When do I need to take my allergy medication?

In Georgia, you may experience allergy symptoms year- round. Most of the medications that are prescribed are perfectly safe to take daily year-round. However, if you know that certain seasons are problematic, you may choose to take your medications during those times only. Being “ahead of the game” is best to reduce the severity of the season. In general, if Spring pollen triggers your allergies, begin your medications around February 14. If Fall ragweed is a problem, restart your medications August 1.

How do I know if I have a sinus infection?

Sinusitis is a frequently overdiagnosed condition. Severe allergy flare ups can cause the same symptoms as sinusitis. Symptoms may include: facial pain, nasal congestion, discolored nasal drainage, and fever. The nasal drainage may be purulent or green. Color of drainage alone is not diagnostic of a sinus infection. Some patients also report fatigue with sinusitis. If you have the above symptoms and are not taking your allergy medication routinely, begin immediately.

Simply adding your spray and decongestent/antihistamine can avert an early sinus infection. If you have been on all your medication and have the above symptoms, please contact our office. We will need to further evaluate your condition.

How should I clean my ears?

Ears are self-cleaning! Do not use Q-tips! After showering, use your towel to wipe out any wax that the hairs have brought to the exterior of the ears.

How Do I take care of my child’s ear tubes?

In our experience, keeping your child’s ears dry for the duration of the tubes is “an ounce of prevention”. This means keeping the ears dry during baths, swimming, or even playing in sprinklers. Wet ears are more prone to developing drainage from the ears and infection. These infections require ear drops, sometimes oral antibiotics, and suctioning of the ear to help ease and reduce infection. We offer a variety of ear protec tion for your child. However, if your child’s ears get wet, don’t panic. Simply use your hairdryer to assist in drying the ear. Do not use Q-tips! Please call if your child’s ears drain.

How long does it take to get over an ear infection?

Typically, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for an ear infection to fully resolve. Yes, that means that you (or your child) will be unable to hear out of the affected ear for 4 to 6 weeks. If, however, fever or severe pain persists or returns, please call for advice or an appointment.

How long do the tubes stay in place?

Generally, the tubes are in place for 12 to 15 months. We typically do not leave tubes in for more than 2 years.

What do I do if my child’s ear drains?

Call our office. We will determine the severity of the situation - if your child need to be seen or needs drops.