Nasal polyps are teardrop-shaped growths that can form within the lining of your nose, often found where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. These non-cancerous growths generally show up after ongoing swelling and irritation caused by chronic sinusitis.
If they’re small in size, you might not even be aware that you have polyps. The more massive they are, however, the more likely they are to lead to other issues like nasal obstruction, trouble breathing through the nose, snoring, and severe sinus headaches and pressure.
Let’s face it, as scary as discussing the topic of removing these obstructions is, the relief it can bring is unmatched. On the bright side, your trusted certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his sinus relief team at the Glatz Group at VALLEY ENT have the answers to common questions regarding nasal polyps and nasal polyp removal surgery.
In the vast majority of cases, nasal polyps develop over time after irritation and inflammation affect the mucus membranes that line the sinuses. It is not clear why some people get it while others don’t, but one major factor could be genetics. You may also be more likely to get nasal polyps if you have any of the following conditions:
Small polyps normally don’t cause complications, but if they’re bigger, there’s a greater likelihood of it causing issues, including:
To help you determine the appropriate nasal polyps treatment, a CT scan of your sinuses may be ordered, looking for any structural abnormalities (e.g. a deviated septum) or another condition like chronic sinusitis that’s causing your nasal polyps.
Some treatment options that are tried out initially include:
If the aforementioned treatments don’t provide relief, nasal polyps removal surgery may be a promising option. This type of surgery is called a polypectomy and is performed using an endoscope – a tube with a tiny camera that gives your McAllen ENT a detailed view inside your nose and sinuses.
In this procedure, the polyps and any other problematic tissue can be carefully removed. The instruments are passed through your nostrils to go through with the corrections, so no incisions will have to be made on your face.
Nasal polyps removal can be performed with another type of surgery if other sinus or nasal-related issues are contributing to your condition. These include:
It is worth mentioning that in many scenarios, nasal polyps removal can be very successful in reducing your symptoms; however, if your nasal polyps came from a genetic or allergic issue, the polyps could potentially re-emerge and require repeat treatments.
With that being said, nasal polyp surgery can provide relief, but it might not be permanent without additional treatment for the actual cause in the future.
If you have concerns about COVID-19, we want to assure you that all precautions necessary are being taken each day at our office to ensure our patients and staff remain healthy.
We also use telemedicine to address 90 to 95% of our patients’ allergy symptoms without meeting face-to-face, but we also accept online consultations or phone calls. If you need treatment immediately, we will schedule an in-office procedure as soon as we can.
Do you wake up with a scratchy throat in the morning? Coughing fits keeping you up at night? When your body produces extra mucus, you might feel it drip down or build up in the back of your throat from your nose. This is what is known as post-nasal drip and could be the very reason why you are experiencing such troubles.
The good news is that our certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group, members of Valley ENT, know all there is to know about post-nasal drip and want to share this information with you--along with a few things you can do at home to help you get some relief.
Post-nasal drip is a common occurrence that has affected almost everyone at some point in their lives. The glands in your nose and throat constantly create mucus in order to combat infections and bring moisture to nasal membranes. In fact, you usually swallow the mucus without even noticing it.
It is likely that you’ve had post-nasal drip if you have experienced the following symptoms:
Several conditions can cause post-nasal drip, but allergies are one of the most common. If you’re an allergy sufferer, it is best you steer clear of your triggers or take medicine beforehand if you know you will be exposed.
Another common cause is a deviated septum, meaning that the thin wall of cartilage between your nostrils (or septum) is displaced or leans to one side. Not only does it make one nasal passage smaller, but it can also get in the way of proper mucus drainage, which results in post-nasal drip.
Other causes of post-nasal drip include:
In particular cases, the issue causing post-nasal drip isn’t excessive mucus, but your throat’s inability to clear it. Swallowing problems or gastric reflux can make liquids accumulate in your throat, which also gives you that post-nasal drip sensation.
There are plenty of options to turn to when it comes to home treatments for post-nasal drip symptom relief:
Set up an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms have not gone away after attempting at-home treatments for more than 10 days, especially if you experience any of these symptoms:
These may be symptoms of a bacterial infection, which require antibiotics. However, if you think GERD, acid reflux, or trouble swallowing could be the source of your post-nasal drip sensation, your primary care physician can run tests and prescribe medications to check for other health issues.
The best way to prevent post-nasal drip is by reducing your exposure to allergens. Here are some additional tips that can go a long way:
Post-nasal drip is not something that shouldn’t be ignored. If you face any other symptoms alongside the post-nasal drip, consider making an appointment with the Glatz Group for treatment recommendations.
We continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our patients and staff from the COVID-19 pandemic. With telemedicine, we’ve been able to address most of our patients’ allergy symptoms without meeting face-to-face with a 90 to 95% success rate. We also schedule in-office appointments, book online consultations, and accept phone calls.
[et_pb_section bb_built="1" inner_width="auto" inner_max_width="1200px"][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.24" text_text_shadow_horizontal_length="text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_vertical_length="text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_blur_strength="text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" link_text_shadow_horizontal_length="link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_vertical_length="link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_blur_strength="link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length="ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_vertical_length="ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_blur_strength="ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length="ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_vertical_length="ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_blur_strength="ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length="quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_vertical_length="quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_blur_strength="quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_text_shadow_horizontal_length="header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_vertical_length="header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_blur_strength="header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length="header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length="header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength="header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length="header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length="header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength="header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length="header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length="header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength="header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length="header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length="header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength="header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length="header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length="header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength="header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" z_index_tablet="500"]
Summer is almost here, and that means three months full of sun, heat, and…allergy triggers.
Enjoying fully bloomed trees and green grass can be nice, but the increase in pollen can give allergy sufferers nothing but misery throughout the summer months.
In fact, it's not just that powdery substance that triggers sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes, but a wide number of other allergy triggers.
But you don’t have to worry about your allergies making your summer a bummer.
Our certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his steady team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group, members of VALLEY ENT, are here to help shed light on the most common summer allergies, as well as tips on how to minimize their effects.
Of the summer allergens, pollen is the most common trigger that affects the most people. Though pollen differs based on the region, they follow a sequential pattern everywhere.
Avoid bringing in the pesky pollen with an air sucking fan, especially during allergy season.
Your health should be your number one priority in these trying times, so we recommend staying active and exercising indoors on days when the pollen count is high, which is usually on dry, warm, and windy days. Levels are also generally the highest in the mid-day and afternoon.
It is also recommended that you wash your hair at night to get rid of pollen and change clothing before getting into bed. Additionally, keep windows closed while driving and keep air conditioners running on the 're-circulate' setting.
Outdoor mold is the culprit behind many allergic reactions starting in late summer, when there’s a peak in the amount of certain kinds of mold spores, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
Not to mention that there’s mildew and mold indoors. The number of certain mold spores could also increase on humid days, which is a major issue since indoor mold can cause an allergic reaction. If you were to experience symptoms while in a damp or moldy place, that might be a sign of a mold allergy.
Those who suffer from mold allergies should avoid being outdoors when mold counts are high just like pollen allergy sufferers. You should also wear a mask when mowing lawns or working around plants.
To prevent indoor mold, take measures to eliminate any moisture or dampness, like repairing leaks and utilizing dehumidifiers.
Avoiding a painful encounter is only one reason to stay away from stinging insects. Insect stings are another well-known summer allergy trigger that can result in a severe reaction referred to as anaphylaxis.
"Stings are much less common, but can be more dangerous," said Nelson. "People can have systemic reactions, which can be life-threatening. A number of people die each year as a result of allergic reactions to stings."
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, (ACAAI), roughly two million Americans are allergic to insect stings, and about 50,000 end up in emergency rooms from a reaction to an insect sting.
Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are most active in the late summer and early fall, and fire ants are active at this point in the year in some parts of the country.
The best way to avoid getting stung is to avoid the insects as much as you possibly can.
It is highly recommended that you don’t walk barefoot in areas infested with insects and not drink from open cans where insects may have snuck in. Keep food covered when outside, and avoid wearing anything that smells sweet and any brightly colored or floral clothes.
Of course, wearing insect repellent is also important if you're going to be outdoors in areas where there are mosquitoes.
If these tips don’t help you find relief, you may want to consult with the Glatz Group to learn more about your sinus-relief options. If over-the-counter medications do not help enough, we offer a minimally invasive procedure to clear your sinus passageways known as balloon sinuplasty.
Additionally, we understand your concerns about COVID-19 but want to assure you we are taking all necessary precautions to keep patients and staff safe. The use of telemedicine has allowed us to address most of our patients’ allergy symptoms without meeting face-to-face.
We also take online consultations or phone calls.
