After balloon sinuplasty, proper aftercare can help support healing and reduce irritation while the nose and sinuses recover.
Your exact instructions will depend on your procedure, medical history, and whether any additional sinus treatment was performed, so always follow the recommendations provided by your ENT.
This guide focuses specifically on what to do after balloon sinuplasty, what to avoid, and when to contact your doctor during recovery.
The first few days after balloon sinuplasty are an important part of recovery. Your doctor may give you specific instructions about rest, nasal care, medications, and activity.
General aftercare may include:
Many patients are able to return to light activity fairly quickly, but rest can still be helpful during the first part of recovery.
Avoid pushing yourself if you are experiencing fatigue, pressure, congestion, or discomfort.
Sleeping or resting with your head slightly elevated may help reduce the feeling of congestion and may make drainage more comfortable.
A wedge pillow or extra pillow may help keep your upper body raised without forcing your neck into an uncomfortable position.
Patients are often advised to avoid forceful nose blowing for a period of time after sinus procedures.
Forceful pressure may irritate healing tissue or increase the chance of bleeding.
Your ENT will tell you when it is safe to resume normal nose blowing based on your specific treatment.
Saline spray or nasal rinses may be recommended to help keep the nasal passages moist and support normal healing.
Use saline only according to your doctor's instructions and follow the recommended frequency and technique.
Temporary activity restrictions may be recommended while the nose and sinuses heal.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may be advised to avoid:
The length of these restrictions varies by patient, so follow the instructions given by your treating physician.
Light walking may be appropriate for some patients, but strenuous activity should usually be resumed gradually and according to your doctor's instructions.
Returning to intense exercise too quickly may increase pressure, discomfort, or bleeding.
Some patients return to work relatively soon after balloon sinuplasty, especially if their job is not physically demanding.
The appropriate timing depends on how you feel, the type of work you do, whether sedation was used, and whether other procedures were performed.
Your ENT can give you a more specific return to work recommendation.
Driving recommendations depend on whether sedation, pain medication, or other medications that affect alertness were used.
If your doctor instructs you not to drive, arrange for someone else to take you home.
Do not drive until you are medically cleared and feel fully alert.
Temporary symptoms may occur as the nose and sinuses heal.
These can include:
Symptoms should generally improve with time, although recovery varies from person to person.
Contact your medical provider if your symptoms seem severe, unexpected, or are getting worse instead of improving.
Examples may include:
Your ENT can tell you which symptoms require immediate evaluation based on your specific treatment.
Follow up appointments allow your ENT to evaluate healing and determine whether additional care is needed.
Keep your scheduled follow up visits even if you are feeling better, since your doctor may need to examine areas you cannot evaluate on your own.
For a detailed recovery timeline, including what patients may experience during the first day and first week, read our guide to balloon sinuplasty recovery and what to expect after the procedure.
For a complete overview of how the procedure works, read about the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
If you are considering balloon sinuplasty or already have a procedure scheduled, Glatz Group can explain what to expect before and after treatment.
Glatz Group provides balloon sinuplasty in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Ear pressure can make your ears feel clogged, full, muffled, or uncomfortable. It can happen with sinus congestion, allergies, colds, changes in altitude, or problems with the eustachian tubes that help regulate pressure in the middle ear.
Many mild cases of ear pressure improve on their own or with simple measures at home. The right approach depends on what is causing the pressure, and persistent or painful symptoms should be evaluated by an ENT.
The eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat. They normally open when you swallow, yawn, or chew to help equalize pressure.
When these tubes become swollen or do not open properly, pressure can build up behind the eardrum.
Common causes of ear pressure include:
If the pressure is mild and related to congestion, allergies, or a temporary change in air pressure, several simple measures may help.
Swallowing and yawning naturally encourage the eustachian tubes to open. Chewing gum or slowly sipping water may also help your ears equalize pressure.
If nasal or sinus congestion is contributing to your symptoms, saline may help keep the nasal passages moist and remove mucus and irritants.
If you use a nasal rinse, follow the product instructions and use water that is appropriate for nasal irrigation.
Drinking enough water can help keep mucus thinner and may make congestion easier to manage.
