It’s common knowledge that smoking affects your lungs, but you may not know it can also affect your sinuses. No matter if you smoke cigars, cigarettes, or vapes, the nicotine and toxins you inhale can mess with your nose’s natural function.

If you’re wondering how exactly smoking can affect your sinus health, keep reading from your Edinburg ENT team. Our experience in the ear, nose, and throat profession means we can help you!

How Does Smoking Affect Your Nose?

Your nose has small hair-like particles called cilia that help protect your respiratory system from germs and move mucus along. Cigarettes and other smoking products can contain hydrogen cyanide and ammonia, damaging cilia. When you no longer have healthy cilia, you’re without protection against harmful pathogens and allergens.

Can Smoking Cause Sinus Infections?

Your nose is the first line of defense against sickness, and when the cilia in your nose aren’t functioning correctly, mucus begins to build up. The passages in your nose get clogged, and bacteria or viruses start attacking your sinuses, which can cause a frustrating and annoying sinus infection.  

You don’t necessarily have to be a smoker yourself to be at risk for a sinus infection from inhaling smoke — sinus infections are also common among secondhand smokers. Sinus infections can be a result of just breathing in too much smoke.

Can Smoking Cause Post-Nasal Drip?

Because damaged cilia cause mucus to build up in your nose, you may develop post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip occurs when built-up mucus starts leaking into your throat, leading to coughing or clearing your throat more often as your body tries to clear the blockages. This is known as a smoker’s cough.

Does Smoking Cause Nasal Congestion?

As we’ve already established, smoking causes mucus to build up in the nasal cavity. This build-up may make you feel more congested, especially in the mornings. Smoking also increases the risk of developing sleep apnea.  

Can Quitting Make a Difference? Or Is it too Late?

While smoking does affect your body in many different ways, it’s never too late to quit!  When you stop smoking, you may notice an improvement in your smoker’s cough, runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes. While healing can take some time, it can do a world of good! 

See Dr. Glatz For Help With Your Sinus Health! 

Keeping your sinuses healthy and happy is important since they can affect your sleep, breathing, and immune system! As you can see, smoking can damage so much of our nasal health. The smoke we breathe isn’t good and even affects our loved one’s health. 

It’s hard to stop smoking, and we get that! If you’re finding it hard to quit, your doctor may be able to help you. Let our understanding and experienced ear, nose, and throat team at the Glatz Group help you get your sinuses back to protecting your body as they should!

Do you want to breathe better this year? Call the Glatz Group to schedule an appointment today! 

Protect Your Sinuses!

Sleep is incredibly important to our overall health, including our mental and emotional health. But if you’re experiencing sinus pressure, headaches, drainage, or infections, you’re probably not getting the rest you need!

It’s time to get your tossing, turning, and nose-blowing nights under control! Read on to learn how to sleep with sinus problems by adjusting your sleeping position and visiting your Edinburg ENT doctor!

What’s the Best Sleeping Position for Sinus Headaches and Pressure?

Sinus headaches and pressure can make it impossible to get to sleep. You can get relief from some of these symptoms by adjusting your sleeping position:

What’s the Best Sleeping Position When You Have a Sinus Infection or Drainage?

If your sinus issues have escalated and you have severe drainage or an infection, your sleeping position is even more critical. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated also helps if you have a sinus infection. While you’ll need to visit a doctor to get treatment for an infection, sleeping with your head propped up can relieve some of the symptoms, including drainage.

8 Things You Can Do to Help You Sleep With Sinus Pain!

Adjusting how you lay may be the answer you need to get a good night’s rest. While your sleeping position does matter and can help relieve sinus pain, there are a few extra things you can do to help you get an even better night’s sleep.

  1. Keep your bedroom clean and dust often
  2. Wash your sheets and blankets every three to four days
  3. Keep pets out of your bedroom
  4. Use a humidifier with a HEPA filter
  5. Stop drinking caffeine and alcohol at least 3 hours before bedtime
  6. Drink a glass of water before going to bed
  7. Take an over-the-counter antihistamine
  8. Use an over-the-counter nasal saline spray

Sometimes you can do all the right things, sleep in the correct position, and still experience sinus pain. It’s time to take it to the next step and stop counting sheep each night by visiting an experienced and compassionate ear, nose, and throat doctor!

Need Sleep and Sinus Relief? The Glatz Group Can Help!

Sleep is important for keeping you in tip-top shape, but sinus issues can really get in the way of that. You deserve a great night’s sleep without feeling sinus pain, pressure, congestion, or a runny nose.

It’s time to reach out to the Glatz Group to get the sleep you need! Our team will find out what’s causing your sinus problems and help you get relief so you can sleep. Don’t let another day go by trying to sleep with sinus pain, call us today for an appointment with your ENT doctor and team in Edinburg, Texas!

Do you need a good night’s rest, but your sinuses just won’t let you? Reach out to the Glatz Group to get sinus relief today!

Sleep Well Tonight!

Enlarged turbinates block air from passing freely through your nose, making it difficult to breathe, sleep, and function. This makes it necessary to reduce the size of your turbinates and clear the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing.

