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.

What is 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.

The Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

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. 

The Causes of Chronic Sinusitis

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:

Preventing Chronic Sinusitis

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:

Seeing Your McAllen ENT for Chronic Sinusitis Treatment

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’re suffering from chronic sinusitis or other allergy issues, call your McAllen ENT at Glatz Group and schedule an appointment today.

YOUR TEXT

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.

What is Post-Nasal Drip?

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.

What are the Main Causes of 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.

1. Sickness

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.

2. Medical Conditions

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.

3. Weather Changes

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.

4. Spicy Foods

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. 

5. Certain Medications

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.

Treating Post-Nasal Drip with Glatz Group

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.

Find the Cause of Your Post-Nasal Drip With the Help of Your Sinus Relief Specialists at Glatz Valley ENT!

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. 

Make an appointment today to get the proper treatment for your post-nasal drip.

YOUR TEXT

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. 

Is the Fetus Affected?

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.

Safe Options for Treatment

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.

At-Home Remedies

Potential home remedies that could help provide some relief from your symptoms include:

Symptoms

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:

When You Should See a Doctor

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.

Have a healthier pregnancy by treating your sinus infection with the Glatz Group of Valley ENT.

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.

How Fast Does a Sneeze Travel?

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 Reason We Sneeze

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.  

Photic Sneeze Reflex

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. 

Why We Close Our Eyes When We 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.

Does Your Heart Skip a Beat When Sneezing?

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.

Holding In a Sneeze

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.

Stopping a Sneeze

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.

Why We Usually Sneeze in Twos and Threes

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.

Get nose & sinus relief with the help of the Glatz Group of Valley ENT.

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.

Set Up Your Appointment Today

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.

What is Acid Reflux?

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.

Who Is At Risk for 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.

What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

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.

How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux

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.

Stop your acid reflux symptoms today by seeing the Glatz Group of Valley ENT.

No one wants to live with heartburn every day. Get treated by the specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT today.

Book Your Appointment Today

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.

Top 5 Tips for Protecting Your Sinuses This Winter

1. Vacuum and Dust On a Regular Basis

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.

2. Improve Your Home’s Air Quality 

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.

3. Get Steamy 

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.

4. Keep Your Nose Clean

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.

5. Steer Clear of Germs

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:

Sinus Relief Specialists in McAllen

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!

 

Book Your Appointment Today

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.

URI Symptoms

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.

What Causes Upper Respiratory Infections?

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 Options for URIs

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.

URI Prevention

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.

Feel Better and Breathe Better With the Glatz Group of Valley ENT

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!

Book Your Appointment Today

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.

1. Swimming in Chlorinated Pools

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.

2. Diabetes

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.

3. Dry Air 

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.

4. Nasal Sprays

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.

5. Chronic Medical Conditions

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.

6. Bacteria

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.

7. Problems With Your Anatomy

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.

About Balloon Sinuplasty

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.

Relieve Your Sinus Infections When You See The Glatz Group of Valley ENT 

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.

Don’t Let Sinus Infections Take Over Your Life. Breathe Free Again After a Visit With The Glatz Group of Valley ENT!

Book Your Appointment Today

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. 

Understanding Turbinates

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.

Enlarged Turbinates Can Cause Nasal 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

Watch Out for These Symptoms of Enlarged Turbinates

Symptoms of enlarged turbinates may include:

Diagnosis of Turbinate Hypertrophy 

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.

Treatment Options for Enlarged Turbinates

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.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

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.

Submucosal Resection (SMR)

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.

Meet with the Glatz Group of Valley ENT for all your Ear, Nose, Throat Needs

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.

Treat Your Nasal Congestion and Feel Like Your Best Self When You Visit the Glatz Group of Valley ENT!

Book Your Appointment Today 

 

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.

Common Causes of Nasal Polyps 

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:

Nasal Polyps Symptoms

Small polyps normally don’t cause complications, but if they’re bigger, there’s a greater likelihood of it causing issues, including:

Nasal Polyp Treatment Options

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:

What Nasal Polyp Surgery Involves

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.

Find Relief at VALLEY ENT With the Glatz Group

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.

Ask for the Glatz Group at VALLEY ENT so you can be on your way to nasal polyp relief.

 

Schedule Your Consultation Now

Our Services

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED

Contact Us

Phone Number

(956) 331-8928

Email Us

enquiry@glatzyoudid.com

Copyright © 2024 GlatzGroup. All Right Reserved | Powered by Cobalt Digital
arrow-downmenu-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram