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ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Posts for: February, 2019
A canker sore is a painful ulcer that often develops within the mouth or tongue, but can also be found within the throat or on the lips. Canker sores should not be confused with cold sores (fever blisters), which are the result of a virus. There are several factors that can lead to canker sores, from spicy foods and vitamin 
deficiencies to stress or certain disorders.
While canker sores are benign and don’t require treatment, most of the time people are looking for ways to reduce canker sore pain until the sore heals on its own. There are two types of canker sores: simple and complex. Simple canker sores only appear a few times a year, usually lasting up to one or two weeks. Complex canker sores, on the other hand, aren’t as common and appear more frequently.
What causes canker sores?
While experts still don’t know what causes canker sores, we do know that there are certain things that can trigger the development of a sore. This includes:
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods (e.g. lemons; tomatoes)
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. zinc; vitamin B-12)
- Minor injuries to the mouth (e.g. biting your cheek)
- Food sensitivities
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Poor or weak immune system
- Celiac disease
- HIV/AIDS
When should I see a doctor?
It might be time to consult an ENT doctor if you are noticing:
- Sores that last several weeks
- Recurrent outbreaks
- Pain that isn’t responding to at-home care
- Severe pain that affects eating
- Extremely large sores
- Sores accompanied by a high fever
What are some ways to treat canker sores?
Most of the time canker sores do not require any treatment; however, if you are dealing with extremely large, painful or numerous sores then you may need to seek care from an ENT physician. Since canker sores will heal on their own, your doctor’s goal will be to help manage your pain through common treatment options such as:
- Topical medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can be used to numb the pain or even speed up the healing process.
- Oral rinses: To reduce inflammation or to numb the pain a doctor may prescribe a special mouth rinse.
- Oral medications: If canker sores aren’t responsive to other treatment options, oral medications may be recommended. Such options include steroids.
- Supplements: If your canker sores are the result of a nutritional deficiency then a doctor may recommend taking certain vitamins or supplements such as folic acid, vitamin B-12 or zinc.
If you are dealing with painful canker sores that you can’t seem to get under control then it’s time to turn to an ear, nose & throat specialist who can provide you with the answers you’re looking for.
Controlling your sleep apnea is a must if you've been diagnosed with the common sleep condition. If you don't manage your symptoms, you may face an increased risk of several serious health conditions. Luckily, your Washington, DC, ENT, Dr. William Bond Jr., offers effective treatment options that will put an end to your nightly breathing pauses.
More than just snoring
Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing because your airway collapses or becomes obstructed while you sleep, often triggering loud snoring. Breathing pauses last for at least 10 seconds and can occur up to hundreds of time during the night.
The pauses deprive your body of oxygen, increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. Because you wake up multiple times during the night, it's hard to get a good night's sleep. When you wake up, you may feel exhausted and might feel even sleepier as the day goes on. If you can't keep your eyes open, it can be difficult to excel at work or stay awake on the drive to and from work.
Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, a problem that can affect your relationships at home and at work. Weight gain is another consequence of sleep apnea. When you're constantly tired, it's hard to muster the energy to work out. Unfortunately, obesity only increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
How can my Washington ENT help me?
Ear nose and throat doctors offer several treatments aimed at stopping breathing pauses. If breathing pauses occur due to obstructions, such as excess throat tissue or enlarged adenoids or tonsils, your ENT may recommend procedures to remove the excess tissue, adenoids or tonsils.
If a deviated septum is responsible for your sleep apnea, you may benefit from surgery to re-position your septum. Other minor procedures can also be helpful, depending on the cause of your symptoms.
Many people who have sleep apnea benefit from using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night. A mask worn over your face delivers a steady stream of air that keeps your airway open. Oral appliances offer another treatment option. The devices fit over your teeth and prevent your tongue from falling against your airway.
Improve your health and your sleep apnea symptoms with a visit to your Washington, DC, ENT, Dr. William Bond Jr. Call him at (202) 726-7770 to schedule an appointment.
