Now that summer has arrived, you may be hoping for some sinus relief after the colder winter months! Unfortunately, summer weather can still cause issues with your sinuses, despite being warmer. The changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can affect your sinuses, leaving you with pain or pressure in your eyes, cheeks, and forehead.

When humidity or dry heat hits, you may experience sinus pressure or pain. An ENT can help you learn how to keep sinus pain away this summer! Keep reading to learn how your sinuses can be harmed by humidity or dry heat and get some tips to avoid sinus pain this summer.

How Can Summer Heat Affect Your Sinuses?

Your sinuses are covered by a thin lining called the mucous membrane, which itself is covered by tiny particles called cilia. The cilia keep your sinuses clean and push out mucus. However, they can also be vulnerable to changes in the weather.

High Humidity

When the humidity is high, the extra moisture in the air causes the cilia in your nose not to work as they should, which can cause you to have extra mucus. This excess mucus can drain into your throat, leading to coughs or sore throats, or can drain into your ears, causing them to clog, feel tender, or become infected.  

Dry Heat

Cilia in your body are affected by dry heat as well. With less moisture in the air, there is less moisture in your nose, which causes the mucus to dry up and become thicker and more likely to clog your sinuses. Not only is this uncomfortable, but dry mucus can lead to swelling, nosebleeds, and infections.

5 Ways to Avoid Sinus Harm From Humidity

When the humidity rises, you can take action to help your sinuses. Follow these five tips to prevent sinus pain from humidity this summer.

5 Ways to Avoid Sinus Harm From Dry Heat

You may not be able to control the dryness of the summer day, but you can do some things to help keep your sinuses moist. During the dry summer, you can find relief for your sinuses by following these five tips.

Find Sinus Relief From the Glatz Group at Valley Ear, Nose, and Throat

Summer is supposed to be a great time for fun and adventures, but sometimes you may experience sinus pain from the humidity or dry heat. Don’t let the weather ruin your summer! 

Dr. Glatz and his team of sinus experts are here to help you with your sinus troubles so that you can get back to your summer plans! 

If you’re struggling with sinus pain this summer, reach out to Dr. Glatz and his team today to find the sinus relief you need!

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According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), five out of six children will have at least one ear infection before their third birthday. 

Unfortunately, ear infections are a common occurrence. If you were to ask almost anyone, they would more than likely tell you that they have had an ear infection at least once in their life. 

While chronic ear infections may be common in children, that shouldn’t mean they have to suffer through them. Today, your McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will tell you all there is to know about treating your child’s chronic ear infections.

What Causes an Ear Infection?

An ear infection happens when there is a buildup of fluid behind the middle ear. When the Eustachian tube does not drain properly, it produces bacteria and inflammation that results in the ear infection.

Why Is It Common in Children?

Ear infections can happen to adults and children, however, they more frequently afflict children. One reason being that children are smaller and so are their Eustachian tubes. The Eustachian tube is responsible for draining fluid out of the inner ear. When they get swollen, it makes it very difficult for fluid to drain, therefore causing a buildup and an infection. 

Another reason that children are more susceptible to ear infections is because of their developing immune systems. Due to the fact that their immune systems are not as strong as an adult’s, it is harder for them to fight off an infection each time.

Signs of a Chronic Ear Infection 

While signs may vary from child to child, some common symptoms include:

Treatment

If the ear infections keep coming back, your ENT may give you antibiotics and wait a couple of months to see if the infection clears up. If that does not help, the next step would be putting in tubes to assist with the drainage of fluid. Once the tubes are in, your child will have several follow-up visits until the tubes eventually fall out on their own.

Once all of that is done, and if the ear infections keep occurring, the next step would be a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids. The adenoids are two pieces of tissue located near the Eustachian tubes. When this tissue gets swollen, it can block the passageway of fluid through the tubes.

What Happens if Chronic Ear Infections are Left Untreated?

If your child’s chronic ear infections go untreated, it could start affecting them in other ways. Every situation and child is different, but possible damage could include:

What to Do if You Suspect Your Child Has Chronic Ear Infections

If your child is exhibiting any of the signs or symptoms listed above, reach out to your local ENT to get an examination or to rule out any other possible infections.
If you notice that the ear infections are happening more frequently or the infections are not going away, your sinus doctor will take the necessary steps to treat your child and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Don’t Let Ear Infections Become a Chronic Problem in Your Household—Visit the Glatz Group of Valley ENT today!