Dry air can irritate the nose and throat. A clean humidifier may make breathing more comfortable when dry air is contributing to nasal irritation or congestion.
If your nose is congested, gently clearing mucus may help. Avoid forceful nose blowing because excessive pressure can make ear discomfort worse.
Tobacco smoke, vaping aerosols, strong fragrances, and other airborne irritants can contribute to nasal inflammation and congestion.
Reducing exposure may help if irritation is contributing to your ear pressure.
Air pressure changes during takeoff and landing can temporarily make the ears feel blocked or painful.
To help equalize pressure, try:
If you frequently experience significant ear pain while flying, an ENT can determine whether eustachian tube dysfunction or another condition is contributing.
Earwax can sometimes create a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or pressure when it becomes impacted.
Do not place cotton swabs, tools, or other objects into the ear canal. These can push wax farther into the ear or injure the ear canal or eardrum.
Over the counter earwax softening products may be appropriate for some people, but they should not be used without medical guidance if you have:
If you are unsure whether earwax is causing the problem, an ENT can examine the ear safely.
Trying to force the ear to open or putting substances into the ear without knowing the cause can sometimes make the problem worse.
Avoid:
Temporary pressure caused by flying, altitude changes, or mild congestion may improve once the pressure equalizes or the underlying congestion clears.
If the pressure lasts for several days, keeps returning, becomes painful, or affects your hearing, it may need further evaluation.
If your symptoms are not improving, read more about when persistent ear pressure should be evaluated by an ENT.
Home measures are most appropriate for mild and temporary symptoms. Consider seeing an ENT if ear pressure is accompanied by:
Sudden hearing loss should be evaluated promptly.
If home remedies are not relieving your ear pressure, Glatz Group can help determine whether the problem is related to the ears, eustachian tubes, allergies, sinus congestion, or another condition.
Glatz Group provides ENT care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
For a more complete overview of sinus related ear pressure, read our guide on how to relieve sinus pressure in your ears.
Recovery after balloon sinuplasty is usually shorter than recovery from more extensive sinus surgery, but every patient heals differently.
Knowing what to expect during the first day, first few days, and first week can make the recovery process easier to understand and help you recognize which symptoms are normal and which should be discussed with your ENT.
This page focuses specifically on balloon sinuplasty recovery and aftercare. For a broader overview of how the procedure itself is performed, read our guide to the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
After balloon sinuplasty, some temporary nasal and sinus symptoms are common while the treated area begins to heal.
You may experience:
The amount and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on the patient and whether other sinus procedures were performed at the same time.
During the first day after the procedure, your main priority should be following the instructions provided by your treating physician.
Your care plan may include rest, nasal care, medication instructions, and temporary activity restrictions.
Some patients may feel well enough to return to light normal activities quickly, while others may prefer additional rest.
If you received sedation or medications that affect alertness, follow your doctor's instructions about driving and operating equipment.
There is no single recovery timeline that applies to every patient, but many people experience gradual improvement over the first several days.
Mild congestion, pressure, drainage, or fatigue may be present. Rest and follow your ENT's post procedure instructions.
Some patients begin feeling more comfortable as irritation and pressure start to improve. Nasal drainage or congestion may still be present.
Many patients are able to resume more of their normal routine during the first week, depending on how they feel and the instructions provided by their doctor.
Recovery usually continues as the nasal passages heal and inflammation decreases. Follow up care may be used to evaluate healing and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Some patients return to work relatively quickly after balloon sinuplasty, especially when their job does not involve strenuous physical activity.
The right time to return depends on how you feel, the type of work you do, whether sedation was used, and whether additional procedures were performed.
Follow the return to work recommendations provided by your ENT rather than relying on a general timeline.
Strenuous exercise may need to be limited temporarily after balloon sinuplasty.
Walking and light activity may be appropriate for some patients, but more intense exercise should be resumed according to your doctor's instructions.
Returning to strenuous activity too quickly may increase discomfort or bleeding.
Patients are often advised to avoid forceful nose blowing for a period of time after sinus procedures.
Your ENT will tell you when it is safe to resume normal nose blowing based on your individual treatment and recovery.
Saline spray or nasal rinses may be recommended after balloon sinuplasty to help keep the nasal passages moist and support the healing process.
Use saline products only as directed by your treating physician and follow the recommended frequency and technique.
Temporary congestion can occur after balloon sinuplasty because the nasal and sinus tissues may still be irritated or swollen.
This does not necessarily mean the procedure was unsuccessful. Healing takes time, and symptoms may improve gradually.
If congestion becomes severe, continues longer than expected, or begins getting worse, contact your ENT.
A small amount of bloody drainage or spotting can occur after the procedure.
Your doctor should explain what level of bleeding is expected and what would be considered unusual.
Heavy bleeding, persistent bleeding, or bleeding that concerns you should be discussed with your medical provider.
Your doctor may recommend temporarily avoiding certain activities while the nose and sinuses heal.
Depending on your treatment plan, this may include:
Always follow the instructions given by your treating physician because restrictions can vary from patient to patient.
Contact your medical provider if your recovery does not seem to be progressing normally or if you develop symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Examples may include:
Your ENT can tell you which symptoms require immediate evaluation based on your specific procedure and medical history.
Follow up visits allow your ENT to check how the nasal and sinus tissues are healing and determine whether additional care is needed.
The timing of follow up appointments varies depending on the patient and the type of treatment performed.
Keep all scheduled follow up appointments even if you are feeling better.
The goal of balloon sinuplasty is to improve drainage through treated sinus openings, but long term results depend on the underlying cause of the patient's sinus problems.
Allergies, chronic inflammation, infection, and other conditions can continue to affect the nose and sinuses after treatment.
If symptoms return, an ENT can determine whether additional medical treatment or another procedure may be appropriate.
If you are considering balloon sinuplasty or already have a procedure scheduled, Glatz Group can explain what to expect before and after treatment.
Glatz Group provides balloon sinuplasty in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
For a complete explanation of the treatment itself, read our guide to the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
With spring fully upon us, allergy season is in full swing, and many Americans (approximately 37 million of us) are starting to feel the itch. Sinus pressure, nasal pain, and congestion ramp up when there are more allergens thanks to our body’s uncomfortable process of attempting to fight off the allergy.
While allergies are incredibly common, long-term congestion and allergies can lead to more serious sinus problems down the line. If sinus issues are affecting your daily life, talk to your McAllen ENT about chronic sinusitis.
Chronic Sinusitis is characterized by the annual swelling of nasal cavities and passages that can affect the nose, cheeks, and behind the eyes. Chronic sinusitis, compared to usual allergies, can last at least 12 weeks and usually sticks around even after you use over-the-counter or prescription medicine.
Sinusitis affects the drainage of mucus which causes a build-up and contributes to difficulty breathing.
Chronic sinusitus is characterized by most of the same symptoms that most of us associate with allergies and colds, but the effects last longer and sufferers are more likely to see several of the following specific symptoms:
However, these symptoms can also be a sign of acute sinusitis when accompanied by a fever or head cold. Acute sinusitis can also cause a loss of vision and a loss of smell. If left untreated, sinusitis can lead to more serious conditions such as meningitis, or the infection could spread to your bones.
Chronic Sinusitis can be caused by several conditions including nasal polyps, cystic fibrosis, a deviated septum, hayfever, respiratory infections, as well as HIV and other immune-compromising illnesses. You may be more at risk of developing chronic sinusitis if you live with any of the following conditions:
The first step to avoiding chronic sinusitis and many other illnesses is keeping your hands clean, but there are also a few extra things you can add to your daily routine to decrease the likelihood that you’ll develop this condition:
You should consult your doctor if you feel any stiffness in your neck, become confused, have blurred vision, have a fever, or your symptoms have lasted longer than 10 days after treatment.
Once you have a diagnosis, your chronic sinusitis can be remedied in several ways, including using medications, natural therapies, and non-invasive techniques performed by a doctor. Our ENTs can give you the care you need to find relief.
If you’ve experienced post-nasal drip firsthand, you know just how uncomfortable it can be. To properly treat post-nasal drip, your doctor will usually need to first determine its cause. Learning the possible causes of your post-nasal drip can help you identify what is behind that irritating feeling in the back of your throat.
