Most of us develop occasional nasal congestion or a sinus infection, but chronic inflammation of the sinuses can be painful and costly. People with allergies, asthma, compromised immunity and blocked nasal passages have greater risk of developing repeated congestion and sinus infection.

Is It All Just Allergies?

“Allergies” seems to be the catch-all answer for why our noses are stuffy and we feel painful pressure in our head. However, allergies are only one of many causes of nasal congestion and sinus pain.

Numerous factors can obstruct the sinus and nasal cavities, including the following:

• Smoke
• Strong odors, like perfumes and cleaning products
• Pollution
• Viruses or bacteria

What Is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is an inflammatory response in the sinus cavity to an infection from a virus, fungus or bacteria. Viruses are responsible for most cases of sinusitis, but you may get a bacterial infection if the sinuses remain blocked.

There are two types of sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis is temporary inflammation when the mucus membranes in the throat, nose and sinuses enlarge. The swollen tissue narrows the sinus passages and traps mucus, preventing it from draining properly. Accumulating mucus causes pressure and pain in the nose and sinuses.

Chronic sinusitis is when symptoms intensify or become more frequent. If you have more than three sinus infections per year or experience symptoms for more than 12 weeks, you may have chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis include the following:

• Inflammation and swelling in the nasal tissues
• Tenderness around the nose, cheeks, eyes and forehead
• Thick nasal discharge that can be green or discolored
• Unpleasant breath
• Reduced sense of smell and taste
• Ear pressure
• Pain in your teeth and jaw
• Headache
• Cough

What Is Rhinitis?

Rhinitis usually involves inflammation and congestion in the nose. It may be allergic or non-allergic and typically presents with symptoms such as a watery nose, sneezing, itching and a drip at the back of the throat.

Although seasonal allergies can cause rhinitis, non-allergens can also lead to nasal congestion and blockage. A recent study published in Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery found almost half of patients who thought they had nasal allergies had rhinosinusitis, or chronic nose and sinus inflammation. They had been taking allergy medication for years but did not experience relief because they needed a different treatment.

While allergens cause allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis can be caused by the following (ENT Health):

• Weather and temperature changes
• Changes in air pressure
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal changes
• Medications
• Alcohol use, particularly red wine
• Certain types of foods

Schedule an Appointment with an ENT Physician to Diagnose Sinusitis or Rhinitis

If you are experiencing chronic symptoms of inflammation, sinus pressure and pain, and common cold-like symptoms, don’t try to diagnose and treat yourself. Misunderstandings about conditions with similar symptoms can result in unnecessary discomfort and frustration.

Our ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists can offer an array of treatments from removing nasal polyps to relieving sinus pressure.

Recurring sinus infections or severe sinusitis symptoms may require treatment and possibly surgery. For decades, patients have received safe, high-quality outpatient surgical procedures with increased savings and convenience at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the nation.

Our ASC is committed to providing a great patient experience with highly professional service and the most advanced technologies available. Patients are discharged from our facility the same day as the procedure and recover at home.

Suspected ear infections are a common cause of pediatric visits for children, but adults can develop ear infections as well.

Otitis media is the most common type of ear infection, resulting from inflammation in the middle ear, located behind the eardrum. Acute ear infections cause pain and last a short duration, whereas chronic ear infections can come and go.

What Causes a Chronic Ear Infection?

Bacteria causes most ear infections. When someone gets a viral upper respiratory infection, cold or sore throat, bacteria can travel to the middle ear. For infections that are viral, bacteria may move into the ear and cause a secondary infection.

Bacterial and viral ear infections develop when fluid builds up in the Eustachian tubes, the narrow channels that connect the inner ear to the back of the throat. When the ear is functioning properly, fluid drains down the Eustachian tube and gets swallowed.

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing repeated ear inflammation. Some of these may include the following:

• Colds and sinus blockage
• Allergies
• Exposure to tobacco smoke
• Excess saliva during teething
• Infected or overgrown adenoids
• Cold climate or changes in altitude
• Family history of ear infections
• Birth defect that impairs Eustachian tube function

Compared to adults, Eustachian tubes in children are more horizontal and shorter. The tubes can easily become blocked due to gravity’s inability to drain fluid. When small, poorly ventilated tubes trap fluid, bacteria multiply at a rapid pace and cause infection.

