ENT and Allergy Center

02/13/2026

Dust & Dander are high! Heres what you can do:
Vacuum at least once a week with a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter.
Dust with a microfiber cloth that will hold the dust rather than push it around.
Close windows on windy days.
Take allergy medication at the onset of symptoms.
Clean the nose with saline spray.

02/13/2026

We also welcome back to this year's conference for, not one, but two presentations - Jaime Turner, MPAS, PA-C!
Jaime Turner grew up in Northwest Arkansas and graduated from Rogers High School. While in high school, she worked as a CNA as part of the Tri-City Youth Apprenticeship work study program. She continued working as a CNA through college, earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas in biology with a minor in psychology. She went on to Harding University for her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies. Jaime was interested learning more about otolaryngology after suffering from her own ENT problems. She arranged an elective clinical rotation in otolaryngology with Dr. Cashman and knew this was where she belonged. She’s been practicing in otolaryngology with Dr. Cashman since graduating in 2014. Since then, she has received extensive additional training in head and neck procedures and diseases. Jaime enjoys teaching and has been honored to teach other PAs on the state and national level. Jaime enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, daughter and pups. She has a huge garden and many house plants and loves trail running, mountain biking, backpacking and slalom skiing.

So excited to learn from you, Jaime!
https://arapa.mypanetwork.com/physician-assistant-events/1618-cme-conference-2026 #!agenda

02/05/2026

🦠🌿 Let’s talk about sinusitis — and why it happens 🌿🦠

Most sinus infections don’t start as infections.

It usually begins with inflammation — from a virus, allergies, or environmental irritants. When the lining of the nose and sinuses becomes swollen, the tiny drainage pathways get blocked.

➡️ Swelling + blocked drainage
➡️ Mucus gets trapped and can’t flow
➡️ Stagnant mucus becomes a perfect place for bacteria to grow
➡️ Then a sinus infection can develop

That’s why antibiotics aren’t always the answer early on.
Many sinus symptoms are viral or inflammatory and will improve with time and supportive care.

🚨 When do antibiotics make sense?
• Symptoms are worsening after 8 days, or
• Symptoms are not improving after 10 days, or
• Severe symptoms (high fever, significant facial pain, worsening pressure)

💡 What actually helps early on?
✔️ Saline sprays or rinses – help thin mucus and improve drainage
✔️ Nasal steroid sprays – reduce inflammation and swelling
✔️ Nasal antihistamine sprays – helpful when allergies are a trigger

Treat the inflammation → restore drainage → prevent infection.

Your sinuses don’t need to be “dried out” — they need to drain.

As always, talk with your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

01/27/2026

01/25/2026

Stay safe and warm! Updates will be posted here.

01/15/2026

OFFICE NOTICE 1/15/2026

Our phones are back up and functioning as normal. Thank you for your patience!

12/16/2025

🤧 Chronic Rhinitis: It’s Not Just “A Stuffy Nose”

If you deal with ongoing congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or post-nasal drip—you may have chronic rhinitis.

👉 The key to feeling better? Consistency.

Nasal sprays work best when used DAILY, not just on the days you feel miserable.
Waiting until you’re completely stuffed up makes them less effective.

💧 Saline is your nose’s best friend:
• Moisturizes dry, irritated nasal lining
• Washes out allergens, dust, and irritants
• Helps clear crusting and thick mucus
• Preps the nose so medicated sprays work better

✨ Think of nasal care like brushing your teeth—routine matters.

If your symptoms linger despite consistent treatment, it may be time for a deeper look and a personalized plan.

12/11/2025

🩸 Let’s Talk Nosebleeds (and How to Prevent Them!)

Nosebleeds are super common—especially in the winter when the air gets dry—but they can still be annoying and sometimes a little scary. The good news? Most are easy to prevent!

Why do nosebleeds happen?
Your nose has lots of tiny blood vessels close to the surface. When the inside of your nose dries out or gets irritated, those vessels can crack and bleed.
Common triggers: dry air, allergies, frequent nose blowing, picking, colds, sinus infections, and even certain medications.

Simple Ways to Prevent Nosebleeds:
👃 Keep the inside of your nose moisturized.
• Use saline spray 1–2× daily
• Apply a thin layer of saline gel or Vaseline
• Run a humidifier in your bedroom at night

☀️ Stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water keeps your mucus membranes from drying out.

🤧 Be gentle with your nose.
• Avoid aggressive blowing
• Don’t pick the inside of your nose (kids especially!)

🌿 Manage allergies.
Allergy control cuts down on inflammation and irritation.

🚫 Avoid smoke exposure.
Smoke dries out and irritates nasal tissue, making bleeds more likely.

If you do get a nosebleed:
Lean forward, pinch the soft part of your nose, and hold steady pressure for 10–15 minutes. No tilting your head back!

If nosebleeds happen frequently, last a long time, or are happening on just one side repeatedly, it’s a good idea to get checked out by an ENT or your provider.

12/11/2025

There is a snowball effect - the impact of loud noise exposure on children goes beyond hearing loss.

In an op-ed for MedPage Today, AMA president and otolaryngologist Bobby Mukkamala, MD, warns of the risks associated with "prolonged high-volume noise, particularly through headphones and earbuds."

http://spr.ly/61847hc5e

12/10/2025

Our goal has always been to bring meaningful technology to our patients—and today we’re proud to share something big. We gifted an Auracast transmitter to the Walton Arts Center to help make performances more accessible for people with hearing loss.

Auracast lets one audio source broadcast directly to an unlimited number of compatible devices, giving hearing aid wearers clearer, more immersive sound. While places like Las Vegas and Orlando have had Auracast for some time, NWA now has two venues using it: WAC and United Methodist Church—both on Dickson Street!

We hope this inspires more venues in our area to invest in technology that supports better hearing for everyone.

12/09/2025

🤧 What Actually Causes Sinus Infections?

Most sinus infections start as viruses (just like the common cold!).
Only about 2% turn into bacterial infections — which means antibiotics aren’t helpful for most people.

⸻

Viral vs. Bacterial: How Can You Tell?

It’s not always obvious, but these patterns can help:

Viral sinus infections:
✔️ Usually improve on their own in 7–10 days

Bacterial sinus infections are more likely if:
⚠️ Symptoms last >10 days with no improvement
⚠️ Symptoms get worse after 7–8 days
⚠️ You have high fever (102°F+) and thick colored drainage for 3–4 days
⚠️ You start to feel better, then get worse again (“double sickening”)

⸻

When Do You Actually Need Antibiotics?

You may need them if you meet the patterns above — but most people don’t.
Antibiotics offer only small benefits, and they can cause side effects or contribute to resistance.

⸻

So What Helps You Feel Better?

These treatments help whether it’s viral or bacterial:

• OTC pain relievers
• Saline nasal rinses
• Nasal steroid sprays
• Short-term nasal decongestant sprays (no more than 5 days)

⸻

When to Call Your Provider 📞

Reach out if:
• You’re not improving after 7–10 days
• Your symptoms get worse at any point
• You develop high fever, severe headache, or vision changes
• You’re unsure what to do next

⸻

Most sinus infections get better with time and good symptom care — not antibiotics.
If you’re unsure, your healthcare provider can guide you on the best plan for your situation