Ashford Clinic Blog | Allergens

06 Oct

Why Do I Keep Getting Sinus Infections?

Do you keep getting sinus infections over and over again? You’re not alone. Many people suffer from what seems like a cold or allergy attack that just wouldn’t go away. While these symptoms may seem like allergies or a cold, it is very likely that the root cause is actually sinusitis. Sinusitis is one of the most common health conditions in the US - over 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis each year, and even that number does not include the countless cases in which people suffering from these symptoms never seek proper medical help. In many instances, people will experience frequent sinusitis with symptoms lasting up to three months or more. If this sounds like what you are experiencing, you may be suffering from chronic sinus infections, or chronic sinusitis. Let’s explore why this happens and how you can get relief.
01 Nov

Common ENT issues in the Fall

There is a lot to like about autumn. The cooler weather, changing leaves, and many holidays make it a particularly fun and festive time of year. However, the change in the weather can also mean new challenges and illnesses for your ears, nose and throat. While many of these issues are more prevalent for children, there are plenty of ENT problems to go around for every age group. Here are some of the things to look out for during the fall:
25 Jul

Back to School Health Tips

Can you believe it's already time for most kids to head back to school? With this exciting (for the parents, at least) transition comes a whole host of new changes not only in terms of scheduling and environment, but also the germs and illnesses that children are exposed to. With that said, there are some things you can do preventatively to help keep your family healthy this school year.
20 Sep

Do I Have a Cold or Allergies?

Now that the seasons are finally thinking about changing - although, here in Georgia we may have highs in the 70's through Christmas - we're already seeing several instances of everyone's favorite game of self-diagnosis: Is It a Cold or Allergies? The symptoms can be very similar, but the root causes are very different. Knowing the difference in the two can help you to get the right treatment and feel better sooner.
12 Dec

What Causes Nasal Congestion?

Whether it is temporary or persistent, a stuffy nose is always a drag. What are the causes of nasal congestion? Read on to find out. You would think that breathing through your nose would be easy. But this is not always the case. And for those congested among us, not many problems are as annoying and disruptive as nasal blockage.
26 Dec

Breathing right can boost your immune system

Did you know there are ways to improve your health and bolster your immune system through proper, mindful breathing? The action of the immune system in defending the body from disease is a recent discovery. While ancient practitioners in Greece noticed the actions of immunity from disease, even earlier, yogis evolved ways to influence health and immunity through proper, mindful breathing.
02 Jan

Are my breathing habits hurting my health?

Look around at your fellow humans and you’re likely to observe that an impressive percentage of the population breathes incorrectly. Some of the most common features of inadequate breathing are taking shallow breaths; making audible sound while breathing, even at rest; and drawing breath with the muscles of the upper chest instead of using the diaphragm. Worst of all, and maybe the most common, is the habit of mouth breathing.
10 Apr

How to Thrive in Pollen Season

It's hard not to notice that we're deep into pollen season, with the fine layer of yellow covering everything left outdoors and the coughing, sneezing, and runny noses of those suffering from Seasonal Allergies. An estimated 36 million Americans deal with some form of Seasonal Allergies, and with hundreds of medications, home remedies, and other products available on the market all claiming to help rid you of your allergy symptoms, it's hard to know where to start or what would even work for you.
28 Aug

It's just Allergies... or is it?

What's causing your stuffy nose? It's not uncommon for most people to say "It's just allergies" without understanding what that actually means. There is a lot of confusion about the difference between allergies and sinusitis (sinus infections), and while there is some overlap in symptoms, these are two different conditions and treatment can be very different for each.
30 Oct

4 Mind (or Nose) Blowing Sneezing Facts

Everyone sneezes. Some people sneeze more loudly or forcefully than others, but it's something that everybody does. In a way, it's one of the few things that we all have in common. While sneezing is common to everyone on Earth, there are some really interesting things about sneezes and sneezing that most people don't realize.
11 Dec

Allergies and Nosebleeds

If you regularly struggle with allergy symptoms, you may notice that your nose bleeds. This may occur only occasionally, or it might be a frequent issue. The good news is that this is common among people who deal with allergies and while they are certainly a nuisance, they are rarely life-threatening. Let's dive a little deeper into what casues them.
02 Jan

The How's and Why's of Nasal Congestion

Now that the holidays have come and gone and life starts to drift back to normal, many of us start to wonder the same thing - "where did this nasal congestion come from?" This kind of congestion in incredibly common this time of year, and it can be an annoying and disruptive hinderance in our lives. Here's what causes nasal congestion and how it's treated...
22 Jan

10 Tips for Staying Healthy in Winter

It can be disheartening to start January with so much motivation and enthusiasm only to be hit with a nasty cold that takes weeks to fully get over. While there is no way to guarantee that you completely avoid illness during the winter months, there are some practical things you can do to help you stay healthy this time of year.
11 Mar

Hand Washing 101

Everyone wants to stay healthy, especially at times when there is a lot of illness going around. So, how can you protect yourself when it seems like everyone around you is getting sick? While there is no way to fully guarantee you will avoid any and all sickness, one of the most effective ways to prevent illness for you and your family is actually very simple - wash your hands.
03 Apr

Is it "Just Allergies?" Know the Difference.

