BLOG
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- sleep apnea (12)
- Sinus Infection (5)
- Dizziness (7)
- Breathing Problems (4)
- Otolaryngology (2)
- surgery (1)
- Earache (1)
- neck (1)
- neck cancer (2)
- head cancer (2)
- nose (2)
- sinus (2)
- Allergies (5)
- Sinusitis (2)
- Hearing Loss (3)
- head surgery (3)
- neck surgery (4)
- Sinus Infections (2)
- Nosebleeds (2)
- Hearing Aids (5)
- Sinus Problems (1)
- Mouth Sores (2)
- Mouth (2)
- Tonsillitis (3)
- Throat (1)
- ENT (3)
- Ear (1)
- Ear Infection (2)
- Ear Pain (2)
- Sore Throat (3)
- face pain (1)
- Cleft Palate (2)
- Sleep Problems (1)
- Deviated Septum (3)
- Auricular Hematoma (1)
- Tonsillectomy (3)
- Canker Sores (1)
- Head and Neck Surgery (2)
- Sinus Surgery (1)
- Asthma (1)
- Breathing Problem (1)
- Swimmer’s Ear (1)
- Thyroid Disorder (1)
- Swallowing Disorders (1)
- Nasal issues (1)
- Dysphagia (1)
- Throat Cancer (1)
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (1)
- ENT Doctor (1)
- Tonsils (1)
- Tonsil Removal (1)
- TMJ Pain (1)
- TMJ (1)
- Temporomandibular Joints (1)
- Dry Mouth (1)
- Impacted Earwax (1)
- Earwax (2)
- Postnasal Drip (1)
- Vertigo (1)
- Sinus Pain (1)
- Itchy Ear (1)
- Otomycosis (1)
- Fungal Ear Infection (1)
- Nasal Polyps (1)
- Sore Throats (1)
- Scratchy Throat (1)
- GERD (1)
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (1)
- Airplane Ear (1)
- Ear Barotrauma (1)
- Ear Infections (1)
- Cholesteatoma (1)
- Earwax Removal (1)
ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Earwax can be more than a nuisance for some. Earwax, if left to build up in the ear, can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms of excessive earwax.Signs and symptoms of earwax buildup can include:
- muffled hearing
- sudden or partial loss of hearing
- earaches
- dizziness
- itchy ears
- tinnitus, which is ringing in the ear that won't go away
- feeling fullness in the ear
To help prevent the onset of these symptoms, earwax removals can be done either at a doctor's office or at home. Over-the-counter treatments for earwax removal can be done safely if no infection is present, or if a doctor has cleared you to do so.
Can You Use a Q-tip to Remove Earwax?
It's important to know how to remove earwax safely. Most people believe the only over-the-counter treatment for earwax removal is using a q-tip inside the ear canal.
However, using a q-tip within the ear is not a good way to remove earwax and can lead to injury or infection.
In fact, according to the Journal of Pediatrics and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, between 1996 and 2010, there were over 263,000 children treated in the emergency room for cotton-tip applicator-related injuries.
Safest Methods for Removing Earwax at Home
If you're planning on removing earwax at home, purchasing an earwax removal kit from your local drug store can be a safe option.
Earwax removal kits have detailed instructions on how to use them, making it easy for adults to use on their children or on themselves. These kits already come equipped with a rubber bulb ear syringe and ear drops.
These kits work by softening the earwax within the ear canal by placing drops in your ear twice daily. Then, the bulb is used to irrigate out any remaining earwax.
It's important to use these products as directed, for instance, no more than twice daily for up to four times. It's also essential to check and see if the kit you're using has not been tampered with or previously opened.
Other Natural Methods
Natural oils, such as baby oil, olive oil, and mineral oil can also be used to soften earwax and in place of earwax kit drops. These oils are typically non-irritating to the ear. After placing a couple of drops in the affected ear, you can lie the ear facedown on a towel to catch all the draining earwax.
