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!
Summertime is here, and one of the many exciting activities of the season is swimming. Swimming is a great way to stay cool in the summer heat, and is fun for adults and kids alike. But it isn’t fun when your ears get irritated by bacteria in the water while swimming, causing an earache.
Whether swimming in a pool, splashing at a splash pad, or floating on beach waves, swimmer's ear can happen to anyone. This irritating earache usually causes the ear to feel itchy, painful, and full of pressure. The good news is relief can be found with help from a McAllen ENT. Keep reading to learn more about swimmer’s ear and where you can go to find earache relief.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear’s outer layer that is mostly caused by bacteria. Swimming in dirty water is the most common cause, but an infection can also be caused by attempting to remove an obstacle, scratching the inside or outside of the ear, or cleaning the ear with a swab. Even the high Texas humidity can create extra moisture in the ear, breeding harmful bacteria.
Everyone’s body may react a little bit differently when fighting off an infection such as swimmer’s ear. Some people may experience several symptoms, but others may only have one or two. Common symptoms of swimmer’s ear are as follows:
Because swimmer’s ear can spread and cause more problematic infections, it’s important to see an ENT when symptoms of swimmer’s ear begin. Treatment may last 7 to 14 days, depending on the severity and depth of the ear infection. Swimmer’s ear can be treated in a few different ways.
Two types of ear drops may be used to fight the infection. Antibiotic ear drops are commonly used to kill harmful bacteria. You may also be prescribed corticosteroid ear drops to help reduce swelling and itching while the antibiotic works to kill the infection.
Infections that have spread further inside the ear may need a different approach. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed in place of antibiotic ear drops. You may also be given corticosteroid ear drops with the oral antibiotics for optimal earache relief and recovery.
While waiting for the antibiotics to kick in, your doctor might recommend you take an over-the-counter pain reducer. You can also apply a heating pad on the outside of the infected ear to reduce pain. Be sure to discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have about pain-reducing methods.
Swimmer’s ear is a pesky type of infection, but it doesn't have to ruin your whole summer! If you are experiencing an earache in McAllen, don’t spend your summer days suffering.
With the right ENT for you and your loved ones, you can find the help you need to fight that infection. Let the compassionate team at Glatz Group to care for your earache needs today!
Many sinus infections go away on their own, even without treatment. Since sinus infections can also be confused for a cold, it’s common for sinus infections to be left untreated.
However, an untreated sinus infection can lead to multiple problems. Your local ENT will break down common issues resulting from untreated sinus infections.
Sinus infections are also called sinusitis. Sinusitis occurs when the tissues lining your sinuses become swollen or inflamed. Usually, your sinuses fill with air, but when you have an infection, they become blocked and filled with fluid. Sinus infections cause symptoms such as congestion, sinus pressure, post-nasal drip, coughing, bad breath, and fatigue.
Common causes of sinus infections include bacteria, viruses, and, in rare cases–fungi. Colds, allergies, and anatomical issues like a deviated septum don’t directly cause these issues but can be contributing factors.
There are two main types of sinus infections: acute and chronic. The two types are separated based on their severity. Acute sinus infections usually have symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose and can last up to four weeks. A chronic sinus infection lasts 12 weeks or more.
Viruses trigger most sinus infections, and these infections will usually clear up with minor treatment or no treatment at all. Sinusitis caused by viruses is typically acute and only lasts up to 10 days. When a sinus infection lasts longer, this indicates that bacteria may be the trigger. Additionally, bacteria can cause sinus infections to return quickly.
Your sinus doctor can help identify the cause of your sinus infection and the most effective treatment.
As you can see, while acute sinus infections can often be left untreated, chronic infections can cause more significant harm. The most common side effects of sinus infections are similar to allergies, colds, and flu symptoms. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for non-medical professionals to tell the difference between these two types, so it’s important that you visit an ear, nose, and throat doctor if you think you may have a sinus infection. Otherwise, you may experience the following complications.
An untreated sinus infection may cause ansomnia, a decrease, or a complete loss of smell. Inflammation and blockage of your sinus passageways or damage to your olfactory nerves cause ansomnia. In many cases, ansomnia is only temporary but can become permanent.
Prolonged sinus infections can cause respiratory problems. Trouble breathing may result in your body feeling fatigued as it’s harder to get oxygen to your brain. Your doctor can drain your sinus passages, decreasing inflammation, and help you breathe easier.
Dacryocystitis occurs when a tear sac's inflammation or infection blocks your tear duct. Dacryocystitis causes tearing, pain, and swelling in the inner corner of your eye and will require antibiotic treatment.
Although rare, sinus infections can also spread to the brain and cause brain abscesses or meningitis. Both of these conditions are life-threatening. Although brain infections usually don’t happen following a sinus infection, they’re all the more reasons to visit a qualified sinus doctor.
