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Are You Suffering from a Sinus Infection?

Tue, 31 May 2022 14:17:52 GMT

Learn How Sinus Infections Can Affect You

Have you been experiencing a constant stuffy nose that just won’t go away? Maybe you’re noticing a pressure behind your cheeks and nose? You may be suffering from a sinus infection. These infections typically occur when fluid builds up in your sinuses. The fluid buildup becomes a great place for germs and bacteria to grow.

Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

There are a wide variety of common sinus symptoms that indicate you have a sinus infection, such as a runny nose, stuffy nose, facial pressure, frequent headaches, a post-nasal drip, sore throat, bad breath, and a cough. People who have a sinus infection may experience one or all of these sinus symptoms.

Sinus Infection Risk Factors

There are several factors that can increase your risk of getting a sinus infection, such as a previous cold, seasonal allergies, a weakened immune system, previous sinus problems, and more.

Sinus Treatments

Since a sinus infection is similar to a cold and allergies, it can be difficult to determine whether you have one. By visiting your local doctor’s office, you can get an expert examination that will determine if the cough, facial pressure, and runny nose you have is indeed from a sinus infection or the common cold. This way, you can take the best course of action based on your illness. Your doctor may prescribe allergy relief medicine or an antibiotic.

Contact Our Office for Sinus Infection Relief

If you’re suffering from sinus infection symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Erik Sloman-Moll, MD PA today. We proudly provide the Laredo, TX community with treatments for ear, nose, or throat problems, including sinus infections. Whether your sinus infection stems from seasonal allergies or a weakened immune system, our team is dedicated to providing all our patients with the best care possible so they can start feeling better sooner. Find the sinus infection and seasonal allergy relief you need today by contacting our office to set up an appointment.

Reasons for Throat Discomfort

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 21:00:11 GMT

Reasons for Throat Discomfort in Laredo, TX

Throat discomfort is not a pleasurable experience. Your throat may be dry, raw, scratchy, tender, and irritated. It may hurt even more when you talk or swallow. There are many causes of this including:

· The common cold or the flu: This is the cause of countless cases of throat irritation

· Mononucleosis: This is an infectious disease that is transmitted through saliva

· Allergies: The change in weather such as warm summer days to cold winter months can cause throat irritation. Other triggers can include pollen, grass, and pet dander.

· Strep throat: The most common bacterial infection that causes sore throats is strep throat. It is an infection of the throat and tonsils.

· Dry air: The cold winter months usually bring dry, cold air that causes throat discomfort.

· Smoke, chemicals, or other pollutants: Cigarette smoke, air pollution, and cleaning products can irritate the throat and cause some discomfort.

If you are experiencing throat discomfort, contact our ENT doctor today. We will examine your throat and determine the cause of your discomfort. Once we determine the cause of your throat discomfort, we will prescribe the necessary treatment or medication needed to relieve it.

Breathing Problems & What Can Help

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 19:25:03 GMT

Breathing Problems & What Can Help

Millions of Americans have breathing problems that all can stem from different conditions. Allergies, asthma, inflammation, and infection can all be leading to your breathing problems. The right diagnosis and treatment, along with a better understanding of your condition, can help you manage your breathing problems. If you have symptoms like chest pain, a long-lasting cough, or fatigue, it is important that you reach out to your doctor as soon as possible for assistance.

Many breathing problems are long-term such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, and asthma. Your nasal passage is a pathway for viruses and allergens to enter your lungs. So it comes as no surprise that your nose and sinuses are often linked with many lung disorders and you may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, chest congestion, coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, and shallow breathing.