Other possible solutions that can help remove earwax include
- saltwater
- saline solution
- hydrogen peroxide
- vinegar and rubbing alcohol mixture
It's important to note any foreign oils, mixtures, or solutions can cause infection, so get the OK from a doctor before using these over-the-counter earwax removal methods.
Cholesteatoma might sound like a scary illness, and although it is a serious condition, it is treatable by your local ENT. If you’re suffering from reoccurring ear problems, mention Cholesteatoma to your ENT at your next appointment. What is Cholesteatoma?
Cholesteatoma occurs when a large collection of skin cells occur deep within the ear. This growth of skin is where cholesteatoma gets its name, toma being the word for swelling or tumor. Fortunately, cholesteatoma presents as a non-cancerous cyst.
Cholesteatoma can be either genetic, known as congenital cholesteatoma, or develop later in life, known as acquired cholesteatoma. Both are caused by keratinizing cells in the temporal bone. Abnormal growths usually present in the middle ear behind the eardrum.
Signs and Symptoms
A cholesteatoma usually only affects one ear.
It can cause symptoms including:
- Fluid drainage in the ear
- Foul-smelling drainage
- Feeling pressure or fullness in the ear
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Pain
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
Risk Factors
Developing congenital cholesteatoma is incredibly rare. However, it is possible to acquire it in adulthood.
Some of the risk factors of developing cholesteatoma include:
- Re-occurring middle ear infections
- Poor eustachian tube function
- Genetics
- Being of Caucasian descent (incidence is rarest in Indian Asians)
- Being born with craniofacial syndromes such as cleft lip
How Is It Diagnosed?
A doctor will take a look inside your ear using an otoscope to determine if you have cholesteatoma. They can see the cholesteatoma, which often looks like a cyst made of skin cells or a mass of blood vessels.
If the cholesteatoma is too small to be detected, a CT scan may be ordered.
What are the Treatment Options?
Treatment for cholesteatoma often involves surgery for severe cases. However, if caught early, it can be treated through a round of antibiotics, ear drops, and cleaning your ear carefully.
The goal of the treatment is to reduce the chances of an infection occurring, reduce inflammation, and drain the ear of the cyst.
What If It Goes Untreated?
Surgery is perhaps the best way to treat cholesteatomas that won't go away, which is, unfortunately, quite common. Cholesteatomas tend to grow bigger and can eventually lead to:
- Destruction of surrounding tissues and bones
- Permanent facial nerve damage, including numbness
- Severe infections such as meningitis (although rare)
- Chronic ear infections
- Swelling of the inner ear
Because of the severe side effects cholesteatoma might have, it's important for people to get checked out by a doctor should they have any symptoms or risk factors.
If you’re having trouble breathing properly through your nose (or one nostril in particular) you may not be surprised to discover that you could have a deviated septum. A deviated septum occurs when the septum, the wall of cartilage that separates the two nasal passages, is crooked. This means that one nostril may be partially obstructed, which is why you have trouble breathing through your nose. Fortunately, an ENT doctor will be able to provide you with some relief.Medications
While medication won’t treat the nasal deformity, if you are only dealing with mild symptoms then your ENT doctor may simply recommend taking medications to help better control the symptoms you are experiencing. Decongestants are one type of medication that can help reduce swelling within the nasal cavity, making it easier to breathe.
Another medication that is often prescribed is an antihistamine. This is more common if you are also dealing with allergy symptoms that impact your ability to breathe. Those patients exhibiting symptoms such as nasal congestion or a runny nose may benefit most from this type of medication.
Along with decongestants, a steroid nasal spray may also be used in conjunction with this treatment to reduce nasal inflammation to make breathing through your nose easier. This medication is typically only prescribed by your ENT doctor for a couple of weeks.
Surgery
If someone is dealing with a severely deviated septum that blocks or partially blocks a nostril, or if symptoms aren’t properly controlled with medication, then surgery may be the best option.
Surgery is the only way to actually repair a deviated septum. This procedure, known as a septoplasty, is performed by an ENT specialist who will make small incisions within the septum to reposition and realign the cartilage. In some instances, your ENT doctor will also instruct as to whether or not a rhinoplasty (“a nose job”) is needed to improve the overall shape and size of the nose after the deviated septum is repositioned.
