The beginning of Spring is still fresh but many allergy sufferers are reluctant to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. And why blame them? Allergy symptoms like itchiness, sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes don’t translate well to fun outdoors or even inside the home.

But there are steps those with allergies can take to decrease their exposure to common allergens like ragweed and find allergy relief.

Limit Time Outside

This is one is tough, because good hospitable weather can be hard to come by (especially in Houston). And even if you work from home, there’s always a reason to step outside your door.

Rather than remove yourself entirely from outdoor existence, simply be more strategic about when and where. Typically, pollen is at its worst in the early morning (5-10 a.m.) and around dark, once the sun sets. Timing your trips between these times can help reduce exposure.
If activity during these times is unavoidable, say for an exercise routine or walking the dog, you can counter with a filtering facemask or nasal sprays that will alleviate symptoms.

Make Your Home ‘Allergy Proof’

Since pollen and other allergens are microscopic, this is a tall task in the common home. Being more mindful of what you bring in from the outside can help make your sanctuary a little more comfortable.

Here’s where to start: buy a HEPA filter. Although filling each room with a HEPA is the ideal solution, it’s not very cost-effective. That’s why planting one in the areas you spend the most time is crucial; a good example is the bedroom or living room, or wherever you Netflix the most.

Another solution is changing out of your clothes after outdoor activity, whether that’s coming home from work or physical activity. Transitioning into “home clothes” helps remove the allergens you carry on your clothes. If allergens still persist while at home, it may be necessary to rinse your hair, as pollen can also linger there and haunt you throughout the night.   

In addition, keeping windows routinely shut will prevent any unwanted allergens from slipping in and settling on furniture or decorations.

Consider Immunotherapy

While all the above will yield some daily benefit, they only postpone the inevitable: allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays and decongestants are only one way to manage symptoms rather than increase your tolerance.

That’s where immunotherapy can help.

The Immunotherapy process screens and discovers what allergies you truly have. Included in the process is skin testing and immunotherapy shots, which can be taken at home rather than the office. The advantage of immunotherapy is training your body to be less susceptible to allergies. The process is long, sometimes taking three to five years, but many patients experience results within months.

Figuring out the best course of action begins with making an appointment with your ENT specialist. Only they can prescribe the best course of action.
In the meantime, be more strategic about how you enjoy spring weather.

The Basics

What is sleep apnea, you may ask, and how do I treat it if I have it? Well, not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnea, but most people with sleep apnea do snore. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder in which a person goes through episodes of shallow breathing, or completely stopping breathing, for periods of time while asleep. There are two types: obtrusive and central, and which one you have determines how it should be treated.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

CSA occurs when the brain fails to initiate breathing. It can be caused by disruptions of the neurologic control system for breathing, untreated congestive heart failure, or rarely even Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment. It may be treated with ventilators or treating the heart failure, if that is the cause.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is more common and occurs when airflow is blocked from the upper airway (meaning your nose, mouth, or throat). This blockage deprives you of oxygen ranging from any length of time between seconds and minutes. If this is left untreated it can cause irreversible changes in the body, leading to the development of high blood pressure, Diabetes, heart disease, heart attacks, hypertension in the lungs, weight gain, and even death.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

A sleep study can diagnose you by monitoring body signals, such as brainwave activity, muscle activity, respiratory effort, oxygen saturation, heart rhythm, and airflow, while you sleep. During this study, a CPAP machine and mask can be worn to determine the appropriate pressure settings for a certain individual. It works by maintaining an open airway by keeping it “inflated” like a balloon while sleeping. This method proves successful about 80% of the time.

Another sleep apnea equipment option for mild to moderate OSA is an oral appliance, which is worn in the mouth and slowly pulls the jaw forward to open up the airway. Using this may not be an option for people who suffer from tooth grinding, Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) disorders, or pain. Even more, it may cause tooth shifting and alteration of the bite after several years.

Surgical Options

The final option for treating OSA would be surgery. It can require many procedures due to its complexity, but it may be necessary for patients unable to tolerate other forms of therapy. The surgery is directed at the site of obstruction, which may be in the nose, palate and tonsil level, or lower throat and base of the tongue. Often, the obstruction is caused by a combination of blockages at various different levels of the airway. Thus, the surgeries may include palate reconstruction, base of tongue resection, hyoid suspension, septoplasty, or genioglossus advancement.

