to unsanitary pool water or excess exposure to chlorine.
High levels of chlorine in your system can also cause inflammation of your sinuses. When necessary, reduce your visits to the pool and your nose should begin to feel better.
Over time the body adjusts to particular things. For those who show symptoms of acute sinusitis, nasal sprays and decongestants are generally recommended by doctors. You can even purchase these over-the-counter at your local pharmacy.
However, overusing decongestants can cause rhinitis medicamentosa, a condition that causes decongestants to worsen your symptoms.
Nasal sprays use a certain chemical to reduce the size of blood vessels. When applied directly to the nasal cavity, it opens up. However, daily use over a long period of time can make your nasal cavity immune to the medicine’s effect.
The longer you use a nasal spray, the worse your symptoms can get. Try changing nasal sprays or going cold turkey for a few days.
Our specialists often see the results of smoking on the nose, sinuses, and throat, so their advice is based on experience. Simply put, smoking and good sinus health do not mix. Cut out or minimize bad habits to protect your sinuses from ruining your quality of life.
And if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, we can help.
As practitioners of surgeries like balloon sinuplasty, our physician assistant and sinus relief specialists are more than qualified to offer long-term relief. Even during these times of uncertainty, we like to provide certainty to the quality of our patient care.
With telemedicine, we can successfully address your allergy or sinus symptoms without meeting in person. We also offer online consultations or phone calls.
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.
