Blog and Practice News - LA Sinus and Allergy Specialist
Headache caused by sinus inflammation can be felt above, below, between, or behind the eyes
Posted May 5th, 2020
Pain or pressure builds up around the eyes or in the face, sometimes accompanied by headaches and toothaches. Indeed, chronic sinusitis can have a significant detrimental impact on patients’ quality of life, and their ability to enjoy day to day activities. Research shows that patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis have lower quality of life scores than patients with congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or back pain.
Headache Caused by Sinus Inflammation
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - What We are Doing and What You Need to Know
At Michael Bublik M.D. and SCENTAA, the health, safety and well- being of our patients and employees are paramount. In light of the evolving situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to highlight some infection control precautions. The majority of these you all do on a regular basis. We will keep you informed of any significant developments and guidelines put for the bye the World Health Organization (WHO), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
Dr. Michael Bublik performs the following minimally invasive endoscopic nasal procedures to improve the breathing and quality of life for his patient Catherine
Procedures performed: Nasal Endoscopy, Turbinate Reduction, and Nasal Polyp Removal.
Video Blog on Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Treatment
Posted March 11th, 2020
Dr. Bublik explains a common condition called Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, which can feel like the ears need to “pop” but cannot. A minimally invasive procedure can be performed in the office to open the ears and relieve pressure with the patient awake and with minimal pain. Watch to the end to see a real case!
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Video Blog
Image Guided Navigation Balloon Sinuplasty
Posted March 11th, 2020
State of the art technology such as image guided navigation utilizes CT imaging to provide real time guidance during balloon sinuplasty for patients with previous sinus surgery. Sound up as Dr. Bublik explains!
Deviated Nasal Septum
Posted March 9th, 2020
A deviated septum can occur naturally, without any previous trauma to the nose. A deviated septum is when the septal cartilage dividing your left and right nostrils is crooked to one side. Surgical repair of a deviated septum does not change the outward appearance of the nose.
Like allergies, sinus inflammation can worsen with seasonal changes.
Posted February 19th, 2020
Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. When they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.
What you need to know about Nasal Polyps
Posted February 13th, 2020
Nasal polyps are benign growths in the nose that are the result of longstanding inflammation and can affect breathing, sleep, smell, and taste while causing headaches and pressure around the eyes.
What is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?
Posted February 10th, 2020
Eustachian tube dysfunction can feel like your ears need to pop but cannot. There are medical and minimally invasive procedural options for treating this common condition.
Learn about Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
It may not be just a migraine!
Posted February 6th, 2020
45% of patients with migraines also may have sinus inflammation (sinusitis).In caring for our patients, our primary objectives are eradication of infection, draining of the sinuses, ensuring that the sinuses remain open, and, in general, making our patients feel better.
What Is A Deviated Septum?
Posted January 24th, 2020
A deviated septum is when the septal cartilage dividing your left and right nostrils is crooked to one side. Surgical repair of a deviated septum does not change the outward appearance of the nose. The most common symptom from a badly deviated or crooked septum is difficulty breathing through the nose. The symptoms are usually worse on one side, and sometimes actually occur on the side opposite the bend. In some cases the crooked septum can interfere with the drainage of the sinuses, resulting in repeated sinus infections.
What are Nasal Polyps?
Posted January 15th, 2020
Nasal polyps are benign masses in the nose formed by an exaggerated inflammatory response in the mucosal tissues lining the nose and sinuses in patients with chronic sinus inflammation, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis. This inflammation can be caused by repetitive exposure to infection or allergens. An estimated 20-30% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis develop nasal polyps.
How can Dr. Bublik help?
Dr. Bublik is a triple board-certified physician specializing in treatment of diseases of the ears, nose, and throat, as well as allergies. These unique qualifications contribute to his expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Dr. Bublik regularly performs the procedures outlined in the blog post to diagnose and treat nasal polyps, including nasal endoscopy and balloon sinuplasty which is performed in his office without any pain using minimally invasive technology. In the operating room, Dr. Bublik utilizes the same minimally invasive technologies for patients with larger or more aggressive polyps. These procedures performed for removal of nasal polyps allow the patient to go home on the same day with minimal down time. Nasal polyps may regrow even after surgery. Nevertheless, Dr. Bublik is committed to creating individualized treatment plans to improve the quality of life in each patient.
