What Causes Inner Ear Infections
Infections can happen in any part of the ear, including the inner section. When the inner ear is infected, the problem is sometimes known as labyrinthitis.
The infection can be caused by a virus or bacteria, which usually reach the inner ear after affecting another part of your body.
- Viral Infections: Lots of different viruses can affect the inner ear, including the common cold and flu. The infection usually spread to the inner ear from other parts of the body , so you may start to develop symptoms related to your inner ear after noticing cold-like symptoms. Antibiotics cant help with this type of infection.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections are less common, especially in adults, but they can happen. Bacteria are more likely to get into the inner ear if the membranes separating it from the inner ear are broken, which might happen if you have a middle ear infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria then taking antibiotics might help.
In some cases, the problem that we call an inner ear infection isnt actually an infection at all. Labyrinthitis can happen when the inner ear becomes inflamed for other reasons, for example if you have an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the tissue. You might need to get treatment for this underlying condition in order to prevent the inner ear problems from returning.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Wax From My Ears
Because earwax is designed to move up and out of the ear canal on its own, there is usually no reason to clean anything more than the outer ear. Using cue tips to clean the ear tubes can push wax down into the ear canal, causing it to stick and making it difficult to hear clearly. One way to soften earwax is to use a few drops of olive oil or drops from the pharmacy. The drops should be administered 3 times a day for a week in each ear. The wax should then travel up and out of the ear on its own. Your doctor also can gently flush wax from your ears with clean, warm water.
Throat Symptoms: What’s Causing Your Hoarseness
When you speak, air moving through your vocal cords causes vibrations and results in sound. When all the working parts dont come together properly, your voice can sound strained, raspy, or hoarse. Hoarseness happens for a number of reasons your vocal cords can be swollen from a cold virus or laryngitis . However, prolonged hoarseness can also indicate a serious problem, such as cancer, so see an ENT specialist if your symptoms don’t go away.
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Nose Problems: How To Stop Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds happen due to a number of different causes dry air, allergies, colds, migraine headaches, even cocaine use. Sometimes a nosebleed can be due to blood clotting disorders or being on blood-thinning medication. To stop a nosebleed, sit and lean forward slightly. Dont recline keeping your head above your heart slows the bleeding and allows the blood to come out through your nose, instead of going down your throat. Squeeze the soft portion of your nose between the tip and the bridge with your index finger and thumb and hold until the bleeding stops. Seek medical help if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
What Causes Chronic Postnasal Drip
When there is an excess of nasal mucus, it can drain from the back of the sinuses , down the throat, and into the stomach where it is digested. During a cold, mucus typically thickens and sticks in the throat, prompting the need to clear the throat or cough. Chronic postnasal drip can result from many causes, including a cold, allergies, infection, or a more serious condition. If you are experiencing postnasal drip that has lasted more than a week, ask your ear, nose, and throat specialist to examine you.
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What Is Throat Infection
A throat infection, sometimes called , can be either a bacterial or a leading to inflammation of the tissues of the throat that causes redness, pain and swelling of the walls or structures of the throat.
Your throat, or pharynx, is the tube-like structure that carries both food to the esophagus and air to your windpipe . Infective agents of the throat most often enter through the mouth or nose. Many of these infections are viral; others can be caused by bacteria . Streptococcal bacteria are the agents that cause the painful and well-known condition known as strep throat.
Symptoms of throat infection most commonly include and a sensation of heat in the throat or pharynx. The infection may also affect other structures within the throat, in particular the tonsils . Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may or may not be accompanied by fever, cough, congestion, and other such as body . You may also experience in the neck.
Most throat infections, particularly those due to viruses, clear up on their own, while certain bacterial infections are easily treated with antibiotics.
You may also have less serious symptoms or conditions that should still be evaluated. Seek prompt medical care if you have at the back of your throat or on your tonsils, if you are being treated for throat infection but mild symptoms recur or are persistent, or if you have other concerns.
Soothing Measures And Pain Medications
People with viral throat infections that cause significant pain may benefit from soothing measures and/or pain medications.
- Soothing measures: These include sipping on cold or warm drinks, eating cold desserts, or gargling with salt water.
- Over-the-counter painkillers: These include acetaminophen or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen .
- Additional topical pain relief: There are a number of over-the-counter tablets or sprays that contain substances such as menthol, dyclonine, benzocaine, or hexylresorcinol, among others, that provide topical pain relief. These may be tried in adults but are generally not recommended for children.
