University of Nebraska Medical Center health professionals who specialize in ear, nose and throat issues, will staff a booth during Husker Harvest Days on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the hospitality tent.
Three physicians, a physician assistant and a nurse from the UNMC Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, will provide information and answer questions about ear, nose and throat health issues for children and adults. Anyone who stops by the booth can register to win one of two iPad mini computers that will be given away.
Dwight Jones, M.D., chair of the department who owns a ranch south of Broken Bow, said some of the most common ailments for those who live in rural areas, particularly farmers and ranchers, are chronic sinus disease and late summer and fall allergies.
Dr. Jones said chronic sinus disease caused by nasal allergies causes continual runny and stuffy noses. He said if the allergies are treated with medication, oftentimes the sinus disease will clear up. But if it doesn’t, it can be treated with sinus therapy.
“Years ago, most chronic sinus problems had to be treated with surgery in the operating room,” Dr. Jones said. “But now, thanks to many new techniques, it can be done in the office, which really helps eliminate recovery time, lost work and certainly pain is much less.”
For some who suffer from ragweed allergies, he said a relatively new treatment — sublingual drops or drops under the tongue for allergens – can eliminate allergy shots or over-the-counter medications.
“The drops are beneficial. They go under the tongue to eliminate and desensitize people to allergens,” Dr. Jones said. “You don’t have to go in to see your physician once every two to four weeks. You can do it at home, and they’ve actually found out they’ve been proven to be very effective.”
He said for those with seasonal allergies, he recommends getting tested to determine the most appropriate therapy.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.
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