Ear problems can affect hearing, balance, comfort, and everyday life. While some issues are temporary, others may require evaluation and treatment from an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Understanding common symptoms can help you recognize when something may be affecting your ears. Below are four common ear problems, their possible causes, and some of the treatment options available.
Hearing loss is one of the most common ear problems evaluated by an ENT. Changes in hearing can happen gradually or suddenly, and the appropriate treatment depends on the type and cause of the hearing loss.
There are three primary types of hearing loss:
Hearing loss can have many different causes. Identifying the cause helps determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. Options may include treating an underlying condition, hearing aids, other hearing devices, or surgical treatment in certain cases. If you notice a change in your hearing, an evaluation and hearing test can help determine the cause.
Ear infections are especially common in children, but adults can develop them as well. Middle ear infections occur behind the eardrum and commonly involve inflammation and fluid buildup.
Common symptoms may include:
An ENT can examine the ear with an otoscope to look for signs of infection, inflammation, or fluid. Some middle ear infections improve without antibiotics, while others may require medication or additional treatment depending on the patient's age, symptoms, and severity of the infection.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound that does not come from an outside source. It is often described as ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or humming in one or both ears.
Tinnitus varies from person to person. For some, it is occasional and mild. For others, it can interfere with concentration, sleep, hearing, and everyday activities.
Tinnitus may be associated with:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and how much tinnitus affects daily life. Options may include treating an underlying ear condition, hearing aids when hearing loss is present, sound therapy, and strategies that help reduce the impact of tinnitus.
Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected ear.
Symptoms can vary in frequency and severity. Some people experience episodes of intense vertigo along with changes in hearing or ringing in the ear. In severe cases, sudden loss of balance can occur.
The exact cause of Ménière’s disease is not fully understood. Diagnosis generally involves reviewing symptoms, examining the ears, and performing hearing and balance testing when appropriate.
There is currently no cure for Ménière’s disease, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Depending on the individual, treatment may include dietary changes, medications to help control dizziness, diuretics, vestibular rehabilitation, injections, hearing treatment, or surgery in more severe cases.
Some ear symptoms resolve on their own, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated. Consider seeing an ENT if you are experiencing ongoing ear pain, pressure, ringing, repeated infections, dizziness, drainage, or changes in your hearing.
Sudden hearing loss or rapidly worsening hearing should be evaluated promptly.
If ear pain, pressure, hearing changes, ringing, dizziness, or repeated infections are affecting your daily life, Glatz Group provides comprehensive ear care for patients in McAllen and throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Our team can evaluate your symptoms, identify the possible cause, and discuss treatment options based on your individual needs.
Balloon sinuplasty is designed to improve drainage through certain blocked sinus openings, but it is not a primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
However, some people with sleep apnea also have chronic sinus congestion or nasal obstruction that makes nighttime breathing more difficult. In those cases, treating the sinus problem may improve nasal airflow and make sleep or other sleep apnea treatments more comfortable.
Obstructive sleep apnea, commonly called OSA, occurs when the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep.
These interruptions can reduce airflow and cause repeated awakenings throughout the night.
Common symptoms may include:
Snoring alone does not necessarily mean someone has sleep apnea. A sleep evaluation is needed to determine whether OSA is present.
Nasal congestion and sinus inflammation can make it harder to breathe comfortably through the nose at night.
For someone who already has obstructive sleep apnea, additional nasal obstruction may make nighttime breathing feel more difficult and can sometimes make CPAP use less comfortable.
Treating nasal obstruction may improve breathing and sleep quality, but it does not necessarily eliminate the airway collapse responsible for OSA. Nasal treatment is often considered an additional part of a larger sleep apnea treatment plan. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="1"}
Balloon sinuplasty does not directly treat the throat or tongue base collapse that commonly causes obstructive sleep apnea.
Its purpose is to widen certain blocked sinus openings and improve sinus drainage.
If chronic sinusitis or poor sinus drainage is contributing to nasal obstruction, balloon sinuplasty may improve nasal breathing in an appropriately selected patient.