Children develop most ear infections before they learn how to speak, so parents cannot rely on children verbalizing that they are experiencing ear pain. Some common symptoms of an ear infection include the following:

• Crying and fussiness
• Sleeping problems
• Fever, particularly in infants
• Tugging or pulling the ears
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Balance problems and clumsiness
• Inability to hear or respond to quiet sounds

What Causes a Chronic Ear Infection in Adults?

In adults, bacteria- or virus-related middle ear infections may result from another infection. A cold, the flu or allergies may lead to inflammation of the Eustachian tube, which connects your ear to your throat. If fluid builds inside your ear, this may lead to bacterial growth and infection.

Call Your ENT Specialist to Make an Appointment

Chronic ear infections require prompt medical treatment to prevent hearing loss. It is time to visit an ENT specialist if you or your child has …

• Had three or more ear infections in the last 12 months.
• A hole in the eardrum.
• Not shown improvement after taking oral antibiotics or eardrops.
• Had a relapse of symptoms after ear surgery.
• Trouble hearing.

Multiple ear infection symptoms may lead you to seek treatment and possibly surgery. For decades, patients have received safe, high-quality outpatient surgical procedures with increased convenience and savings at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the nation.

Our ASC is committed to providing excellent patient experiences with highly professional service and the most advanced technologies available. Patients are discharged from our center the same day as the procedure to recover at home.

Ear infections can develop and change quickly, so do not ignore your body’s signals. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Do you lie awake listening to your partner snore throughout the night? Loud snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that constricts or blocks the airway.

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

During sleep, the body’s muscles grow more relaxed. The throat normally remains open to allow oxygen to flow.

When you fall asleep, the soft tissues and tongue relax and collapse, obstructing the flow of oxygen to your lungs. The word “apnea” is Greek for “not breathing.”

OSA causes a pause in your breathing. Some people experience a few pauses in airflow per night, but others can have multiple episodes per minute.

In general, men have a higher risk of developing OSA, but women’s risk increases after menopause. People older than 65 are also more likely to have the condition, but children can have OSA as well.

You also are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea if …

• You have large tonsils or adenoids that block your airway.
• You have a large neck or collar size.
• You have a small jaw, or your jaw is pulled back.
• The shape of your mouth or palate naturally causes a collapse in your airway.
• You have a large tongue, which can settle back during sleep and block air flow.
• You are obese.
• You sleep on your back.

What Are the Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

If you have OSA, you probably begin to snore very soon after you fall asleep. You may snore quite loudly, but there will be pauses of silence (apneas) followed by a gasp or snort as you try to resume breathing. You will repeat this pattern throughout the night.

Most of the time, your partner or family members will notice symptoms of OSA before you do. Besides your loud snoring, they may observe the following:

• Tossing and turning throughout the night
• Jerky body movements
• Pauses in breathing
• Choking or gasping

While you may not know how loud you snore or how many times you’ve woken up during the night, you will likely notice certain symptoms during the day. Some of these may include the following:

• Feeling unrefreshed in the morning, even if you spent eight or more hours in bed
• A morning headache when you wake up
• Fatigue and drowsiness all day
• A dry, sore throat from snoring
• Problems with concentration or memory
• Moodiness and grumpiness from not getting adequate rest
• Drowsiness or falling asleep during activities like reading, watching TV and driving

What Are the Risks Associated with Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Untreated OSA can be dangerous because it makes you more likely to have a car accident. You could be putting yourself, your family and other motorists at risk.

Without medical intervention, long-term OSA can increase your risk for high blood pressure, depression, heart disease, cardiac arrest, stroke, type 2 diabetes and even a shorter lifespan.

How Do Doctors Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Doctors can treat OSA in many different ways, depending on what factors are causing OSA. Sometimes a doctor can isolate a reason for the apneas and treat that first.

Lifestyle Changes Like Weight Loss and Avoiding Alcohol

For some people who are overweight, losing weight could cause OSA to go away. Regular exercise and a high-fiber diet full of fruits and vegetables and whole grains can help remove excess weight that may contribute to OSA.

Alcohol is a relaxant, and it slows down the central nervous system. Consuming alcohol relaxes the muscles of the mouth and throat, which can cause tissue to sag and block the airway. Consuming alcohol later in the day and in greater quantities can negatively impact obstructive sleep apnea, as alcohol raises the arousal threshold, making it more difficult to awaken and resume normal breathing.