This procedure is known as turbinate reduction.

Before having this procedure, many people like to weigh its pros and cons to determine if it is worth having. Learn what the benefits of turbinate reduction are from your McAllen sinus specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT.

What is Turbinate Reduction?

Turbinate reduction, also referred to as turbinate surgery, is a procedure where the nasal turbinates, the fleshy structures inside your nose, are examined and reduced in size to allow air to flow freely through the nasal passages. 

When performed, this surgical procedure usually goes inside the nostril on both sides of the nose and takes under 10 minutes to complete.

What Are the Pros?

Whether it’s the amount of recovery time or the quality of life, these factors play a big role when patients decide to go forward with the procedure. A few pros are:

1. Outpatient Procedure

Although this procedure is done under general anesthesia, it is still an outpatient procedure, meaning you will get to go home the same day. Having an outpatient procedure also means that the recovery time is faster and you will be able to return to work in a few days.

2. Better Sleep

Once performed, turbinate reduction will clear your nasal passageway, allowing you to breathe better at night. Sleep apnea is a common reason for getting this procedure and many find that their sleep is no longer disrupted after.

3. Fewer Headaches

If your turbinates are swollen, it can result in pain or pressure in your head along with frequent headaches. After the procedure is done, the turbinates are no longer the cause of pain and pressure, which can lessen the chance of your headaches.

4. Clear Sinuses

Another side effect of swollen turbinates is a stuffy nose. Once the turbinate reduction is done, the sinuses will be cleared, making it easier for air to flow through and improving your breathing.

What Are the Cons?

With every procedure, there are bound to be side effects. Patients will often choose to move forward with the procedure if the pros outweigh the cons or the cons are manageable. 

Some cons of turbinate reduction include:

1. Empty Nose Syndrome

If you have to have the whole turbinate removed, you will be unable to feel air passing through your nasal passages, resulting in the feeling of an empty nose. In cases such as this one, there is no treatment for it.

2. Recurring Dryness and Crusting of the Nose

Depending on the case, some may have frequent drying and crusting of the nose. This can often be solved by using humidifiers, sea salt and saline nasal rinses, and avoiding caffeine. 

3. More Nosebleeds

The dryness that sometimes occurs can result in a greater number of nosebleeds. This can also be treated with the use of humidifiers and nasal rinses.

Although these side effects can happen after a procedure, they can often be avoided by seeing a physician who is board-certified in turbinate reduction.

What to Expect When You Have Turbinate Reduction With Jonathan Lerma

Once it is confirmed that you have enlarged turbinates, our Physician Assistant (PA), Jonathan Lerma, who is certified through Medtronic in turbinate reduction, will perform one of the following procedures to reduce the size of your turbinates.

After each procedure, fatigue, nasal stuffiness, and mild drainage are to be expected. Because Jonathan Lerma is certified in this procedure, he and our team of sinus relief specialists will be able to walk you through each procedure and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Weigh the Pros and Cons of Turbinate Reduction With Your Sinus Relief Specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT!

If you are suffering from the effects of swollen or enlarged turbinates, it may be time to schedule a turbinate reduction.

Make an appointment with Jonathan Lerma and our team of sinus relief specialists today to discuss your treatment options.

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September is Healthy Aging Month and Dr. Glatz believes the easiest way to achieve healthy aging is by following a few practical tips at home.

Let your trusted McAllen sinus relief specialists at Glatz Group of Valley ENT provide you with a few tips for healthy aging.

How to Age Healthily 

1. Eat Well

No matter your age, it is always important to eat well to keep your body healthy. By doing so, you will see a boost in your immune system, mood, and mental sharpness.

Dr. Glatz has implemented intermittent fasting into his lifestyle and has seen great results from it! 

Here’s what you need to know about intermittent fasting:

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

During intermittent fasting, you only eat during specific times of the day. Instead of focusing so much on what you eat, it is more on when you eat. According to Hopkins, fasting for a certain number of hours each day or eating just one meal a couple of days a week, can help your body burn fat.

Does Intermittent Fasting Provide Anti-Aging Benefits?

Fasting is focused on limiting your calorie intake. Studies on overweight adults have shown an increase in energy production and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. 

However, fasting can be challenging due to the calorie intake being decreased by 30-40% each day. By intermittent fasting, you are still receiving the benefits listed above, but aren’t as restricted in your calories.

If you’re wanting to give this a try, but don’t know where to start, here are a few examples of different intermittent fasting plans:

Every method is different to accommodate varying lifestyles. It is important for your overall body health that you find the plan that best fits your existing schedule. 

2. Exercise

Regular exercise provides many benefits to your overall body health. Some of these benefits include:

One of the most beneficial exercises you can do is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). By doing a HIIT workout, you will burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. These workouts consist of short and intense exercises followed by a period of rest. The benefits of HIIT workouts include:

3. Sleep Well

Getting a good night’s sleep is key to healthy aging as it allows your body and mind to recover from a full day’s work. Benefits of sleeping well include:

Many issues can arise that cause disruptions in your sleep. It is important to pinpoint these and find a solution so you can get the quality sleep your body needs. Some disruptions include:

Start Healthy Aging Month Right By Giving Dr. Glatz’s Tips A Try!

