By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Valentine’s Day is all about connection—whether that means a romantic dinner, a first date, or simply feeling confident showing affection. But two common (and often overlooked) issues can get in the way: dry, irritated lips  and bad breath . From an ENT perspective, both are often signs of underlying nose, throat, or sinus issues , not just cosmetic problems. The good news? With the right approach, both are very treatable. Here’s how to keep your

Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD If you constantly clear your throat, struggle with hoarseness, or feel like something is stuck in your throat—but don’t have heartburn—you may be dealing with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) . Often called “silent reflux,”  LPR is a common but frequently misunderstood condition that affects the throat and voice box , not just the esophagus. Because symptoms don’t always feel like classic acid reflux, many patients go months—or years—without the right d

Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Snoring is often brushed off as harmless—or even joked about—but medically, it can be a sign that your sleep quality is suffering. In many cases, snoring doesn’t just affect the person hearing it; it disrupts the sleeper’s own rest and can signal underlying airway problems . Understanding how snoring affects sleep  is the first step toward better rest, improved health, and—often—quieter nights. What Causes Snoring? Snoring occurs when airflow through

Dr. Madeleine Samuelson Herman, MD, MPH, FAAOA If you’ve ever had a sinus CT scan , you may have wondered what your ENT is actually looking at—and how those black-and-white images explain your symptoms. A sinus CT is one of the most valuable tools we use to diagnose chronic sinus problems, nasal obstruction, and recurrent sinus infections . Unlike a regular exam, it allows us to see deep inside the sinus cavities and nasal passages to understand why  you’re not breathing well

If you live in Houston and struggle with chronic sinus congestion, pressure, infections, or postnasal drip, you’re not alone. Houston’s unique mix of high pollen counts, humidity, mold exposure, and long allergy seasons  makes sinus problems especially common—and often persistent. In 2026, sinus care has evolved. Patients now have more effective, targeted options that focus on treating the root cause , not just masking symptoms. But with so many treatments advertised, how do

Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD If you’ve recently recovered from a cold, flu, COVID-19, or other upper respiratory viral infection—but your cough just won’t go away—you’re not alone. One of the most common reasons people seek medical care after an illness is a post-viral cough . A lingering cough can be frustrating, exhausting, and concerning, especially when other symptoms have resolved. Understanding why post-viral cough happens  and what actually helps can ease anxiety and speed

Madeleine Herman, MD, MPH Texas allergy season feels longer—and worse—than ever. With warmer winters, higher pollen counts, and year-round allergens, many Texans are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms  that go far beyond an occasional sniffle. While mild allergies can often be managed with over-the-counter medications, some symptoms signal a bigger problem  and shouldn’t be ignored. In 2025, knowing when to see an ENT or allergy specialist can prevent chronic sinus infe

A Guide from SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston Itchy ears are a very common complaint —for both adults and children. While the issue is usually harmless, itchy ears can be incredibly annoying and sometimes signal an underlying condition that needs treatment. At SCENT Houston , we help patients understand the most likely causes of itchy ears and what you can safely do to get relief. 👂 Why Do Ears Get Itchy? The skin inside the ear canal is thin and sen

A Parent’s Guide from SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Ear infections are one of the most common reasons children visit the doctor —especially between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. While most infections are mild and temporary, some children develop frequent or severe ear infections that can affect hearing, sleep, and even speech development. At SCENT Houston , we help parents understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when

By: Dr Madeleine Herman, MD Chronic sinus infections can make everyday life miserable—constant congestion, pressure, headaches, and endless antibiotics. For many patients, these symptoms come from blocked or inflamed sinus drainage pathways.One of the most effective, minimally invasive solutions is Balloon Sinuplasty . At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston , we perform Balloon Sinuplasty in the office to help patients breathe freely again with little d

A Guide from SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston Many people assume that any headache with facial pressure is a “sinus headache.” But here’s the surprising truth: most sinus headaches are actually migraines. In fact, research shows that up to 80% of people who think they have sinus headaches actually have migraine symptoms. At SCENT Houston , our ENT specialists help patients determine whether their pain is truly sinus-related — or something else. What

A Guide from SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Sleep is essential for your health, but for millions of people, breathing problems during sleep prevent truly restful nights. One of the most common and serious causes is sleep apnea  — a condition that affects both children and adults. At SCENT Houston , we help patients diagnose sleep apnea and explore treatment options, including alternatives to CPAP  for those who can’t t

Strep throat is a common cause of severe sore throat, particularly among children, teens, and adults who frequently suffer from upper respiratory infections. Most cases resolve quickly with antibiotics. However, some patients experience recurrent infections that may require evaluation by an ENT specialist. At SCENT Houston , we help patients understand what strep throat is, how to treat it effectively, and when it’s time to consider more permanent solutions like tonsillectomy

By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD As the weather cools down, cold and flu symptoms make their yearly comeback — bringing along congestion, cough, sore throats, and fatigue. At SCENT Houston , we see a big rise in patients struggling to tell whether their symptoms are viral, allergic, or sinus-related. Here’s our guide to the best over-the-counter medications and strategies  to help you breathe easier and recover faster this season. 🤧 1. Decongestants: For Stuffy Noses and Sinus

Allergy Symptoms If you live in Houston , you already know that allergies are almost a year-round problem. Pollen, mold, dust mites, and humidity can cause constant nasal congestion, a runny nose, or that annoying tickle in the back of your throat known as postnasal drip . While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, certain allergy medications  can make a huge difference in how you breathe and feel day to day. 1️⃣ Antihistamines: The First Line of Defense Best for:  Runny

By: Dr Madeleine Herman, MD, MPH A stuffy nose can make it difficult to breathe, sleep, and enjoy daily life. For many people, congestion is not just an occasional problem—it’s a chronic issue . If you find yourself constantly asking, “Why is my nose always blocked?” , you’re not alone. At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston , our ENT specialists help patients uncover the root causes of nasal obstruction and provide effective, long-lasting treatments. Co

If you’ve ever struggled with chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, or allergies that just won’t go away, you’ve probably wondered...

ENT Expert tips Treat your Tonsil Stones What Are Tonsil Stones? Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths , are small, hardened deposits that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They are made up of debris such as food particles, dead cells, bacteria, and mucus that get trapped in the tonsils’ natural folds. Over time, this buildup can calcify into small, white or yellowish stones. While tonsil stones are usually harmless, they can cause bad breath, throat discomfort, and rec

If you’ve been struggling with chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, or sinus headaches, sinus surgery may be the solution that...

A stuffy nose can make even the simplest tasks—sleeping, working, or enjoying time outdoors—feel frustrating. For many people in Houston,...