That improvement may make sleeping more comfortable or help some patients tolerate other sleep apnea treatments more easily, but balloon sinuplasty should not be considered a replacement for a proper sleep apnea evaluation or prescribed OSA treatment.
For some patients, nasal obstruction can make CPAP treatment harder to tolerate.
Improving nasal airflow may make CPAP use more comfortable in selected patients. ENT evaluation can help determine whether allergies, sinusitis, a deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, or another nasal problem is contributing to difficulty breathing through the nose. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="2"}
A sinus evaluation may be useful if you have sleep apnea along with symptoms such as:
These symptoms do not automatically mean balloon sinuplasty is appropriate. An ENT first needs to determine what is causing the nasal obstruction.
Sleep apnea can involve several areas of the upper airway, not just the nose and sinuses.
Possible contributing factors may include:
Because several areas may contribute to OSA, treatment should be based on an evaluation of the entire airway rather than nasal symptoms alone.
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the sleep apnea.
Positive airway pressure therapy, including CPAP, is a standard treatment for many adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Other options may include oral appliances, weight management, positional treatment, or surgery depending on the patient. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}
For selected patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, other treatments may also be considered after a complete evaluation.
Glatz Group also provides evaluation for Inspire sleep apnea treatment for appropriate candidates.
Balloon sinuplasty may be considered when a patient has an appropriate sinus condition in addition to sleep related breathing concerns.
Examples may include chronic sinusitis, recurring sinus infections, persistent sinus pressure, or poor sinus drainage that has not improved enough with appropriate medical treatment.
For more information about candidacy, read signs that balloon sinuplasty may be appropriate.
If chronic sinus symptoms are making nasal breathing difficult, Glatz Group can determine whether balloon sinuplasty or another sinus treatment may be appropriate.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty in McAllen.
If you are dealing with both sleep apnea and chronic nasal or sinus problems, Glatz Group can evaluate how the nose and sinuses may be affecting your breathing.
Treating nasal obstruction may be one part of a broader sleep apnea treatment plan, but the right approach depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
Ear pressure can make one or both ears feel clogged, full, or uncomfortable. It often happens when pressure is not equalizing properly through the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat.
Sinus congestion, allergies, colds, infections, and changes in air pressure can all contribute to that blocked feeling. Depending on the cause, there are several ways to relieve ear pressure at home, while persistent or severe symptoms may need evaluation by an ENT.
Ear pressure commonly develops when the eustachian tube becomes blocked or does not open properly. When that happens, pressure and fluid can build up behind the eardrum.
Common causes of ear pressure include:
The best way to relieve ear pressure depends on the underlying cause, which is why persistent or recurring symptoms may need an ENT evaluation.
If your ear pressure is related to sinus congestion, allergies, or a cold, reducing inflammation and helping the eustachian tubes open may provide relief.
When congestion affects the nose and sinuses, it can also interfere with the eustachian tubes and create pressure in the ears.
Some options that may help include:
Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can also help the eustachian tubes open and equalize pressure.
Changes in elevation can cause temporary pressure differences between the middle ear and the outside environment.
Swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, or sipping water can encourage the eustachian tubes to open and help equalize the pressure.
A buildup of earwax can sometimes create a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Over the counter earwax softening drops may help in some cases.
Do not place cotton swabs, tools, or other objects into the ear canal. These can push wax deeper into the ear or injure the ear canal or eardrum.
If you have ear tubes, a known or suspected eardrum perforation, previous ear surgery, significant ear pain, or drainage from the ear, speak with a medical professional before using ear drops or attempting to flush the ear.
Ear pressure that lasts for several days, keeps returning, or continues to get worse should be evaluated. You should also consider seeing an ENT if pressure is accompanied by:
Sudden hearing loss should be evaluated promptly.
If ear pressure does not improve with conservative treatment, an ENT can examine the ear and determine whether the problem is related to congestion, fluid, infection, earwax, eustachian tube dysfunction, or another condition.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, medication or treatment of a sinus or allergy condition may be enough. When persistent middle ear fluid is present, additional procedures may be considered.
