Transcript Here If you constantly feel congested, cannot breathe through your nose, or have lost your sense of smell, nasal polyps may be the cause. Nasal polyps are a very common condition treated by ENT specialists and are often associated with chronic sinus inflammation and sinus infections. At SCENT Houston, Dr. Madeleine S. Herman frequently evaluates and treats patients suffering from nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, and loss of smell. What Are Nasal

Ear wax may not be glamorous, but it plays an important role in protecting your ears. Unfortunately, many people accidentally make ear wax problems worse by trying to clean their ears incorrectly. At SCENT Houston, Dr. Madeleine S. Herman frequently treats patients with impacted ear wax, clogged ears, muffled hearing, itching, and ear pressure caused by improper ear cleaning habits. Here’s what you should know about preventing ear wax buildup and keeping your ears healthy. Wh

Madeleine Herman, MD Many patients assume facial pressure or forehead pain must be a sinus headache , especially during allergy season or when congestion is present. However, studies show that most headaches attributed to sinuses are actually migraines . Understanding the difference is important because treatment for sinus headaches and migraines is very different , and misdiagnosis can lead to prolonged symptoms and frustration. At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Speciali

Transcript Here If you have ever rolled over in bed or looked upward and suddenly felt like the room was spinning, you may have experienced BPPV. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of dizziness and vertigo seen by ENT specialists. Although the symptoms can feel alarming, BPPV is usually treatable. At SCENT Houston, Dr. Madeleine S. Herman evaluates patients with dizziness, vertigo, ear disorders, and balance problems to help identify

Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Difficulty breathing through the nose is one of the most common reasons patients see an ENT specialist. A frequent cause is a deviated septum , a structural problem inside the nose that can significantly impact airflow, sleep quality, sinus health, and overall quality of life. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that straightens the nasal septum to improve breathing and relieve symptoms of nasal obstruction. At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Spec

If you struggle with chronic nasal congestion, sinus pressure, sneezing, itchy eyes, or post-nasal drip , allergies may be the underlying cause. Allergy testing helps identify exact triggers so treatment can be targeted and effective — often reducing the need for repeated medications or ongoing symptoms. At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston , allergy testing is often part of a comprehensive ENT evaluation, especially when symptoms overlap with sinus i

Surgery Ear tube surgery , also called tympanostomy tube placement , is one of the most common ENT procedures performed in children. Ear tubes help treat recurrent ear infections, chronic middle ear fluid, hearing problems, and speech delays caused by poor ventilation of the middle ear. Parents often feel anxious about surgery, but ear tube placement is a quick, safe, and highly effective procedure that can significantly improve a child’s comfort, hearing, and development.

Allergy season can cause frustrating symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, postnasal drip, sinus pressure, fatigue, and poor sleep . In Houston, seasonal allergies can begin early and last for months due to high levels of tree pollen, grass pollen, mold, and environmental allergens . This ENT allergy season survival guide explains how to prevent symptoms, which treatments work best, and when to seek care for persistent nasal and sinus problems . C

Madeleine Herman, MD Nosebleeds (Epistaxis): Causes, Treatment, and When to See an ENT Specialist Nosebleeds , also called epistaxis , are very common and can happen at any age. While most nosebleeds are mild and easily treated at home, frequent or severe bleeding may indicate nasal dryness, irritation, allergies, sinus inflammation, or underlying medical conditions . Understanding why nosebleeds occur and how to treat them can help prevent recurrence and reduce anxiety when

If you suffer from nasal allergies , you may feel overwhelmed by the many medication options available. Patients commonly ask which treatments work best for nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, postnasal drip, and sinus pressure . The truth is that not all medications are equally effective — and the right choice depends on your specific symptoms and underlying causes. As an ENT specialist in Houston , I frequently help patients choose the most effective medicat

By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Sinusitis , commonly called a sinus infection, occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, blocking normal drainage and allowing mucus to build up. This trapped mucus can lead to pressure, congestion, pain, and infection. Sinusitis may be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, nasal polyps, structural blockage, or chronic inflammation. It can affect people of all ages and may occur occasionally or become a chronic problem.

By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD What Are Tinnitus and Hearing Loss? Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Patients often describe ringing, buzzing, humming, clicking, or roaring in one or both ears. Hearing loss occurs when the ability to hear sounds clearly is reduced. It may affect one ear or both ears and can develop gradually or suddenly. Tinnitus and hearing loss frequently occur together because they often share the same underlying causes

By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Why Do Allergies Cause a Runny Nose? A runny nose occurs when the lining of the nose becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus. In people with allergies, the immune system overreacts to harmless particles such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or pet dander. This triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause swelling, itching, sneezing, and nasal drainage. This condition is known as allergic rhinitis , often referred to

By: Dr. Madeleine S. Herman, MD What Does a Hoarse Voice Mean? A hoarse voice refers to changes in voice quality including raspiness, breathiness, weakness, reduced volume, voice cracking, or vocal fatigue. While temporary hoarseness from a cold or yelling is common, hoarseness lasting longer than two to three weeks should always be evaluated by an ENT specialist. Chronic hoarseness can signal inflammation, vocal cord injury, reflux irritation, nerve problems, or benign vocal

Dr. Madeleine S. Herman, MD Read Transcript What Is a Tonsillectomy? A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils — the two lymphoid tissues located at the back of the throat. Tonsils help fight infection in early childhood, but in many patients they become more harmful than helpful due to repeated infections, airway obstruction, or chronic inflammation. Tonsillectomy is one of the most common ENT surgeries performed in both children and adults and can signif

Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Why are spring allergies so bad in Houston? Houston’s warm climate, high humidity, and long growing season create ideal conditions for pollen and mold. Tree pollens (like oak, ash, and cedar), grass pollen, and mold spores often overlap, making symptoms more intense and longer-lasting than in many other cities. When does spring allergy season start in Houston? Spring allergy season in Houston often begins as early as February and can last through May

Mouth taping has become a popular social media trend for snoring, dry mouth, and “optimizing” sleep. The idea is simple: tape your mouth closed at night to force nasal breathing. But here’s the problem:If your nose doesn’t work well, taping your mouth shut doesn’t fix the cause — it hides the symptom. As an ENT, I can tell you this with confidence: Improving nasal breathing is always better than relying on mouth tape. Let’s talk about why. Why Nasal Breathing Matters Your nos

Madeleine S. Herman, MD, MPH Sinus infections (sinusitis) are one of the most common reasons patients visit an ENT in Houston — especially during allergy season. If you’re dealing with facial pressure, congestion, post-nasal drip, or thick nasal drainage, you may be wondering: Is this a sinus infection? And what’s the best treatment? Let’s break down what actually works — and when it’s time to see a specialist. What Is a Sinus Infection? A sinus infection (also called sinusit

Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Spring allergy season in Houston isn’t just inconvenient—it can be downright miserable. With tree pollen, grass pollen, mold, and high humidity , Houston consistently ranks among the most challenging cities in the country for allergy sufferers. The good news? Preparation matters. Taking steps before symptoms peak can significantly reduce congestion, sinus infections, fatigue, and missed workdays. Here’s how to prepare for spring allergies in Houston

When Do You Actually Need Sinus Surgery? A Houston, Texas ENT Explains the Real Criteria If you’ve been on multiple rounds of antibiotics…If you’re constantly congested…If you feel sinus pressure that never truly goes away… You may be wondering: When do you actually need sinus surgery? As a sinus specialist in Houston, I can tell you — surgery is not the first step. But when it is necessary, it can be life-changing. Let’s break down the real criteria. First: What Counts as C