If you need immediate treatment, we can schedule an in-office procedure.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version="3.24" button_text="Schedule Your Consultation Now" button_url="https://glatzyoudid.com/contact-us/" button_text_shadow_horizontal_length="button_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" button_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" button_text_shadow_vertical_length="button_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" button_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" button_text_shadow_blur_strength="button_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93" button_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" z_index_tablet="500" button_alignment="center" box_shadow_style="preset6" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure designed to treat sinusitis in people of all ages. This FDA-approved procedure has been implemented safely since 2005 to offer relief to individuals suffering from blocked sinuses, giving them a new lease on life and the chance to breathe easily once again.
This minimally invasive operation is a good option for anyone who has not responded well to medications. It is also a promising option for those who have tried other treatments or procedures, but who still continue to deal with blocked sinuses.
Amazingly, this treatment has also proven to be safe and beneficial for children.
If your child needs relief, you may want to consider balloon sinuplasty as a treatment option. Our certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his trusted team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group are happy to help let parents learn more about balloon sinuplasty for your kids.
Many children do not react well to antibiotics prescribed for their allergy or sinus issues. This is where balloon sinuplasty can help. Today’s medical professionals look at balloon sinuplasty as a practical method for children over more invasive procedures. Benefits include:
Balloon sinuplasty can be done in our office, using a local anesthetic, and has numerous advantages over traditional sinus surgery including:
Naturally, you and your child may feel a bit anxious prior to undergoing the procedure. Thankfully, we have a few tips to help ease the situation for both you and your child.
In the vast majority of cases, patients can go home right after the procedure. To help ease any discomfort they may feel after the procedure, consider taking the following steps:
With the Glatz Group, you can rest at ease knowing your child is in good hands and on their way to sinus relief.
If you are concerned about the safety of you and your child from COVID-19, we want to assure you that precautions are taken every day at our office. We are currently using telemedicine to address the needs of our patients without meeting face-to-face.
Online consultations or phone calls are also accepted.
As local municipalities begin the initial processes of reintroducing society back to itself, allergy or sinus sufferers have had to endure harsh symptoms alone during this uncertain time; however, with the threat of a second wave ever the possibility, staying at home is still an option many are taking, and because of this, they continue to deal with headaches, pain and pressure, and the inability to breathe or sleep properly.
If your sinuses or allergies are acting up and medications and at-home treatments aren’t doing the trick, you may want to consider the minimally invasive procedure known as balloon sinuplasty to help relieve symptoms.
And while we’ve discussed balloon sinuplasty before, certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his sinus relief specialist team at the Glatz Group want to shed a little more light on what to expect after a balloon sinuplasty, just in case some of you were concerned about the recovery process.
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure designed to clear out blocked sinuses. Since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005, balloon sinuplasty has become one of the most commonly performed types of sinus surgeries, often referred to as the “smart sinus” procedure.
This alternative treatment is recommended most for those who suffer from chronic sinusitis after other treatments for their condition have failed to relieve their symptoms. Balloon sinuplasty is pretty straightforward with minimal reported complications, and what makes this a truly effective and unique kind of procedure, there’s no cutting and no removal of bones or tissue.
It can be done in our office, and anesthesia is optional. Note that since balloon sinuplasty is still a form of sinus surgery, it comes with the same types of risks that other kinds of sinus surgery may have, but without the debilitating and/or drawn-out recovery process.
Because balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, you should be able to drive yourself home about 15 minutes afterward if you weren't given any anesthesia or sedatives, and you should also be able to resume your daily activities within a day or so. However, just like with any other surgical procedure, recovery time varies for every patient, but there are a few things you can do to help smoothen out the process:
A week after surgery, you may notice some bloody drainage or discharge from your nose. This is completely normal and isn’t worth stressing over. You might also experience swelling along with some fatigue and congestion. All of this is typical after any sinus surgery. You should be healed and free of these symptoms within five to seven days.
Make sure to follow your McAllen ENT's instructions, and the recovery process won't require as much effort than it would under traditional surgery.
All types of sinus procedures have similar risks. The leading potential complication is an intracranial complication. In these situations, the connection between the nose and the brain is affected throughout the surgery and brain fluid could leak into your nose. This complication hardly ever occurs, but if it did, it’s generally fixed before the surgery is over.
There’s also a chance that the appearance of your nose could change slightly after treatment. Sometimes the swelling doesn’t go away for days, or the nose looks different when the swelling goes away.
If you can’t properly cleanse the area, an infection might develop that needs medical attention. And although most sinus surgery improves your sense of smell, there are instances where the surgery makes it worse.
With the Glatz Group, you can get fast sinus relief, and resolving your symptoms now can help you avoid health issues in the future.
As a reminder, we want to mention that we are still taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all our staff and patients. We are currently utilizing telemedicine to handle the needs of those who can be helped from home.
At the same time, we are now open 6 days a week for all over your sinus needs, so if you wish to schedule an in-person examination for your allergies or sinusitis, or treatment schedule a balloon sinuplasty, we may also set you up as soon as we can.
With mandatory shelter-at-home ordinances still in place, your team here at the Glatz Group believes everyone should make it a top priority to not only stay safe, but also to stay healthy - and getting enough sleep is essential to your health.
If you’re suffering from interrupted sleep, this can result in all kinds of issues. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one condition known to negatively affect your sleep. This disorder makes it difficult for you to breathe properly while sleeping, which can cause serious health problems as it progresses.
If you or a loved one are dealing with sleep apnea, there’s no need to fret. Our certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his right-hand team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group are here to explain how our in-office procedure, known as balloon sinuplasty, can help you.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, obstructive sleep apnea affects more than 18 million Americans. It is important to understand the symptoms of this condition to know what to look out for.
Symptoms of OSA include but are not limited to:
Snoring and sleep apnea are often confused as one and the same. In general, individuals who have untreated OSA may snore, but only certain individuals who snore actually have sleep apnea.
Snoring occurs because of a vibration in one’s breathing patterns. While snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea, true sleep apnea is when an individual experiences several pauses in their breathing as they sleep.
Causes of sleep apnea involve a number of factors and would require a thorough evaluation by our team. It is imperative to determine the causes as they are unique to every patient. Typical causes include the following nasal and sinus conditions:
If you have OSA and it goes untreated, you can face some serious health issues. These include:
Your obstructive sleep apnea may be the source of your sinusitis. In sinusitis, sinuses are inflamed, therefore blocking the nasal passages, which impairs breathing, potentially leading to further health issues.
A fairly common treatment for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Unfortunately, this method does not always give the best relief for your sinus problems. Another issue with CPAP is that the treatment takes place over a longer period of time, which is not an ideal option if you want quick relief.
For the most promising sinus relief, you may want to consider balloon sinuplasty as a treatment for OSA. This non-invasive procedure can be performed in our office with minimal pain.
Balloon sinuplasty helps by resolving chronic sinus congestion and recurring sinus infections, while also improving the state of nasal breathing, reducing snoring and improving issues related to your sleep apnea.
With the Glatz Group, you can be on your way to sinus relief and catching up on sleep. You should always look after your health concerns to prevent future problems.
Please be aware that we are taking all required precautions to ensure our staff and our patients stay safe and healthy. Right now we are using telemedicine to address the needs of our patients.
Online consultations or phone calls are also accepted.
If you need to schedule a treatment with balloon sinuplasty or an in-person examination for your OSA or sinusitis, we may also arrange an in-house procedure for you as soon as we can.
As we stay at home following the guidelines of world health officials, we have to also remember to maintain healthy habits and hygiene. In a recent article published by Valley Central that interviewed our McAllen ENT, Dr. Frank Glatz spoke about a few tips that we can do to stay safe from contracting the virus.
Health experts have warned the public to avoid touching their face by all means, as COVID-19 can be transmitted very easily. Dr. Glatz highly suggests that whenever you leave your home, you should be extra cautious and attentive to what exactly you are touching.
Since it is suspected that the virus can be either airborne or passed on through microdroplets of mucus or saliva, should these substances land on objects you touch, you could get it on your hands. Then, something as simple as rubbing your face, rubbing your eye, or scratching your forehead could send the virus can into the eye, through the eye duct down into the nose, and eventually down into your throat.
At the beginning of this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement recommending all Americans to cover their mouths. If they do not own a mask, can’t purchase one due to the shortage, or if the store is out of stock, they must at least use any sort of scarf or cloth.
This is a practice Dr. Glatz cannot stress enough for us in the Rio Grande Valley area. If you need to go out to get groceries, pick up some takeout, or pick up a prescription from your local pharmacy, refrain from touching your face.
It is highly advised for everyone to wear gloves and masks as well when going out and about, even if doing so makes you feel uncomfortable from a social perspective. There is absolutely nothing strange when it comes down to protecting yourself and others.
And if you are wearing gloves, make sure you use them properly. Don’t touch items and then touch your face, as that can result in cross-contamination.
Many people may not have too many pairs of gloves to work with, but it is not necessary to have a cupboardful anyway. One thing Dr. Glatz highly recommends is to spray your gloves each time after use with isopropyl alcohol--or Everclear if in a pinch--from a spray bottle, as they’re effectively sterile.
