Hay fever, technically known as allergic rhinitis, affects between 40 and 60 million Americans, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. While the name “hay fever” is how this condition is typically referred to, it doesn’t necessarily involve hay or fevers. It’s widely believed that the condition got its name because its symptoms would strike during the hay harvesting period, which coincidentally corresponded to the increase in pollen.… Read More
The sneeze. It’s one of your body’s most powerful methods of defense, but it can leave you feeling more than a little helpless when sneezing seems to take over and you can’t seem to stop. No matter what the cause of your need to sneeze may be, it is an automatic response you can’t stop by force of will. When one is coming on, the only thing you can do it roll with it. But, why do you need to sneeze? If you’re wondering “Why do I sneeze all the time?” or what the causes of frequent sneezing may be, you’ve come to the right place. This article explores what sneezes are, the reasons you sneeze, and what causes them.… Read More
Your tympanic membrane (TM) is an important component of your ear and your hearing. You most likely know it better as your eardrum. The tympanic membrane consists of several layers of tissue which are the:… Read More
Allergy season is bad each year in Houston. And, according to Houston Chronicle article, Dr. Joshua Septimus, an internist associated with Weill Cornell Medical School and Houston Methodist Hospital, hasn't seen a year yet that wasn't severe. It's really about to what degree of severity it is.… Read More
If you've been told by your Houston ENT doctor you require a nasal endoscopy, your first thoughts may be, "what is a nasal endoscopy and what is that thing they'll be putting up my nose?" Not to fear, it's not as scary as it sounds.… Read More
It’s that time of year again. The time of year when Houston temperatures are fluctuating like crazy and germs, viruses, and pollen simultaneously saturate the air. It can be enough to make your head spin – or at least feel like it is spinning.… Read More
A skin allergy test is an important diagnostic tool used to help determine which allergies or sensitivities some people may have. The tests themselves are conducted under the supervision of board-certified allergists who analyze a variety of key details throughout the testing process to ensure an accurate diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan.… Read More
A common problem that causes many patients to go to the doctors is a nasal obstruction. A frequent cause of nasal obstruction is a deviated nasal septum. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that fixes septal deviation and improves the patient's quality of life. In the U.S., it's the third leading neck and head procedure.… Read More
Around 2.2 million Americans have a deviated nasal septum. That's one in 124 people. Actually, it’s fairly common to have an uneven septum. As much as 80 percent of all nasal septums have some degree of deviation, according to estimates by the American Academy of Otolaryngology. You most likely won't need medical attention with a deviated septum unless it’s causing you health complications or impacts your quality of life negatively.… Read More
Over the past 20 years, both parents and teachers in the U.S. have reported widespread levels of kids with impulsive behavior, trouble focusing and hyperactivity. Policymakers, scientists, and educators have all labeled attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a nationwide crisis that led to them investing billions of dollars to look into its cause. Some factors they've looked into are brain development, genetics, the push for early academics, exposure to lead, and more. But, what if it's not ADHD after all causing these behaviors in children? What if it's something more obvious such as sleep? As many researchers are now suggesting, it is possible that children these days are just not getting enough sleep — and this is leading to troubling behaviors that actually mimic ADHD. … Read More