Read on to learn about the five primary causes of post-nasal drip, as well as how your McAllen sinus specialists can help you find relief with treatment.
Mucus plays an important role in your body: it helps trap and destroy bacteria and viruses before they cause an infection. Normally, your mucus goes unnoticed because it mixes with your saliva and smoothly drips down the back of your throat where it can be swallowed.
If your body starts producing greater amounts of mucus, or if your mucus becomes thicker, you may start to notice it gathering at the back of your throat. That feeling of mucus building up or sliding down the back of the throat or nose is referred to as post-nasal drip.
Post-nasal drip can be caused by several factors, including sickness, medical conditions, weather changes, and certain foods and medications. Getting to the root cause of your post-nasal drip can help your doctor find the best treatment plan. Below, you can read about the five most common causes of post-nasal drip.
The common cold, the flu, allergies, and sinus infections can all contribute to post-nasal drip. When your body becomes sick, it triggers excess mucus production which may cause you to notice that mucus build-up in the back of your throat.
There are some medical conditions that can cause a post-nasal drip, the most common being a deviated septum. A deviated septum is a malformation in the wall separating the two nostrils that can affect the flow of air through the sinuses.
Changes in weather can be another cause of post-nasal drip. When the temperature drops or the air becomes dry, your body may start producing more or thicker mucus in order to adapt.
Spicy foods can be a trigger for mucus flow, and can cause extra mucus to run down the back of your throat, resulting in a post-nasal drip.
Certain blood pressure medications can cause an increase in mucus production. The increased estrogen levels caused by the use of birth control pills can also contribute to post-nasal drip.
Identifying the cause of your post-nasal drip can help your doctor decide what treatment plan will work best for you. Keeping track of the medication you take, the foods you eat, and environmental conditions you are in can also help your doctor determine the cause.
To find the right treatment for your post-nasal, you and your doctor will first need to identify what's causing it. If you're suffering from a post-nasal drip that won't go away, visit your ENT to learn about the cause of your condition and the treatment most likely to give you relief. While cases may vary, some of the most common post-nasal drip treatments include the following:
Your doctor will help you choose the right method for addressing your post-nasal drip, but that might not include medication. Another solution can be to thin out your mucus by drinking more water, using saline nasal sprays, or turning on a humidifier in your home.
Post-nasal drip can be uncomfortable to deal with, but treatment can be found once your doctor has identified the cause. If you suspect that you are suffering from post-nasal drip, call your doctor to get to the root of the issue.
Schedule an appointment with your McAllen sinus specialists at the Glatz Group today to find out what’s causing your post-nasal drip.
Managing a sinus infection can feel especially difficult throughout pregnancy.
Sinus infections are not an uncommon complication of having a cold or dealing with allergies and, unfortunately, they can lead to painful nasal congestion (rhinitis) along with other symptoms.
Experts have suggested that hormonal changes may play a part in rhinitis being brought out by pregnancy, which generally takes place during the second and third trimesters and goes away within two weeks of childbirth.
Regardless of the source of your sinus infection during pregnancy, it is critical to be familiar with how to alleviate symptoms in a non-threatening manner. Today, your team of McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will demonstrate how to deal with a sinus infection while pregnant.
A sinus infection by itself has a low chance of harming the developing fetus. It is worth noting, however, that in rare circumstances, symptoms can result in complications.
Being pregnant may also impact how severe the sinus infection symptoms are.
For instance, one study observed the effect that a pregnant woman’s body mass index (BMI) and stage of pregnancy could have on nasal congestion. The researchers discovered that both enhanced BMI and gestational age have a significant influence on the degree of nasal congestion throughout pregnancy.
They claim that women with gestational diabetes or several pregnancies (like twins or triplets) may be more at risk of getting pregnancy-induced rhinitis. This could be because of a rise in pregnancy hormones.
The researchers also state that recurring nasal congestion could come with risks for a fetus’ development and growth due to a gradual drop of oxygen.
Complications like these are quite rare, and with the right treatment, the threats to the fetus are rather low.
Another study came to find that nasal congestion from allergies had nothing to do with birth outcomes. In fact, there was a less frequent occurrence of congenital abnormalities in the babies of women who had faced these symptoms.
