ENT and Allergy Center

02/05/2026

🦠🌿 Let’s talk about sinusitis — and why it happens 🌿🦠

Most sinus infections don’t start as infections.

It usually begins with inflammation — from a virus, allergies, or environmental irritants. When the lining of the nose and sinuses becomes swollen, the tiny drainage pathways get blocked.

➡️ Swelling + blocked drainage
➡️ Mucus gets trapped and can’t flow
➡️ Stagnant mucus becomes a perfect place for bacteria to grow
➡️ Then a sinus infection can develop

That’s why antibiotics aren’t always the answer early on.
Many sinus symptoms are viral or inflammatory and will improve with time and supportive care.

🚨 When do antibiotics make sense?
• Symptoms are worsening after 8 days, or
• Symptoms are not improving after 10 days, or
• Severe symptoms (high fever, significant facial pain, worsening pressure)

💡 What actually helps early on?
✔️ Saline sprays or rinses – help thin mucus and improve drainage
✔️ Nasal steroid sprays – reduce inflammation and swelling
✔️ Nasal antihistamine sprays – helpful when allergies are a trigger

Treat the inflammation → restore drainage → prevent infection.

Your sinuses don’t need to be “dried out” — they need to drain.

As always, talk with your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

01/27/2026

01/25/2026

Stay safe and warm! Updates will be posted here.

01/15/2026

OFFICE NOTICE 1/15/2026

Our phones are back up and functioning as normal. Thank you for your patience!

12/16/2025

🤧 Chronic Rhinitis: It’s Not Just “A Stuffy Nose”

If you deal with ongoing congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or post-nasal drip—you may have chronic rhinitis.

👉 The key to feeling better? Consistency.

Nasal sprays work best when used DAILY, not just on the days you feel miserable.
Waiting until you’re completely stuffed up makes them less effective.

💧 Saline is your nose’s best friend:
• Moisturizes dry, irritated nasal lining
• Washes out allergens, dust, and irritants
• Helps clear crusting and thick mucus
• Preps the nose so medicated sprays work better

✨ Think of nasal care like brushing your teeth—routine matters.

If your symptoms linger despite consistent treatment, it may be time for a deeper look and a personalized plan.

12/11/2025

🩸 Let’s Talk Nosebleeds (and How to Prevent Them!)

Nosebleeds are super common—especially in the winter when the air gets dry—but they can still be annoying and sometimes a little scary. The good news? Most are easy to prevent!

Why do nosebleeds happen?
Your nose has lots of tiny blood vessels close to the surface. When the inside of your nose dries out or gets irritated, those vessels can crack and bleed.
Common triggers: dry air, allergies, frequent nose blowing, picking, colds, sinus infections, and even certain medications.

Simple Ways to Prevent Nosebleeds:
👃 Keep the inside of your nose moisturized.
• Use saline spray 1–2× daily
• Apply a thin layer of saline gel or Vaseline
• Run a humidifier in your bedroom at night

☀️ Stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water keeps your mucus membranes from drying out.

🤧 Be gentle with your nose.
• Avoid aggressive blowing
• Don’t pick the inside of your nose (kids especially!)

🌿 Manage allergies.
Allergy control cuts down on inflammation and irritation.

🚫 Avoid smoke exposure.
Smoke dries out and irritates nasal tissue, making bleeds more likely.

If you do get a nosebleed:
Lean forward, pinch the soft part of your nose, and hold steady pressure for 10–15 minutes. No tilting your head back!

If nosebleeds happen frequently, last a long time, or are happening on just one side repeatedly, it’s a good idea to get checked out by an ENT or your provider.

12/11/2025

There is a snowball effect - the impact of loud noise exposure on children goes beyond hearing loss.

In an op-ed for MedPage Today, AMA president and otolaryngologist Bobby Mukkamala, MD, warns of the risks associated with "prolonged high-volume noise, particularly through headphones and earbuds."

http://spr.ly/61847hc5e

12/09/2025

🤧 What Actually Causes Sinus Infections?

Most sinus infections start as viruses (just like the common cold!).
Only about 2% turn into bacterial infections — which means antibiotics aren’t helpful for most people.

⸻

Viral vs. Bacterial: How Can You Tell?

It’s not always obvious, but these patterns can help:

Viral sinus infections:
✔️ Usually improve on their own in 7–10 days

Bacterial sinus infections are more likely if:
⚠️ Symptoms last >10 days with no improvement
⚠️ Symptoms get worse after 7–8 days
⚠️ You have high fever (102°F+) and thick colored drainage for 3–4 days
⚠️ You start to feel better, then get worse again (“double sickening”)

⸻

When Do You Actually Need Antibiotics?

You may need them if you meet the patterns above — but most people don’t.
Antibiotics offer only small benefits, and they can cause side effects or contribute to resistance.

⸻

So What Helps You Feel Better?

These treatments help whether it’s viral or bacterial:

• OTC pain relievers
• Saline nasal rinses
• Nasal steroid sprays
• Short-term nasal decongestant sprays (no more than 5 days)

⸻

When to Call Your Provider 📞

Reach out if:
• You’re not improving after 7–10 days
• Your symptoms get worse at any point
• You develop high fever, severe headache, or vision changes
• You’re unsure what to do next

⸻

Most sinus infections get better with time and good symptom care — not antibiotics.
If you’re unsure, your healthcare provider can guide you on the best plan for your situation

11/28/2025

ENT and Allergy Center will be closed
Friday, November 28

11/27/2025

Huge news! ENT & Allergy Center has been nominated in 6 categories in the 2025 Best of Northwest Arkansas online poll!
If our team has helped you breathe easier, hear better or simply feel more like yourself, please take a moment to vote. You can vote once per day through Friday, December 12!

Vote once per day through December 12

11/13/2025

🌟 Happy Nurse Practitioner Week! 🌟

This week, we celebrate our incredible Nurse Practitioner,Haley, whose expertise and compassion make such a difference for our patients every day.

Haley joined The ENT and Allergy Center in 2013 after two years in Family Medicine and has since become an integral part of our team. She finds it especially rewarding to treat otolaryngic allergy, helping patients achieve better surgical outcomes and long-term control of chronic conditions.

Haley earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rockhurst University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana State University. She is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a Certified Otorhinolaryngology Nurse, Certified Asthma Educator, and an active member of multiple national specialty organizations.

We’re so grateful for Haley’s dedication, expertise, and the compassionate care she provides every day. 💙👩‍⚕️