A myringotomy is a procedure in which a small opening is made in the eardrum to allow trapped fluid in the middle ear to drain. It may be considered in certain cases involving persistent fluid or pressure.
Tympanostomy tubes, commonly called ear tubes, are small tubes placed in the eardrum to help ventilate the middle ear and reduce repeated fluid buildup. They are used only when appropriate for the underlying condition.
If your ear pressure will not go away, keeps returning, or is affecting your hearing or comfort, Glatz Group can help determine what is causing it.
Ear pressure may be related to the ears, sinuses, allergies, or eustachian tubes. Identifying the cause is an important step toward finding the right treatment.
Glatz Group provides ENT care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Ear pressure often feels like fullness, clogging, or a need to pop your ears. It may happen temporarily with allergies, sinus congestion, a cold, or changes in altitude.
But when ear pressure will not go away, keeps returning, or begins affecting your hearing or balance, it may be time to have the cause evaluated.
Persistent ear pressure can have several possible causes. One of the most common is eustachian tube dysfunction, which occurs when the tubes that help regulate pressure between the middle ear and the back of the nose do not open properly.
Other possible causes include:
The sensation may feel similar even when the underlying cause is different, which is why persistent pressure sometimes requires an examination.
Temporary ear pressure caused by flying, elevation changes, or a mild cold may improve once the pressure equalizes or the congestion clears.
If the pressure lasts for several days, repeatedly returns, becomes painful, or does not improve as your other symptoms get better, an ENT evaluation may help determine what is causing it.
Consider seeing an ENT if your ear pressure is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as:
An ENT can examine the ear canal and eardrum, evaluate middle ear pressure, and determine whether the symptoms may be related to the ears, sinuses, allergies, jaw, or another condition.
Yes. Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common reason people experience pressure, fullness, popping, or muffled hearing.
The eustachian tubes normally open when you swallow or yawn to help equalize pressure. Allergies, sinus inflammation, respiratory infections, and other conditions can interfere with how well those tubes function.
If this problem continues, an ENT can determine whether eustachian tube dysfunction is contributing to your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options.
The ears, nose, and throat are closely connected. Swelling and congestion around the back of the nose can affect the openings of the eustachian tubes and create a sensation of pressure or fullness in the ears.
If your ear pressure happens along with nasal congestion, facial pressure, allergies, or recurring sinus problems, treating the underlying nasal or sinus condition may also help the ear symptoms.
For home relief options, read our guide on how to relieve sinus pressure in your ears.
Less commonly, persistent ear pressure may be associated with conditions involving the middle ear, inner ear, or nearby structures.
Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder that can cause episodes of vertigo, hearing changes, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in one ear.
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal growth of skin cells behind the eardrum. It can sometimes cause hearing loss, drainage, recurring infections, or a feeling of pressure.
Problems involving the temporomandibular joint, commonly called the TMJ, can sometimes create sensations of pressure or discomfort around the ear because the joint is located very close to the ear canal.
These conditions are not the most common causes of ear pressure, but persistent symptoms are one reason an examination can be useful.
Some ear symptoms should be evaluated promptly rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Seek prompt medical attention if ear pressure is accompanied by:
Sudden hearing loss in particular should be evaluated promptly.
If your ear pressure will not go away, keeps returning, or is affecting your hearing or daily comfort, Glatz Group can help determine what may be causing it.
The cause may involve the ear itself, eustachian tube dysfunction, allergies, sinus inflammation, or another condition, so the right treatment depends on identifying the underlying problem.
Glatz Group provides ENT care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
If you have a sinus infection, smoking may make an already uncomfortable situation worse. Cigarette smoke and other inhaled irritants can irritate the lining of the nose and sinuses, increase inflammation, and interfere with the normal processes that help move mucus out of the nasal passages.
Avoiding smoke while your sinuses are inflamed may help reduce additional irritation while you recover. Persistent, recurring, or severe sinus symptoms may also need evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Smoking while you have a sinus infection is generally not helpful for irritated nasal and sinus tissue. Smoke can further irritate the lining of the nose, increase congestion, and make symptoms such as pressure, drainage, and coughing feel more noticeable.