Breathing problems can be diagnosed by doing a physical exam, asking about your overall health, and using various tests by your doctor. Your doctor may take an X-ray to see inside your chest, including your heart, lungs, and bones. A chest X-ray is also a good test to diagnose pneumonia, but it can't identify most breathing problems by itself. Each breathing problem is treated in its own way depending on the diagnosis. Having a doctor you trust to figure out the root of the problems you are having is crucial. You need to do your research and find a doctor that you can rely on every step of the way. The right diagnosis is important before you can treat and prevent breathing problems, and it is important to remember each of us is different. Prevention and treatment measures can help relieve and possibly end the problems.

Dr. Erik Sloman-Moll, MD PA is your local trusted ENT doctor. He treats every patient like family and will always go the extra mile to figure out the reasons for your breathing problems. Ear, nose and throat doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with diseases and problems associated with the ear, nose & throat. If you are experiencing chronic pain in your sinuses, ears, nose, or throat, you need to see a specialist. If you are located in Laredo, TX, or the surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to give us a call . We look forward to working with you!

Sleep Apnea Treatment Tips

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 12:37:21 GMT

Sleep apnea is a very serious medical condition, especially if left untreated. When you suffer from sleep apnea you stop breathing while you are sleeping and it can clearly pose many health risks. It is highly recommended to see a doctor if you are diagnosed with the disorder, however, there are some treatment tips and tricks that can help with your everyday living and even improve your overall health & well-being.

Lose Weight - More than 50% of people that suffer from sleep apnea are overweight. Making subtle changes to your diet can dramatically impact your sleeping and overall sleep apnea.

Stop Smoking - Smoking increases the swelling in your upper airway making sleep apnea (and snoring) a lot worse than it should be. By cutting smoking from your life, your sleep apnea can become dramatically improved.

Don't Use Sleeping Pills - Unknown to many sleeping pill users, the pills decrease the muscle tone in the back of your throat decreasing the amount of airflow you take in.

Limit or Stop Drinking - Just like sleeping pills, drinking (especially before bed) decreases your air intake making the sleep apnea symptoms even worse.

Allergy Treatments - If you suffer from allergies and sleep apnea, you know how bad it can get especially during a flare-up. When a person suffers from nasal allergies it will swell the tissues in your airways and make them narrower, so it’s harder to breathe.

Sleeping Positions - If you are a notorious back sleeper, your sleep apnea can become difficult to manage. There are different devices and home remedies, like putting two tennis balls into a tube sock and stuffing it towards the back of your pajamas--this will assist you in side-sleeping.

Contact Dr. Erik Sloman-Moll, MD PA for Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea goes untreated too often, and those who suffer from this condition rarely take actionable steps to sleep better. Major warning signs of sleep apnea include loud and chronic snoring nightly, pauses in breathing while sleeping, choking and snorting during sleep, waking up in the night feeling short of breath, and/or daytime fatigue.

In addition to the sleep apnea treatments listed above, for those who are diagnosed with a moderate or a severe case of sleep apnea, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask is highly recommended. This mask is designed to deliver enough pressure to your airways to keep them open, thus eliminating any instances of closure.

If you suffer from sleep apnea or want to talk to Dr. Erik Sloman-Moll about potential treatment options, contact our Laredo, TX office today to set up an appointment!

Do's & Don’ts When It Comes To Hearing Aids

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:16:27 GMT

It is important to know the dos and don’ts when it comes to hearing aids in order to keep them working properly and to avoid potential damage. The following is a list of do’s and don’ts to keep your hearing aids performing optimally.

Do's

Wear your hearing aids all day, and every single day. If you are new to wearing hearing aids you may need to adjust gradually by starting with 3 to 5 hours per day and increasing that time over the first couple of weeks.
Store your hearing aids in a hearing aid dehumidifier case when you are not wearing them. Be sure to turn them off, and open the battery compartment, unless your aids come with a charging box. Make sure to store them away from sunlight and heating vents.
Clean wax or debris from your hearing aids on a daily basis. If your hearing aids have been exposed to humidity or perspiration, dry the battery contacts with a cotton swab. Do not attempt to dry them with a hair dryer or by any other method.
Protect your hearing aids from products such as hair spray, perfumes, oils, perspiration and other forms of moisture.
Keep your hearing aids away from smaller children and all pets. Hearing aid batteries are very dangerous if they are swallowed, and may even result in death.
Make sure to remove your hearing aids for X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs or other electromagnetic procedures.