"It's just my allergies." That's what many people tell themselves, and others, any time they experience a sore throat or runny nose. With Spring in full bloom and pollen covering everything, it's entirely possible that what many of us are experiencing are allergy symptoms. With that said, it's important now more than ever to know the difference between allergy symptoms and those of a cold or other respiratory issues. The symptoms can be very similar, but the root causes are very different. Knowing the difference between the two can help you to get the right treatment and feel better sooner.
15 Apr

What's Making You Sneeze This Spring?

Just when you thought it was safe to step outside, the Spring Allergy Season comes raging back. Whether you have the slightest bit of a runny nose after a long walk or can't go to the mailbox without feeling like you have a full-blown sinus infection, you're one the millions of Americans who suffer from Spring Allergies every year. But what's causing these symptoms, and where does that yellow haze come from? Let's take a look at the common culprits of your spring allergy symptoms.
30 Apr

How to enjoy the outdoors during spring when you suffer from seasonal allergies

Georgia residents who deal with allergies from spring pollen often choose to stay inside during one of the most pleasant seasons because they don't want to suffer the consequences of exposure to tree pollen, grass pollen, and other forms of pollen. 
At Ashford Clinic, we understand the desire to get outside without having to worry about getting a runny nose, scratchy throat, or even a sinus infection as a result of enjoying the outdoors. We want to share a few tips with you that can help you enjoy the outdoors this spring without suffering from your seasonal allergies.
13 May

Can I Experience Allergy Symptoms in Summer?

The short answer is yes, you can experience allergy symptoms in the summer. Between springtime pollen and other allergens lingering into the summer season and the grass-based pollens that pop up during the hot season, there are a number of substances capable of triggering your allergy seasons deep into summer. Here's a quick rundown of what can cause your allergies to flare up in the summertime.
20 May

Why Do My Throat and Ears Hurt?

Experiencing shart pains in the throat and/or ears can be incredibly unpleasant, and very concerning if it persists. While the most common cause of a sore throat is the common cold, there can be other underlying causes. In most cases, a sore throat will subside in a few days. If it doesn't, it's probably time to consult your doctor or even see your ENT.
27 May

How can I Exercise with Seasonal Allergies?

If you struggle with seasonal allergies, it can be difficult to maintain an active lifestyle outdoors when being outdoors seems to trigger your symptoms. After all, getting outside and being active is supposed to help you feel better, not worse. Fret not, there are some things you can do to make the great outdoors less aggravating while allergy triggers lurk at every turn. Let's take a look at some specific steps you can take to keep your allergy symptoms in check while you exercise.
17 Jun

Sinus Issues: 3 Sneaky Suspects

When your nose gets stuffy and you feel that familiar sinus pressure in your head, the first causes we typically look to are the familiar culprits: pollen, dust, and mold. While these "big three" are very often the offenders in causing your sinusitis, there are certainly other everyday substances that can cause or contribute to your sinus symptoms. Let's take a quick look at some of these everyday culprits and how to avoid them.
24 Jun

Pets and Allergies

They're adorable, we love them, they're part of the family. It's true that our pets add so much to our quality of life, but as with anything else, there are also plenty of downsides that come with pet ownership. One particular area of confusion when it comes to pet ownership complications is how they contribute to our allergy symptoms. It's true that pets can be a source of irritation when it comes to your allergies, but not in the way that most people think.
08 Jul

Stress and Your Allergies

Stress is something we all experience, but it's become an increasing issue for millions of people. There seems to be an ongoing list of things to be stressed about, from everyday work and life to current events, and there are hundreds of books, podcasts, products, and other resources dedicated to helping people handle their stress. It's an increasingly common issue that can impact your overall health in numerous ways, and your allergy symptoms are certainly part of that list. Let's explore how stress impacts allergy symptoms and what can be done about it.
15 Jul

What's Causing My Sinus Headaches?

Sinus headaches are awful. Those who have them regularly know that they can ruin your day and bring your productivity to a grinding halt. Often mistaken for migraines, sinus headaches are more often associated with sinus infections, facial pain, discolored mucus, and even fever. So, what causes them, and what can be done to treat them? Let's find out.
05 Aug

Heat, Humidity, and Sinus Infections

It's August in Georgia, which means it's almost guaranteed to be hot and humid most of the time. While that's sure to make being outside uncomfortable for everyone, that's especially true for those of us who deal with sinusitis and other sinus issues. It turns out that the extreme summer heat can have an adverse effect on your sinuses, making you more susceptible to sinus infections or your lingering sinus infections worse.
12 Aug

Can Allergies Make You Tired?

