ENT and Allergy Center

04/03/2026

ENT and Allergy Center will be closed Friday 4/3 to observe Good Friday.

03/17/2026

March is Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Our PA Jaime Turner spoke this past weekend at the Arkansas Academy of Physician Associates annual conference on a topic that’s rapidly changing the landscape of cancer care—HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

What we once primarily associated with older patients and a history of smoking has shifted. HPV is now the leading cause of this cancer type, increasingly affecting younger individuals—often men—with no smoking history. Many present with subtle signs like a persistent neck lymph node or asymmetric tonsils.

HPV-related cancers are a growing public health concern. While HPV has long been linked to cervical cancer, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers have now surpassed cervical cancer rates.

Education, awareness, and vaccination are key to prevention. Let’s keep the conversation going. 💙

NWA Chapter of Arkansas Academy of Physician Assistants
Arkansas Academy of PAs

02/13/2026

Dust & Dander are high! Heres what you can do:
Vacuum at least once a week with a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter.
Dust with a microfiber cloth that will hold the dust rather than push it around.
Close windows on windy days.
Take allergy medication at the onset of symptoms.
Clean the nose with saline spray.

02/13/2026

We also welcome back to this year's conference for, not one, but two presentations - Jaime Turner, MPAS, PA-C!
Jaime Turner grew up in Northwest Arkansas and graduated from Rogers High School. While in high school, she worked as a CNA as part of the Tri-City Youth Apprenticeship work study program. She continued working as a CNA through college, earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas in biology with a minor in psychology. She went on to Harding University for her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies. Jaime was interested learning more about otolaryngology after suffering from her own ENT problems. She arranged an elective clinical rotation in otolaryngology with Dr. Cashman and knew this was where she belonged. She’s been practicing in otolaryngology with Dr. Cashman since graduating in 2014. Since then, she has received extensive additional training in head and neck procedures and diseases. Jaime enjoys teaching and has been honored to teach other PAs on the state and national level. Jaime enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, daughter and pups. She has a huge garden and many house plants and loves trail running, mountain biking, backpacking and slalom skiing.

So excited to learn from you, Jaime!
https://arapa.mypanetwork.com/physician-assistant-events/1618-cme-conference-2026 #!agenda

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