What to Do About Those Pesky Fall Allergies.

Ragweed, mold and dust mites commonly trigger fall allergies that result in sneezing, watery eyes, wheezing, coughing and other allergic reactions. Yet there is no surefire solution to address all fall allergies, at all times. For those who are worried about autumn allergies, there is no need to stress. With a diligent approach to fall allergies, you can identify the root cause of these issues and plan accordingly.

If you try a wide range of fall allergy treatment strategies, you may be better equipped than ever before to determine the best way to manage your seasonal allergies. In fact, there are lots of things that you can do to keep your fall allergies at bay, such as:

  1. Wash Your Sheets and Pillow Cases in Hot Water 

Wash your sheets and pillow cases weekly in hot water. You also should wash or dry clean your pillows at least once a year, as well as clean your mattress regularly. Use a protective mattress cover and pillow case to help prevent dust mites from getting into your bed, too.

  1. Clean Your Blinds and Curtains 

Clean your home’s blinds and curtains frequently. For blinds, scrub them with soap and hot water. Meanwhile, use hot water to wash and clean fabric curtains.

  1. Clean Your Home Heating Vents 

Check your home’s heating vents and change the filters and clean them as needed. This allows you to remove mold and other allergens that sometimes get trapped inside heating vents in summer. 

  1. Stay Indoors During the Peak of Pollen Season 

If pollen counts are high in your area, stay indoors. Pollen.com offers a convenient National Allergy Map that displays pollen counts in cities and towns across the United States. Additionally, mobile apps are available that make it simple to check local pollen counts on your smartphone or tablet.

  1. Wear Protective Clothing 

Wear long sleeves, pants, a hat and sunglasses outdoors to keep pollen away from your skin, hair and eyes. If you are mowing the lawn, raking leaves or performing other fall yard work that could stir up pollen, mold or other allergens, wear a face mask.

  1. Use a Dehumidifier 

Run a dehumidifier in your home at a level of 45% or lower. This allows you to keep your home’s humidity level low and stifle mold growth.

  1. Keep Your Hands Clean 

Wash your hands frequently. This helps prevent ragweed and other allergens from spreading. 

  1. Change Your Clothes 

Put on a fresh pair of clothes after you return home from a long day at school or work. This helps reduce the risk of spreading harmful outdoor allergens around your home. 

  1. Shower Before Bedtime 

Wash your hair and shower before bedtime. This allows you to eliminate allergens that have accumulated on your body over the course of a day. 

  1. Get an Allergy Test 

Meet with a doctor to discuss your fall allergy concerns, questions and symptoms. That way, you can receive an allergy test to help you determine the best course of action to treat your allergies.

  1. Correct Home Leaks 

Address home leaks as quickly as possible. If a room feels damp, try to identify the primary cause of the problem on your own. Or, you can always hire a mold remediation professional to provide further assistance.

  1. Keep Your Pets Outside of Your Bedroom 

Don’t sleep in the same room as your dog or cat. Otherwise, you may be exposed to excess amounts of pet dander that triggers coughing, sneezing and other allergic reactions.

  1. Keep Your Car Windows Up 

Keep your car’s windows closed while you drive. This helps minimize the risk that airborne pollen will enter your car. Also, if your car feels stuffy, you can turn on the air conditioner to let fresh air circulate throughout your vehicle.

  1. Eliminate Leaf Piles 

Clear leaf piles from your yard. Dust and mold sometimes grows in leaf piles, so you should try to remove these piles as soon as you can. If you are worried about suffering an allergic reaction due to a leaf pile, you can ask a friend or family member to help you clear this pile, too.

  1. Avoid Fall Hay Rides 

Stay away from fall hay rides. Hay often accumulates allergens that may trigger an allergic reaction. Plus, the presence of horses and other farm animals at hay ride venues may lead to excessive coughing, sneezing and other allergy symptoms.

  1. Choose the Right Halloween Costume 

Avoid old or dusty Halloween apparel or accessories, as these items may trigger your fall allergies. If you purchase a Halloween costume at a thrift store, wash it thoroughly before you wear it. 

  1. Use a Saline Solution 

Use a saline solution to eliminate allergens from your nasal passages and alleviate congestion. If you are unsure about which saline solution is right for you, consult with a doctor so you can evaluate all of the options at your disposal. 

  1. Pick Up an OTC Antihistamine 

Purchase an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine for immediate fall allergy relief. Follow an antihistamine product’s instructions. If fall allergy symptoms persist after you use an OTC antihistamine, schedule a consultation with an allergist. 

  1. Avoid Hanging Your Clothes Outside to Dry 

Dry your clothes indoors during fall. By hanging your clothes on an outdoor clothesline, you risk exposing them to pollen and other fall allergens. 

  1. Invest in a HEPA Filter 

Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove pollen and other allergens from the air in your home. This may make it easier than ever before to breathe inside your home during fall.