Watching your child cope with an ear infection is already difficult enough without it becoming a chronic issue. Your sinus relief specialists in McAllen, TX, are here to help and put any worries you may have at ease.

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A sore throat is by far one of the most unpleasant parts of getting sick. Luckily, there are several home remedies you can try on your own.

Today, your experienced McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will share six of the most effective home remedies for a sore throat, as well as those that do not work as advertised.

Try These From Home the Next Time You Suspect a Sore Throat

1. Warm and cold fluids

Enjoy some warm drinks like tea or chicken soup. Or give cold liquids, including ice water or popsicles, a try.

Liquids help clear out mucous membranes, maintain the flow of things, and prevent sinus infections. Warm temperatures may also minimize coughs by soothing the back of the throat. Try both temperatures out to determine which is ideal for you.

2. Gargling

Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt — or a relative portion of baking soda — into a glass of warm water. Gargle this every three hours for a sore throat remedy that is completely natural. Make sure you do not swallow it.

Salt water can help decrease swelling and irritation in your throat. Baking soda also tones down the throat pain by breaking up the built-up mucus. It can in turn help with the throat irritation that comes from acid reflux.

3. Over-the-counter antihistamines and pain relievers

An antihistamine may moderate or alleviate throat pain. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are also good options to assist with pain that’s found a bit deeper in the glands and other neck regions.

Histamines are chemicals that give your immune system the strength to combat foreign substances. However, it is worth mentioning that sometimes they can be too much, triggering symptoms (e.g. congestion and post-nasal drip) that may cause a sore throat to feel even worse. Antihistamines can offset this overreaction.

4. Steam and humidity

Treat yourself to a hot shower. Once your bathroom gets really steamy, breathe it all in.
The steam from the hot shower loosens mucus and can provide moisture and relief to a sore throat.

5. Hot toddy

A hot toddy is a drink concoction made up of water, whiskey, honey, and lemon juice and served hot. Some people like to add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.

Hot toddies have been shown to be extremely soothing. The following reasons are:

6. Rest

Don’t underestimate how much physical rest can help your body and voice. Keep in mind that lying flat can sometimes lead to swelling from a rise in pressure at the back of the throat. Instead, try creating a higher elevation for your bed or sitting propped up or in a chair to calm the pain and discomfort.

To Home Remedies for Sore Throat That Aren’t Recommended

Unfortunately, not all sore throat remedies are made equal. It is in your best interest to avoid the following remedies:

And avoid anything that may potentially irritate your throat, such as:

When To Be Seen by a Doctor for Throat Pain

Reach out to a doctor if you:

Kiss That Sore Throat Goodbye When You Visit the Glatz Group of Valley ENT

If after trying out these home remedies, your sore throat has worsened or persisted, don’t wait to book your appointment with our McAllen sinus doctor.

Don’t forget, when dealing with illnesses, an ounce of prevention is worthwhile. Wash your hands frequently. And if you do happen to get sick, it is highly recommended that you replace your toothbrush with one that is fresh and free of germs as soon as possible.

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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 

According to Medical News Today, it is estimated that the number of people over the age of 18 suffering from diabetes in the United States is approximately 30.2 million. Diabetes is a condition that can arise when your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. If left untreated, the condition can cause strokes, heart attacks, nerve damage, and kidney failure, among other health issues.

Fortunately, it can be managed when caught early. 

Today, your trusted McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will discuss diabetes and how it can be a risk factor for hearing loss. 

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that takes place when the pancreas is no longer able to properly make insulin. When the body lacks the right amount of insulin, it results in there being too much sugar in your bloodstream. 

When this occurs it can cause vision impairment, gum disease, fatigue, and foot ulcers.  

Types of Diabetes

Type 1, type 2, and gestational are the three main types of diabetes. 

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes impacts approximately 5-10% of those suffering from diabetes. Children, teens, and young adults are typically the ones diagnosed with type 1. There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes and those who have it must take insulin daily. 

