Ear, Nose & Throat
Ear, Nose & Throat covers common conditions and treatments related to the ears, nose, and throat, offering advice on prevention, symptoms, and improving overall health in these areas.
What Are Ear Stones, Also Known as Otoconia?
Your ear is a sophisticated organ composed of three sections: Outer ear: This includes the visible ear and the ear canal, which channels sound waves toward the middle ear. Middle ear: Consists of the eardrum and three tiny bones that amplify incoming sound. Inner ear: Converts sound waves into electrical impulses sent to the brain. It also houses the vestibular apparatus — structures that inform the brain about balance and…
Should You Fly with a Sinus Infection?
Fluctuations in cabin pressure during air travel can make a sinus infection worse. While the safest option is to postpone flying until your sinus infection resolves, there are steps you can take before and while airborne to ease discomfort. A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, happens when fluid accumulates in the tissues lining your sinuses, leading to inflammation. The sinuses are air-filled cavities in your skull around the nasal passages…
Nose Piercing Healing Process
Nowadays, nose piercings are as widely chosen as ear piercings. Similar to ear piercings, nose piercings commonly require about 4 to 6 months to fully recover. The exact timeline depends on: where the nose piercing is placed (nostril, septum, etc.) the jewelry material, for example: nickel 18- or 24-karat gold stainless steel titanium niobium how well you follow aftercare for the pierced area Below, we’ll outline healing durations for the…
Eardrum Spasm
Eardrum spasms can arise from various sources. Depending on the underlying factor, certain medications may provide relief. Consultation with an otolaryngologist (ENT) is advised to determine the appropriate therapy. Though uncommon, the muscles that regulate eardrum tension can undergo involuntary contractions or spasms, similar to a twitch you might notice in other muscles of your body, such as in the eyelid or calf. (img by Dr. Mustafa Kapadia) Eardrum spasm…
Why Does My Ear Hurt When I Swallow?
There are numerous reasons you might feel pain in your ear when you swallow. Frequently, the culprit is an infection affecting the ear or throat. Ear pain presents in many forms. It may throb for extended periods or only hurt when touched. Sometimes, the discomfort only appears during activities unrelated to the ears themselves, such as swallowing. Read on to discover common causes of ear pain during swallowing and the…
What to Do When Baby Sounds Congested but Has No Mucus
Simple home approaches such as warm baths, saline drops, and keeping the air clean can ease a baby’s congestion. Still, contact your pediatrician if the infant develops other signs like a fever. (img by Bridgetown Baby) Hearing those sniffles and snuffles from your little one may not be a medical emergency the first time, but it can certainly feel alarming. It’s especially puzzling when your baby sounds stuffed up yet…
All About Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Tinnitus refers to hearing a continuous ringing or other noise in the ear that does not come from an external source. Possible contributors include hearing impairment, an obstruction in the ear canal, and certain drugs. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of adults experience tinnitus. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is one treatment choice for moderate to severe tinnitus. It combines educational counseling with sound-based therapy to train the brain to…
Can Lipo-Flavonoid Stop the Ringing in My Ears?
Some people suggest that Lipo-Flavonoid might treat or prevent tinnitus by improving blood flow in the inner ear. However, only a small amount of research backs up these assertions. Lipo-Flavonoid is an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement promoted as a natural approach for managing symptoms and conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. (img by Lipo Flavonoid) It’s primarily advertised for addressing tinnitus, which means hearing noises in your ears that…
How to Stop or Desensitize Your Gag Reflex
You may be able to lessen a sensitive gag reflex through gradual practice. In the short term, certain approaches can help you swallow tablets or tolerate dental procedures. The gag reflex, also known as the pharyngeal reflex, is a throat contraction that occurs when something contacts the roof of the mouth, the back of the tongue or throat, or the area around the tonsils. This automatic response helps prevent choking…
Turbinate Reduction: What to Expect
Many people will encounter turbinate issues at some point. These problems, and the associated breathing troubles, often resolve on their own or with medical help. What are turbinates? Did you realize your nose contains natural air conditioners? Inside the nasal cavity are three pairs of fleshy ridges that filter, warm, and humidify the air you inhale. These are known as turbinates. (img by Dr. Chris Lansford) When turbinates are healthy,…