Nasal Polyps and Treatment Options
Will Sinus Surgery or Balloon Sinuplasty Fix My Allergies?
Posted January 9th, 2020
Many patients do experience an improvement in their allergies after sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty. This improvement, while pleasant, is not necessarily indicative of allergies being cured.
Allergies are the body’s inflammatory response to exposure to specific triggers found in the environment or in certain foods; this response is not addressed with sinus surgery or balloon sinuplasty.
You still may have allergies after sinus surgery, however, most people find improvement in their allergy symptoms after sinus surgery.
Sinus Surgery or Balloon Sinuplasty Fix My Allergies?
Drippy Nose?
Posted December 23rd, 2019
Excess mucus in the nose can be caused by a wide variety of medical conditions. Some of these medical conditions may be acute, such as the flu, or chronic, such as allergies. Certain conditions may be both, such as inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis). These conditions are treated conservatively with medications such as nasal sprays, antibiotics, and antihistamines. Learn more about treatments.
Drippy Nose and Treatments Options?
Lastest Video Education by Dr. Michael Bublik
What Is Sinusitis?
What Is Balloon Sinuplasty?
What is Nasal Airway Obstruction?
Posted October 31st, 2019
Nasal breathing delivers approximately 70% of airflow to the lungs. More than 20 million Americans are estimated to suffer from nasal airway obstruction, which limits airflow through the nose with significant quality of life consequences.
Coblation Turbinate Reduction
Posted September 4th, 2019
While many people associate snoring with old, overweight men, snoring can interfere with the much-needed rest of young and old, fit and obese men, women and children. In fact, 45% of adults snore at least occasionally, and 25% are habitual snorers. Being overweight and older tend to be factors associated with snoring, but so do nasal allergies, deviated septum, heartburn and other issues.
Dr. Bublik on CBS Los Angeles 9/1/19 - Dr. Michael Bublik gives insight on allergies
In-Office Balloon Sinuplasty
Posted August 28th, 2019
If you suffer from sinusitis and other sinus-related problems, you are familiar with the relentless pressure and swelling in your sinuses that can give you headaches, and in some individuals, earaches, dental pain, and pain in your jaws and cheeks. Sinus headaches are often at their worst in the morning because fluids have been collecting all night long. For some people, the usual medications don’t alleviate the problem, and even when it does, the results are temporary.
Do you suffer from Nasal Congestion? Now there is an In Office Treatment to help!
Posted July 11th, 2019
Millions of people suffer from nasal airway obstruction, which makes it difficult to breathe through the nose. Until now, your only options were medications or breathing strips that offer temporary relief, and surgeries that are invasive, painful, and often have a long recovery period. Vivaer® Nasal Airway Remodeling is a NEW treatment that can be performed in Dr. Bublik's officeto help you breathe more easily.
Vivaer® Nasal Airway Remodeling
Do you suffer from Sinus Pressure and Pain?
Posted June 24th, 2019
If you suffer from sinus pressure and facial pain, you know that this condition can seriously impact your quality of life, causing a range of symptoms from sinus headaches, pressure, pain to fatigue, depression, and halitosis (bad breath). Dr. Bublik realizes the special need among patients who suffer from these symptoms. These patients were uniformly looking for a physician who focused on the comprehensive management of their problems and offered both medical and surgical options to treat their condition.
Learn more about Sinus Pressure and Pain
May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Posted May 7th, 2019
Since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has declared May to be “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.” It’s a peak season for people with asthma and allergies, and a perfect time to educate patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.
Don’t suffer with Allergies any longer. Schedule an appointment today to get back on the road to relief!
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Spring is in the air! So why are you feeling miserable?
Posted May 2nd, 2019
Don’t put your follow-up visit or sinus procedure on hold any longer. Schedule an appointment today to get back on the road to relief!
We are ready to make the process easy for you. Call us today at (818) 649-1433 to book your consultation.