Regardless of the type of sleep apnea, it’s important to test out various sleep apnea equipment to see what works for you. Everyone deserves a well-rested feeling after a sleep-filled night!

Think you may have sleep apnea? Make an appointment with Dr. Matorin now.

Update: March 25, 2020

Dear Patients and Friends,

The on-the-ground conditions of COVID-19 pandemic require close monitoring & quick assessment in order to stay one step ahead of the virus. Me & my staff are continuing to serve the people of Houston as best as we can.

Updated Office Policies

In order to accommodate the safety and concerns of the community as well as our patients, we have instituted the following:

1. We will not be able to see patients who recently have developed a fever or cough in the past 2 weeks or possible exposure to an infected person.
   
2. We ask to limit guests to one other person.
   
3. We have a full-time screener at the door for
• Temperature checks
• Hand sanitizer dispensing
• Limiting the number of patients in the waiting room
4. Staff will be exhibiting extended universal precautions including:
• Wipe downs
• 6-foot social distancingHand & surface sanitization
• No handshakes (except a fist bump or a smile!)
5. If the waiting room is “full,” we will ask patients to wait in their car and we will text/phone them when ready. 
6. Telemedicine appointments may be considered for non-urgent cases using Skype, Google Duo, or FaceTime. 

Please note, we are well into our influenza, allergy, and sinus season and realize that patients often need counseling on differentiating these illnesses from COVID-19. We will do our part to counsel you the best we can.  Most recent studies have shown COVID-19 also may cause sudden loss of smell or taste. If you experience these symptoms please contact us immediately to arrange a consultation.

We are happy to serve the Greater Houston community through these difficult times.

Stay safe and contact us if you have any questions.

Dr. Matorin

Update: March 15, 2020

Dear Patients and Friends,

We would be immediately implement the following policies in our offices:

1. We will not be able to see patients in the clinic who are at risk of being infected by COVID-19. These include patients or staff that have fever >100.4^oF or recent cough or recent shortness of breath; known or suspected exposure to a COVID-19 individual within 2 weeks (exposure is considered within 6 feet for 3 minutes or more); or history of travel within 2 weeks of China, Italy, South Korea, Japan, or Iran.
2. If you have these symptoms or feel that you have a life-threatening condition, please contact the nearest ER directly. If you are uncertain, please feel free to contact our office for further recommendations. If you have these symptoms and do not feel that you have significant illness, it has been recommended that you stay home and contact your primary care physician. 
3. We will be practicing extended universal precautions in our clinic which will include no handshakes and frequent hand washing/hand sanitizer in between patient contact.
4. We will limit the number of patients in the waiting room and during certain times have a screener at the door that will survey, take temperatures, and dispose of hand sanitizer to all patients. This may add to wait times.

The following is an adapted table from our friends at Dr. Pasha Snoring & Sinus Center, which shows the various upper respiratory symptoms as a general guideline and does not substitute an exam by your healthcare professional. Sources include the WHO, CDC, Peter Attia’s Instagram (Dr. Michael Lin’s referenced), and my own experience in Houston.

Stay safe and contact us if you have any questions.

Dr. Matorin

Has snoring been a lifelong problem for you, keeping you or others nearby awake? You might have tried multiple remedies to fix this externally, but have you considered the Pillar Procedure? This particular method may turn patients off by seeming invasive, but it is actually a safe and effective treatment that can help you stop snoring fast. It can even remedy mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a problem for many people who snore.

How Pillar works

Well, of the people who can’t stop snoring, over 80% appear to suffer from this problem due to their soft palate, so The Pillar Procedure simply stiffens it. The best part is, Pillar only takes 20 minutes, using nothing but local anesthetic—so you will be back to sleeping soundlessly before you know it.

During this procedure, the doctor inserts little implants into the soft palate, which will reduce the snoring caused from the tissue vibrations. Just like that your snoring and/or sleep apnea could be history, if you’re up for it. It’s like a dream come true!

Pillar vs. CPAP mask

Why should you choose pillar over wearing a mask to bed? Because many other sufferers report a noticeable decrease in snoring, their apnea-hypopnea index, and daytime sleepiness after the procedure. They also describe an increase in bed partner satisfaction and lifestyle improvements post-Pillar. So overall, it gives you the opportunity for greater intimacy, decreased embarrassment, increased energy, and no mask at night. Who wouldn’t want all of that?

