Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.

Mice Reveal Sleep Apnea Risks

Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airways repeatedly become restricted during sleep. A wide variety of health conditions can stem from sleep apnea, as it causes the oxygen supply to be restricted over a significant period of time.

This video describes experimental research on mice in habitats where oxygen levels are periodically lowered to mimic the conditions of a patient with sleep apnea. The mice have experienced side effects that are common in human patients with the sleep condition, such as high blood pressure. By understanding the physiological changes occurring in the rodents, scientists can further advance sleep apnea treatment and prevention. 

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, contact Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. at (678) 733-9732. Our sleep specialists can help you improve your health by providing you with the proper diagnosis and treatment.

“We help you breathe better, sleep better and feel better”

Allergies That Are Not Due to Allergies

Is it possible to have allergies that may not be considered "allergies"? Dr. Rodney Johnson of Atlanta ENT wrote an article on this very topic for you to get great information from. 

"Often when people say that they have “allergies,” they are actually referring to their bothersome nose symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing.  The medical term for these nose symptoms is called rhinitis.  Rhinitis can be due to allergic causes, but it can also be from non-allergic  causes.  Allergic rhinitis refers to nasal symptoms that are often caused by inhaled substances including pollen, cat dander and molds. However, there are many causes that can mimic allergy resulting in allergy-like symptoms yet not be true allergy.  Non-allergic rhinitis symptoms can be just as problematic as true allergic rhinitis symptoms, and it is therefore imperative that the distinction between the two be made for successful treatment."

To read the entire article, please visit Atlanta ENT's website.

If you feel that you are having persistent and bothersome nasal symptoms then we welcome you to give us a call here at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates at (678) 733-9732.  We have Allergy and ENT specialists available who will provide you with top quality care to help you breathe better, sleep better, and feel better.

Understanding How Spider Veins Form

Spider veins are a nuisance that many adult men and women face. They are most commonly seen on the legs, but can also appear on the face and upper body. Unlike varicose veins, which can be large and painful, spider veins are small in diameter and tend to appear in web-like designs colored red, purple, or blue. Although they do not pose a medical concern, spider veins can make patients feel self-conscious.

Spider veins may be caused by a backflow of blood within superficial veins in the legs, where the blood vessels are under incredible pressure from the weight of the body. In these cases, the veins are typically the result of prolonged actions such as sitting or standing for extended periods, crossing the legs while sitting, and even wearing tight clothing. There are also other factors that may contribute to spider veins:

• Hormones: When the body experiences hormonal changes, spider veins may appear. Because women have more hormone-related shifts in their body chemistry, they are more likely to see spider veins.

• Sun exposure: Spider veins on the face are most often the result of sun exposure, especially in fair-skinned individuals. The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause the skin to become thinner, while the blood vessels become weakened.

• Poor nutrition: A diet that is not rich in a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants can contribute to unhealthy veins. Shift your diet to include a broader range of fresh fruits and vegetables—this will give your blood vessels the nutrient boost needed to prevent spider veins. Staying hydrated throughout the day also improves circulation.  

If you are sick of hiding your legs or face because of spider veins, contact Tritt Aesthetic & Plastic Center, an Atlanta ENT associate. We offer quick and simple Asclera sclerotherapy to restore the beauty of your skin. Visit our website or call (678) 733-9732 for more information.

“We Help You Look Better”

Sleep Apnea: Knowing Your Risk Factors

According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, sleep apnea is a condition that affects about 10% of adults over the age of 65. This number may realistically be higher, as many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed. By understanding what factors contribute to the development of sleep apnea, you can better recognize when symptoms such as snoring, daytime fatigue, and trouble concentrating may be the result of this condition. 

• Being overweight: If you are above a healthy weight, your airway will be under added pressure when you are lying down to sleep. Your sleep specialist may recommend a change in diet along with an increase in exercise as part of your treatment, since a difference of just a few pounds can effectively free your airway. The shift in nutrition and physical activity will also help improve your sleep quality, reducing feelings of fatigue.

• Having family members with the condition: A genetic predisposition can raise your chances of developing sleep apnea. The condition is also slightly more common among males, but women often see it during or just after menopause.

• Sleeping with poor posture: Mild sleep apnea may be brought on by sleeping in the wrong position. If you sleep on your back and are beginning to suffer from sleep apnea, you can correct the problem by obtaining special pillows that help you sleep comfortably on your side, where your airway will be more open.

• Using alcohol or sleeping aids: Drinking alcohol before going to sleep or using medication to help you sleep can relax the body to a point where breathing becomes more difficult. Reducing alcohol use and discontinuing the use of sedative medications can improve the symptoms of sleep apnea, particularly snoring.

• Aging normally: The simple effects of the natural aging process may be enough to cause sleep apnea. As the body gets older, the muscles weaken and become stiff. When this occurs in the throat muscles, the breathing passages can become narrower.

Find out if sleep apnea is keeping you up at night by scheduling a consultation with Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. Contact us on our website or call (678) 733-9732 to learn how we can help you.

“We help you breathe better, sleep better and feel better”

Do You Have Allergies in the Winter Season?

The most common type of allergies during the winter season are indoor allergens. Since the weather is cold outside most people spend the majority of their time indoors.

Some common indoor allergens include:

• Dust Mites
• Pets
• Mold
• Cockroach
• Mice

Because we have had such a warm winter trees have already begun to pollinate. Pollen counts have already gone up and can be a reason why so many people who normally do not suffer from allergies this time of year are having allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and itchy eyes. 

Dr. Rodney Johnson of Altanta ENT wrote an article on "Allergies in the Winter Season". To read the full article, please visit our website. To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today, call us at (678) 733-9732.