Your nose and sinuses contain tiny structures called cilia that help move mucus and trapped particles through the respiratory system. Exposure to tobacco smoke can interfere with normal cilia function, which can make it harder for the nose and sinuses to clear mucus effectively.
Smoking does not mean that every sinus infection will become more severe, but continued exposure to smoke can contribute to inflammation and irritation while the sinuses are already affected.
Symptoms that may feel worse with smoke exposure include:
Avoiding cigarettes, cigars, vaping products, secondhand smoke, and other airborne irritants may help prevent additional irritation while your symptoms improve.
The lining of your nose and sinuses continuously produces mucus. That mucus helps trap dust, allergens, and other particles before they travel farther into the respiratory system.
Cilia help move that mucus through the nasal passages. Tobacco smoke contains chemicals and particles that can irritate nasal tissue and impair normal mucus clearance.
Over time, repeated smoke exposure may contribute to chronic nasal inflammation, congestion, changes in smell, and ongoing sinus symptoms.
You do not have to smoke yourself to experience irritation from tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke can irritate the nose, throat, and respiratory system.
For people who already have allergies, sinus inflammation, or respiratory problems, exposure to smoke may make congestion and other symptoms more noticeable.
Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the nose and sinuses that persists for an extended period. It can have several causes and contributing factors.
Smoking and repeated exposure to tobacco smoke may contribute to ongoing nasal and sinus inflammation and can make existing sinus problems harder to manage.
If you frequently experience congestion, facial pressure, drainage, or repeated sinus infections, an ENT evaluation can help determine whether chronic sinusitis or another condition is contributing to your symptoms.
Smoking can interfere with normal healing after many surgical procedures and may irritate tissue that is recovering from sinus treatment.
Patients undergoing sinus surgery should follow their surgeon's specific instructions about smoking before and after the procedure.
If you are considering a procedure such as balloon sinuplasty or another sinus treatment, tell your doctor about smoking, vaping, and other tobacco use so your care plan can account for it.
Reducing or stopping exposure to tobacco smoke removes an ongoing source of irritation from the nose and respiratory system.
Some people may notice improvements in congestion, coughing, nasal irritation, or their sense of smell after they stop smoking, although recovery varies from person to person.
If you need help quitting, your primary care provider can discuss resources and treatment options that may make quitting easier.
Many short term sinus symptoms improve with time, but an ENT evaluation may be appropriate when symptoms are persistent, severe, or repeatedly return.
Consider seeing an ENT if you experience:
If sinus infections, congestion, or drainage keep coming back, Glatz Group can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Smoking may be one factor, but allergies, chronic inflammation, structural problems, and other conditions can also affect the nose and sinuses.
Glatz Group provides sinus care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to help open blocked sinus passageways in certain patients with chronic or recurring sinus problems.
If medications and other treatments are not providing enough relief, an ENT may consider balloon sinuplasty as one possible treatment option depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms.
This guide explains how balloon sinuplasty works, what patients may experience during the procedure, what recovery can look like, and when additional sinus treatment may be needed.
Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that uses a small balloon catheter to gently widen a blocked sinus opening.
Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty does not typically require removing large amounts of tissue or bone. The goal is to improve drainage and ventilation while preserving the natural sinus structure.
Balloon sinuplasty may be considered for certain patients with chronic sinusitis, recurring sinus infections, or persistent sinus blockage that has not improved with appropriate medical treatment.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty in McAllen.
The exact procedure can vary depending on the patient, the sinuses being treated, and the clinical setting.
In general, balloon sinuplasty involves the following steps:
The procedure is designed to improve sinus drainage while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.
Balloon sinuplasty is considered a sinus procedure, but it is less invasive than many traditional sinus surgeries.
Some patients may have balloon sinuplasty performed in an office setting, while others may have it performed as part of a larger sinus procedure depending on their condition.
Whether balloon sinuplasty is appropriate depends on the anatomy of the sinuses, the cause of the blockage, previous treatment, and the overall diagnosis.
