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.

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.