Altering Your Sleep Position

Back sleeping increases the likelihood of airway obstructions and can make OSA worse. A better option is side sleeping. Utilizing a body pillow and positioning a pillow between your knees can enhance nighttime comfort while maintaining proper alignment of your spine and neck.

Some people with sleep apnea also find that putting a tennis ball in a sock and sewing the sock to the back of your pajama shirt works well to prevent them from back sleeping. The tennis ball creates just enough discomfort to make them roll back to their side without arousing them from sleep.

Surgically Removing the Obstruction

For people who have large tonsils or adenoids, they may benefit from surgery like a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Other surgical procedures can remove excess tissue from the throat or reposition the tongue.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a device that blows air through a mask and into the nose to keep the airway open. A doctor can adjust the air pressure to an optimal setting for comfort and reduced apneas.

Initially, using a CPAP device might seem difficult and irritating, but it serves as an efficient, non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that can improve your condition right away.

Within days or weeks of using CPAP, people usually report feeling more rested, rejuvenated and alert. Studies show nightly use of CPAP can rapidly lower blood pressure and improve arterial tone, and normal breathing patterns from CPAP can decrease risk for cardiac arrest and diabetes.

Partners of CPAP users also get better sleep because the continuous air flow prevents snoring.

The Dangerous Combination of Sleep Apnea and Insomnia

Poor sleeping is a nationwide problem, and OSA is just one contributor. One in three Americans don’t get the recommended amount of sleep for good health, and 50 to 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or get quality sleep at night. Insomnia and OSA each affect 10 percent of the population, but one-third of patients with OSA admit they also have chronic insomnia.

Comorbid chronic insomnia and OSA (COMISA) refers to the combination of obstructive sleep apnea and chronic insomnia. People with COMISA experience the following:

• Impaired daytime functioning
• Higher risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure
• Psychiatric issues
• Increased risk of mortality
• Lower quality of life

Trouble with Snoring or Sleeplessness May Require Treatment, Surgery

If you suffer from chronic insomnia or waking during the night, you may have a treatable medical condition. Ask your partner or family members if you begin snoring soon after you fall asleep, and ask them to share any patterns they observe.

Our ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors can help diagnose conditions that contribute to sleep apnea or insomnia as well as provide treatment options. Sometimes, sinus congestion can cause obstructions in the airway and put you at risk for long-term health problems.

An ENT can also look at the anatomy of your soft palate, throat, tonsils and adenoids and assess what type of treatment you may need. You may benefit from a sleep study that evaluates your breathing patterns and episodes of wakefulness.

Multiple complications may lead you to seek treatment and possibly surgery. For decades, patients have received safe, high-quality outpatient surgical procedures with increased savings and convenience at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the nation.

Our ASC is committed to providing a great patient experience with highly professional service and the most advanced technologies available. Patients are discharged from our facility the same day as the procedure and recover at home.

Call today so you — and everyone else in your home — can rest more peacefully at night and wake up feeling refreshed.

Indoor air pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exist in homes, schools and the workplace and can be hard to avoid. For instance, a VOC known as benzene can be found in plastics, fabrics, tobacco smoke and even office equipment. Formaldehyde is another common VOC that is found in household items many people own, like dish detergents, carpet cleaners and fabric softeners.

Unfortunately, poor indoor air quality is much more than just a nuisance — it has been linked to mild to severe health issues such as headaches, tiredness and itchy or irritated throat, nose and eyes. More serious conditions it can cause include asthma, respiratory disease and even cancer.

Houseplants Can Make a Significant Difference

In the 1980s, scientists at NASA researched whether indoor plants could be used on space stations to help keep the air clean. Other well-known universities conducted similar studies.

The results suggested that many types of houseplants do indeed serve as effective air purifiers, absorbing dangerous indoor gases into their leaves and roots. Living microorganisms in the soil also help neutralize harmful VOCs and other indoor air pollutants.

Many of these houseplants are easy to find and grow — and you may already have some of them in your home.