At Glatz Group, our team of experienced sinus doctors can help diagnose your problem and recommend treatment, whether you have an acute infection or a more serious condition.
Whether you need some antibiotics or a procedure like a balloon sinuplasty, our qualified team can help you find the best option for you.
Millions of Americans suffer from sinusitis problems every year. These problems may range from a slightly runny nose to intense sinus ear pressure, difficulty breathing, and much more.
Often a result of infections or allergies, many people use medications to alleviate their sinus issues. However, this form of treatment doesn’t work for every individual.
When over-the-counter medications don’t provide relief, some will find that they benefit from a procedure known as a balloon sinuplasty. This minimally invasive procedure is safe, and our McAllen ENT and sinus doctor would like to provide you with a bit of information about balloon sinuplasty.
A balloon sinuplasty can be used to treat a wide list of sinus issues, and is often used when patients have already exhausted other forms of treatment. The procedure starts with your McAllen ENT spraying your nose with a numbing agent and decongestants.
Next, you’ll wait approximately 20 minutes or so for the anesthesia to take effect, or you may even have a local anesthetic applied directly to completely numb your nose. Your doctor will then examine your nose with an endoscope, place a catheter into your sinus, and may have to make a tiny puncture into your sinus right under your lip.
Finally, the doctor will inflate a small balloon specially designed for the procedure for about ten seconds before removing it. It’s possible that you may hear a cracking sound, but this is normal, and for most patients, the process isn’t painful.
The purpose of the procedure is to unblock your sinuses to help improve your breathing and alleviate other sinus issues.
The recovery process will vary depending on the patient. For the initial visit, patients can expect their appointment to last under two hours. While the procedure will almost never involve an overnight visit, and most patients feel good enough to leave the office after a short stay, it’s recommended to have a friend or family member drive you to and from the office.
Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid any intense physical activities for at least a week and to sleep or rest in a position that promotes an elevated neck and head to help with sinus drainage. Also, it’s a good idea to avoid blowing your nose for a couple of days and to use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to help mitigate any discomfort.
Following the initial procedure, there are typically follow-up appointments involving a nasal endoscopy after one week, three months, and a year.
Possible side effects that may occur as a result of a balloon sinuplasty include:
There are many benefits to getting a balloon sinuplasty, including:
Having sinus problems like pressure in the head and ears can be extremely frustrating and painful, especially for patients that have tried various treatments. That’s why exploring the option of balloon sinuplasty can be a great choice. Not only has the procedure proved to benefit many patients, but it’s also minimally invasive and has a fast recovery time.
Our sinus doctor at Glatz Group can help determine if balloon sinuplasty is a good choice for you. Our ENT doctor has years of experience and can perform the procedure effectively. Contact Glatz You Did! today to find out more.
While ear infections are most common in young children, adults can also be affected. Ear infections (sometimes called acute otitis media) occur behind the eardrum when bacteria or a virus infects and traps fluid. This leads to pressure in the head and ears, and other sinus problems.
In many cases, ear infections tend to clear up on their own. However, there are different types of ear infections and factors that can impact their severity. That’s why sometimes it’s recommended to consult a sinus doctor.
There are three main types of ear infections that correlate to the three different main parts of the ear: inner, middle, and outer.
Often, a diagnosis of an inner ear infection may actually just be inflammation instead of an infection. Common symptoms of an inner ear infection include:
Also, in more rare cases, an inner ear infection may indicate meningitis.
The middle ear is located right behind your eardrum and a middle ear infection is caused by fluid being trapped. This leads to the eardrum bulging. In addition to an ear ache, common symptoms you may experience from a middle ear infection include:
An outer ear infection is often referred to as “swimmer’s ear.” The reason is that it is usually caused by water that gets in the ear while swimming or bathing. The moisture becomes the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and develop, leading to an infection.
Another way an outer ear infection may occur is if your ear is scratched or if you put your fingers or objects inside your ear.
Other than getting a cold, an ear infection is the most common illness in children and occurs the most between the ages of three months and three years. However, adults can receive ear infections as well.
Common risk factors for ear infections include:
Proper hygiene and care are instrumental in preventing and treating sinus pressure. Having a routine that involves properly removing ear wax is very crucial. However, sometimes it’s necessary to consult a sinus doctor if an ear infection grows in severity.
Our team at Glatz You Did is dedicated to ensuring you get the right treatment. Whether you have a minor ear infection or are in need of more specialized care such as a balloon sinuplasty, you can contact us for the care you need.
Our years of experience coupled with our passion for helping our clients make us a great place to turn to when you or a loved one are dealing with an ear infection.
You may have tried countless at-home treatments or just waited out the symptoms, but when bothersome ear pressure won’t go away, it can really dampen your mood. But knowing when to visit the doctor and when to keep treating it at home can be just as difficult to determine. Luckily, there are many signs and symptoms you can look for that should signal a trip to your sinus doctor. Learn when you should see your McAllen sinus doctor for relief from your ear pressure.