Procedure time varies depending on how many sinus areas are being treated and whether balloon sinuplasty is being combined with another treatment.
Your ENT can explain what to expect based on your specific treatment plan.
Patients may feel pressure, movement, or temporary discomfort during balloon sinuplasty, but the nose is typically numbed or otherwise managed for comfort during the procedure.
Some patients may hear or feel pressure changes while the balloon is inflated. Experiences vary, so your doctor can explain what is expected based on the type of procedure being performed.
Recovery is different for every patient, but many people are able to return to normal daily activities relatively quickly after balloon sinuplasty.
Temporary symptoms after the procedure may include:
These symptoms often improve as the nose and sinuses heal.
Many patients experience a shorter recovery period than they would after more extensive sinus surgery, but recovery time depends on the individual and whether other procedures were performed at the same time.
Your ENT will provide specific instructions about activity, work, exercise, nose blowing, medications, and nasal care.
Do not rely on a general recovery timeline in place of the instructions given by your treating physician.
Following your doctor's post procedure instructions is an important part of recovery.
Your care plan may include recommendations such as:
Specific instructions vary, so follow the recommendations given by your ENT.
Balloon sinuplasty is generally considered minimally invasive, but every medical procedure has potential risks and side effects.
Possible temporary effects may include:
Less common complications can occur, and your ENT should review the potential risks and benefits with you before treatment.
Contact your medical provider if you develop symptoms after the procedure that are severe, unexpected, or concerning.
For appropriately selected patients, balloon sinuplasty may offer several potential benefits.
Results vary, and not every patient with sinus symptoms is a candidate for balloon sinuplasty.
Balloon sinuplasty may be considered for some patients who have persistent sinus symptoms despite appropriate medical treatment.
Symptoms that may lead to further evaluation include:
An ENT evaluation is necessary to determine whether balloon sinuplasty, another sinus procedure, or continued medical treatment is the better option.
Balloon sinuplasty is intended to improve drainage through treated sinus openings, but it does not eliminate every possible cause of sinus symptoms.
Allergies, inflammation, infection, structural problems, or other conditions may continue to affect the nose and sinuses after treatment.
If symptoms return, an ENT can determine whether additional medical treatment, further evaluation, or another procedure may be appropriate.
If chronic sinus pressure, congestion, or recurring infections are interfering with your breathing and daily life, Glatz Group can evaluate whether balloon sinuplasty may be appropriate for you.
Dr. Frank R. Glatz has provided balloon sinuplasty treatment for patients in the Rio Grande Valley for many years and can discuss whether the procedure fits your specific sinus condition.
Learn more about balloon sinuplasty in McAllen or schedule an evaluation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
Ear pressure can make your ears feel clogged, full, muffled, or uncomfortable. It can happen with sinus congestion, allergies, colds, changes in altitude, or problems with the eustachian tubes that help regulate pressure in the middle ear.
Many mild cases of ear pressure improve on their own or with simple measures at home. The right approach depends on what is causing the pressure, and persistent or painful symptoms should be evaluated by an ENT.
The eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the nose and throat. They normally open when you swallow, yawn, or chew to help equalize pressure.
When these tubes become swollen or do not open properly, pressure can build up behind the eardrum.
Common causes of ear pressure include:
If the pressure is mild and related to congestion, allergies, or a temporary change in air pressure, several simple measures may help.
Swallowing and yawning naturally encourage the eustachian tubes to open. Chewing gum or slowly sipping water may also help your ears equalize pressure.
If nasal or sinus congestion is contributing to your symptoms, saline may help keep the nasal passages moist and remove mucus and irritants.
If you use a nasal rinse, follow the product instructions and use water that is appropriate for nasal irrigation.
Drinking enough water can help keep mucus thinner and may make congestion easier to manage.
Dry air can irritate the nose and throat. A clean humidifier may make breathing more comfortable when dry air is contributing to nasal irritation or congestion.
If your nose is congested, gently clearing mucus may help. Avoid forceful nose blowing because excessive pressure can make ear discomfort worse.