Best Houseplants for Improving Indoor Air Quality

• English Ivy: English ivy is a vining plant that can be trained to stretch across a table or over a window frame. It is fairly hardy but should be kept away from heat sources.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a remarkable plant. Not only can it help absorb harmful gasses, the gel it contains inside its leaves can be used as a salve to help heal cuts and burns.
• Corn Plant: The corn plant prefers a well-lit area. If you have a green thumb, it’s possible to grow one inside that reaches 10 feet tall.
• Mums: When mums are in season in your area, you can often find them sold in many places including your local grocery store. Enjoy them inside; and even after their flowers fade, the plant itself will still be working hard to remove VOCs from your home.
• Pothos: Pothos is a vine with heart-shaped leaves. It does well in hanging baskets and is hardy and easy to grow.
• Peace Lilies: Peace lilies have slender flowers, lush leaves and can grow up to three feet tall.
• Rubber Plant: The hardy rubber plant can reach an impressive height of nearly eight feet. It can thrive in many conditions — even in low light and cool temperatures — and is great at removing indoor air toxins.

How to Propagate Indoor Plants

If you already have some of these plants — or know someone who is willing to let you take a small cutting from an existing plant — you can easily make new plants (propagate). Pothos are especially easy to propagate.

If you have access to a pothos plant, just snip off a leaf including a bit of the stem, then put it in moist soil or water and soon you will begin to see roots appear. Propagating plants can also be a fun and free way to share the gift of plants — and better indoor air and health — with your friends and family.

Why not add some more houseplants to your home office or school today? It is a simple step you can take that will bring healthy rewards every time you breathe.

When sick, you might be tempted to reach for your favorite candy or junk food for comfort, even if you know they are unhealthy. But if you find yourself doing this, stop. These foods are typically loaded with immune-suppressing fats or sugars, which could actually prolong your illness instead of helping you get better.

On the other hand, when you choose foods that are known to help with illness, it can not only help you feel better now, it can even speed your recovery.

While the general rules of healthy eating still apply when you are sick — like avoiding processed foods and sugar-laden snacks — there are a few specific foods you might want to consider adding to your get-well diet, such as:

1. Bananas: Bananas are high in vitamins and potassium. They contain energizing calories. Plus, they are gentle on your digestive system. If you are suffering from a digestive-related sickness or have had nausea, bananas could be a good choice for you. Plus, potassium is especially important when you are sick, because it gets depleted when you have vomiting, diarrhea or sweating.
2. Chicken Soup: Chicken soup has been used as a get-well staple for years. Part of the reason it works so well is that broth — especially bone broth — is packed with nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus and other trace minerals.
3. Yogurt: Yogurt is an excellent choice when you are sick. Not only is it rich in vitamins, minerals and calcium, it also contains probiotics, which have been shown to help with colds.
4. Oranges: Oranges are loaded with nutrients, including vitamin C which helps fight the common cold. Try eating grapefruit for breakfast or adding lemon to your water or tea as these citrus fruits are also packed with vitamin C.
5. Oatmeal: Because oatmeal is bland, it is often easy to eat when you are sick. Plus, it provides calories, vitamins and minerals. Just be sure to steer clear of eating artificially flavored oatmeal with added sugar. Instead, cook whole oats and use honey as a sweetener.

What to Eat When You Have Lost Your Appetite

What happens if you are sick and you do not feel like eating at all? Until your appetite returns, there are still ways you can use foods to help heal your body. Here are few suggestions:

• Herbal Tea: Herbal teas contain antioxidants, which help fight infection. Consider adding some lemon as well, which will give you another dose of vitamin C.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Try adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, along with some honey for flavor, to your next glass of water.
• Ginger: Ginger can help prevent and soothe nausea. But instead of reaching for a sugar-laden ginger ale, try drinking ginger tea instead. If you need sweetener, add a bit of honey.

Finally, keep in mind that any healthy lifestyle choices you make while you are sick can contribute to you getting better sooner. That could mean getting extra sleep, drinking extra fluids or taking a warm bath. So, assess your situation, see what might be lacking, then give your body what it needs. It will thank you!

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies, affects between 10-30 percent of the population, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Seasonal allergies typically begin in February and can last well into the summer months, but common irritants like mold and dust can produce year-round symptoms.