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How Is It Treated
Most ear infections go away on their own, although antibiotics are recommended for children younger than 6 months of age and for children at high risk for complications. You can treat your child at home with an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen , a warm cloth on the ear, and rest. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 18. Your doctor may give you eardrops that can help your childâs pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Your doctor can give your child antibiotics, but ear infections often get better without them. Talk about this with your doctor. Whether you use them will depend on how old your child is and how bad the infection is.
Minor surgery to put tubes in the ears may help if your child has hearing problems or repeat infections.
Sometimes after an infection, a child cannot hear well for a while. Call your doctor if this lasts for 3 to 4 months. Children need to be able to hear in order to learn how to talk.
Disorders Of The Ear Nose And Throat
There are some parts of the human body that are almost ancillary people can technically live without them. However, our ears, nose, and throat are crucial body parts that we use on a daily basis, and all three have multiple functions.
Our ears not only support our sense of hearing, but theyre also key to maintaining balance and equilibrium. The nose obviously supports breathing and our sense of smell, but it also contributes to our sense of taste plus, it filters the air we breathe in order to prevent harmful bacteria from entering our lungs. The throat is important for swallowing our food, as well as for speaking and breathing.
Any disorders or malfunctions in these core areas can affect your quality of life and may even be life-threatening.
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Sinus Infection Outlook And Recovery
Acute sinusitis usually goes away within one to two weeks with proper care and medication. Chronic sinusitis is more severe and may require seeing a specialist or having long-term treatment to address the cause of the constant infections.
Chronic sinusitis can last for three or more months. Good hygiene, keeping your sinuses moist and clear, and treating symptoms immediately can help shorten the course of the infection.
Many treatments and procedures exist for both acute and chronic cases. Even if you experience multiple acute episodes or chronic sinusitis, seeing a doctor or specialist can greatly improve your outlook after these infections.
Why Have I Lost My Sense Of Smell
Cells in the upper part of the back of the nose are responsible for the sense of smell. To function properly, you must have an adequate flow of air to carry the scent molecules to the cells. Swelling in the nasal lining that partially or completely obstructs airflow in the nasal passages can reduce or preclude your sense of smell. Colds, allergies, asthma, chronic rhinitis, infections, and polyps can cause prolonged nasal obstruction that interferes with the sense of smell. Ask your ear, nose, and throat specialist about treatments for or ways to manage nasal obstruction. If it is untreated, the damage to your sense of smell can be permanent.
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Why Is My Childs Nose Is Always Runny
Cold viruses can cause your child to have a runny nose for an extended period of time. Most children get the viruses while playing with other children at school, in a playgroup, or on a playground. Because viruses do not respond to antibiotic treatment, colds must run their course¾a process that can take many days and sometimes weeks to completely resolve. Allergies also can cause a persistently running nose.
What Are The Symptoms Of Inner Ear Infections In Adults
We;heard your ear is bothering you. Are you wondering if its an inner ear infection?
Its important to recognize the signs of an ear infection so that you can seek treatment. Sometimes, they go away on their own, but if symptoms persist, it can lead to damage or hearing loss.
Keep reading to find out about the symptoms of inner ear infections in adults so you can stay happy and healthy.
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Do Allergies Cause Ear Infections
Allergies can cause inflammation and contribute to ear infections by interfering with the Eustachian tubeâs ability to let air pass into the middle ear. However, in children under two years of age, allergies are usually not the main cause of ear infections. Allergy testing can identify the allergen triggers for your child. Medications or allergy shots usually can bring relief and also lessen the likelihood of ear infections.
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When To See A Doctor
Although ear, nose and throat infections arent usually anything to worry about, you should consult a doctor if your symptoms are severe, they last longer than expected, or if you keep getting the same kind of infection. An ENT specialist can find out whats causing the infection and look for any underlying problems. You might be prescribed a treatment like antibiotics to clear up a bacterial infection or advised on how to prevent the symptoms from returning.
Do you have any other tips for people with ear, nose or throat infections?
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Why Do Children Get Many More Ear Infections Than Adults Will My Child Always Get Ear Infections
Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections for these reasons:
- The eustachian tubes in young children are shorter and more horizontal. This shape encourages fluid to gather behind the eardrum.
- The immune system of children, which in the bodys infection-fighting system, is still developing.
