Symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for common ENT conditions ranging from chronic sinus infections to balance disorders and pediatric ear health.
Ear infections, also called otitis media, can become severe and cause distress, particularly in infants and children. Infants are more susceptible to ear infections because their auditory canals are more horizontal compared to older children and adults, and this leads to trapped fluids in the ear.
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Nosebleeds remain one of the common side effects of taking fish oil supplements, especially in high doses. The omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil affect platelets in your blood and clotting time.
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Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause an infection known as salmonellosis. In many cases, the infection is mild, causing gastrointestinal distress. However, some cases require immediate treatment with antibiotics. Foods made with ingredients from animal sources, such as eggs, can contain salmonella.
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A runny nose when you eat, or gustatory rhinorrhea, is still something that is considered common. If you develop a runny nose every time you eat specific foods, call your doctor to discuss the symptoms and treatment options. The runny nose may be a sign of another medical condition unrelated to eating.
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The presence of wax in your ears is a natural occurrence. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, specialized cells in the ear canal secrete a wax-like substance called cerumen designed to keep the inner ear protected from moisture and infection.
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An excess amount of phlegm or mucus in a baby's throat can lead to choking, gagging, coughing and frequent swallowing. Mucus in the throat is a common side effect of various infections including the common cold or flu. If phlegm is persistent or blocks an infant's airway consult a health care professional immediately.
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Colds and flu are among the most common causes of a sore throat, but allergies, strep throat, smoking and tonsillitis can also cause throat pain.
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Sometimes, the virus that causes ear infections in babies infects the gut. This leads to symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. In other cases, an ear infection temporarily affects a baby's ability to balance properly, and one side effect is vomiting and general sickness.
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Psychosis refers to an impairment in an individual's ability to perceive and interact with his environment. Some examples of psychotic features include hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't there) and delusions (believing in things that aren't true despite evidence to the contrary).
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Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is a common medical condition that affects 10 million to 15 million people each year, notes the Merck Manual Home Health Handbook. Characterized by pain or pressure between the eyes and around the forehead and nose, the condition can last weeks or months.
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While ear infections are a well-known ailment, particularly in children, middle ear infections tend to get the most attention. However, inner ear infections are more common in adults, and because of the functions of the inner ear, infections in this area have the potential to significantly impact hearing and balance.
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A sore throat can make you feel as if you've swallowed ground glass, making eating, talking and swallowing painful. Infections, smoke or strain from shouting can irritate the throat and cause pain. Home remedies for sore throat relief aim to reduce swelling and inflammation and coat sensitive tissues to ease pain.
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A fluid called mucus is produced by the nose to help warm and clean the air that is inhaled. This fluid is then swallowed in order to clean and moisten the back of throat. If there is excessive mucus production, or the mucus becomes thicker than normal, the symptoms of post nasal drip may appear.
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Vertigo is a symptom that is commonly found with inner ear disorders, viral or bacteria infections, and Meniere's disease. Vertigo makes you feel like you are spinning or falling, or that the ground beneath you is moving.
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Eating high-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory fruits can contribute to a healthy immune system and aid the body in fighting off infection. If you suffer from chronic sinus infections, avoid foods such as dairy, gluten, sugar and processed foods.
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A sore throat accompanied by severe fatigue can be caused by an Epstein-Barr virus infection, an illness referred to as mononucleosis. Mononucleosis is often called “the kissing disease” because the virus is most often transmitted through contact with infected saliva.
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Sinus and inner ear problems are some of the most common health conditions in Americans, according to the book "Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery" by Byron Bailey. Infections commonly cause ear problems, which most often present as pain in the ears. Sinus problems are usually due to infections or nasal allergies.
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Tinnitus is a symptom of the ear that is characterized by high-pitched ringing sounds. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, 36 million people in the United States have tinnitus or a similar head condition. Tinnitus is difficult to diagnose at times because the severity varies.
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Dizziness, or feeling unbalanced or lightheaded, and nausea, the feeling that precedes vomiting, are symptoms of numerous of conditions. In some cases, dizziness and nausea are brief, mild and temporary symptoms, caused by riding on a roller coaster or consuming small amounts of harmful bacteria.
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Used for hundreds of years, the teapot-shaped neti pot is a device used to irrigate nasal passages. Neti pots are an inexpensive and an easy way to soothe the misery of a cold. For best results, do not add anything like iodized salt to a neti pot that may cause irritation and always consult a doctor before use.
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