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 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 significantly improve

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

Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD Sleep apnea and weight gain are closely linked—and for many patients, they fuel each other in a frustrating cycle. People often assume weight gain causes sleep apnea, but the relationship works both ways . Untreated sleep apnea can make weight gain more likely and weight loss much harder. Understanding how sleep apnea affects metabolism, hormones, and energy levels is the first step toward effective treatment and lasting health improvements. What Is S

A Practical Guide for Patients Seeking Lasting Relief From Chronic Sinusitis: How to Find a Sinus Surgeon in Houston, Texas If you’ve been struggling with chronic sinus infections, facial pressure, congestion, or loss of smell, you may be wondering: How do I choose the right sinus surgeon in Houston? With so many ENT practices across the Houston area — from Memorial and Katy to The Woodlands and Sugar Land — it can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right sinus specialist is abo

If you’ve been struggling with chronic sinus pressure, congestion, or recurring sinus infections, you’ve probably heard about balloon sinuplasty . It’s often advertised as a quick, minimally invasive solution—but many patients still ask the same question: Is balloon sinuplasty really worth it? The short answer: for the right patient, yes . But it’s not the best choice for everyone. Here’s a clear, honest breakdown of what balloon sinuplasty is, who benefits most, and when oth

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

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 the upper airway becomes

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