Spring Allergies Making You Miserable
8 Reasons Why You Should Consider Balloon Sinuplasty if you Suffer from Recurring Sinus Problems
Posted January 24th, 2019
Are you suffering with miserable symptoms such as sinus pain, headaches, sinus pressure, or chronic sinus infections? Have you been to doctors who prescribed medications that did not provide long-term relief? Has your quality of life and relationships been affected by the sinus pain and other annoying symptoms that prevent you from living the life you deserve? If so, you might be suffering from chronic sinusitis or rhinosinusitis and you owe it to yourself to seek a medical approach that will finally offer you the relief that you deserve to get you on track to living life to the fullest.
Considering Balloon Sinuplasty
Is Chronic Sinusitis Holding You Back from Living Your Life to the Fullest?
Posted January 23rd, 2019
Dr. Michael Bublik, a widely-published and highly respected ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist with triple board certification in otolaryngology, allergy, and facial plastics, sees many new patients in his busy private practice who are long-time sufferers of chronic sinusitis. These patients often suffer with multiple symptoms that detrimentally affect their ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Some of the bothersome symptoms include face pain, face pressure, chronic sinus headaches, difficulty breathing through the nose, fatigue and sleep problems caused by difficulty breathing.
Is Chronic Sinusitis Holding You Back?
GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP WELL
Posted December 12th, 2018
Although snoring is the subject of many jokes, snoring is no laughing matter. Snoring, often associated with middle-aged overweight men, is more prevalent than you’d think. In fact, studies estimate that 45 percent of men and 30 percent of women snore on a regular basis. It can affect not only the snorer’s sleep, but also the sleep of a spouse and other family members sleeping nearby. It’s also important to keep in mind that snoring may be a sign of a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction - Ear Pressure Treatment
Posted November 26th, 2018
With the year-end holidays coming up, some people are already dreading their upcoming air travel. High altitude flying can cause a variety of physical symptoms, despite the high-quality pressurization systems available on modern aircraft. During take-off and right after the pilot announces that the plane has begun its descent for landing, some passengers feel painful sinus and ear pressure that causes them to hear muffled sounds.
Fear of Flying - Sinus and Ear Pain
Posted November 19th, 2018
With the year-end holidays coming up, some people are already dreading their upcoming air travel; unlike most travelers, they are not concerned about the long security lines, the delayed flights, the cramped seats in the planes or the rude fellow passengers. What makes them uneasy is the painful ear pressure and blockage, or sinus pain, that they feel right after the pilot announces that the plane has begun its descent for landing.
Are you suffering from chronic sinusitis symptoms? Dr. Bublik offers immediate and lasting Relief
Posted November 15th, 2018
For those patients who have been unable to find relief with other treatments, Dr. Bublik has found that Balloon Sinuplasty offers patients suffering from chronic sinusitis symptoms immediate and lasting relief. Often referred to as "angioplasty for the nose," Balloon Sinuplasty is a safe and effective endoscopic procedure used for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.
Chronic Sinusitis Relief with In Office Balloon Sinuplasty
Allergies or Sinus Disease?
Posted October 10th, 2018
How can you know if you have allergies or a sinus issue?
Allergies can produce cold-like symptoms as a sinus infection, including a runny nose, congestion and sinus pressure. If you have allergic rhinitis, you may experience itchy and watery eyes. Allergy symptoms appear when the body's immune system begins to respond to a substance as though it were a dangerous invader (called an antigen or allergen).
Do you suffer from Nasal Obstruction and do you Snore?
Posted October 4th, 2018
Obstructive Sleep Apnea cause by obstruction of the nasal airway or oral airway causes decrease in sleep quality and can lead to deadly heart disease.
Dr. Michael Bublik is committed to the highest quality patient care provided with compassion and personal attention, and the availability of the most advanced, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic technology and techniques.
Nasal Obstruction / Snoring Treatments
SINUVA Sinus Implant - Treatment for Nasal Polyps
Posted September 19th, 2018
Innovation for Nasal Polyp Sufferers
Dr. Michael Bublik is among the first in the United States to offer the SINUVA sinus implant, recently approved by the FDA to treat nasal polyps in adults who have had previous ethmoid sinus surgery (ESS). SINUVA is a non-surgical option that is placed during a routine physician office visit.
Learn more about SINUVA Sinus Impant
Do you have Nasal Congestion?
