Your Guide to Winter Sinus Relief

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Feeling the effects of a winter sinus infection? Don’t worry, you’re only one of the 37 million Americans who suffer from sinus problems each year. While there is only so much you can do to rid your symptoms, some are more helpful than others. When winter sinus relief is in order, we recommend the following tips:

1. Stay cool
Winter means more heat inside the home, and if you’re spending all your time indoors then we have a bigger problem. That’s because mucus isn’t cleared well in dry, hot, stuffy environments. You’re better off layering on warm sweaters and keeping your heat down a notch. If you’re not waking up with congestion and nosebleeds, you’re home is the right temperature for your sinus health.

2. Humidify the air
Not only does your air need to be cooled down, but it also must be slightly on the humid side. Dust mites and mold love anything greater than 50 percent humidity, so your home should be a happy medium around this time of year - not too dry, nor too humid. The biggest benefit is that using tools like a humidifier will suck the congestion from your nasal passages, easing your inflamed sinuses.

3. Drink (a lot)
Being more water-conscious is always a good thing. This is especially true when your sinuses start acting up. Drink at least a quart a day - the more the better! Salt-water nasal rinses for your nose can help too. You can either make your own mix or buy an OTC solution. Use a bulb syringe to flush out your nasal cavities and clean out mucus and debris.

4. Get rid of irritants
Cigarette smoke, cleaning products, hairspray - you name it - get rid of whatever makes your sinuses feel worse. Anything with a strong odor of fumes can be a problem as can pet dander. While we don’t suggest getting rid of your pet, we do recommend following the steps above and keeping the air in your home fresh by cleaning sheets and upholstery regularly each week.

If your winter sinus infection is only getting worse, consult with an ENT to cure your symptoms faster. We encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

5 Ways to Prevent Sickness During the Holidays

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

The holidays can be a stressful time. Not to mention the weather is more cold and damp than usual. Both of these factors can lead to greater chances of sickness. But by taking preventative measures, you can fight the odds:

 Avoid germy spots
With colder temperatures, you’ll be spending more time indoors. That being said, it’s important to decrease your exposure to germs. Whether at the gym, at the mall, or in your home, there are many germ hotspots. For example, door handles, gym equipment, and ATMs all carry a load of germs.

Don’t spread germs
Prevent spreading germs to friends and family by washing your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20-30 seconds. Remind your children to do so as well. Also, we recommend coughing into your sleeve or elbow rather than your hand, whether you’re sick or not.

Keep stress down
By lowering your stress levels, you’ll increase your chances of staying healthy for the holidays. While you’re busy getting through your holiday to-do list, maintain a healthy diet and sleep well.

Get exercise
Exercising on a regular basis can help prevent stress and lead to a healthier lifestyle. Whether you hop on the treadmill, run around your local track, or take up a yoga class, working out is a natural antidepressant that can keep illness down and happiness up.

Prepare for travel
Airplanes and hotels are filled with germs. Prepare for your holiday vacation by packing sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, and avoiding public surfaces that can carry germs as well.

If you're feeling under the weather or suffering from sinusitis and allergies this holiday season, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit us on the web.  

The Real Difference Between a Cold and Sinus Infection

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

A cold or sinus infection - which one is it?

Distinguishing the difference between the two can be tricky for someone experiencing similar symptoms. But there significant differences between the two. Let’s find out:

 What is a cold?
A cold is a virus that gets better on its own in 10 days or less. Colds vary in symptoms, but typically include the following:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Mucus buildup
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Swollen sinuses
• Fever

Treating your cold
The common cold can typically be treated with over-the-counter medications, as antibiotics won’t cure a virus. Getting rid of your fever can be simple, but getting rid of the rest can take time. What lingers is the thin mucus and sinus pressure.

What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs when your nasal passages become infected, which is tricky to get rid of unlike a cold. Viruses, bacteria, and allergies can often lead to sinus infections, which is why people so easily confuse the common cold for a sinus infection and vise versa. Some sinus infections include:

• Sinus pressure behind the eyes and cheeks
• Worsening headache
• Runny and stuffy nose that lasts longer than a week
• Cough
• Foul breath
• Fatigue
• Thick yellow or green mucus draining from the nose or back of the throat (post nasal drip)

Treating your sinus infection
Treating a sinus infection requires seeing a doctor. Most acute infections go away on their own, but many times antibiotics are needed. Steroids and decongestants can also help ease symptoms.