Type 2 Diabetes 

Type 2 diabetes appears when your body does not use insulin correctly, thus causing blood sugar to rise to an abnormal level. Roughly 90-95% of people with diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes, which can be diagnosed in adults, children, teens, and young adults. 

The causes of type 2 diabetes vary but the most common variables include an unhealthy lifestyle, being overweight, family history, genetic factors, and even ethnicity. 

Gestational Diabetes 

Gestational diabetes shows up in pregnant women who have never had a history of diabetes. Gestational diabetes puts your baby at a greater risk for health issues, including obesity and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Gestational diabetes often goes away after childbirth but can increase the risk of the mother developing type 2 diabetes in the future.  

Is Diabetes a Risk Factor for Hearing Loss?

Diabetes and hearing loss have been correlated. In a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, it was shown that hearing loss is twice as common in those who suffer from diabetes than those who do not. 

Researchers believe that hearing loss presents itself in those who have diabetes because of the damage it inflicts to nerves and blood vessels. By not managing your diabetes, you become more susceptible to suffering from hearing loss. 

Signs of Hearing Loss

If you believe that you might be losing your hearing, it is important to know the signs so that you can begin seeking solutions to slow down or stop the issue:

How to Protect Your Hearing If You Have Diabetes 

When diagnosed with diabetes, it is especially imperative to do everything possible to protect your hearing. Some approaches include: 

If you or a loved one believe that you might be suffering from hearing loss due to diabetes, it is in your best interest to speak with your primary care doctor and a specialist that focuses on hearing problems. 

A hearing exam can be done to assess hearing loss. Once the test is completed you will be able to learn more about the condition and how it can be treated. 

Clear Up Your Ear, Nose, & Throat Problems with Glatz Group at Valley ENT

If you believe that you could potentially suffer from hearing loss due to diabetes, get in touch with Glatz Group today to get professional help from specialists you can count on. 

YOUR TEXT

If you’ve stopped by the Glatz Group offices in McAllen, chances are that you may have seen some new faces around. However, they’ve actually been loyal and integral staff members for years.

One of those Glatz Group team members you’ll become even more familiar with is Jonathan Lerma, our very own certified Physician Assistant. He’s now leading our team, delivering the same quality care and service as Dr. Glatz. 

Working alongside Dr. Glatz for a year and as a dedicated student for six months, Jonathan absorbed the lessons and wisdom of Dr. Glatz for nearly two years.  

Today, we’re here to tell you a little bit more about Jonathan Lerma and his trusted team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT, as well as what inspired his career path, and what quality patient care means to him.

A Certified Physician Assistant and a Family Man

Jonathan Lerma decided to settle down in the Rio Grande Valley for its amazing environment and the laidback lifestyle it has to offer. Family-oriented, Jonathan wanted to find a home best suited for his new family, including his baby girl.

He brings this fatherly perspective into his profession and wants to make sure you and your little ones are always comfortable whenever you stop by our Glatz Group office.

Lerma’s favorite hobbies outside of work and spending time with his family include sports like football, basketball, and soccer. 

A Passion for Medicine and Patient Care

Being involved in the medical field has always been a lifelong dream of Jonathan. He always carried a deep appreciation for those involved in the world of medicine and the impact they had on their patients. This passion grew stronger when he began to work with Dr. Glatz. 

What intrigues him the most about working as a certified Physician Assistant in the specialized area of ENT is how different every single day can be. Jonathan finds it fascinating how unique each case is, and enjoys having the opportunity to see all sides of the spectrum. 

His favorite part about being a part of Glatz Group is that he and his team are able to deliver medical services that are oftentimes outside of what a general doctor can do. 

Patient care, overall, will always be his top priority. He values what people remember from their visit to Glatz Group, and has plenty of fond memories of his own experiences with patients. Providing exceptional quality patient care, he believes he can have a positive impact on his clients’ lives. 

Early Warning Signs of Serious ENT Conditions

For those dealing with potential sinus-related health issues, here are some warning signs that Jonathan advises you should be aware of: 

Jonathan Lerma’s Goals for the Glatz Group

2020 has undeniably been the furthest thing from normal, but Lerma’s goal for the Glatz Group is to keep ensuring that patients are being properly taken care of. He’s also working closely with his team to deliver improved telemedicine services so that all patients can obtain the care they need, regardless of their ability to visit the office because of COVID-19.