Here’s something to help you make up your mind. Michael Friedman, a Head Neck Surgeon within the Otolaryngology and Bronchoesophagology department at Rush University Medical Center, ran a study with 62 non-obese adults (31 in the placebo group and 31 with palatal implants) and the results showed significant improvement among the group with the implants. Friedman states in his article published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “The US Patent Office lists more than 300 devices designed to stop snoring. But studies consistently show they just don’t work.” Breaking it down, he explains Pillar fixes the root of the problem, rather than simply covering it up with a device, like removing a bulging disk from the spine instead of taking medication to treat the pain.

If you are considering getting this treatment done, just make sure to do your research and weigh all options to ensure this is the best one for you. Everyone is different and has their own personal preferences, but the Pillar Treatment has worked wonders for many people and could possibly work wonders for you, too.

Looking for snoring alternatives? Make an appointment today.

If you suffer from sinus allergies, you should know the holidays harbor its own brand of histamine triggers that can impact you at any time. Each year, cooler temperatures coupled with a full lineup of get-togethers in uncontrolled spaces can present a unique range of allergen-filled environments. With all the doors and windows closed, heating systems turned on for the first time in months, and rooms adorned with evergreens and dusty decor, any Yuletide gathering can easily turn into an allergic sneeze-fest.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children are affected by allergies. The good news is you don’t need to skip the festivities just because you’re sensitive. With some simple observations and lifestyle changes, you can skate by some of the holiday sneezing and congestion.

Festive Foods
From Thanksgiving and Christmas to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, holiday occasions signal weeks of seasonal goodies that increase the odds of either accidentally or knowingly partaking in foods to which you’re allergic. Many holiday selections include processed and fermented meats, milk products, as well as fruits and vegetables that are known allergens. Don’t be shy to ask your host about potential ingredient hazards or bring your own allergen-free dishes.

Merry Molds
Those evergreen wreaths may give you fragrant memories of grandma’s, but oftentimes, fresh-cut plants also carry invisible allergens like pollen and mold spores. Even artificial trees can significantly increase dust and mold counts inside your home. Use a damp cloth to clean your tree and ornaments when brought down from the attic. To remove pollens from your real tree, spray it with a garden hose before bringing it inside. Wear a dust mask and gloves when handling real greenery and place all ornaments in airtight containers when putting them away for next year.

Pet Presents
With cooler temperatures outside, pets will be more inclined to cuddle up on the furniture – collecting dander and other allergens. So if you’re headed to a home with pets, it’s a good idea to take an antihistamine beforehand. Prescription-steroid nasal sprays can also significantly reduce allergy symptoms. Even better, make sure you’re up to date on your allergy shots before the holidays begin. When around pets, practice frequent hand-washing and avoid touching your eyes and face. If you’re staying overnight, consider bringing a HEPA filtration unit to clean the air in your room.

Dust-Mite Decor
Dust mites are microscopic relatives of the spider and live in mattresses, bedding, carpets, and furniture. They’re well-known allergy and asthma triggers and don’t take holidays off. In fact, they can be even more aggravating during winter months, as the air becomes especially damp. When at home, change your air filters more often and wash bedding in hot water weekly. Dust mites can also be reduced by using a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50 percent. If traveling, bring your own hypoallergenic pillow and allergen-proof cover for adequate protection.

When creating a defense strategy for the next allergy season, it’s best to know your specific triggers. Your allergist can not only help you discover what’s causing your symptoms, he or she can also help you manage and even prevent outbreaks from occurring during all seasons.

If you’re looking to alleviate your allergy symptoms, make an appointment with your allergy specialist today.

There are plenty of things we need to survive as humans. There’s water, food, and shelter from the elements. Our most immediate need, though, is air, so it’s no wonder that restricted breathing from sinus problems is physically and mentally uncomfortable.

Most people only deal with that upsetting feeling for a short period of time. Unfortunately, though, not everyone is that lucky.

If you have struggled with your breathing for a long time, you may have chronic sinusitis. If that’s the case, a balloon sinuplasty may be able to help.

What Is Chronic Sinusitis?