Although ear pressure buildup is a common issue with many causes, there can be serious conditions that are causing this issue. If you’re suffering from a serious condition, your doctor can work to treat the issue and alleviate the pressure in your ear. Some serious conditions that can cause ear pressure buildup include:
These conditions can all cause pressure in your ears. If you’re dealing with serious pain or symptoms that have not gone away, it may be time to see your ENT doctor to find out if a serious condition is causing your ear pressure buildup.
After you realize that you’re suffering from ear pressure, it can be difficult to know when to see a doctor. You may have tried at-home remedies with no luck or waited out the pain with no relief. In most cases, you should see a sinus doctor for your ear pressure if you’re dealing with any of the following symptoms:
For many, it can be easier to wait out the symptoms and see if they eventually fade away. However, if left untreated, the symptoms may only get worse, along with your ear pressure.
It’s important that you head to the emergency room for immediate care if you’re suffering from ear pain along with the following symptoms:
When your body is dealing with a great amount of sickness or pain, it can react in certain ways to notify you that something is wrong. These symptoms could signal a more serious condition or complication, and should be treated immediately.
Pressure in your ears and head shouldn’t be something you have to put up with. There are many forms of treatment that your McAllen sinus doctor can use to get you relief.
Ear pressure can feel like one or both of your ears are clogged up. Most people don’t pay much attention to their ears or sinuses until something goes wrong. Once ear pressure begins to bother you, it can quickly become uncomfortable and make daily activities difficult.
Thankfully, there are ways that you can relieve your ear pressure at home and the doctor’s office. Learn how to relieve your ear pressure from your McAllen sinus specialists.
The pressure in your ear can build up when the eustachian tube is blocked or stops functioning as it should. Several conditions can cause ear pressure buildup and result in additional symptoms.
If left untreated, your ear pressure can continue to build up and cause further damage.
At-Home Treatments for Ear Pressure
Ear pressure can have many causes and these causes often determine what treatment should be used. If the cause of your ear pressure is easy to identify, you may be able to treat it at home.
Some at-home treatment options include:
If your ear pressure is due to sinus-related conditions, such as sinus congestion, allergies, the common cold, flu, or irritants (e.g. tobacco smoke), some treatment options you can try at home include:
Fluid buildup can be another cause of ear pressure. Oftentimes, removing the fluid can also alleviate the pressure in your ear. Some ways to remove fluid buildup include:
Another big culprit of ear pressure is wax buildup in the ear. Although normal chewing motions can usually move the earwax out of the ear, there are times where it can still build up or get pressed further into the ear.
To get rid of earwax buildup, try:
If you believe that your ear pressure is due to one of these common causes, you may find relief with at-home treatments. Contact your doctor if you’re not finding any relief or your symptoms get worse.
If you’ve tried multiple at-home treatments with no sign of relief, it may be time to see your doctor for further treatment. There are a few procedures that your doctor can do to relieve the pressure in your ear, including:
For this procedure, your doctor will make a small incision in the eardrum. Your doctor will then remove any fluid that has built up in the middle ear. Once the fluid is carefully removed, the incision may remain open until the eustachian tube is no longer blocked or swollen.
To place ear tubes, your doctor will make a small incision similar to a myringotomy. They will first drain the fluid, then place a small metal or plastic tube into the eardrum. The purpose of this tube is to relieve pressure and prevent any additional fluid buildup.
If you’re dealing with ear pressure that won’t go away, your trusted McAllen sinus specialist at Glatz Group can help you find sinus relief! Once we have figured out the cause of your ear pressure, we can then find the best treatment option for you.
If you’ve experienced post-nasal drip firsthand, you know just how uncomfortable it can be. To properly treat post-nasal drip, your doctor will usually need to first determine its cause. Learning the possible causes of your post-nasal drip can help you identify what is behind that irritating feeling in the back of your throat.
Read on to learn about the five primary causes of post-nasal drip, as well as how your McAllen sinus specialists can help you find relief with treatment.
Mucus plays an important role in your body: it helps trap and destroy bacteria and viruses before they cause an infection. Normally, your mucus goes unnoticed because it mixes with your saliva and smoothly drips down the back of your throat where it can be swallowed.
If your body starts producing greater amounts of mucus, or if your mucus becomes thicker, you may start to notice it gathering at the back of your throat. That feeling of mucus building up or sliding down the back of the throat or nose is referred to as post-nasal drip.
Post-nasal drip can be caused by several factors, including sickness, medical conditions, weather changes, and certain foods and medications. Getting to the root cause of your post-nasal drip can help your doctor find the best treatment plan. Below, you can read about the five most common causes of post-nasal drip.
