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.
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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.
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.
