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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
Health officials from McAllen to Brownsville have warned citizens to stay in their homes in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but allergy season in the Rio Grande Valley is unrelenting and unforgiving. We are here to help!
Certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma, trained and mentored by our McAllen ENT Dr. Frank R. Glatz, and the savvy team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group want to encourage those with severe allergy or sinus symptoms to continue to reach out to us so we can help you find relief.
While we will still provide in-person consultations with all the necessary care and precautionary measures taken, we will also be offering telemedicine services. After an initial phone consultation to discuss your symptoms, patients will be able to utilize an online video application for their appointment with the doctor.
The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to telemedicine as healing from a distance. It is a tool that we use to be more accessible to our sinus and allergy patients that cannot come into the office, saving them from the stresses of arranging for travel during a time when staying at home is the best way to avoid exposure to the coronavirus.
With this innovative telemedicine software, we are able to take care of 90 to 95 percent of sinus symptoms our patients experience and develop a treatment plan from the safety of their own homes, effectively addressing their concerns and preventing them from being at risk of COVID-19 exposure.
The way we use telemedicine is normally through a video call, but other ways that telemedicine is used include:
In some instances, medical data can also be drawn through portable telemedicine kits that use computer and mobile medical devices like electrocardiograms (ECGs) or vital signs monitors. High-resolution digital cameras are also an option for physicians to share detailed medical photos with specialists that are miles away.
The last option is robust telemedicine software that makes everything from data storage to live video conferencing possible. In a nutshell, there are many options for innovative telemedicine equipment to meet the various needs of patients today, especially in times like these where some may need it most.
The sinus relief team at Glatz Group take your allergy and sinus concerns seriously, and we are more than willing and ready to help you get the relief you need, whether you are in our office or through innovative telemedicine services.
As we enter another month into the pandemic, the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to affect people in our country and around the globe. In times like these, we must remain calm, be rational, and do our best in being aware of the symptoms and methods of prevention.
While much of the virus’ symptoms may seem like something more common like allergies or the flu, your local McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma, and the skilled team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group are here to help crack down the facts regarding this virus.
The symptoms of the coronavirus should not be confused with those of allergies or the flu. While we cannot stress enough that the public must make note of any possible signs of coronavirus, however, similar symptoms can result in confusion about what may be the primary illness. Here's how you can differentiate between allergies, the flu, or the virus.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology lists the following symptoms of allergies as:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that influenza (flu) may lead to mild to severe illness and, at times, can cause death to those who come across it. Symptoms of the flu involve:
The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) mention the following in their list of COVID-19 symptoms:
The flu and the coronavirus can impact other systems along the upper and lower respiratory tract. If your nose isn’t runny but you notice a sore throat, a cough, a fever, or shortness of breath, that is how you can determine if what you have is related to the symptoms presented by the flu or COVID-19.
Keep an eye on your temperature, as it's highly unlikely that allergies would lead to a fever. They often don't create a shortness of breath either, unless you’ve got a preexisting condition such as asthma.
If you encountered the same symptoms at the same time every year, you're more than likely dealing with seasonal allergies. If that’s the case, we can provide you with the right medication as well as other typical treatment options like Balloon Sinuplasty to help you feel better.
If you catch the flu or the coronavirus, you’ll feel extremely exhausted and achy, so much so that getting out of bed could feel nearly impossible. Allergies can cause your drowsiness, but they won’t make your muscles or joints ache.
With regular illnesses, you can expect to feel better with adequate rest and care within a matter of days, unless you’re elderly or face any underlying health issues where even less severe illnesses can take more time to overcome.
If you have a bad case of the flu or coronavirus, you might get worse when you’re anticipating getting over it. That is when you should seek medical care if you haven’t already. The main cause for concern of COVID-19 would be if you felt a shortness of breath. Individuals can also get pneumonia from the flu, so either way, your best interest is to receive medical attention immediately.