While there may be temptations to go for the common over-the-counter (OTC) medications for fast relief, some of these drugs could be dangerous, based on the period of the pregnancy.
A doctor might prescribe corticosteroids to handle nasal congestion, but only following the initial trimester.
It is highly recommended to avoid the following drugs when pregnant, although a few doctors may prescribe them at small dosages, particularly for those suffering from allergies:
Other effective OTC medications and home remedies are okay to take during pregnancy. A doctor can advise the most ideal treatment options for your unique needs.
Potential home remedies that could help provide some relief from your symptoms include:
The most common symptom of a sinus infection, or sinusitis, is painful sensations or sensitivity in the nose and cheeks areas.
An infection causes inflammation in the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead. The inflammation prevents mucus in the sinuses from draining properly, causing pain and pressure.
Other symptoms of a sinus infection are the following:
In many situations, people can take care of a sinus infection with remedies from home.
However, if a pregnant woman notices the following symptoms, it is in their best interest to visit their doctor immediately:
A doctor may prescribe medication to get rid of the infection, which could affect the woman’s overall health and pregnancy trimester.
Getting sick is already a drag on its own, but getting sick during pregnancy can be especially tough, as you may not be able to take your average OTC medications.
In some cases, a doctor can provide medication with little risk to the developing fetus.
If the following home remedies do not help resolve your sinusitis symptoms, you may wish to consider setting up an appointment with us. We want to make sure your pregnancy is a healthy one for you and your baby.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
While flu and cold season may have passed, many people are still suffering from allergies that cause them to sneeze constantly.
Sneezing is a reflex we simply cannot control and can actually occur in several different forms. Your McAllen sinus specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT would like to share some fun facts about sneezing.
Sneezes can travel up to 100 mph but are generally between 30 to 35 mph. Unfortunately, the speed at which they travel means germ-ridden sneezes can cover a lot of ground.
Sneezes generally spread in about a five-foot radius, but a powerful sneeze can land as far as 30 feet away.
The biological reboot signaled by the pressure force of a sneeze is similar to a computer quickly rebooting.
Sneezes reset the setting within our nasal passageways, helping to remove the contaminants in our airways. The microscopic hairs that line our nasal cavities help to moderate sneezes.
Did you know sunlight makes us sneeze?
A reaction referred to as a photic sneeze reflex causes some people to sneeze because of sunlight. Though not fully understood, it’s believed that the signal the brain receives to shrink the pupils when near bright light may run into the message the brain is given to sneeze.
There’s little you can do to keep your eyes open if you’re about to sneeze. The buildup to a sneeze includes closing the eyes as part of the message the brain gets.
Your heart actually doesn’t skip a beat when you sneeze, contrary to popular belief. The stimulation of the vagus nerve that takes place during a sneeze is a result of the deep breath most people take prior to sneezing.
It is best to stop attempting to stuff that sneeze back in. While it is rare, trying to hold a sneeze can actually result in serious injuries.
We happen to be capable of stopping the urge to sneeze.
There are a couple tricks that may cause a sneeze to pass if you’re getting a light tingle. Rubbing your nose, pressing on your upper lip under your nose, or forcing a big, deep breath out your nose can help stop a sneeze.
There are times when particles that are stuck in the nasal passageways need some extra help getting removed from your airways. More often than you would assume, it takes more than one attempt to get all of those irritants out, which is why we generally sneeze several times in a row.
Our McAllen ENT specialists are ready to help with all your sinus relief needs. While sneezing is common, it can be an indicator of another problem.
If you are dealing with allergies, reach out to our ENT office in McAllen to diagnose the issue and help you find the relief you deserve.
If you’ve ever experienced the burning pain in your chest that comes along with acid reflux, then you know how uncomfortable it is to suffer from and still try to live a normal life.
Today, your committed McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will highlight what you should know about acid reflux and how to get rid of it.
Acid reflux is a chronic disease caused when the sphincter muscle at the lower end of your esophagus relaxes at the wrong time. This allows stomach acid to back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn that can sometimes feel like a heart attack.
