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Patient Education


Strep Throat: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Consider Tonsillectomy
By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD A Guide from SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston Strep throat is one of the most common causes of severe sore throat — especially in children, teens, and adults with frequent upper respiratory infections. While most cases resolve quickly with antibiotics, 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 t
Madeleine Herman
5 days ago2 min read


🩺 Best Medications for Cold and Flu Season: ENT-Approved Tips from SCENT Houston
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
Madeleine Herman
Nov 172 min read


What Is the Best Allergy Medication for Stuffy Nose, Runny Nose, and Postnasal Drip?
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
Madeleine Herman
Nov 103 min read


Why Do I Always Have a Stuffy Nose? Common Causes and Treatments
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
Madeleine Herman
Oct 272 min read


An Interview with a Houston Sinus Surgeon: Insights from SCENT Houston
If you’ve ever struggled with chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, or allergies that just won’t go away, you’ve probably wondered...
Madeleine Herman
Oct 202 min read


Tonsil Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options explained by a Houston, Texas ENT
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
Madeleine Herman
Oct 133 min read


Sinus Surgery Recovery: What Houston Patients Need to Know
If you’ve been struggling with chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, or sinus headaches, sinus surgery may be the solution that...
Madeleine Herman
Oct 62 min read


Effective Allergy Treatments for a Stuffy Nose in Houston
A stuffy nose can make even the simplest tasks—sleeping, working, or enjoying time outdoors—feel frustrating. For many people in Houston,...
Madeleine Herman
Sep 253 min read


When to See an ENT for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD FAAOA ENT/Otolaryngologist, Houston, Texas Snoring may seem like just an annoyance, but for many people, it can be a sign of something more serious— sleep apnea . Left untreated, sleep apnea not only disrupts your rest but can also affect your overall health. At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston , our ENT specialists help patients uncover the root cause of snoring and provide effective treatment options. What Causes Snoring
Madeleine Herman
Sep 222 min read


Sinus Infections vs. Fall Allergies: How to Tell the Difference
By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD As the weather changes in Houston, many people experience stuffy noses, congestion, and headaches. But how...
Madeleine Herman
Sep 152 min read


Why Get a Sinus CT?
By Dr Madeleine Herman, MD, FAAOA If you suffer from frequent sinus infections, chronic congestion, or persistent nasal problems, your...
Madeleine Herman
Sep 82 min read


Nasal Obstruction FAQs: What You Need to Know
Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD, MPH Nasal obstruction—commonly described as a “stuffy nose” or “blocked nasal passages”—is one of the most...
Madeleine Herman
Sep 22 min read


What to Expect After Ear Tube Surgery: A Parent’s Guide
By: Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD, MPH Ear tube surgery (tympanostomy) is one of the most common procedures performed in children to treat...
Madeleine Herman
Aug 262 min read


What Causes Tonsil Stones and How to Treat Them | SCENT Houston ENT Specialist
By: Dr Madeleine Herman, MD If you’ve ever noticed a bad taste in your mouth, persistent bad breath, or small white lumps in the back of...
Madeleine Herman
Aug 183 min read


Back-to-School ENT Tips: What Houston Parents Should Know
By Dr. Madeleine Samuelson Herman, MD Back-to-School ENT Tips from a Houston ENT Specialist As the school year kicks off, most parents...
Madeleine Herman
Jul 282 min read


When Is Sinus Surgery the Right Choice? | SCENT Houston ENT Specialists
By: Madeleine Herman, MD, MPH, FAAOA If you’re struggling with chronic sinus infections, facial pressure, or nasal congestion that...
Madeleine Herman
Jul 213 min read


What to Expect After Sinus Surgery | SCENT Houston ENT Specialists
By: Dr Madeleine Herman, MD If you’re preparing for sinus surgery—whether to relieve chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or improve...
Madeleine Herman
Jul 142 min read


Sleep Apnea: When to See an ENT Specialist for Diagnosis and Treatment
At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston , we frequently see patients suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea. This...
Madeleine Herman
Jul 72 min read


How to Prevent and Treat Dust Mite Allergies | SCENT Houston
Suffering from sneezing or congestion at home? SCENT Houston shares tips to prevent and treat dust mite allergies for better breathing and sleep.
Madeleine Herman
Jun 303 min read


Understanding Ear Pressure and Its Impacts
What Is Ear Pressure? Ear pressure occurs when there's an imbalance between the pressure inside your middle ear and the external...
Madeleine Herman
Jun 232 min read
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