Unfortunately, the beginning stages of allergies, colds, flus, and the coronavirus can be related, and some coronavirus and flu cases can be so minor that they may not cause much concern. That's why you must pay attention to the severity and duration of your symptoms, then find out if you’re part of an at-risk party.
Elderly people, people with asthma or other lung problems, people with heart disease or diabetes, and pregnant women may be more susceptible to contracting the virus and are also among the individuals that are often more at risk of succumbing to the virus.
If you believe you have the coronavirus, you must consider the following:
As there currently is no existing vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the best method to prevent illness is to avoid any potential exposure to this virus. The virus is said to spread from person-to-person, whether it’s between those who are in close contact with one another--within approximately six feet--or through respiratory droplets made when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Once airborne, these droplets can travel into the mouths, noses, or eyes of those who are in close proximity.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent and protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19:
Wash your hands as much as you can, and use hand sanitizer if you aren’t near a sink or soap. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands.
Avoid close contact with those who appear to be sick.
Keep a safe distance between yourself from others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
Stay home if you feel sick.
Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing.
Wear a facemask.
Clean and disinfect surfaces you touch frequently.
Dr. Glatz also mentioned that chloroquine, an antimalarial drug, has been shown to slow down viral replication, reproduction, and maybe early survival. However, don’t see this information as a reason to live in fear. See it as an opportunity to be proactive, hygienic, and safe rather than sorry. The best thing we can do is take the precautionary measures necessary.
As we approach the Spring season in a matter of weeks, most of us are anticipating the beauty and warmth of the great outdoors. Unfortunately, millions of Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies are in for a stormy vengeance of sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes the season.
It might be time to start stocking up on tissues for your sinus issues. Today, our local McAllen ENT Dr. Frank R. Glatz, trusted and certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma, and the diligent team of sinus relief specialists here at the Glatz Group will go into what to expect this season and how to prepare for the worst.
According to AccuWeather meteorologists, those who suffer from seasonal allergies should prepare themselves for a long, intense season this spring. Pollen levels are expected to be above average for a large section of the US, a region with a population of 193 million people that stretches from Texas to Michigan and on eastward.
With more than 50 million Americans experiencing the discomfort of seasonal allergies, it is predicted that this spring’s more-than-average rainfall, coupled with near-average temperatures, will promote the production of grass, weed, and tree pollen.
Those who suffer from grass pollen may have a long, unforgiving season ahead of them into the summer. These weather and growing conditions also mean that the season may come a-knocking even earlier than we normally would anticipate, for the first time since 1986.
The same stands for tree pollen from the mid-Atlantic spread through the Gulf and the Southern Plains. The East and the Gulf coastline should expect a harsher tree pollen season this 2020.
The forecast in those regions will also be a concern for those whose allergies are triggered by weed pollen, since levels are way above average and could continue on right into the fall.
The rest of the country will not be affected as severely, but allergy sufferers in a couple of locations should probably have their tissues ready and available for use.
The best method to handle spring allergy symptoms is to visit our board-certified ENT at the Glatz Group, who can gladly help you develop a treatment plan catered to your specific needs which may require taking recommended medicines prior to the season starting.
Another option that either Dr. Glatz or Jonathan may propose, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how they react to medications, you may want to consider if you qualify for a procedure done in our very own office known as balloon sinuplasty. The purpose of this operation is to make your sinus passages expand, enabling your sinuses to drain more efficiently while they flush away allergens. This procedure functions as a longer-lasting alternative for patients with symptoms that don’t seem to cooperate or simmer down with the help of medications.
Anesthesia is not mandatory for this procedure, and patients are usually able to resume their daily lives after at least 24 hours of recovery have passed.
The best way to choose the treatment that will work most effectively for your particular symptoms is by speaking with our skilled sinus relief team at Glatz Group in order to prepare for the worst allergy season sooner rather than later.
We also highly suggest limiting or avoiding going outdoors at peak times of the day for pollen, which generally can range from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. to dusk. At the same time, warmer, breezy days tend to exacerbate conditions for allergy sufferers.
