Texan ENT - February 2020

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3Ways to Treat a Sinus Infection at Home STAY OUT OF THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE

Nasal Decongestants

Your nose is stuffed up, your head is foggy, and your face is tender to the touch. Your eyes are bloodshot, and you’ve officially become a mouth breather. Sinus infections are not fun. However, there are a number of options available for self-treatment to keep you out of the doctor’s office. Here are three methods Dr. Evans recommends for at- home treatment: Saline Rinse Saline rinses flush out the inside of your nose and sinuses with diluted salt water. You can buy premixed saline rinses at the store in squeeze bottles – Neilmed is one brand that makes these, or you can mix up your own saline solution at home and apply it using a device called a neti pot. Neti pots are designed to pour water in through one nostril, flow through your sinuses, and come back down through the other. While both store- bought saline sprays and neti pots achieve the same objective, neti pots can be messy; be prepared to stand over a sink! Nasal Steroid Sprays If your congestion is extreme, consider a nasal steroid spray like Flonase or Nasacort. Steroid sprays help lower congestion and inflammation, and mucus. This reduces pain, swelling, and nasal sensitivity.

If you are at the absolute end of your rope and need something that can give you fast-acting relief, try a nasal decongestant spray. Afrin is a popular one, although the generic versions work the same way. Nasal decongestants are an effective and fast-acting way to reduce the swelling in your nasal passageways, which can relieve the feeling of pressure and improve airflow. However, they aren’t safe to use for more than five days in a row — your body gets habituated to them and you could end more stuffed up than you were before. Sinus infections are downright unpleasant, but they don’t always have to mean a trip to the doctor. Try treating your infection at home first and wait for a natural resolution. When home treatment fails, or when you find yourself getting infection after infection, give Texas ENT a call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Evans.

Apple Cider Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

HAVE A LAUGH

Ingredients

• Salt and pepper to taste • 4 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp rosemary leaves, finely chopped

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved • 2 gala apples, cut into wedges • 1 red onion, cut into wedges • 2 sprigs rosemary • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter, divided • 2/3 cup apple cider • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Directions

6. Pour cider onto chicken. Roast in the oven for 12 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest on cutting board. 7. Return skillet to stove on medium-high and simmer sauce until reduced by half. 8. Swirl remaining 1 tbsp of butter with

1. Heat oven to 450 F. 2. On a baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts, apples, onion, and rosemary sprigs in olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Roast vegetable and fruit mixture until tender, about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. 4. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary. 5. In an ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook 6 minutes on one side. Flip and cook 2 more minutes.

vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slice chicken and divide among plates with roasted vegetables and serve.

Inspired by Food Network

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