It is far more effective to spray the gloves than to spray your hands due to the fact that your hands have loads of nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide. On these protective gloves, however, there is nowhere for them to hide. Don’t forget to sanitize yourself along with your daily items like your car keys and debit/credit card.
Remember that viruses may live on your daily items and surfaces for up to several hours to several days, depending on the surface. So it is always in your best interest to wipe them down as frequently as possible.
In this time of crisis, many of us are staying home in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but, unfortunately, this year’s allergy season isn’t going to be any lighter than usual, especially in the Rio Grande Valley.
Fortunately, if you or a loved one are an allergy sufferer, our certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and the caring team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group in McAllen can help in person or via our telemedicine services for your safety. Below you will find the different types of allergies that are most prominent in the Rio Grande Valley, their symptoms, and solutions we can provide.
Pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander are all common allergens, but the most common cause of spring allergies in Texas is:
The dry weather can only add to your sniffles as well. McAllen merely gets just about 26 inches of rain every year, which doesn’t help much to get rid of the pollen. Pollen counts are also predicted to rise over time. In fact, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), pollen counts are anticipated to more than double by 2040.
In addition, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) releases a Spring Allergy Capitals report each year ranking hot spots for allergies across the U.S. In 2016 McAllen fell in fifth place among the 12 worst cities for allergies on the rise, with the prevalence of pollen and widespread use of allergy medication surpassing the average.
If you have a pollen allergy and are breathing in pollen-heavy air, you may encounter a variety of allergy symptoms. If you have asthma, pollen can also aggravate the symptoms associated with that health issue, making the coughing and wheezing more extreme. Common allergic reactions to pollen and other seasonal allergens include:
There are many ways to manage allergy symptoms, from decongestants for running noses and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines for itchy, watery eyes or a runny nose. Your ENT doctor may also recommend immunotherapy shots or tablets if your pollen allergies are severe.
The shots are designed to build up the body’s resistance to pollen, while the tablets help for those suffering from grass and ragweed allergies. Aside from this kind of treatment, another option is a procedure done in our very own office called balloon sinuplasty. The minimally invasive operation helps to open up blocked or overly narrow passageways and drain out your sinuses more effectively before infection sets in.
You can rest assured knowing that at Glatz, you are in good hands. It’s always best to take care of your health concerns before they have a chance to worsen over time. Your ear, nose, and throat health is important, and putting off taking care of problems in this area can be risky.
For us, the health of our patients is our number one concern. During this pandemic, we will be taking all available precautions to keep our staff and our visitors safe and healthy. While we are still seeing patients in person, wee are also here to help you and your loved ones find a way to receive relief from your allergy and sinus concerns in the midst of the shelter-in-place.
We are taking advantage of telemedicine, where our remote services will be able to address 90 to 95 percent of all allergy symptoms. Give us a call to see if we can find a solution remotely for your problem. Online consultations can also be set up so your needs can be met from the comfort and safety of your home. If you’re in need of balloon sinuplasty or an in-person examination, we may also schedule you for an in-house procedure as soon as we can.
As a child, you may have had a certain allergy, only to find later that the symptoms you experienced were minimal, if even present, when you grew older. That said, however, should you develop an allergy as an adult, it is likely that you will have that allergy for the rest of your life.
Allergies can be very unpredictable, but the service you receive from Glatz Group is ever-reliable, especially during these uncertain times. Certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and the trusted team of sinus relief specialists want to address this question just in case you’ve wondered about your own allergies but cannot visit us to ask because of the shelter-in-place.
The vast majority of people develop allergies in their childhood or young adult years, but the truth of it all is, you can develop an allergy at any point in your life, even as you grow older into adulthood. As you are exposured to environmental allergens like pollen over time, your seasonal allergy symptoms may increase.
There is also a possibility that you will outgrow your allergies. Tolerance to allergens can grow if exposure to the allergen itself is kept at a minimum over time. This is comparable to the way vaccines function to build your immunity against particular bacteria and viruses, or the way allergy shots (immunotherapy) work to reduce a person’s allergic reaction to a certain allergen.
An overly sensitive immune system is what causes allergies. Your immune system is supposed to protect your body against illnesses and viruses, but, unfortunately, if your immune system is extremely sensitive, it will negatively respond to allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
Your body reacts to these allergies by increasing the production of mucus, which then causes sneezing, nasal swelling, itchiness in your nose and eyes, and other types of symptoms. Your symptoms can also change as you get older.