Don'ts

Do not let your hearing aids get wet. When you are in the bath, shower, swimming pool, spa or salon be sure to remove your hearing aids and store them somewhere safe. Moisture and steam can damage them quickly.

Do not leave your hearing aids in your vehicle, by a window exposed to sunshine, near a stove or radiator or any other place that has excessive heat exposure. This is a surefire way to damage your hearing aids.

Do not sleep with your hearing aids in, be sure to always remove them and store them safely overnight. If your hearing aids are rechargeable, recharge them. If not, be sure to open the battery compartment.

Do not store your hearings aids for an extended period of time with the batteries inside – they can leak and corrode the instrument.

Making sure to take good care of and properly maintaining your hearing aids will help to keep them in top condition and ensure that you get the very most from them. If you are looking for hearing aid services in Laredo, Tx please make an appointment with our ENT doctor today!

Hearing Aid Advancements

proadAccountId-325444 — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 14:37:44 GMT

How the Latest Technology Can Help You Hear More Clearly

There’s no doubt about it; today’s hearing aids are discreet, comfortable, and highly effective. But even though you know that you’re not likely to find your grandmother’s (or great-great grandmother’s) hearing aids at a modern doctor’s office, technology is moving quickly enough that it’s hard to keep up with all the advancements being made.

We’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of the three most amazing, cutting-edge advancements in hearing aid technology. We hope this list will give you some food for thought, and if you’d like to learn how to access any of this new technology, please give us a call today!

Cloud-Based Machine Learning

This sounds complicated, so let’s break it down. Basically, modern hearing aids can now access the cloud (i.e., the internet), sharing information with manufacturers and other hearing aids. Because of this, hearing aid manufacturers now have access to reams of data that simply didn’t exist before. They can use this data to drive innovation and improvement, and the hearing aids themselves can learn from the data in the cloud, becoming better and better the longer you use them.

Smartphone Integration

Many hearing aids already come with integration for a certain type of phone (the one made by a company named after a fruit). Users who had this type of phone could stream music, talk hands-free, watch movie and videos, and more, all right from their hearing aids. However, users who didn’t have this type of phone often felt left out. Now, manufacturers are coming up with systems that use Bluetooth technology to connect with any smartphone. Users will no longer be locked into one type of phone to access the latest bells and whistles.

Hearing Aid Sensors

Hearing aid manufacturers are experimenting with adding more sensors into smaller and more discreet packages than ever before. Right now, one company is creating hearing aid sensors to detect falls and notify emergency services if one occurs. As time passes and technology develops, hearing aids could become personal assistants, giving turn-by-turn directions, monitoring health data like blood sugar and steps taken, managing schedules, handling calls, and much more – the sorts of things we use our phones, memories, and other people for now.

These are just a few of the promising hearing aid advancements of today. There are many more in development! However, no matter how hearing aid technology advances, you can count on us to remain ahead of the curve and committed to connecting you with the hearing aid that works for you. If you have questions or want to learn more about any of this new hearing aid technology, please contact us today!

Neti Pots for Nasal Irrigation

lemaster@digitalproductsuite.com — Thu, 17 May 2018 17:31:15 GMT

In recent years, the use of neti pots for the process of nasal irrigation has been touted as a safe and effective form of relief for those suffering from sinus issues. Neti pots resemble small ceramic teapots and are used to flush a saline solution through the nasal passages. With the rise in popularity of these devices, ENT’s are often asked about their safety and effectiveness.