Because seasonal allergies produce a wide variety of symptoms, it can be easy to mistake a more serious condition as simple allergies. Some conditions that share common symptoms with allergies include:

• Flu – Allergy symptoms that begin suddenly and are accompanied by a fever could actually be symptoms of the flu.
• The common cold – Allergies and colds both produce coughing, nasal drainage and watery eyes. However, if you develop body aches or pains, this is a sign that you probably have a cold.
• Sinus infection – Inflammation of the sinus cavities can produce congestion and headache which may be mistaken for allergies. If these symptoms are accompanied by mucus buildup and facial tenderness, you may actually be experiencing a sinus infection.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – Also known as acid reflux, GERD is a digestive condition that produces symptoms similar to allergies. Hoarseness, sore throat and dry cough that is accompanied by heartburn is likely a sign that you’ve developed GERD (Source:

There are several treatment options to alleviate seasonal allergies, but they are not effective in treating other medical conditions. Whether this is your first time dealing with allergy symptoms or you experience them every year, it’s always wise to see an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) for diagnosis. They will evaluate your symptoms and collect other important pieces of information to understand what’s causing your health issues. Proper diagnosis is the first step towards finding relief, so schedule an appointment with your ENT today!

Sniffling, sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion are just a few issues that allergy sufferers expect to deal with all season long. And if you don’t get a head start on addressing your symptoms, you could be in for a long battle.

Seasonal allergies are caused by an overreaction in the immune system. When you inhale allergy triggers, such as pollen or mold spores, your immune system mistakenly identifies these particles as harmful substances and releases antibodies to neutralize the threat. These antibodies attach themselves to mast cells which release histamine, a chemical neurotransmitter that triggers allergy symptoms.

Controlling seasonal allergies often requires a multifaceted approach, and pre-treatment is a crucial step in this process. Pre-treating seasonal allergies turns on your body’s defenses so it is already prepared to handle allergens. Pre-treatment also helps prevent symptoms from compounding and becoming more difficult to treat.

There are some rules to follow when pre-treating seasonal allergies:

• Mometasone furoate (Nasonex) or fluticasone propionate (Flonase) are nasal steroid sprays that can be used in advance. These medications treat more allergy symptoms than other drug classes, but they take a month to reach full effectiveness. Begin using nasal steroid spray once daily beginning one month prior to allergy season.
• Oral antihistamines or antihistamine sprays or drops may also be used in advance, though they are not as effective as steroid sprays. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, making them a poor option for older adults at risk of falls.
• Decongestant sprays are only meant to be used for a few days and are not appropriate for pre-treatment. Decongestant pills may be used to prevent nasal congestion, but they are not safe for individuals with hypertension or heart problems.

There are several treatment options that can help keep your allergy symptoms under control. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss different therapies and develop a complete treatment plan that’s right for you. Taking preventive steps now will keep you breathing easy all season long (Source: Harvard Health).

Winter is the season of sniffs and sniffles, but your drippy nose may not be caused by the latest cold virus. When temperatures drop below freezing and you start spending most of your time indoors, you increase your exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites and mold. Much like a pollen allergy, your body may identify these foreign invaders as harmful substances and trigger an immune response. This means you develop a host of cold-like symptoms, including runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat, and a persistent cough.

Because their symptoms are so similar, it can be difficult to differentiate between winter allergies and the common cold. However, there are some clues that can help you reach a diagnosis. A cold or flu typically will not last beyond 10 days, and symptoms will generally start to improve after two to three days. Winter allergy symptoms can last for weeks or even months without improvement. The cold and flu may also cause fever and body aches, both of which are uncommon with allergies.

If your symptoms last more than a week, schedule an appointment with your doctor or allergist to discuss the possibility of winter allergies. Your doctor may perform a skin test or blood test to confirm a diagnosis. If you do have winter allergies, there are a variety of treatment options available to relieve your symptoms. They include:

Antihistamines to block histamine activity in the body and prevent itching, sniffling and sneezing
Decongestants to clear mucus build-up and relieve inflammation
Allergy shots which build your immunity to particular allergens and have long-lasting effects

In addition to treatments prescribed by your doctor, you can help reduce allergy symptoms by making your home an allergen-free zone.

• Wash all curtains and bedding in hot water. For delicate items that cannot withstand heat, wash on a low setting and rinse laundry twice for at least three minutes each.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to vacuum all carpets, rugs and upholstery
• Use allergen-proof covers on all mattresses, box springs and pillows
• Wipe down all counters, cabinets, furniture, baseboards, and wood surfaces with a damp cloth
• Use mold-killing products on shower liners, bathroom tiles and shower surfaces
• Install HEPA air filters in your home and remember to change them regularly

Seasonal allergies aren’t preventable, but they can be managed with proper treatment and preparation. Take steps to make your home an allergy-free zone this winter, and schedule an appointment with your doctor if you develop bothersome symptoms. Finding the right treatment plan is the key to complete relief (Source: WebMD).