The team will also continue to ensure that our offices follow all CDC recommendations for cleaning and protecting visitors. 

Balloon Sinuplasty Still the Best Relief for Sinus Issues 

For patients whose symptoms do not resolve with medication, Jonathan Lerma is able to perform the minimally invasive and effective procedure known as balloon sinuplasty. When it comes to your allergy and sinus problems, you can count on our McAllen Physician Assistant to take care of it.

If you’re experiencing any allergy or sinus issues, do not hesitate to set up an appointment with the Glatz Group of Valley ENT, and see Jonathan Lerma himself.

 

Book Your Appointment Today

While COVID-19 continues to be a health concern, this allergy season has been more unforgiving than most, and you can’t ignore something as uncomfortable as your sinuses. One minute you think your sinus issues are getting better, but next thing you know, you lay down, your nose gets stuffy, and you’re stuck staring at the ceiling wondering why they worsen at night.

The answer to this isn’t always necessarily straightforward as it can vary for every individual. The universal truth is that if your nose is blocked at night on one side or both, or if you’re dealing with any other sinus-related problem, your chances of getting sleep in are slim.

But there’s no need to stress. The McAllen certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his loyal team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will list four of the most common conditions or factors that may worsen your sinuses at night, as well as potential solutions you can take to find relief.

Potential Causes of Increased Congestion and Sinus Issues At Night

When it comes to determining what makes your sinuses worse at night, a good place to begin is to ask yourself which sinus-related issues or household circumstances you go through.

It is worth noting, however, that your sinus problems may worsen at night since you’re less distracted and paying more attention to how you feel.

While this might be true to a certain extent, paying attention doesn’t lead to sinus symptoms. Sinus issues create sinus symptoms. Here are some potential factors to consider:

1.Your Sleeping Conditions

Imagine your bedroom and ask yourself the following questions:

If you answered “yes” to any of the following, you might have noticed a factor that is impacting both your sinuses and your sleep.

Adjusting Your Sleeping Environment to Help Control Sinuses

If you only experience a nose blockage when the night hits, making these adjustments in your bedroom could help relieve your congestion:

  1. Keep your pets out of your bedroom, especially if you’re allergic to pet dander or dust.
  2. If the air in your house is generally dry, invest in a humidifier. This is especially imperative throughout the winter months when the air is typically drier.
  3. Avoid drinking alcohol and coffee before bed. Both can leave you feeling dehydrated, which can irritate your sinuses.
  4. Stay hydrated. Hydration will help you feel better as a whole, but it may also function to alleviate some sinus pain.

2.Laying Down, Gravity, and Blood Pressure

Many patients are surprised to find out the role gravity and blood pressure play in making sinus issues worse.

While you’re sitting up and standing throughout the day, your blood circulates through your body, with blood pressure and the forces of gravity influencing how easy it is for your blood to get to your head and sinuses. On top of that, when you’re vertical, gravity also helps your sinuses drain down your esophagus and into your stomach.

When you lie down on the other hand, your body doesn’t have to fight as much to deliver blood to your head. Increased blood flow in the blood vessels of your sinuses may result in sinus congestion, pressure, and pain. When that happens, gravity is no longer helping your sinuses drain, but instead increasing your chances of experiencing those same issues.

These nighttime sinus circumstances can affect those who have little to no sinus symptoms during the day. If you’re also suffering from sinusitis, GERD, or allergies, these circumstances can get aggravate already inflamed blood vessels and exacerbate other related problems.

The Ideal Sleeping Position When Dealing With a Stuffy Nose

The best sleeping position for sinus drainage problems and other sinus issues is to sleep with your head propped up. Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and reduce the chance of excessive blood flow that can develop sinus congestion.

3.Sinus Infection

Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are hard to miss. Your drainage problems and inflamed blood vessels may get worse when you lay down.

Balloon Sinuplasty

Because of this, propping up your head while sleeping might not be sufficient; you’ll probably have no choice but to tackle the sinus infection itself. Many sinus infections will go away with OTC medication and rest, but chronic sinus infections usually require further treatment.