The thought of aging can be very overwhelming, but with Dr. Glatz’s 3 simple tips, you’ll be feeling healthier and happier in no time.

Schedule An Appointment Today

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In the United States, 25 million Americans suffer from asthma and more than 50 million Americans have allergies. May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and there’s no better time than now to educate yourself on asthma and allergies if you haven’t already done so. 

Today, your right-hand McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will highlight everything you need to know about asthma and allergies. 

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic, long-term condition that is caused by the swelling of your airways. This results in the narrowing of the airways that carry air from the mouth and nose to your lungs. 

What Causes Asthma? 

Many things can trigger asthma with some of the most common being airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and particles of cockroach waste. Physical activity, respiratory infections like the common cold, and cold air can also trigger asthma for those who suffer from it. 

How You Can Control Asthma

Luckily, if you suffer from asthma, you can keep it under control by doing the following: 

What Are Allergies?

An allergy is when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance referred to as an allergen. Allergies are usually from a substance in the environment that is harmless to most people. 

What Causes Allergies?

The causes of allergies vary from person to person, but the most common causes include: 

Symptoms of Allergies

Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Different conditions can cause different symptoms. 

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause the following symptoms: 

A food allergy can cause the following symptoms: 

An insect sting allergy can cause:  

A drug allergy can cause: 

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, can cause the skin to: 

How To Keep Your Allergies Under Control

Fortunately, allergies can be controlled and managed if done correctly. Allergies can be managed by using antihistamines, decongestants, and allergy shots. 

Asthma and allergies can be serious conditions if not managed properly. However, thanks to modern medicine and proper care, it is possible. 

In honor of May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness month, you can acknowledge the importance of this event by seeking treatment for asthma or allergies if you or a loved one are suffering from either or both, or simply by spreading awareness on the matter.

Don’t let your asthma or allergy symptoms take over - visit the Glatz Group of Valley ENT. 

No one wants to live a life dealing with symptoms caused by allergies or asthma, contact the Glatz Group today to make an appointment! 

Book Your Appointment Today

Many of us look at healthcare as a process where our doctors make decisions, and we simply listen to those decisions. However, your comfort, preferences, and personal needs should play a significant role in your healthcare, including choosing the right doctor in the first place.

Selecting the right ear, nose, and throat (ENT) is just as important as choosing any other kind of doctor. Whether you’re struggling with allergy symptoms or sinus problems, or need a procedure like a balloon sinuplasty, picking a doctor who will acknowledge your concerns and meet your needs is essential.

Picking a doctor can be tricky, but today your experienced McAllen sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group of Valley ENT will list three steps to ease the process.

Tips for Picking the Right Doctor

1. Consider Your Needs

Before you can decide which ENT will align with your needs, you need to identify exactly what those needs are. ENT doctors specialize in specific fields and often have more experience dealing with certain issues or age groups than others.

Personal factors that could come into play when choosing an ENT include:

Once you have a clear picture of your own needs and preferences, you can begin researching ENTs in your area.

2. Researching ENTs

Next, you will need to gather information about the ENTs you are considering. You can then use this information to narrow down your list of options. Using the ENT’s own website, state websites, and Healthgrades.com, you can learn a lot about the ENT’s experience, history, and personal information. Aspects that you should consider include:

Ideally, you will find an ENT with experience regarding your specific needs, age, and gender. You also may wish to choose an ENT of the same gender as yourself if that will make you more comfortable sharing personal information. Another approach you can try is to check reviews from existing patients in order to verify that the ENT has a history of good service.

If any of this information isn’t available online, you can ask the ENT or their office directly.

3. Getting Direct Information

Finally, another way to ensure that the ENT you’ve chosen is the best possible fit for you is to call and speak with the ENT or their office to get more information. This is a good way to learn more about the ENT’s specific experience, training, and history of surgery complications.

Beyond that information, consulting with an ENT before you make your final decision will give you the opportunity to gauge whether or not the ENT’s communications style works for you. You need to be able to have open and clear conversations with your doctor regarding your needs and concerns. This means getting complete answers to any questions you may have, feeling free to voice any concerns, and having your concerns respected and addressed. Your ENT should be interested in getting to know you and your needs in order to give you the best service possible.

Consulting ahead of time will also allow you to ask about the doctor’s telehealth capabilities. While virtual appointments don’t replace in-person visits, they can reduce the number of trips you will need to make to the doctor’s office. Check-ups on symptoms and routine follow-ups can often be carried out over video or phone, saving you time and effort.

It is also worth noting that calling ahead will let you verify that the ENT is covered by your insurance. Unfortunately, the amount of insurance coverage available is usually the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a doctor. Regardless, it is best to be absolutely sure to take the aforementioned details into account when evaluating between the ENTs covered by your plan.

Whether you’re suffering from allergy symptoms or more serious sinus issues, you can find a doctor that meets your needs at Glatz Group of Valley ENT.

Book Your Appointment Today

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(956) 331-8928

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