As you can see, there are several ways in which to treat a deviated septum. If you are having difficulty breathing through your nose, know that an otolaryngologist can help you breathe easier.
Do you deal with painful ear infections often? Does your child? We all know how painful an ear infection can be and we also know that as with any health problem, it is always easier (and better) to prevent it whenever possible. Didn’t realize there were things you could do to lessen the chances of developing an ear infection? Well, now you’re about to find out…Practice Good Hygiene
Some ear infections occur as a result of a cold or flu, so it’s important that you protect yourself from viral infections to reduce your risk for an ear infection, too. This means practicing proper handwashing, avoiding those who are sick, and not touching your mouth or face.
Find Allergy Relief
Allergies can also cause some serious issues. If you find yourself getting ear infections around the wintertime this could be the result of allergies. To prevent swelling of the Eustachian tubes you should find an allergy nasal spray that can better control your symptoms and
Get the Flu Shot
As we mentioned above, getting the flu can also lead to an ear infection. So if you are someone who notoriously finds themselves battling an ear infection after the flu, the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get the flu shot. The flu shot should be administered each year to those 6 months and older.
Avoid Cigarette Smoke
Smoking can also cause the Eustachian tubes of the ears to swell. This is why you should quit smoking if you currently smoke. It’s also particularly important for newborns and young children to avoid any environmental pollutants or smoky areas, as they are already particularly susceptible to ear infections and these environments can make it worse.
Breastfeed Your Newborn
Since children under 3 years old are particularly vulnerable to ear infections, one of the best ways to protect them is to breastfeed them. This is because breastmilk contains antibodies that can protect the baby from infections, including ear infections. It is recommended that women breastfeed their baby for at least the first six months, but can continue to breastfeed as long as they want.
If you are dealing with recurring or severe ear infections it’s always best to play it safe and to see a qualified ENT professional for an evaluation. Recurring ear infections can be a sign that something more is going on and warrants having it checked out.
Could you be one of the millions of Americans who have sleep apnea in Washington, DC? According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 80% of the 22 million people estimated to have the condition aren't aware of it. If you're one of them, prompt treatment by your ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, Dr. William Bond can help you protect your health.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing momentarily while you're asleep. Sleep apnea breathing pauses don't just happen once but can occur hundreds of time throughout the night. The pauses deprive your brain of oxygen and may increase your risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, and depression.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
You may experience one or more of these symptoms if you have sleep apnea.
- Loud Snoring: Loud snoring doesn't necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea but many people who have the condition do snore quite loudly.
- Choking, Gasping and Snorting: If you have sleep apnea, the walls of your throat may become too relaxed or even collapse while you sleep, preventing air from reaching your lungs. When this happens, your body prompts you to breathe again by making you gasp, choke or snort.
- Breathing Pauses: Obviously, you may not be aware that you've stopped breathing, but family members may mention it to you.
- Fatigue: Do you frequently feel sleepy during the day or lack energy? Since sleep apnea constantly disrupts your sleep, it's not surprising that you're tired.
- Irritability: Constant fatigue may make you feel irritable and moody.
- Concentration Issues: Difficulty concentrating or problems with your memory might also be related to sleep apnea.
- Discomfort: People who have sleep apnea often complain of morning headaches, dry mouth or sore throats.
How is sleep apnea treated in Washington, DC?
During your visit to the ENT office, your doctor may recommend that you use a continuous positive airway machine (CPAP) to prevent sleep apnea. Pressurized air delivered through a small mask stops your throat from closing when you sleep.
An oral appliance is another option. The appliance, worn over your teeth, holds your jaw forward, preventing your tongue from blocking your airway. Lifestyle changes, including losing weight and decreasing your alcohol intake, may reduce your symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be an option.
Are you concerned that you may have sleep apnea in Washington, DC? Call your ENT specialist, Dr. Bond, at (202) 726-7770 to schedule your appointment.
This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.
