Nasal polyps are small growths inside the sinuses and nose. In most cases, these growths do not cause any pain. Unfortunately, larger nasal polyps can block the nose and cause discomfort and problems breathing. By learning the common factors that cause these polyps to develop, you will be better able to take preventive measures to prevent them. Here is what you should know. Why Do You Have Nasal Polyps? Despite how prevalent nasal polyps have become, medical experts still do not know the precise reason why they develop. They know that inflammation plays a role in the emergence of nasal po ..read more

Spring is coming, but it is not equally enjoyable for everyone. If you have enlarged turbinates, this allergy season could be even tougher than normal. Here are some common symptoms of this condition and what they might mean for you. What Are Enlarged Turbinates? As you inhale through your nose, the air travels through a series of passageways called the nasal turbinates or conchae. Traveling via this route ensures air enters your body at an optimal temperature and moisture level. Usually, the turbinates have a long, thinned-out shape. However, some of these passageways can become enlarged ..read more

If you feel like your nose is always stuffy or have trouble consistently breathing through your nose, that could be an issue that merits a visit to the doctor. In particular, you might be suffering from a nasal valve collapse. This is one of several nasal conditions that can reduce breathing, complicate sleep, and lower your overall quality of life. Thankfully, our team at St. Louis Sinus Center can help. What Is Nasal Valve Collapse? Your nose has two valves in each nostril that help control the flow of air. When you breathe in, they open to let air in, but between breaths, they close to ..read more

Seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, are caused by exposure to airborne substances that only appear during certain times of the year. Winter allergies, in particular, are caused by cold weather irritants (e.g., dry, cold air or recycled indoor air) and indoor allergens (e.g., mold, dust, pet dander). It’s important to stay vigilant of any indoor irritants that can be triggering these symptoms during the winter months. Fortunately, there are ways to manage seasonal allergies, from simple solutions to more comprehensive medical care. Tips for Managing Allergies During th ..read more

Chronic sinus pain can be especially debilitating to deal with. Although many patients are able to manage their symptoms with medication, it is not always a viable option for everyone. In some cases, the patient may have to go through further treatment, like surgery. Due to the fact that sinus surgery often involves a lengthy recovery process, many patients opt for balloon sinus dilation to provide relief. Here is what you need to know. What Causes Chronic Sinus Pain? The sinuses are pockets of air located between the forehead, eyes, nose, and cheeks. Each sinus has an opening, which ..read more

Breathing is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, and we often take it for granted until it becomes a struggle. One common issue that can hinder our ability to breathe comfortably is nasal valve collapse. If you’ve ever experienced difficulty breathing through your nose, you might be familiar with the frustration and discomfort it can bring. However, there’s good news: nasal valve collapse treatment can help you breathe easy once again. Symptoms of Nasal Valve Collapse The nasal valve is a narrow passageway within your nostrils that is responsible for regulating airflow as it enters a ..read more

Immunotherapy has been hailed as an effective strategy for allergy sufferers who wish to end their suffering once and for all. Although it does take time and ongoing therapy, ultimately, it can help activate your immune system, lessen the intensity of your allergic reactions and need for medication, and increase your quality of life. Learn how immunotherapy can help you conquer your allergies below. How the Immune System Responds to Allergens When you suffer from allergies, your immune system has antibodies that falsely label harmless substances (such as dust or pollen) as poten ..read more

Runny nose? Watery eyes? Wheezing? Sound familiar? You may have sinusitis, otherwise known as a sinus infection. Or, you may be having an allergic reaction. The difference between sinus infections and allergies is difficult to discern. Because of the similarity of symptoms between the two conditions, it can make treatment difficult. Both conditions have different treatments. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between sinusitis and allergies and learn what you can do to treat them. What Causes Allergies?  Allergies are caused by an immune system response when your b ..read more

If you’ve been suffering from a constant runny nose with drainage down your throat, as well as possible congestion and other nasal issues, you may need ClariFix®, a nasal, sinus treatment. If you’ve tried numerous different medications to no avail or improvement, ClariFix® may be the solution for you. Here is everything you need to know about ClariFix®. What Is ClariFix®? ClariFix® is a clinically-proven medication that uses cryotherapy to reduce your sinus issues. This is done by using a cooling probe which is used to freeze a small part of an area deep within the nose. The inflamed area ..read more

Sleep apnea is a common condition, with more than 200,000 cases every year. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition where your air pathways become blocked during sleep due to various causes. The most common prescription to alleviate sleep apnea is a form of PAP machine to push air through the blockage while you rest. That being said, what’s the difference between the three types of machines used? Let’s uncover what makes a CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP unique to your sleep apnea needs. Types of PAP Machines and Their Differences First, it’s important to understand how PAP machines work, to begin with. PAP ..read more