Lastly, when it comes to your fall allergies, it is usually a good idea to err on the side of caution. If you experience severe health problems related to fall allergies, it is important to receive immediate medical support. Because if you understand how to properly identify and treat your medical symptoms, you can correct these problems and prevent them from recurring.

There is no reason to let fall allergies get the best of you. Thanks to the aforementioned tips, you can quickly address your fall allergy symptoms and celebrate autumn to the fullest extent.

When Do You Need Sinus Surgery?

Sinus Surgery with La Peer Health Center in Beverly HillsSinus surgery offers a safe, effective treatment to address various chronic sinus or nasal issues. Some of the reasons why a person may receive sinus surgery include:

  • Chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the cavities around the nasal passages)
  • Sinus or nasal polyps
  • Sinus disease that occurs due to a fungal infection
  • Sinus infection that spreads to bone
  • Sinus cancer

An otolaryngologist, aka an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, may recommend medical therapy for those who are dealing with chronic sinus or nasal problems. However, if medical therapy fails to deliver the desired results, an ENT doctor may recommend sinus surgery.

Types of Sinus Surgery

Common types of sinus surgery include:

  • Septoplasty Surgery: Corrects and straightens a deviated nasal septum (separation of the bone and cartilage that divide the nasal cavity in half). During septoplasty surgery, an otolaryngologist realigns a portion of the bone or cartilage in the nasal cavity. In some instances, a septoplasty is also performed in conjunction with a cosmetic rhinoplasty procedure.
  • Turbinate Surgery: Removes the turbinate tissue in the nose. Turbinates that become too large may make it difficult for air to pass through the nose. In this instance, turbinate surgery may be used to treat a nasal obstruction, resulting in increased airflow.
  • Balloon Sinuplasty: Relieves chronic sinus problems that cannot be corrected with medication, nasal spray or other traditional sinus treatments. A balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, and it is usually performed in an office and under local anesthesia. During the procedure, an otolaryngologist uses a small, flexible balloon catheter to increase the size of a patient’s inflamed sinus opening. He or she then opens up a patient’s blocked sinus passageways.

An otolaryngologist requests a patient evaluation before he or she recommends a sinus surgery. That way, an otolaryngologist can meet with a patient, learn about his or her medical history and sinus symptoms and offer a personalized treatment recommendation.

What Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Endoscopic sinus surgery may be used to remove sinus blockages that can cause sinusitis, as well as sinus pain, nasal drainage and impaired breathing. The procedure often helps patients reduce the frequency and severity of sinus infections and improve airflow through the nostrils. It also helps patients improve their sense of smell and alleviate their sinusitis symptoms.

Some vitamins, herbal remedies and medications may increase an endoscopic sinus surgery patient’s risk of bleeding. As such, an otolaryngologist may ask a patient to avoid certain supplements or medications prior to endoscopic sinus surgery. Also, an otolaryngologist may ask a patient to take antibiotics and/or steroids prior to treatment.

An endoscopic sinus surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. During an endoscopic sinus surgery, an otolaryngologist inserts an endoscope (a small, thin camera lens) into the nostrils; this allows an otolaryngologist to visualize and magnify the sinus tissue. An otolaryngologist

 

then uses specialized instruments to remove nasal polyps, scar tissue and natural blockages in the nostrils. If necessary, an otolaryngologist can remove turbinates during an endoscopic sinus surgery, too.

Endoscopic sinus surgery does not require any incisions; instead, the procedure is performed exclusively through the nostrils. Additionally, most patients can return home the same day as treatment.

There are minimal side effects associated with endoscopic sinus surgery. Some patients experience postoperative discomfort, congestion and drainage after surgery, but these problems generally disappear on their own within a few days of treatment.

An endoscopic sinus surgery provides a viable option to treat sinus blockages, and recent research indicates most patients experience significant improvement following endoscopic sinus surgery. For those who find traditional treatments fail to address their sinus blockages, meeting with an otolaryngologist may be ideal. An otolaryngologist can determine if a patient is a good candidate for endoscopic sinus surgery and help this individual permanently address his or her sinus problems.

Schedule a Sinus Surgery Consultation at La Peer Health Systems

The otolaryngologists at La Peer Health Systems can teach patients about sinus surgery and provide personalized sinus surgery treatment recommendations. To find out more, please contact us today at 855.360.9119 to schedule a consultation with one of our friendly, knowledgeable otolaryngologists.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

prostate cancer diagnosis doctor

Prostate cancer is one of the most prominent types of cancer in men. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates approximately one in nine men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in his lifetime. Additionally, ACS states roughly one in 41 men will die of prostate cancer.

A proper prostate cancer diagnosis is crucial. Research indicates the relative survival rates of prostate cancer patients decrease as cancer spreads throughout the body. Fortunately, with a proper diagnosis, a patient and urologist can work together to effectively treat prostate cancer before it escalates.

