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.
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.
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.
If you’re dealing with sinus problems, it might be time to consult a sinus doctor. Whether you’re struggling with cold-like symptoms, including runny nose, sore throat, and headaches, or are looking for simple allergy relief, an ENT has the answers you need.
If you have severe symptoms that last longer than a week, consider reaching out to your McAllen ear, nose, and throat doctor for help.
Also known as otolaryngologists and sinus doctors, ENTs treat issues in your ear, nose, and throat as well as some related issues in your head or neck. An experienced ENT can help you find relief from the following issues.
ENTs also sometimes perform cosmetic and restorative surgeries to help patients improve their breathing and their self-confidence.
Out of all of the treatments an ENT can provide, balloon sinuplasty is one of the most common procedures used to eliminate sinus issues. The procedure works to reshape your sinus pathways in order to facilitate sinus drainage and congestion relief.
Compared to other options such as nasal sprays and medical therapy, balloon sinuplasty is usually more effective and long-lasting. Your ENT can tell you whether or not you may benefit from the procedure, but it does have some general advantages you can keep in mind:
There are a few things you can expect from your first appointment with an ENT. First of all, you can rest assured that your ENT is here to help you find solutions to your medical problems, so there’s no need to be nervous about saying the right things. A typical first appointment will follow the steps listed below:
Your sinus doctor will first ask you questions about your current symptoms and medical conditions, as well as your medical history. In most cases, your ENT will ask for information not just about your health history, but also the history of your close relatives. Be as honest and comprehensive as you can.
After establishing your history and gathering information about your problem, your doctor will administer a physical examination. This exam can identify any problems related to your sinuses, ears, nose, throat, head, or neck.
Following the physical examination, your sinus doctor may require additional testing, including but not limited to the following:
Our team of ENTs are ready to diagnose and treat your sinus issues. Whether you need simple treatment, like relieving ear pressure, or can benefit from more extensive treatments options, like balloon sinuplasty, our team is here to help!
With years of experience giving the highest-quality care to our patients, you can put your trust in us for any sinus issues!
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.
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.
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.
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.
While signs may vary from child to child, some common symptoms include:
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.
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:
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
Potential home remedies that could help provide some relief from your symptoms include:
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:
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.
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.
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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.
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:
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.
If you only experience a nose blockage when the night hits, making these adjustments in your bedroom could help relieve your congestion:
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 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.
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are hard to miss. Your drainage problems and inflamed blood vessels may get worse when you lay down.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you're allergic to outdoor allergens, you’re probably familiar with how to relieve some of the symptoms, but what about those sneaky allergens that can dwell within your home?
Plenty of allergens can hide indoors, causing you plenty of sneezing, coughing, and discomfort. The good news is that your local certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma, and his sinus relief team at the Glatz Group at VALLEY ENT, know all about the top hidden allergy triggers that can exist inside your home and what you can do about them.
Microscopic dust mites live on dead skin cells shed by us and our furry friends. They are generally to blame for allergy symptoms, and these little bugs can hide everywhere in your home where dust builds up like hard surfaces, tabletops, bookshelves, and hardwood floors.
In addition, dust mites love warm, humid areas, which make soft surfaces where you sit and rest good hiding spots. These include bedding, carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Curtains hide dust mites, too.
To get rid of dust mites and reduce dust mite allergy:
Pet allergens go beyond just dander and fur. Those who are allergic to pets may also allergic to their saliva and urine. Sadly, you may have to get rid of your pets depending on the severity of your allergies, but if your allergies are manageable, take efforts to minimize pet allergens in your home by:
You spend a lot of time in your bed, and it just so happens to be a prime spot for household allergens. Dust mites and pet allergies gather in your mattress, sheets, and pillows.
Get rid of these allergens by:
Mold spores are common indoor allergens. Your bathroom and kitchen are primary spots where mold spores tend to germinate, but any area that's damp or where there’s standing water or leakage can grow mold.
Get rid of mold by:
It also helps to refrain from putting carpeting in moist or humid regions.
Cockroaches can crawl into any home, leaving behind droppings and skin sheddings that can set off your allergies. They usually find their way into your home through cracks and holes, openings around your doors and windows, and sometimes through the plumbing.
These resilient critters are not exclusive to a dirty home. In fact, any home with a food and water source--even non-food items like clothing and paper--can be a paradise for a cockroach.
Keeping a tidy kitchen sink and floor free from foodstuffs and water and sealing up all of their entrances, however, can help you get rid of your cockroach, and allergen, problem.
Aside from the more obvious dangers that smoking presents, tobacco smoke can make your allergy symptoms, and asthma, much worse. While the smoke itself may be a primary irritant, many in the medical field also believe it may be due to an allergy to any of the many harmful chemicals that are present in each inhale.