The common cold, the flu, allergies, and sinus infections can all contribute to post-nasal drip. When your body becomes sick, it triggers excess mucus production which may cause you to notice that mucus build-up in the back of your throat.
There are some medical conditions that can cause a post-nasal drip, the most common being a deviated septum. A deviated septum is a malformation in the wall separating the two nostrils that can affect the flow of air through the sinuses.
Changes in weather can be another cause of post-nasal drip. When the temperature drops or the air becomes dry, your body may start producing more or thicker mucus in order to adapt.
Spicy foods can be a trigger for mucus flow, and can cause extra mucus to run down the back of your throat, resulting in a post-nasal drip.
Certain blood pressure medications can cause an increase in mucus production. The increased estrogen levels caused by the use of birth control pills can also contribute to post-nasal drip.
Identifying the cause of your post-nasal drip can help your doctor decide what treatment plan will work best for you. Keeping track of the medication you take, the foods you eat, and environmental conditions you are in can also help your doctor determine the cause.
To find the right treatment for your post-nasal, you and your doctor will first need to identify what's causing it. If you're suffering from a post-nasal drip that won't go away, visit your ENT to learn about the cause of your condition and the treatment most likely to give you relief. While cases may vary, some of the most common post-nasal drip treatments include the following:
Your doctor will help you choose the right method for addressing your post-nasal drip, but that might not include medication. Another solution can be to thin out your mucus by drinking more water, using saline nasal sprays, or turning on a humidifier in your home.
Post-nasal drip can be uncomfortable to deal with, but treatment can be found once your doctor has identified the cause. If you suspect that you are suffering from post-nasal drip, call your doctor to get to the root of the issue.
Schedule an appointment with your McAllen sinus specialists at the Glatz Group today to find out what’s causing your post-nasal drip.
Everyone knows that the ear is responsible for detecting sounds, and plenty of people know that the ears contribute to our sense of balance. Despite that, most of us tend to take our ears for granted in our everyday lives.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of problems that can seriously impact our ears’ function. To avoid, prevent, or delay the development of such issues, it’s important that each of us is aware of some of the common signs and effects. Below, you can read about some of the most common problems affecting the ears from your McAllen sinus specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT.
Hearing loss is one of the most common problems that brings people in to visit their ENT. If you’re experiencing a loss of hearing, seeing a doctor in a timely manner could make a big difference in your recovery. Not all hearing loss is experienced the same, and different types require different treatments. There are three main types of hearing loss
There are many conditions and factors that contribute to hearing loss. Determining the cause will allow your doctor to get to the root of your hearing loss and find the proper treatment for your case. Some common causes include the following:
For many, hearing loss can be treated with rehab therapy or medical devices, but for others, surgery will be required. If you suspect you are suffering from hearing loss, contact your ear, nose, and throat doctor to get a hearing test and a complete physical exam.
Ear infections are most common in infants, but can also affect adults. These infections occur in the middle ear and are caused by a buildup of fluid and mucus. Ear infections often affect sufferers in the following ways:
To diagnose an ear infection, your ENT will use an otoscope to examine the inside of your ear. If your doctor determines that you have an ear infection, your provider will either let it heal on its own or prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers, depending on the severity of the case.
Tinnitus is experienced by sufferers as a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound inside the ear. Cases of tinnitus vary between from person to person and can range from loud and high pitched to soft and low pitched. Those with tinnitus often suffer from trouble hearing, working, and sleeping. Tinnitus is often caused by the following issues and circumstances:
The treatment that your ENT chooses will depend on the severity of your case, but common solutions may include prescription medication, hearing aids, sound-masking devices, or different tips for how to function and cope with the noise.
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes tinnitus, extreme dizziness, periodic hearing loss, and ear pain and pressure. Those suffering from Meniere’s disease often describe having short spurts of dizziness, tinnitus, or muffled hearing. In severe cases, “drop attacks” will occur in which the sufferer's dizziness is so intense that it causes the individual to lose their balance and fall to the ground.
Unfortunately, the precise cause of Meniere’s is unknown, but many scientists believe it is caused by increased fluid levels or the mixing of fluids within the canals of the inner ear. Because the exact cause of the disease is unknown, ENTs usually diagnose this disease based on symptoms and a physical exam.
Treatment for Meniere’s won’t cure it, but it will help alleviate the symptoms you experience. Your ENT may recommend taking certain medications to control dizziness, limiting the amount of salt you intake, or taking water pills. You may potentially be eligible for an outer ear device that sends air pulses to the middle ear. If none of these treatments are successful, surgery may be required.
If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms associated with these common ear problems, it may be time to schedule an exam with your McAllen sinus relief specialists.
Don’t wait to get relief and take your life back. Make an appointment today to get a hearing assessment and discuss your treatment options with the team at Glatz Group.