Do You Have a Cold or a Sinus Infection?

Nobody wants a case of the sniffles, especially in the age of Coronavirus. Once you talk to your doctor and rule out COVID-19, there are two likely culprits behind your symptoms: a cold or a sinus infection. Understanding the difference will help you seek appropriate treatment and feel better faster. Is It the Common Cold?…
Finding Relief for Your Sinus Infection

Sinus infections, sometimes called sinusitis, are the result of swelling and inflammation of the sinus cavities. When tissue lining the sinuses swells – usually caused by allergies or a cold – mucus becomes pooled and infested with bacteria, which then becomes infected. Sinus infections can be acute, lasting about four weeks, or chronic, lasting 12…
Why Do You Get Postnasal Drip?

Mucus is a thick, wet substance that keeps your nose, throat, airways, stomach and intestinal track moist. It also helps trap and destroy bacteria and viruses to prevent infections. Every day, your nose alone produces about a quart of mucus. Normally, you don’t notice mucus at all because it mixes with saliva and drains down…
Facts About Flu
Now that it’s December and plenty of stockings have been hung by the chimney with care, flu season is well underway. Beginning in October, influenza cases begin to climb in Lexington and Columbia. You can prepare by getting a flu shot and taking a few other precautions. Here are some important facts about flu. What…
Can Nasal Surgery Cure Your Headache?
If you suffer from frequent headaches, you’re not alone. Many people in the Midlands deal with headaches on a pretty regular basis—and often conventional treatment techniques don’t help. New research shows that nasal surgery might offer relief to some of these individuals. What Do Sinuses Have to Do with Headaches? The idea that sinus surgery…
Not All Headaches are the Same

Pretty much everyone in the Midlands experiences a headache from time to time. For some, it’s the result of tension; others might have imbibed a bit too much the night before. There aren’t only many different causes of headaches—there are different types, as well. We’re going to discuss some of the most common. 10 Different…
Seasonal Allergies or Sinusitis? How to Tell Them Apart

Those suffering through another season of allergies in the Midlands might actually be experiencing a chronic sinus infection called sinusitis. Both conditions share similar symptoms; learning to tell them apart can mean the difference between misery and relief. Allergies vs. Sinus Infections An estimated 50 million Americans experience seasonal allergies – usually in the spring…
Sinusitis: Why it’s Worse in the Winter

You probably don’t associate sinus infections with wintertime, but for the 37 million Americans who experience them every year, there is no such thing as the “offseason.” In fact, sinus symptoms are often worse in the winter months. Even in South Carolina, where winter weather is far less extreme than in many other parts…
CENTA Medical Group is pleased to announce the board certification of Dr. Aaron M. Hilton!

Dr. Hilton first became interested in ear, nose and throat (ENT) field while studying anatomy in his first year of medical school at Florida State College of Medicine. The desire to focus on this area of medicine grew as he participated in extensive research related to chronic sinusitis during his residency at the University of…
How Can a Balloon Fix Your Sinus Infection?

Balloons are synonymous with birthday parties and clowns, so you might be surprised to learn they actually serve a useful purpose in the world of medicine. If you’re one of the many individuals suffering from sinus infections in Lexington or Columbia, balloons might even be the key to relieving your misery. Think we’re full of…