If you think you have a sinus infection, consult with an ENT to cure your symptoms faster. We encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

5 Reasons Gratitude is Great for Your Health

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

There are hundreds of reasons to be thankful this holiday. But what we are most thankful for is good health. Good health offers many benefits - and if you show your gratitude for being healthy, the perks are even greater.

1. You’ll feel happier
Studies show that when you write down one thing you are grateful for every day, you are 25 percent more happy. Practice this for a few weeks and you will notice results. When you realize what you are appreciative of, you’ll realize all the good things in your life.

2. You’ll boost your energy levels
Writing down that you’re thankful for leads to an increasing sense of vitality. When you give thanks, you feel more energetic and get a boost of feel-good hormones.

3. You get healthier
Gratitude also leads to improved kidney function, reduced blood-pressure, stress hormone levels, and a stronger heart. People who express gratitude also take better care of themselves, smoke and drink less.

4. You become kinder
When others express grateful for you, your body triggers a response in the brain to release dopamine - the feel-good chemical. Thanking people for their acts of kindness also makes us feel good and reminds them of why we are in their lives.

5. You’ll be more resilient
The more gratitude you pay forward, the more our brains become wired to seek out positives in any situation to seek out the positive in any situation, making us more resilient in every situation. 

How do you show appreciation for your health?

If you're feeling under the weather or suffering from sinusitis and allergies this winter, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com. 

3 Miraculous Cures for a Dry Nose

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Cold and allergies are the most common cause of a dry nose. But let’s not forget how unforgiving winter can be too! When the temperatures drop and the weather dries up, so can your nose. Luckily, there are three easy and miraculous cures that can relieve some of the discomfort:

Petroleum Jelly
This product is so easy to find at any drug store, yet is so relieving when it comes to a dry nose. Simply use your fingers to apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the lining of the inside of your nose and right along the outside. This is great for moisturizing your nose and won’t upset your stomach like other medications. Lip balm is another safe alternative.

Nasal Spray
Nasal spray isn’t just for allergies, it’s also perfect for winter when your nose dries up and you get stuffy. Nasal sprays are used to wet the nasal passages - just be cautious to not overuse them, as they can actually have the opposite effect, leading to a chronic dry nose.

Humidifier
If you don’t have one already, a humidifier can work wonders for a dry nose. Sleeping with dry mist in your room can increase humidity and relieve the dryness in your nose. For the best results, place the humidifier in the middle of the room rather than directly next to you. Be careful not to point it in the direction of furniture, as the humidity can warp the wood.

Suffering from a chronic dry nose this winter? If the symptoms are unbearable or worsen overtime, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com. 

How Winter Affects Your Sinuses

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Contrary to popular belief, sinus infections can occur all year round. How does it happen and what are the symptoms? We can answer that:

The Trigger
What first occurs is a cold or flu, which causes the skin inside your nose and sinuses to swell up. When your nose and sinuses swell, they can’t drain mucus properly. As a result, the mucus starts to build up, creating bacteria and a sinus infection.

The Symptoms
When the sinus infection occurs you get stuffed up, which creates headaches. You may also experience a slight fever and other painful sinusitis symptoms.

The Allergies
Many people also experience allergy symptoms which can cause similar symptoms:

• Mold
• Alcohol
• Food
• Artificial Fragrances

All of these allergy triggers seem to stay at the top of the winter allergies list. You can fight it by avoiding these as much as possible and taking a nasal spray to clear the passages.

If you're suffering from  sinusitis and allergies this winter no matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

Are You At Risk for Winter Allergies?

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Some get lucky when spring and summer allergies come to an end. But for others, winter is just as bad. From pet dander to mold, here are a few common allergies you might be at risk for and what you can do to eliminate your chances:

  
Pet dander: Cold weather means your pets will spend more time indoors, exposing you more to dander.

Mold and mildew: leaves and other waste in the yard gives mold and mildew a breeding ground in which your allergies could worsen. This also goes for shoes and clothes that provide damp irritants with an easy path indoors.

Dust mites: Winter means more indoor heat and less fresh air. With the air getting stuffy, it’s easy for dust mites to create some sensitivity.

Damp wood: Cut wood that is stored outside becomes moist. Bring that wood inside and you’re only inviting a heavy allergy trigger.

You can avoid such allergies in a few ways:

• Wash your bedding often to eliminate pet dander and dust mites
• Shower when you feel symptoms progress to wash away allergens stuck to your body and in your hair
• Try a saline solution to relieve nasal congestion
• Purchase a humidifier to create more moisture indoors

If you're suffering from allergies this winter no matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.