If you have chronic sinus infections that interrupt your sleep, you may have to meet with your doctor to discuss your options. We encourage you to ask your doctor about Balloon Sinuplasty, a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that provides long-lasting sinus relief.

4.GERD

Another possible factor to your sinuses getting worse at night is GERD, short for gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD takes place when acid from your stomach re-enters your esophagus because of a damaged or impaired esophageal valve.

This occurs more frequently at night while you’re lying down. GERD usually affects the back of the throat, leading to coughing, post-nasal drip, and even nausea. Since the throat is connected to your sinus passages, more doctors have started associating GERD with causing sinus problems.

Solutions for GERD-Related Sinus Issues

The best way to target GERD-related sinus problems is to decrease the amount of acid that aggravates your throat. You can accomplish this by simply avoiding eating just before bed and speak to your doctor about antacids and proton pump inhibitors. Weight loss also could help relieve GERD.

5. Allergies

Patients with allergies tend to suspect that their nighttime sinus issues come from allergies, but many are still left wondering why their nose gets clogged at night. As with sinus infections, allergies may exacerbate the sinus-related symptoms you face as a result of the effects of gravity and blood pressure when lying down.

How to Give NightTime Allergies A Rest

Allergy-related nasal congestion at night might simply happen due to the fact that your bedroom is not enough to protect your body against allergens (pets may sleep there, the air filter or sheets may have to be changed, etc.). However, you might also have to take an antihistamine before bed to help lessen the inflammation caused by allergies from worsening.

Stop Counting Sheep and Get Proper Sleep With Balloon Sinuplasty

If you’ve lost more nights than you can count to sinus issues caused by sinusitis, allergies, or even a deviated septum, it may be time to consider balloon sinuplasty.

During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into your sinus cavities through your nasal passageways. When these balloons are expanded, healthy drainage is restored.

Catch Some Z’s Again When You See the Glatz Group of Valley ENT

If your sinuses do not go away after trying the approaches mentioned above, you are welcome to set up an appointment with us where you can either have your symptoms addressed online through our telemedicine services or via phone call if you are in need of a procedure done in our office.

We will continue to keep our office a safe, clean space for our patients and staff members alike amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Take Your Life (And Sleep) Back From Sinus Issues When You Stop By the Glatz Group of Valley ENT!

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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!

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Nasal congestion and sinus pressure have several causes, including colds, the flu, and allergies. Regardless of your trigger, the symptoms that affect you can be quite bothersome, and even lead to headaches and other pains. 

When you have a cold or are affected by allergies, the membranes lining your nasal passageways become inflamed and irritated, causing that stuffed up feeling. The membranes will then start to develop excess mucus to help flush out the source of the irritation, including any allergens.

With that being said, your certified physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT are glad to offer the following fantastic tips to help you avoid nasal congestion.

Sinus Pressure & Nasal Congestion: How to Avoid It

While it can be difficult to completely prevent sinus pressure and congestion, taking the following measures can help keep infections and allergies at bay:

At-Home Treatments

When you’re stuffed up, focus on keeping your nasal passages and sinuses moist. Sometimes people believe that dry air may help clear up a runny nose, but in reality, it has the opposite effect. Drying out the membranes will only irritate them more.

You’ll find that some of the preventative measures are also methods to treat nasal congestion from home. To keep your nasal passages moist, you can:

Breathe Easier After Your Visit Glatz Group at Valley ENT

If you have nasal congestion and sinus pressure for more than seven days, even after using these approaches, it’s better to be proactive and seek options for relief through your local ENT specialists at Glatz Group. 

If you have concerns about COVID-19, rest assured knowing that we’ve been following the CDC guidelines to ensure that our office is safe and clean for both our guests and staff. Thanks to telemedicine, we’ve been able to address 90 to 95% of our patients’ allergy symptoms online. 

We also offer online consultations, phone calls, and in-person visits.

 

Let the Glatz Group at VALLEY ENT clear your congestion when you schedule your consultation now.

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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.

 

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(956) 331-8928

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enquiry@glatzyoudid.com

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