People with allergies react to their allergens in ways that vary for each individual. Allergic reactions can also vary from one season to another or from one allergen to another.
There are some people who have enjoyed springtime for many years and then, for whatever reason, the month of May hits, and their nose starts to run. Allergic reactions can ruin the springtime for those who have them by making them feel miserable.
Over time, you may lose your tolerance against pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. The immune system fluctuates all the time, and allergies can change. While growing out of an allergy sounds nice, but the reality is that for most people allergies are more likely to develop than disappear. They can decrease in severity, or reactions may happen less often as time goes on, but most allergy sufferers will remain susceptible.
Taking steps to build immunity, getting rid of the allergen from your environment as much as possible, and focusing on keeping your overall health at its best are all good ways to help minimize your allergic reaction.
The McAllen sinus relief team at Glatz Group would be happy to help you manage your allergy and sinus needs in these difficult times. We can help you find the relief you need, whether you prefer to come to our office or speak via telemedicine services.
When it comes to sinuses or allergies getting out of hand, the procedure known as balloon sinuplasty is designed as a promising alternative to medications that can only do so much.
The science and technology behind this operation wouldn’t be possible without the Medtronic company having launched the NuVent electromagnetic (EM) sinus dilation system for the Fusion ENT navigation system back in 2014.
Today, our McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and the skilled team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group will explain how this Medtronic Balloon Sinus tool has shaped the way we perform balloon sinuplasty. With Dr. Frank R. Glatz’s guidance throughout 6 months of tutelage and one year of working alongside him, Jonathan ensures that the special brand of patient care specific to Glatz Group will remain the same.
Medtronic is a company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with one of the world's greatest sources for medical technology, services, and solutions - relieving pain, renewing health, and enhancing the quality of life and longevity for millions of people on a global level.
Medtronic also has more than 85,000 employees internationally, helping physicians, hospitals, and patients in about 160 countries. The company’s mission is to collaborate with stakeholders worldwide to improve the state of healthcare for humanity.
The balloon sinus dilation system called NuVent has built-in electromagnetic surgical navigation technology that allows us to fully see the anatomy, avoid sensitive areas, and prepare the placement of the balloon during balloon sinuplasty. This procedure essentially aids in opening your sinus passageways and is an effective treatment for people who suffer from chronic sinusitis.
By integrating the NuVent system with the Fusion ENT Navigation technology, we are able to spot the exact location of the NuVent tool’s tip through the help of the Fusion image guidance screen.
Once we’ve confirmed the placement with the help of the Fusion navigation system, the NuVent sinus balloon is inflated in order to expand the groove. Here’s a more detailed, broken down explanation as to how these systems are useful:
These innovations let us lightly expand tissues and bone in the openings of the frontal, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses in order to improve drainage without being too invasive.
The Nuvent system is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it was designed to work with Fusion ENT’s Navigation system so that physicians can use it as a guide when performing balloon sinuplasty.
The passageways are dilated with the help of this image-guided system used with NuVent. This technology gives us a detailed view of the sinus anatomy, not only making the procedure possible but also enhancing precision and allowing our team to help more patients like you in our very own office without the use of anesthesia.
Sinusitis and allergies can cause significant physical discomfort and emotional difficulties such as headaches and facial pain. At times, symptoms can be so bad that it can cause you to miss out on hours at work, personal engagements, physical activity, or sleep.
When antibiotics, decongestants, and saline sprays fail to alleviate your symptoms, balloon sinuplasty has been proven to control and reduce overall symptoms to minimize headaches, help you make it to school or work, lessen your visits to the doctor, and lessen the chances of getting a sinus infection, with recovery time after the procedure generally lasting around 24 hours.
To certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma, you are not just another patient. He values what people remember from their visit, the experience with every patient, and the high impact he leaves on someone’s life. He can evaluate your symptoms and see if you are eligible for balloon sinuplasty in your in-office consultation.
Because your ear, nose, and throat health is our top priority, we will continue to see patients in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking extensive care and caution for your safety and the safety of our staff.
We understand that the uncertainty of the coronavirus or quarantine may keep you from receiving relief from your allergy and sinus concerns, but we are doing everything we can to ensure that you don’t have to live with that fear. At Glatz Group, we embrace telemedicine for this specific reason, and we can help diagnose your allergy and sinus symptoms through an initial over-the-phone consultation.
From there, online consultations may also be arranged in order to meet your needs remotely. Should you need a balloon sinuplasty or an in-person examination, that could be arranged as well.