What Are the Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer generally causes urinary problems. Some of the most common urinary symptoms of prostate cancer include:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Reduced flow or velocity of urine stream

Prostate cancer sometimes spreads to nearby tissue and bones, too. In this instance, prostate cancer may cause one or more of the aforementioned symptoms:

  • Pain or numbness in the hips, legs or feet
  • Persistent bone pain
  • Difficulty getting an erection
  • Blood in the semen
  • Pain during ejaculation

If a person experiences any of the aforementioned prostate cancer symptoms, it is usually a good idea to err on the side of caution. Thanks to a prostate cancer screening, an individual can quickly identify prostate cancer. If prostate cancer is detected, a patient and urologist then can determine the best course of action to treat this issue.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

A urologist uses various tests to identify prostate cancer. These tests include:

    • Physical Exam: Enables a urologist to analyze a patient’s current health, medical history and potential prostate cancer symptoms.
    • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Provides a simple, effective test to evaluate a patient’s prostate. During a DRE, a urologist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into a patient’s rectum. Next, the urologist feels for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate; this allows him or her to identify cancer on one or both sides of the prostate. If cancer is found on both sides of the prostate, the cancer may have spread beyond the prostate to nearby tissue.
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: Measures the amount of PSA, a protein produced by prostate tissue, in a patient’s blood. A patient who has a PSA level of 4 or higher may be more susceptible than others to prostate cancer.
  • Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): Uses sound waves to visualize the prostate and surrounding tissue. A TRUS is commonly performed if a patient has elevated PSA levels or if a patient’s DRE results are abnormal. During a TRUS, a urologist inserts a small probe into a patient’s rectum. The probe then produces sound waves that enter the prostate and create echoes. Finally, a computer produces a black and white image of the prostate that a urologist can use to analyze a patient’s prostate and nearby tissue.
  • Prostate Biopsy: Removes samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate. A urologist uses a prostate biopsy needle to collect tissue samples. Then, he or she reviews a patient’s prostate tissue samples under a microscope to identify any cell abnormalities.

A urologist may use one or more of the following tests to identify prostate cancer. If prostate cancer is discovered, a urologist will offer a personalized treatment recommendation based on a patient’s symptoms.

When Should You Start Screening for Prostate Cancer?

The right time to begin prostate cancer screenings varies based on an individual’s family history, ethnicity and other risk factors. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) offers the following recommendations for men to begin prostate cancer screenings:

  • Age 40 for men who have a family history of prostate cancer
  • Age 45 for African American men
  • Age 50 for men who do not have a family history of prostate cancer and are not African American

USPSTF notes that men between the ages of 55 to 69 should receive prostate cancer screenings based on a urologist’s recommendation. It also does not recommend prostate cancer screenings for men over the age of 70.

Schedule a Prostate Cancer Screening at La Peer Health Systems

La Peer Health Systems offers comprehensive prostate cancer screenings and custom prostate cancer treatments. To find out more, please contact us today at 855.360.9119.

Recover Fast After Surgery at an Outpatient Center [Infographic]

Outpatient surgery is a top choice for patients nationwide. Since outpatient surgery is performed at a surgeon’s office instead of a traditional hospital, it enables a patient to return home the same day a procedure is performed.

Recover Fast After Surgery at an Outpatient Center

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Outpatient Surgery Benefits

Outpatient surgery offers many benefits, such as:

  •         Low Costs: Outpatient surgery often is less expensive than surgery performed at a hospital.
  •         At-Home Recovery: Outpatient surgery allows patients to avoid an extended hospital stay. A patient may be more comfortable when recovering in their home.
  •         Convenient Scheduling: A patient can schedule an outpatient surgery at his or her convenience.
  •         Reduced Stress: For many patients, outpatient surgery is less stressful than inpatient surgery.

Choose La Peer Health Systems for Outpatient Surgery

There are many reasons to choose La Peer Health Systems for outpatient surgery. These include:

  •         Personalized Treatment: We deliver personalized care in a safe, controlled environment.
  •         Multiple Specialties: We provide medical and surgical care across 12 specialties.
  •         Expert Surgeons: We have more than 40 surgeons on staff.
  •         Concierge, Knowledgeable Nurses: 98 percent of patients described our nurses as friendly, knowledgeable and professional.
  •         Minimal Surgery Time: Due to our surgeons working with the same nurses and assistants every day.
  •         Private Recovery Room: Following surgery, we offer each patient a private recovery room.
  •         Flexible Billing: We accept many types of insurance and offer cash discounts for patients without insurance.
  •         Short Wait Times: We only perform outpatient surgery. This allows us to provide you with short wait times to perform your surgery.
  •         Proven Results: 98 percent of patients said they are likely to recommend La Peer to friends.

To schedule a consultation with La Peer, please contact us today at 855.360.9119.