The Pros of Using Neti Pots

Nasal irrigation can be beneficial for clearing nasal passages after sinus surgery. Neti pots, of course, are an easy and inexpensive way to accomplish this in the comfort and convenience of one's home. Those suffering from seasonal allergies or chronic sinus issues can find relief from their typical symptoms, such as sinus pain & pressure, through regular nasal irrigation with a neti pot.

The Cons of Using Neti Pots

When used too often, a neti pot can flush too much good bacteria from the nasal cavity, particularly when used incorrectly. Only sterile or distilled water, along with salt that is free from iodine and preservatives, should be used to irrigate the sinuses. Tap water or regular bottled water can contain bacteria and microorganisms, and salt containing iodine and anti-caking agents can cause irritation. The contaminants in tap and bottled water are tolerated in our acidic stomachs but can lead to illness and infection when introduced into the delicate sinus system. In some extreme cases, these contaminants have even lead to death.

How To Use a Neti Pot

To safely and effectively irrigate your sinuses with a neti pot, you must first make sure the neti pot is clean and dry. Use 1 teaspoon iodine-free and preservative-free salt and 8 ounces of lukewarm sterile or distilled water to create a saline solution and pour this solution into the neti pot. Next, you will want to lean over a sink and tilt your head slightly to one side. Place the spout of the neti pot to the opening of the upward facing nostril and slowly tip the pot to start the flow of solution. You may find that you need to adjust the angle of your head to keep the solution from running into your throat. Once you have found the correct positioning, the solution should flow freely through your sinus cavity and out the other nostril. Once you have finished, blow your nose using a tissue to remove any excess fluid, re-fill the neti pot, and repeat the process with the other nostril. Always rinse your neti pot after use using sterile or distilled water, and allow it to air dry.

Speak with Your ENT Specialist to Learn More

Neti pots are generally considered safe when used correctly, and most neti pots on the market are sold with an instruction card to help guide you through use. Always consult with an ENT Specialist before beginning a sinus irrigation regiment to be sure this treatment is safe for you. If you are in the Laredo, TX area and would like to discuss whether neti pots may benefit you, give Dr. Erik Sloman-Moll a call today !

Cleaning Your Ears

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 15:44:50 GMT

There should never be any reason for you to clean your own inner ear. If you do suspect a reason to have earwax removed, or if you believe you have caused damage by attempting to clean your inner ear, consult a professional ENT Specialist, like Dr. Erik Sloman-Moll in Laredo, TX . The friendly staff at Dr. Erick Sloman-Molls office would be happy to speak with you!

Hearing Loss & Your Family

lemaster@digitalproductsuite.com — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:45:21 GMT

How to talk with your loved one about hearing loss

Hearing loss can be a struggle, not only for the individual experiencing the hearing loss but also for their friends and loved ones. No one enjoys shouting to be heard, and those experiencing hearing loss can often feel a sense of isolation, due to not being able to hear those around them. Sometimes individuals experiencing hearing loss are hesitant to address the issue or in denial. Hearing loss is unfortunately associated with old age and can be perceived as a sign of deteriorating health. Many individuals with hearing loss feel there is a stigma associated with wearing a hearing device. There are a few effective ways to approach this delicate subject with your loved one.

Have your loved one speak with an audiologist. Some individuals have an easier time speaking about hearing loss with a medical professional, rather than a friend or family member.

Don’t make it seem like hearing loss is your loved one’s problem. Explain how their hearing loss is affecting those around them. Knowing that their family members are concerned about their isolation can be enough to convince some individuals that they should consider a hearing appliance. This also makes it less about them, and more of a whole family matter.

If your loved one is worried about how a hearing aid may look, inform them of many advances in hearing aids. Some modern hearing aids are very comfortable and discrete.

Maintaining a positive attitude when approaching this subject is key. Make sure your loved one knows that you’re in this with them and that your goal is to make sure they are not alone in this. If you or your loved one may be in need of a hearing aid in the Laredo, TX area, give the experts at Sloman-Moll Erik MD PA a call.