The bottom line, however, is that you shouldn't smoke or let others smoke inside your home or vehicle if you have allergies that stem from cigarette smoke--and for primary health concerns as well. The smoke settles in your furniture, carpets, and curtains for a long time, and this can mess with your airways and worsen other allergies in the process over a long period of time.
Pollen can float its way into your home through the slight breeze that accompanies you inside, your clothes, your hair, and your pet’s fur, making the time you spend indoors unbearable. By the same token, if you leave your windows open or let your laundry air-dry outside, outdoor allergens will gladly invite themselves in.
Reduce outdoor pollen exposure by:
Clearing out the sources of allergens is the best way for you to ensure that the air in your home is clean. Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA air filter to catch tiny particles of allergens and search for air conditioner filters that are able to filter them out as well.
In fact, don't start your car in the garage if the garage is attached to your home, and don't keep chemicals like pesticides inside your home. These fumes these objects produce can aggravate your airways and worsen allergy symptoms.
If you are still struggling with allergies after following these tips, it may be time to pay a visit to your McAllen ENT to discuss your options for relief.
Despite COVID-19 concerns, we want to remind our guests that we are doing everything possible to maintain health standards in our office for the safety and wellbeing of you and our staff.
The use of telemedicine has allowed us to address 90 to 95% of our patients’ allergy symptoms without an in-person meeting, but we also take online consultations, phone calls, and in-person visits as well.
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Summer is almost here, and that means three months full of sun, heat, and…allergy triggers.
Enjoying fully bloomed trees and green grass can be nice, but the increase in pollen can give allergy sufferers nothing but misery throughout the summer months.
In fact, it's not just that powdery substance that triggers sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes, but a wide number of other allergy triggers.
But you don’t have to worry about your allergies making your summer a bummer.
Our certified McAllen physician assistant Jonathan Lerma and his steady team of sinus relief specialists at the Glatz Group, members of VALLEY ENT, are here to help shed light on the most common summer allergies, as well as tips on how to minimize their effects.
Of the summer allergens, pollen is the most common trigger that affects the most people. Though pollen differs based on the region, they follow a sequential pattern everywhere.
Avoid bringing in the pesky pollen with an air sucking fan, especially during allergy season.
Your health should be your number one priority in these trying times, so we recommend staying active and exercising indoors on days when the pollen count is high, which is usually on dry, warm, and windy days. Levels are also generally the highest in the mid-day and afternoon.
It is also recommended that you wash your hair at night to get rid of pollen and change clothing before getting into bed. Additionally, keep windows closed while driving and keep air conditioners running on the 're-circulate' setting.
Outdoor mold is the culprit behind many allergic reactions starting in late summer, when there’s a peak in the amount of certain kinds of mold spores, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
Not to mention that there’s mildew and mold indoors. The number of certain mold spores could also increase on humid days, which is a major issue since indoor mold can cause an allergic reaction. If you were to experience symptoms while in a damp or moldy place, that might be a sign of a mold allergy.
Those who suffer from mold allergies should avoid being outdoors when mold counts are high just like pollen allergy sufferers. You should also wear a mask when mowing lawns or working around plants.
To prevent indoor mold, take measures to eliminate any moisture or dampness, like repairing leaks and utilizing dehumidifiers.
Avoiding a painful encounter is only one reason to stay away from stinging insects. Insect stings are another well-known summer allergy trigger that can result in a severe reaction referred to as anaphylaxis.
"Stings are much less common, but can be more dangerous," said Nelson. "People can have systemic reactions, which can be life-threatening. A number of people die each year as a result of allergic reactions to stings."
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, (ACAAI), roughly two million Americans are allergic to insect stings, and about 50,000 end up in emergency rooms from a reaction to an insect sting.
Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets are most active in the late summer and early fall, and fire ants are active at this point in the year in some parts of the country.
The best way to avoid getting stung is to avoid the insects as much as you possibly can.
It is highly recommended that you don’t walk barefoot in areas infested with insects and not drink from open cans where insects may have snuck in. Keep food covered when outside, and avoid wearing anything that smells sweet and any brightly colored or floral clothes.
Of course, wearing insect repellent is also important if you're going to be outdoors in areas where there are mosquitoes.
If these tips don’t help you find relief, you may want to consult with the Glatz Group to learn more about your sinus-relief options. If over-the-counter medications do not help enough, we offer a minimally invasive procedure to clear your sinus passageways known as balloon sinuplasty.
Additionally, we understand your concerns about COVID-19 but want to assure you we are taking all necessary precautions to keep patients and staff safe. The use of telemedicine has allowed us to address most of our patients’ allergy symptoms without meeting face-to-face.
We also take online consultations or phone calls.
If you need immediate treatment, we can schedule an in-office procedure.
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