Tobacco smoke, vaping aerosols, strong fragrances, and other airborne irritants can contribute to nasal inflammation and congestion.
Reducing exposure may help if irritation is contributing to your ear pressure.
Air pressure changes during takeoff and landing can temporarily make the ears feel blocked or painful.
To help equalize pressure, try:
If you frequently experience significant ear pain while flying, an ENT can determine whether eustachian tube dysfunction or another condition is contributing.
Earwax can sometimes create a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or pressure when it becomes impacted.
Do not place cotton swabs, tools, or other objects into the ear canal. These can push wax farther into the ear or injure the ear canal or eardrum.
Over the counter earwax softening products may be appropriate for some people, but they should not be used without medical guidance if you have:
If you are unsure whether earwax is causing the problem, an ENT can examine the ear safely.
Trying to force the ear to open or putting substances into the ear without knowing the cause can sometimes make the problem worse.
Avoid:
Temporary pressure caused by flying, altitude changes, or mild congestion may improve once the pressure equalizes or the underlying congestion clears.
If the pressure lasts for several days, keeps returning, becomes painful, or affects your hearing, it may need further evaluation.
If your symptoms are not improving, read more about when persistent ear pressure should be evaluated by an ENT.
Home measures are most appropriate for mild and temporary symptoms. Consider seeing an ENT if ear pressure is accompanied by:
Sudden hearing loss should be evaluated promptly.
If home remedies are not relieving your ear pressure, Glatz Group can help determine whether the problem is related to the ears, eustachian tubes, allergies, sinus congestion, or another condition.
Glatz Group provides ENT care in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
For a more complete overview of sinus related ear pressure, read our guide on how to relieve sinus pressure in your ears.
Recovery after balloon sinuplasty is usually shorter than recovery from more extensive sinus surgery, but every patient heals differently.
Knowing what to expect during the first day, first few days, and first week can make the recovery process easier to understand and help you recognize which symptoms are normal and which should be discussed with your ENT.
This page focuses specifically on balloon sinuplasty recovery and aftercare. For a broader overview of how the procedure itself is performed, read our guide to the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
After balloon sinuplasty, some temporary nasal and sinus symptoms are common while the treated area begins to heal.
You may experience:
The amount and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on the patient and whether other sinus procedures were performed at the same time.
During the first day after the procedure, your main priority should be following the instructions provided by your treating physician.
Your care plan may include rest, nasal care, medication instructions, and temporary activity restrictions.
Some patients may feel well enough to return to light normal activities quickly, while others may prefer additional rest.
If you received sedation or medications that affect alertness, follow your doctor's instructions about driving and operating equipment.
There is no single recovery timeline that applies to every patient, but many people experience gradual improvement over the first several days.
Mild congestion, pressure, drainage, or fatigue may be present. Rest and follow your ENT's post procedure instructions.
Some patients begin feeling more comfortable as irritation and pressure start to improve. Nasal drainage or congestion may still be present.
Many patients are able to resume more of their normal routine during the first week, depending on how they feel and the instructions provided by their doctor.
Recovery usually continues as the nasal passages heal and inflammation decreases. Follow up care may be used to evaluate healing and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Some patients return to work relatively quickly after balloon sinuplasty, especially when their job does not involve strenuous physical activity.
The right time to return depends on how you feel, the type of work you do, whether sedation was used, and whether additional procedures were performed.
Follow the return to work recommendations provided by your ENT rather than relying on a general timeline.
Strenuous exercise may need to be limited temporarily after balloon sinuplasty.
Walking and light activity may be appropriate for some patients, but more intense exercise should be resumed according to your doctor's instructions.
Returning to strenuous activity too quickly may increase discomfort or bleeding.
Patients are often advised to avoid forceful nose blowing for a period of time after sinus procedures.
Your ENT will tell you when it is safe to resume normal nose blowing based on your individual treatment and recovery.
Saline spray or nasal rinses may be recommended after balloon sinuplasty to help keep the nasal passages moist and support the healing process.
Use saline products only as directed by your treating physician and follow the recommended frequency and technique.
