Why Do People Get Recurring Sinus Infections?

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A sinus infection, also known as acute sinusitis, is the inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses. It can make breathing through the nose difficult and cause swelling in the area around the eyes and face. It may also cause a headache or a throbbing pain in the face. Other common symptoms of a sinus infection include:

A runny nose with thick yellow or greenish mucus
Post-nasal drip
A stuffy nose
Pain, tenderness, swelling, and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead that gets worse when bending over
Ear pressure or pain
Pain or pressure in your teeth
Fever
Cough
Bad breath
Headache
Tiredness
A changed sense of smell

Common acute sinus infections usually don’t last long and clear up easily. Recurrent or chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, is when a person has four or more separate infections within one year, with each infection lasting at least 10 days with symptom-free intervals between them. This may often be a signal that an underlying issue needs to be addressed.

Recurrent sinus infections can have many underlying causes, which can often include a variety of factors working together:

Structural issues that affect sinus drainage, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum
Infections that are difficult to clear due to bacterial infections that develop after a viral illness, which include Staphylococcus Aureus and antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA
Health conditions or treatments that weaken the immune response or affect sinus function, such as:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Cystic fibrosis
- Immunosuppressant medications, chronic illness, or high stress levels may reduce immune effectiveness
- Dental infections that spread to nearby sinuses, which contribute to persistent or recurrent infections that have been overlooked

To diagnose recurrent sinus infections, a healthcare provider may perform a nasal endoscopy, order a CT scan, or conduct an allergy test

Identifying the underlying cause of recurrent sinus infections allows your healthcare provider to customize a treatment plan to help prevent them from occurring.

Treatment options for recurrent sinus infections vary based on your condition and may involve:

Medications such as nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline irrigation, antibiotics, and antihistamines or allergy medications
Surgical interventions such as straightening a deviated septum, removing nasal polyps, or performing endoscopic sinus surgery
Addressing biofilms and resistant infections
Lifestyle tips to help prevent recurrent sinus infections, such as quitting smoking
Managing allergies
Using a humidifier
Practicing good hand hygiene
Supporting your immune system with a balanced diet, regular exercise, sleep, and stress management

If you or a loved one is suffering from recurrent sinus infections, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-7110.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Does My Child Need a Tonsillectomy?

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Children can be affected by many ailments as they grow up, including problems with their tonsils.

Tonsils are lumps of tissue on either side of the throat, and are part of the body’s lymphatic system, which helps fight infection. Tonsils are the body’s first line of defense against any bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth or nose. Since the tonsils defend against bacteria and viruses, they can become infected, resulting in strep throat or chronic tonsillitis, a chronic bacterial infection in the tonsils.

If a child suffers from frequent tonsil infections, it may be recommended that they receive a tonsillectomy.

A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the tonsils. Tonsillectomies are one of the most common surgical procedures performed on children.

There are two types of tonsillectomies:

Traditional tonsillectomy: Both tonsils are completely removed.

Intracapsular tonsillectomy: All of the affected tonsil tissue is removed, except for a small layer to protect the throat muscles underneath.

An intracapsular tonsillectomy has many benefits, including:

Faster recovery

Less pain

No need for as much painfor as much pain medicine

A lower risk of bleeding

Can eat and drink after the procedure

Children can also have a tonsillectomy if they have enlarged tonsils that block their airflow, which can lead to breathing issues, especially while they sleep.

Tonsillectomies can offer many benefits to children who suffer from frequent tonsil infections or sleep apnea. However, it can come with risks as with any surgical procedure. It is important to consider the pros and cons and discuss them with a healthcare provider to determine the best option for your child. Here are some pros and cons your healthcare provider may discuss:

Pros:

- Improved quality of life

- Fewer infections

- Improved breathing

- Less time off from school

Cons:

- Surgical risks

- Post-surgery pain and recovery

- No immunity from future infections

- Potential of a change in voice

It is important to consult with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist before you consider having your child’s tonsils removed.

An ENT will determine whether they should have a tonsillectomy after they assess their frequency of infections, the size of their tonsils, and how much the child’s overall health and quality of life are impacted by the condition.

Our friendly on-site staff members are happy to provide you with the information you need about the surgical options available to your child at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. For more information about our Queens, NYC surgical services or to make an appointment, please call (718)206-6713.

