Spring time in San Antonio results in elevated pollen and mold counts. With so many unknowns right now, it’s easy to have fear and anxiety. Symptoms such as dry cough and nasal congestion can make you wonder if you should see your doctor or be tested for coronavirus? Coronavirus symptoms are similar to the common…
Alamo ENT Blog
Sinuplasty
Sinuplasty is a unique surgical technique using balloons to open the natural pathways of your sinuses. This procedure is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. By opening the sinuses, the goal is to clear the obstructed passages with little damage to the surrounding tissue. By only enlarging the natural pathways, the healing process is quicker,…
Silent Reflux
Often, individuals find it difficult to believe they have silent reflux, also called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). They do not complain of heartburn or feel a sense of food coming up the back of their throat. Instead, these people often complain of voice problems, hoarseness, throat clearing, postnasal drip, excessive phlegm in their throat or a…
Transnasal Esophagoscopy
Transnasal Esophagoscopy, TNE is a safe, inexpensive and quick way to examine the esophagus in patients with a history of reflux and at risk for esophageal cancer. TNE does not require sedation, and it is done in the office using local anesthesia. A flexible tube is placed through the nose and behind the voice box…
Thyroid Nodules & Radiofrequency Ablation
Thyroid nodules are very common, and most of these are benign. However, even benign nodules may be symptomatic if they are large enough to put pressure on your windpipe or esophagus making it feel like something is stuck in your throat, like it’s difficult to breathe when you’re lying down, or even feeling like food…
Bexar County Face Mask Order
The Bexar County Face Mask Order was implemented April 20, 2020. The new mandate states that all residents 10 years or older have a face mask covering in public where it is difficult to keep six feet away from others. Initially, the Center for Disease Control only recommended people who were ill or who were…
Disinfecting for Coronavirus: You’re probably doing it wrong!
In general, the way that people are using cleaners and sanitizers in their home to prevent COVID-19 is wrong. Disinfectants and hand sanitizers are being wiped from grocery store shelves to the point of shortage. Understanding best practices for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe from the virus is important. However, there hasn’t been…
Do I have a Deviated Septum?
Many patients have been told that they have a deviated septum, but most aren’t sure exactly what that means or even if it needs to be treated. The nasal cavity is separated into left and right sides by a partition (wall) that is made up of cartilage and bone. Ideally this wall is straight so…
Turbinates: The Nasal Obstruction Affecting Your Breathing
Turbinates are normal structures in the nose that you’ve probably never heard of. They are structures made of bone and soft tissue that live at the bottom of the nose along the outside wall of the nasal cavity. There are multiple turbinates on both sides of the nose, but the ones that are the most…
What to Expect While Adjusting to Hearing Aids
New Hearing Aids Will Be A Big Change Whether you are receiving a new pair of hearing aids for the first time or replacing an old pair, there will be a period of adjustment while you get used to the new devices. It’s important to the adjustment process to manage your expectations and be aware…
Combat Sinus Problems Like a Pro
When you have a stuffy nose, even life’s simplest pleasures can become ruined by the discomfort of sinus pressure. Common errands or a walk in the park can seem impossible with the congestion built up inside of you. Instead of falling victim to the challenges of stuffiness, take your life back with this information to…
Is Snoring Related to Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is a common occurrence that affects almost half of America’s population. While most of us have snored on occasion, about a quarter of all people snore on a nightly basis. While there is no single type of person that snores, this condition tends to target men and those who are overweight. Although this is…
Do You Need a Tonsillectomy?
What are tonsils? Tonsils are mounds of tissue located in a pocket on both sides of the back of the throat. They are made of lymphoid tissue which help the body sample anything that comes in through the mouth to determine if any infectious organisms like bacteria or viruses are present. Why would you need…