Posted September 11th, 2018
Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms? If so, you may be one of more than 20 million Americans suffering from nasal obstruction and Dr. Michael Bublik can help you.
Dr. Bublk offers LATERA™, an absorbable nasal implant that supports this cartilage. You can self-test for NVC by performing the Cottle maneuver. Does your breathing improve when you pull on your cheek to hold your nostril to the side? If yes, talk to Dr. Bublik about options to support your lateral nasal cartilage, which may include the LATERA™ implant.
Learn more about LATERA™ Implant
What is Causing Your Post Nasal Drip?
Posted August 20th, 2018
Many conditions can cause postnasal drip. Allergies are one of the most common. Dr. Bublik can test for allergies and rule out if this is the cause of this annoying symptom.
Another common cause could be a deviated septum; this means the cartilage between your nostrils or septum leans to one side or is displaced. In some cases, the crooked septum can interfere with the drainage of the sinuses causing postnasal drip or resulting in repeated sinus infections.
What is Causing your Post Nasal Drip?
In Office Balloon Sinuplasty by Dr. Michael Bublik
In-Office Balloon Sinuplasty - How I do it
When performing balloon sinuplasty, Dr. Bublik will insert a catheter through the opening of the nose into the sinus opening and then thread a sinus guide wire into the targeted sinus, providing light transmission and illumination that will help Dr. Bublik ensure correct placement of the guide catheter. Once access to the intended location is confirmed, a balloon catheter is introduced into the sinus cavity and inflated to open the narrow or blocked passage. Simple. No tissue removal. No bleeding. No pain.
In-office Balloon Sinuplasty is available to eligible patients performed by Dr. Bublik at his Glendale, CA office under local anesthesia. Dr. Bublik also is happy to provide in office Balloon Sinuplasty to patients throughout the Los Angeles.
Do you have Ragweed Allergy?
Most people think that spring is the prime-time allergy season. And yes, people do experience allergies in the Spring, but there are more than 23 million Americans who are allergic to ragweed pollen. Which starts to cause the subtle itch in the back of your throat as early as mid-July. Ragweed pollen levels usually peak around early September and continue into the middle of October. This is a long time to suffer from ragweed allergy symptoms.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Do you have Dog Allergies?
Posted May 29th, 2018
Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age. Most people that suffer from dog allergies often have other mild or moderate allergies to pollens or molds. There is a strong genetic correlation in developing allergies, so if your parents have allergies then you are likely to have them also.
Cat Allergies
Posted May 16th, 2018
Approximately two percent of the United States population is allergic to cats. This is caused by a glycoprotein, Fel d-I, secreted by the subaceous glands in cats and is the major cat allergen. This allergen is found in the fur, pelt, saliva, serum, urine, mucous, salivary glands, and hair roots of the cat. The main sources of the allergen, however, are the skin and saliva.
Dust Mite Allergies
Posted April 23rd, 2018
This is the house dust mite (also known by it's latin name Dermatophagoides). It is a few fractions of a millimeter long and cannot be seen with the naked eye. It lives off dead skin and is present throughout the house. As much as 10-20% of the weight of old pillows may be dead skin. Dust mites, having eaten the dead skin, then leave droppings / excrement everywhere which contains some of their stomach enzymes. It is these stomach enzymes that we are allergic to; these allergies can lead to asthma, excema, but most importantly for us, rhinitis - a blocked, itchy, runny or sneezy nose. This in turn can cause sinusitis and ear problems.
Balloon Sinuplasty Testimonial with Dr. Bublik
Posted April 20th, 2018
In-office Balloon Sinuplasty for chronic sinusitis is available to eligible patients performed by Dr. Michael Bublik at his Glendale, CA office under local anesthesia. Dr. Bublik also is happy to provide in office Balloon Sinuplasty to patients throughout the Los Angeles area.
The benefits of In–Office Balloon Sinuplasty performed by Dr. Bublik represent a marked improvement over traditional sinus surgery, which are performed with general anesthesia and involve a longer recovery with more postoperative care requirements.
