Symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for common ENT conditions ranging from chronic sinus infections to balance disorders and pediatric ear health.
Ear pain can occur in one or both ears, and can last for a few minutes or a long time, MedlinePlus indicates. An earache might come on suddenly and can be caused by an ear infection or some other problem, such as a reaction to medication.
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Sinus pain and postnasal drip are usually symptoms of sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinuses with frequent thick nasal secretions that drip back in the throat when the person lies down.
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Experiencing a plugged ear after swimming leaves many newbie swimmers wondering exactly what they did wrong in the pool. Plugged or blocked ears occur fairly regularly among swimmers of all skill levels.
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Ear wax builds up to a greater degree in some people than in others. This phenomenon is related to the ongoing process of shedding skin cells over the human body.
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Tonsils are two clumps of lymph tissue situated on either side of the throat. They kill germs, build your immunity and help your body in resist infections. An infection of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis usually occurs due to viral or bacterial causes.
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No mother wants to see her baby in pain. If you or someone in your family contracts a severe sore throat, you may worry that your baby could end up sick with strep throat. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you may fear that the frequent contact you have with your baby could increase her risk of becoming ill.
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You may know peppermint as a flavoring in gum, toothpaste and tea, but it is also used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments, such as upset stomach, headaches, anxiety, menstrual cramps and symptoms of the common cold, including sore throat.
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When one listens to music or hears someone speak, the brain must process what it has heard. In order to be understood, sounds must first be converted to vibrations in the middle ear and then to electrical impulses in the inner ear.
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Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the adenoids, small glands located at the back of the throat. This type of surgery is often performed in conjunction with the removal of the tonsils, a procedure called a tonsillectomy.
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Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the larynx. The larynx houses the vocal cords and they are often involved, leaving the sufferer with a hoarseness or a temporary loss of voice. The condition may or may not be painful.
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Vertigo is a sensation that you or objects around you are spinning. It is a common form of dizziness caused by a malfunctioning of the nerves of the inner ear.
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A sticky substance that helps preserve hearing by coating the ear canals, earwax typically possesses a distinctive, mild odor. Earwax that has an unusual or foul odor generally indicates a problem that could vary in severity from a mild buildup of wax to a potentially serious ruptured eardrum.
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Few allergies trigger swollen tonsils as a sole symptom. However, if you have pollen, fiber, food or other allergies then swollen tonsils might occur alongside other familiar symptoms. In some cases this will subside after a few hours.
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A sinus headache is the result of sinus inflammation, which can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, environmental irritants or allergies. Sinus headaches can manifest as a dull throbbing between the eyes, and the pain may become worse when bending over.
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The American Diabetes Association and other health professionals are dedicated to the research and treatment of diabetes and associated conditions. They have found that the main reason diabetics experience dizziness is because of a lack of control of blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
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Allergies can be mild to severe and are caused by a number of things, from dust to pollen or even pet dander. Allergy testing can reveal the exact allergens that trigger a reaction so you can do your best to avoid them.
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Postnasal drip is responsible for 50 percent of lingering coughs that last more than three weeks, according to "Kelley's Essentials of Internal Medicine."
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MayoClinic.com states that adult ear infections are uncommon and are treated similarly to childhood ear infections. The New York Times reports that 15 to 30 million doctor visits are the result of ear infections annually.
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An extremely dry nose can be very uncomfortable, even painful and embarrassing. When your nose is dry, there's a general lack of moisture inside your nasal passages. That can be caused by environmental conditions, certain medications or a medical condition.
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Smoking can lead to illness in many parts of your body, but your throat is particularly vulnerable. Each time tobacco smoke is inhaled, the throat is exposed to more than 7,000 chemicals, notes a 2010 report from the U.S. Surgeon General.
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