We all know someone who blames every little symptom they experience on their allergies, but it turns out they may be on to something in many cases. The symptoms of seasonal and environmental allergies are fairly common knowledge these days - congestion, sneezing, sinus headaches, nasal swelling, etc. - but a lesser-known symptom is fatigue. If you suffer from seasonal or chronic allergies, they could be making you feel tired. How and why does this happen?
16 Sep

Is That My Nose Whistling?

Some of us are more musically inclined than others but rarely does musical talent apply to our noses. Everyone experiences some "nose whistling" at some point or another, but persistent musicality from your nose may be due to an underlying issue. Nose whistling usually clears up on its own and is normally not a serious condition, but if your nose just won't stay quiet, you might need to see a doctor. So, why do our noses whistle and how do we get rid of it? Let's find out...
23 Sep

How To Tame Your Fall Allergies

It's official, Fall has arrived. Here in Georgia, that means enjoying the seasonal sights and flavors in shorts and T-shirts while we have mostly highs in the 80's until December. The change in temperature may occur slowly, but the Fall Allergy Triggers don't exactly work on the same schedule. Yes, Fall Allergies are very real and affect millions of Americans every year. For many of us, Fall Allergy Season started weeks ago with the first appearances of ragweed. With that in mind, here are our recommendations for how to deal with your allergies this Fall...
07 Oct

Is Mold Causing my Allergy Symptoms?

Some allergens are obvious, Spring Pollen and Fall Ragweed are easy to see and are certainly responsible for the allergy symptoms of millions of people. Other allergy triggers are just as common, but far less visible. Substances like mold and dust are huge contributors to allergy symptoms that lurk in different places than their plant-based counterparts. Mold, especially, is tricky to spot and just as likely to cause your symptoms - especially in the Fall and Winter months. You just have to know where to look.
14 Oct

Soothing Itchy Ears and Throats

As with most upper respiratory issues, itching in the ears and throat is primarily caused by irritation. That irritation can lead to interrelated sinus issues like congestion and postnasal drip.  Causes of the irritation can range from environmental to mild illnesses. Let's take a look at what causes these issues and how to soothe them.
27 Jan

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

You wake up with a headache, sinus pressure, coughing, a sore throat, and you’re exhausted. Is it a sinus infection? Maybe you have an important appointment, but are you contagious? These are all questions likely going through your mind as you try to determine the best course of action so you can get better and keep those around you from getting sick.
03 Feb

Can Sudden Weather Changes impact Your Sinuses?

Does it seem like you experience sinus pain when the weather changes? Sudden changes can trigger chronic nasal congestion, sinus infections, headaches, and intense seasonal allergies. This is not uncommon, but there are things that you can do to find relief. Let's take a look at what causes these symptoms and what you can do to counteract them.
17 Feb

How To Deal With Sinus Symptoms Caused by Pet Allergies

For many of us, pets are family members. They bring joy, companionship, and comfort to our lives, so why wouldn’t we want to keep them inside where it’s comfortable? Sometimes though, their presence can trigger allergies leading to sinus issues. If you suspect that your precious pet is causing your sinus symptoms, there are steps you can take to create a better situation for everyone involved.
16 Jun

Do I have Allergies, a Sinus Infection, or a Summer Cold?

It could be a stuffy feeling, congestion, or even a sneeze that triggers that first question... “Am I sick, or are these allergies?” It’s certainly not unreasonable to wonder - so many symptoms can overlap when it comes to allergies and illnesses. How can you tell these conditions apart? Most of the time, you can probably go through your symptoms and rule out one or the other.
01 Sep

What Kind of Cough Do I Have?

At times, it might feel like a cough is a cause for alarm. Coughing is one of your body’s ways of clearing irritants, so a cough could just mean that you inhaled some dust or other irritant. It’s a defensive reflex after all! Coughing can also be a symptom of illness or allergies, so it’s helpful to recognize when the cough is just a cough and when it’s an indicator of something else.
11 Nov

Sinus Headache Help

Sinus headaches are no fun. When your sinuses become blocked, one of the uncomfortable side effects is a sinus headache. The pressure is usually felt around your eyes, between your eyes, and above your nose. To get rid of a sinus headache, you’ll need to address whatever is causing the blockage in your sinuses, and that could require a trip to see your ENT. In the meantime though, there are ways that you can treat the pain and soothe those painful sinuses.
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