Does Nasal Irrigation Effectively Fight the Common Cold?

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

As the winter season progresses, so does cold season.

When we come down with a cold, we try different methods to relieve our cold symptoms.

However, using a simple saline or saltwater solution can help reduce the duration of these symptoms.

A pilot study conducted in 2019 found that flushing the nose with a 3% saline solution, which is higher than the standard 0.9% concentration, can reduce cold symptoms in approximately two days.

Additionally, researchers say that saline nasal drops may help reduce transmission rates of cold viruses.

In the same 2019 study, 93% of participants reported that the 3% saline solution made a difference in their symptoms, and 61% indicated that they would use it again during another cold.

Most people may catch a cold two or three times each year, as the cold virus spreads easily via contaminated droplets. Saline solution is an affordable, easy-to-use treatment that may help slow down the spread of the cold virus between family members.

Saline nasal drops may also help to clear up a runny nose. The solution may help reduce viral load, the amount of the virus in a person’s system, by flushing out the nasal passages.

Saline nasal drops help flush out mucous and inflammatory mediators, which are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in initiating and regulating the body’s inflammatory response. This can improve cold symptoms and give the immune system a better chance to fight the infection.

When you are looking to buy saline nasal drops or sprays, it is important to look for a saline percentage or the words “hypertonic” or “extra-strength” on the label. Many brands of saline solutions sell 3% hypertonic nasal spray, but it is important to read the labels carefully to confirm the product does not contain other added medications.

You can also make a saline solution at home with salt, baking soda, and water. It is important to only use distilled or boiled and cooled tap water when preparing the solution, as the quality of tap water varies, and there may be things such as bugs and germs present.

To make the saline solution, combine three tablespoons of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda. Avoid any salts that contain iodine, preservatives, or anti-caking agents because these can irritate your nose. Put one teaspoon of the salt-baking soda mixture into eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. Baking soda helps reduce irritation; however, you may still experience some irritation in the nose or throat after using the saline solution.

Although hypertonic nasal drops or sprays could be prepared correctly, they can still irritate the nose and throat. Some people may even experience a temporary burning sensation. Use the hypertonic saline solution as tolerated. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about alternative cold remedies if the saline solution doesn’t work well for you and if your cold symptoms persist or get worse.

If you are suffering from common cold symptoms and would like to learn more about nasal irrigation, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7110.

How to Prepare for Fall Allergy Season

Posted on September 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The fall season is approaching, and with it comes fall allergy season. As the leaves start to fall, they can contain mold spores that can trigger seasonal allergies for millions. Nearly 25% of adults in the United States experience seasonal allergies throughout the year. Although seasonal allergies typically peak during April, May, and June, they can also be severe during September through December.

Ragweed pollen and mold spores are the most common allergens in the fall. The ragweed plant can grow wild anywhere, but is most prevalent in the eastern and Midwest regions of the U.S. Ragweed pollen typically begins to peak in late August through late September and can last until the first frost. Its lifespan is usually limited to one season, but it can produce up to one billion grains of pollen, which is a lot for one season. Mold spores are also seen during this time of year, especially as the leaves begin to decompose. Early signs of leaves beginning to decompose and possibly being infected with mold are if they start to turn black or white.

Even though there are different allergens for each season, the symptoms that you may experience are similar. They include:

Sneezing
Itchy/watery eyes
Runny nose
Post-nasal drainage

Fall weather can affect allergies because of warm, dry, and windy days, exacerbating symptoms due to the pollen from the ragweed plant being widely dispersed. Rain can temporarily reduce pollen levels, but can cause an increase in mold growth, especially when heat and humidity are present. If you have an underlying dust mite allergy, it is important to note that you may experience worsening allergy symptoms during the fall due to spending more time indoors.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests these five tips to help you get ahead of fall allergy season:

Avoid allergy triggers by keeping an eye on daily pollen counts, staying indoors as much as possible during high pollen count days, and avoiding going out in the morning when ragweed pollen is at its highest during the fall
Change your clothing and remove your shoes as soon as you come in from outdoors, so you don’t track pollen into your home
Start taking allergy medication two weeks or so before the fall season arrives and before your symptoms begin
Consider immunotherapy if you have severe or chronic allergies
Visit an allergist if your allergy symptoms become severe

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Covid and Laryngitis

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As new COVID-19 variants emerge, new symptoms of the virus are being reported. One of those symptoms is acute laryngitis. Laryngitis is the inflammation of your larynx, also known as your voice box, and/or vocal cords.