To understand a solution to a problem, you need to understand the problem first. In our case, that means we need to take a closer look at chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis refers to inflammation within the sinuses. The inflammation narrows the pathways in your sinuses, leading to decreased breathing as well as other sinus congestion symptoms.

In most cases, sinusitis comes from a sinus infection or another short-term illness. If it lasts longer than twelve weeks, though, it’s called chronic sinusitis.

In truth, chronic sinusitis is a rather general term. It refers to any type of long-term sinus inflammation. It can be the rest of uniquely resilient infections, allergen exposure, or even sinus structural issues that come from either nature or from facial injuries.

Regardless of the cause, the common thread with chronic sinusitis is that it’s long-term and it doesn’t respond to traditional sinusitis treatments.

What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?

The word “chronic” doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do anything about your sinusitis. One of the newest and simplest ways to treat it is with balloon sinuplasty.

During balloon sinuplasty, an experienced surgeon starts by inserting a narrow tube into your sinuses through your nostrils. They guide this tube through the area of the sinuses that is restricted.

The surgeon then sends a unique balloon into that restricted area using the tube. They gently inflate the balloon to the size they want the sinus passageway to be.

When the procedure is done, the surgeon deflates the balloon and removes it along with the tube. After the balloon is gone, your sinus pathways stay open.

How Can Balloon Sinuplasty Help with Chronic Sinusitis?

People with chronic sinusitis typically go through a few stages of their condition before they reach the point of balloon sinuplasty. Their doctor may try to treat their sinusitis with a few different treatment methods. They may also use different types of imaging or exploratory procedures to better see what’s going on with their sinuses.

For many people, a balloon sinuplasty serves as an alternative to traditional, more extensive surgeries. In earlier surgeries, a surgeon would need to remove or reform tissue in the sinuses. This results in a significant and uncomfortable recovery period.

Balloon sinuplasty, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive procedure. It has an impressive track record of success but with far less post-operative pain and recovery time than most other chronic sinusitis procedures.

What Can I Expect from My Balloon Sinuplasty?

There are a few different ways your surgeon or ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) can perform a balloon sinuplasty. Depending on your needs and the details of your condition, they may be able to do the procedure in their office under local anesthesia. In other cases, you may need to go to the operating room and receive general anesthesia.

The entire procedure only takes about an hour. When it’s over, you can typically expect minimal bleeding and little pain.

You may or may not have medical packing in your nose to control bleeding and help your sinuses heal. If you don’t need any packing, you’re likely to be able to feel the improvement in your breathing right away.

After a balloon sinuplasty, the recovery is quick. If your physician uses local anesthesia, you’re likely to be back at work and back to your daily routines within two days.

If you require general anesthesia, it will take longer because your body needs to recover from the anesthesia itself and everything that goes with it. Still, the recovery period is brief compared to most surgical procedures.

With all of this in mind, it’s important to remember that every patient is unique. There are many factors that will impact your balloon sinuplasty and how quickly you heal. For the greatest chance for success, be sure to follow all your doctor’s pre-surgical and post-surgical instructions.

How Long Will My Balloon Sinuplasty Results Last?

Balloon sinuplasty is a relatively new treatment, but we already know a lot about the long-term results. Depending on your condition itself, it’s likely that the balloon sinuplasty will improve your symptoms for your lifetime. Many patients don’t need a repeat procedure.

There are, however, some cases when chronic sinusitis is progressive. If your condition progresses in the future, you may need another balloon sinuplasty or a different procedure. Fortunately, balloon sinuplasty doesn’t limit your options for future treatments.

Will a Balloon Sinuplasty Work for My Chronic Sinusitis?

As we mentioned above, every patient is unique. Not every person with chronic sinusitis will be a candidate for balloon sinuplasty. It depends on what is causing your condition as well as other health-related factors.

Ultimately, the only way to know if you’re a balloon sinuplasty candidate is to schedule an appointment with one of our sinus specialists. We’ll be able to evaluate your condition, discuss the procedure, and make a recommendation about your treatment options.

Taking the Next Steps Toward Breathing Easy

Easy breathing is one of those gifts many people take for granted. For those with chronic sinusitis, however, an effortless breath is something to be treasured. Depending on your condition, a balloon sinuplasty may make all your breaths clear and easy in the future.

To take the first step, schedule an appointment with our sinus specialists today.