Poor clearance of food or acid from the esophagus, too much acid in the stomach, and delayed stomach emptying can all be factors that lead to acid reflux.
Acid reflux can affect people of all ages, including infants. The only people who have a higher risk of developing acid reflux are those with asthma.
If you have nighttime acid reflux, you could also experience:
Acid reflux can also contribute to sinusitis. This is due to the fact that the acid can travel up to your nose and sinuses. This acid causes inflammation in the nose and sinus linings.
If you’re looking for a way to relieve acid reflux without medication, you could try the following:
When the stomach is full, there can be more reflux in the esophagus. If you can, eat small meals frequently throughout the day rather than three large meals.
Certain foods like mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, alcohol, and chocolate can all trigger acid reflux. It is in your best interest to avoid these foods if you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms.
Carbonated beverages are responsible for making you burp, meaning that they send acid into the esophagus. If you are suffering from acid reflux, make sure to drink water.
Gravity helps keep acid in the stomach so it is highly advised not to lay down after eating. Stay standing or even sitting up instead.
Nicotine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux.
If none of these solutions help relieve your acid reflux, it is important to seek medical care. Your primary care doctor will then refer you to an ENT. ENTs have extensive experience with diagnosing acid reflux.
Once in the office, your specialist will use an endoscopy to diagnose your condition. After providing a diagnosis, your ENT will offer a treatment plan to treat your acid reflux.
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!
Any viral infection of the ears, nose, sinuses, or throat is referred to as an upper respiratory infection, or a URI.
These types of infections can be spread through direct contact, a cough, or a sneeze. While the most typical URI is the common cold, sinus infections, sore throat, and ear infections are other examples of URIs that can arise.
URIs frequently affect individuals mostly during fall and winter months, when the weather cools down. However, they can also happen in the spring and summer months. Most of the time, a URI is no big deal and goes away on its own within a week or so. Unfortunately, there are cases that may require medical attention or even some form of surgery.
Your 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 what causes respiratory infections and offer some solutions.
If you have an upper respiratory infection, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
You can also have these symptoms with other conditions such as the flu, allergies or a bacterial infection. Most upper respiratory infections last from a few days to two weeks and cause no lasting issues.
Many upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. In fact, over 200 viruses can lead to symptoms similar to a cold. You’re more likely to suffer from an upper respiratory infection in the winter months when you spend more time indoors. Being in close contact with people who are sick also increases your risk.
Unfortunately, the viruses that cause upper respiratory infections are contagious and can spread easily from person to person, and can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours. Viruses can also access your nose and throat through the air, when someone with an upper respiratory tract infection coughs or sneezes near you.
Although upper respiratory infections and colds are inconvenient and make you feel lousy, they’re not uncommon. The average adult gets two to four colds per year and children get twice as many. If it seems like your child always has a cold, you’re not imagining it!
Treatment for a URI usually involves limiting discomfort. The following things can help lessen the severity or duration of the symptoms:
Some over-the-counter medicines may also help adults with URI symptoms. These include:
Antihistamines
Pain-relievers
Decongestants
Some people use home remedies to help alleviate URI symptoms. These include:
If your symptoms do not subside after a week or so or worsen over time, see an ENT specialist. Your McAllen ENT at Glatz Group can conduct a thorough exam and determine if the URI is a sign of a more serious condition like bronchitis, pneumonia, or allergies.
In the event that this is the case, antibiotics or an alternative treatment might be necessary. Many patients experience an improvement in their allergies after balloon sinuplasty, a minimally invasive procedure we provide at our office.
There are several ways you can minimize your risk of catching a URI.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of germs. Also, stay away from anyone who has a URI and wipe down doorknobs, countertops, and other frequently touched surfaces. In addition, do not smoke or vape, and use a tissue to cover your mouth any time you cough or sneeze.
Given the current circumstances of COVID-19, we still offer alternative options to have your symptoms addressed, including telemedicine.
For in-person appointments, your safety and comfort come first. For the peace of mind of all of our loyal patients and staff members, we’re taking all possible precautionary measures to protect our clients and team from the spread of COVID-19.
Don’t ignore your respiratory infection if it persists. Feel like yourself again after stopping by The Glatz Group of Valley ENT!