Laryngitis typically begins suddenly and worsens progressively over the first three days. The symptoms usually go away afterward. Symptoms of laryngitis include:

A hoarse voice
Losing your voice from time to time
A sore throat
A constant need to clear your throat
An irritating, persistent cough

The hoarseness you may experience with COVID-19 is similar to the hoarseness you would experience with the flu or any other upper respiratory illness. COVID-19-causing laryngitis is particularly concerning because the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself causes inflammation. That means that many of the secondary symptoms you will experience, such as coughing, can be quite violent and can irritate your voice box further.

There isn’t much you can do to prevent the development of laryngitis or other throat and vocal cord problems when you have COVID-19. However, there are many ways to treat the condition, including:

Staying hydrated
Using cough drops and other over-the-counter cough suppressants
Avoiding speaking
Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
Gargling with salt water
Keeping the air in your house moist by using a humidifier
Eating a healthy diet can help prevent acid reflux, which can worsen your condition

If you are experiencing symptoms of laryngitis, you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-7110.

Nasal Polyps

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Nasal polyps are small, painless, non-cancerous growths that form in the lining of the nose or sinuses. Polyps vary in size, ranging from small teardrops to large grapes.

Polyps may not cause symptoms when they are small; however, as they grow larger, they can lead to health problems, including:

Difficulty breathing through the nose
Facial pain
Runny nose
Postnasal drip
Itching around the eyes
Loss of smell or decreased sense of smell
Headaches
Loss of taste
Nasal congestion
Snoring
Sinus pressure
Nose bleeds

Larger polyps can lead to complications such as sleep apnea, frequent asthma attacks, or recurrent sinus infections.

The causes of nasal polyps are unknown, but it is believed that long-term inflammation or irritation plays a role.

While anyone can develop polyps, they are more common in people who:

Have asthma
Have chronic sinus infections
Have cystic fibrosis
Are hypersensitive to certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Have chronic rhinitis

You should see your doctor if you are experiencing persistent symptoms associated with nasal polyps. To diagnose this condition, your doctor may perform a physical examination. Your doctor may also order tests such as a nasal endoscopy, CT scan, MRI, allergy test, or blood test.

Treatment for nasal polyps can include medications such as nasal steroids, oral steroids, or biologic medications. If medications are not effective, you may require surgery to remove the polyps.

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

Sleep Apnea Complications

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea.

There are three main types of sleep apnea. They include:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when throat muscles relax and block the flow of air into the lungs.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, occurs when an individual with OSA develops CSA while undergoing therapy for their OSA.

The symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea overlap, which makes it difficult to determine which type a person has. The most common symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring

Episodes in which a person stops breathing during sleep

Gasping for air during sleep

Awakening with a dry mouth

Morning headaches

Insomnia

Hypersomnia

Difficulty paying attention while awake

Irritability

Sleep apnea can cause several complications, including:

Daytime fatigue

High blood pressure or heart problems

Type 2 diabetes

Metabolic syndrome

Complications with medicines and surgery

Liver problems

Sleep-deprived partners

To diagnose sleep apnea, a healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and sleep history. They may refer you to a sleep disorder center, where a sleep specialist can help determine if further evaluation is needed. An evaluation can involve overnight monitoring of your breathing and other body functions during sleep testing. Tests to detect sleep apnea include:

Nocturnal polysomnography

Home sleep tests

If you have OSA, a healthcare provider may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out a blockage in your nose and throat.

To treat sleep apnea, a healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking, in mild cases. Other sleep apnea treatments include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Other airway pressure devices

Oral appliances

Tissue removal

Tissue shrinkage

Jaw repositioning

Implants

Nerve stimulation

Tracheostomy

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in Queens to offer Inspire therapy, a breakthrough treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for those who cannot use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

To learn more about Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call (718) 206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT specialist.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Now Offering Inspire® Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Queens, NY— Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is the only hospital in Queens to offer Inspire therapy, a breakthrough treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for those who cannot use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

OSA affects 22 million Americans and when left untreated, it can cause vehicle and workplace accidents, worsening mood and memory, stroke, heart attack, and even death. It occurs when the airway collapses during sleep and blocks oxygen flow to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes the body up just long enough to breathe, then falls asleep. This cycle repeats throughout the night and causes poor, disruptive sleep.