Mold Allergies
Posted April 16th, 2018
Mold spores cause at least as many allergy problems as pollens. Molds are present all year long, and grow outdoors and indoors. Dead leaves and farm areas are common sources for outdoor molds. Indoor plants, old books, bathrooms, and damp areas are common sources of indoor mold growth.
Over The Counter Medications for Allergies
Posted April 3rd, 2018
Drugs for runny nose, sinus trouble, congestion, and the common cold constitute the largest segment of the over-the-counter market for America's pharmaceutical industry. When used wisely, they provide welcome relief for at least some of the discomforts that affect almost everyone occasionally and that affect many people chronically. Drugs in these categories are useful for relief of symptoms from allergies, upper respiratory infections (i.e., sinusitis, colds, flu), and vasomotor rhinitis (a chronic stuffy nose caused by such unrelated conditions as emotional stress, thyroid disease, alcohol, pregnancy, and others). These drugs do not cure the allergies, infections, etc.; they only relieve the symptoms, thereby making the patient more comfortable.
Over The Counter Medications for Allergies
Spring and Summer Allergies - Pollen
Posted March 26th, 2018
Each spring, summer, and fall tiny particles are released from trees, weeds, and grasses. These particles, known as pollen, hitch rides on currents of air. Although their mission is to fertilize parts of other plants, many never reach their targets. Instead, they enter human noses and throats, triggering a type of seasonal allergic rhinitis called pollen allergy
In Office Balloon Sinuplasty For Chronic Sinusitis
Posted March 13th, 2018
In-office Balloon Sinuplasty is now available to eligible patients performed by Dr. Bublik at his Glendale, CA office under local anesthesia. Dr. Bublik also is happy to provide in office Balloon Sinuplasty to patients throughout the Los Angeles area.
Sinus Pressure and Pain
Posted March 1st, 2018
Swollen nasal passages and the build-up of mucus cause congestion. Swollen and inflamed tissues can also cause pressure on nerve endings around your sinuses and facial area. This leads to dull or throbbing pain and aches around the face, mostly above the eyes, below the eyes and in the back of the head.
Allergy Fun Fact
Posted February 23rd, 2018
Allergies Can Develop Suddenly In Adulthood
It is common to think if you have not been allergic to something in the past it means you would never have an allergic reaction. However, this may not always be the case. Allergies can develop in the later teen years or even in adulthood.
What Are Allergens?
Posted February 13th, 2018
With years of experience and expertise in the field of allergy and immunotherapy Dr. Michael Bublik can help you understand your allergy, what is causing your allergies, relieve your symptoms and get you back to enjoying your life again. If you are someone who suffers from chronic allergies please contact us today!
Nasal Congestion / Difficulty Breathing?
Posted February 6th, 2018
Stuffy or runny nose, we have all experienced it!
A stuffy or congested nose occurs when the tissues lining it become swollen. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels.
The problem may also include nasal discharge or "runny nose." If excess mucus runs down the back of your throat (postnasal drip), it may cause a cough or sore throat.
Learn more about Nasal Congestion
Dr. Bublik In The Media
What you need to know about how air quality can affect your health.
Dr. Michael Bublik, Los Angeles ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Specialist explains how smoke from fires and air quality can affect your health.
SCENTAA Archived Blog Posts
Is it possible to develop an allergy as an Adult?
An allergy occurs when an otherwise harmless substance gets flagged as dangerous by the immune system, which then launches an attack. Common allergens include pet dander, pollen, grass, mold spores, dust mites and certain proteins found in foods. The symptoms can arise such as itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing — are the result of your immune system ramping up to evict the perceived intruders.
Although adult-onset allergies are very common and can cause sinus headaches, nasal congestion, and overall lack of energy and a feeling of being sick. It can also lead to sinus infections, shortness of breath and can make asthma worse. The good news is that a simple test in our office can diagnose the cause of the allergy and we have a variety of state of the art treatment options available.
By Dr. Michael Bubilk
June 20th, 2017
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is common! Acute sinusitis can be triggered by a cold or allergies and may resolve on its own. Chronic sinusitis can last from four to eight weeks and may be caused by an infection or growths and can linger for years, its cause can be hard to pin down and hard to treat.
Learn more about Michael Bublik, MD.
Make an appointment to learn if you are a candidate for the balloon sinuplasty procedure.