Temporary congestion can occur after balloon sinuplasty because the nasal and sinus tissues may still be irritated or swollen.
This does not necessarily mean the procedure was unsuccessful. Healing takes time, and symptoms may improve gradually.
If congestion becomes severe, continues longer than expected, or begins getting worse, contact your ENT.
A small amount of bloody drainage or spotting can occur after the procedure.
Your doctor should explain what level of bleeding is expected and what would be considered unusual.
Heavy bleeding, persistent bleeding, or bleeding that concerns you should be discussed with your medical provider.
Your doctor may recommend temporarily avoiding certain activities while the nose and sinuses heal.
Depending on your treatment plan, this may include:
Always follow the instructions given by your treating physician because restrictions can vary from patient to patient.
Contact your medical provider if your recovery does not seem to be progressing normally or if you develop symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Examples may include:
Your ENT can tell you which symptoms require immediate evaluation based on your specific procedure and medical history.
Follow up visits allow your ENT to check how the nasal and sinus tissues are healing and determine whether additional care is needed.
The timing of follow up appointments varies depending on the patient and the type of treatment performed.
Keep all scheduled follow up appointments even if you are feeling better.
The goal of balloon sinuplasty is to improve drainage through treated sinus openings, but long term results depend on the underlying cause of the patient's sinus problems.
Allergies, chronic inflammation, infection, and other conditions can continue to affect the nose and sinuses after treatment.
If symptoms return, an ENT can determine whether additional medical treatment or another procedure may be appropriate.
If you are considering balloon sinuplasty or already have a procedure scheduled, Glatz Group can explain what to expect before and after treatment.
Glatz Group provides balloon sinuplasty in McAllen for patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
For a complete explanation of the treatment itself, read our guide to the balloon sinuplasty procedure and recovery process.
Between the cooler winter air and the common cold and flu, most people expect some sinus issues this time of year. While medication and rest may work for some people, if you’re suffering from chronic sinus infections or swelling, you may need a different approach for sinus relief.
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure during which a small balloon is inserted into your nasal passage to open the airway. During the procedure, your ear, nose, and throat doctor will also be able to flush out any bacteria or mucus with a quick saline rinse.
Keep reading to find out if the balloon sinuplasty is right for you and how your Edinburg ENT can help you breathe better!
Sinus problems don’t just affect the nose; sometimes, they can cause facial pain, pressure, headaches, congestion, and discharge. A balloon sinuplasty could be the answer to clearing up these annoying sinus issues.
ENTs generally recommend a balloon sinuplasty treatment after people with chronic sinus infections have tried medication and gotten no relief. Doctors also use it to treat sinusitis, a swelling or inflammation of the sinuses.
Not everyone will be a good candidate for a balloon sinuplasty. If you have an ethmoid disease, nasal polyps, nasal tumors, or anatomical issues like a deviated septum, balloon sinuplasty isn’t right for you.
However, if you’re an adult who has suffered for more than 12 weeks with sinusitis, or it keeps coming back, you may be a good candidate for a balloon sinuplasty, depending on your symptoms.
Keep in mind that doctors will try medication to resolve the issues first before attempting a balloon sinuplasty.
Your care team will place you under general or local anesthesia for the procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a couple of days. You may not be able to blow your nose for 24 hours and have to avoid strenuous activity for one week after the procedure.
Since a balloon sinuplasty is less invasive than an open sinus surgery, you shouldn’t have any bruising or scars on your face. You may experience discolored nasal drainage or small amounts of blood in your nasal drainage, congestion, and discomfort for a few days during recovery.
A balloon sinuplasty is not only effective in relieving symptoms, but it also requires minimal downtime! Without the need to cut or remove tissues, the risk of infections, complications, bruising, or swelling is much lower than with an open sinus procedure.
At the Glatz Group, Dr. Glatz and his trusted team are here to make sure you stay comfortable throughout the procedure and recovery process. While a balloon sinuplasty isn’t the right fit for everyone, it may be for you! Reach out to our Edinburg office to find out if balloon sinuplasty is the answer you need to breathe better!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