Inspire works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. Mild stimulation opens the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up.

Inspire’s safety and efficacy were evaluated during the STAR clinical trial. Five-year STAR trial outcomes show that patients using Inspire experience significant reductions in sleep apnea events and significant improvements in quality-of-life measures. Over 150 peer-reviewed publications on Inspire show results consistent with those seen in the STAR trial.

“In our practice, we see many patients who have stopped using or are unable to tolerate CPAP,” said Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Inspire represents a significant advancement in treating sleep apnea. It is clinically proven to reduce sleep apnea events and has a high level of patient satisfaction and high therapy adherence. We are excited to offer this promising therapy to sleep apnea patients who struggle with CPAP.”

Our team of otolaryngologists offers effective treatment for many common conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. These conditions cover various levels of severity; some, such as certain allergies and hearing problems, may pose a distracting annoyance that makes your day-to-day activities more challenging, while others, such as sinus infections, ear infections, and sleep apnea, may develop more serious complications without prompt diagnosis and treatment.

To learn more about Inspire at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please visit Jamaicahospital.org or call 718-206-7110 to make an appointment with an ENT doctor.

What Causes Lymph Nodes to Swell?

Posted on December 26, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and a vital part of the body’s immune system. Swollen lymph nodes are your body’s natural reaction to illness or infection. They act as filters that help rid the body of germs, cells, or other foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid.

Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels, and lymph nodes throughout the body. Many lymph nodes are located in the head and neck region, the armpits, and the groin where they frequently swell.

When lymph nodes swell, it is a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. When they first swell, you might notice:

Tenderness and pain in the lymph nodes
Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph node

Depending on the cause of the swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms might include:

Runny nose, sore throat, fever, and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
General swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body. When this happens, it can indicate an infection.
Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating possible cancer
Fever
Night sweats

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

Common infections
- Strep throat
- Measles
- Ear infections
- An infected (abscessed) tooth
- Skin or wound infections, such as cellulitis
- HIV
Uncommon infections
- Tuberculosis
- Certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis
- Toxoplasmosis- a parasitic infection resulting from contact with the feces of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat
- Cat scratch fever- a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or bite
Immune system disorders
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Cancers
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Other cancers that have spread to the lymph nodes

To diagnose what is causing your swollen lymph nodes, your healthcare provider may need:

Your medical history
A physical exam
Blood tests
Imaging studies
A lymph node biopsy

Swollen lymph nodes caused by a virus usually return to normal after the viral infection ends. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes from other causes depends on the cause:

Infection- antibiotics are the most common treatment for lymph nodes caused by bacterial infections. If your swollen lymph nodes are due to an HIV infection, you’ll receive specific treatment for that condition.
Immune disorder- if your swollen lymph nodes are caused by certain conditions, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is directed at the underlying condition.
Cancer- swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer require treatment for the cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.

Ear Infections

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

An ear infection, or acute otitis media, occurs when a virus or bacteria infects the space behind the eardrum. Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults, making them one of the most common childhood illnesses besides colds.

Signs and symptoms of an ear infection common in children include:

Ear pain, especially when lying down
Tugging or pulling at an ear
Trouble sleeping
Crying more than usual
Fussiness
Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
Loss of balance
Fever of 100˚ F (38˚ C) or higher
Drainage fluid from the ear
Headache
Loss of appetite

Common signs and symptoms of an ear infection in adults include:

Ear pain
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Trouble hearing

Ear infections often begin after a cold or another upper respiratory infection. The germs travel into your middle ear through the Eustachian tube, causing the Eustachian tube to swell and become blocked. The blockage leads to poor Eustachian tube function and infected fluid in your middle ear.

Ear infections aren’t contagious, but the viruses and/or bacteria that cause them are.

Several factors can cause a risk of ear infections, including:

Age
Family history
Colds
Chronic illnesses
Ethnicity
Poor air quality and smoky environments

Most healthcare providers can tell if you have an ear infection based on symptoms and a physical exam. Other tests include:

Tympanometry test
Acoustic reflectometry test
Tympanocentesis test

Treatment for ear infections can include:

Pain medication
Anesthetic drops
Antibiotic therapy

To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.