- The adenoids in children are relatively larger than they are in adults. The adenoids are the small pads of tissue above the throat and behind the nose and near the eustachian tubes. As they swell to fight infection, they may block the normal ear drainage from the eustachian tube into the throat. This blockage of fluid can lead to a middle ear infection.
Most children stop getting ear infections by age 8.
Hoarseness That Lasts Longer Than Six Weeks
Weve all experienced hoarseness with the common cold or bronchitis. Yet if it lasts six weeks or longer, it may signify another medical problem such as benign vocal cord lesions, or possibly cancer of the larynx. An ENT can examine your vocal cords easily and painlessly, and determine if more tests are needed.
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Ear Infection Treatment: Ear Tubes
Tympanostomy tubes are small tubes that are sometimes inserted in the eardrums of children who have frequent ear infections. This image shows an ear tube positioned in the eardrum. The tubes allow ventilation and drainage of fluid so that fluid cannot buildup in the middle ear. This can lessen the chance of infection and reduce the pain that may be associated with pressure. After surgery, children usually recover within 1 to 2 hours. Ear tubes usually fall out on their own after 6 to 12 months, or a doctor can surgically remove them.
Can Middle Ear Infections Be Prevented
Itâs not possible to prevent middle ear infections, but there are some things you can do that may reduce your childâs risk of developing the condition. These include:
- make sure your child is up-to-date with their routine vaccinations particularly the pneumococcal vaccine and the DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccine
- avoid exposing your child to smoky environments
- donât give your child a dummy once theyâre older than six to 12 months old
- donât feed your child while theyâre lying flat on their back
- if possible, feed your baby with breast milk rather than formula milk
Avoiding contact with other children who are unwell may also help reduce your childâs chances of catching an infection that could lead to a middle ear infection.
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Is Loud Persistent Snoring Normal
Snoring that interferes with a persons sleep is not normal and should be addressed. When left untreated, excessive snoring can cause daytime sleepiness, stress, poor concentration, and depression. It also can increase a persons risk of accidents, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Snoring that intermittently stops your breathing can cause serious health problems. There are no medications to treat excessive snoring; however, certain lifestyle changes can help improve the problem. They include but are not limited to:
- Keeping physically fit and maintaining a healthy weight
- Not smoking
- Sleeping on your front or side, with your head slightly raised
- Avoiding alcohol, sedatives
- Managing allergies or sinus problems
If you or your partners snoring is causing you to wake when you sleep, ask your ear, nose, and throat specialist to examine you and discuss ways to improve or resolve the problem.
What Are Nose Throat And Ear Infections
Nose, throat and ear infections are very common today, especially within the first couple of years of life.
Infections can occur in the middle ear, tonsils, adenoids, sinuses, or other parts of these small, moist areas.
Doctors who treat these infections are ear, nose and throat doctors, or simply, ENTs.
Some diagnoses familiar to many parents are:
- Otitis media
- Strep throat
More children suffer from upper respiratory infections than ever before.
Some specialists believe that chronic nose, throat and ear infections, and using antibiotics to treat them, may lead to developmental delays.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Throat Infection
You may experience throat infection symptoms for several weeks at a time. It is important to remember that if these symptoms subside during treatment of a bacterial throat infection, it does not mean that the infection is gone: you should continue to take your medication as directed. If any of these symptoms become severe, if it becomes difficult to breathe, or if your exceeds 101 degrees Fahrenheit, seek medical attention.
Pharmacy First Scotland: Sore Throat Treatment From Your Pharmacy
You don’t usually need to get medical advice;if you;have;a sore throat however your pharmacist may advise you see your GP if: ;
- your symptoms are severe
- you have persistent symptoms that;haven’t started to improve after a week
- you experience severe sore throats frequently
- you have a weak immune system; for example, you have;HIV, are having;chemotherapy, or are taking medication that suppresses your immune system
If they’re not open, you should phone;the NHS 24;service
If you have a persistent sore throat , you should see your GP who may refer you for further tests. This is because your sore throat may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Some possibilities are described below.
Visit your nearest;accident and emergency department ;or call 999 for an ambulance if you have severe symptoms such as:
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- current or past stomach problems, such as a;stomach ulcer
- current or past liver or kidney problems
Children under the age of 16 should never be given aspirin.
Take painkillers as necessary to relieve your pain. Always read the manufacturers instructions so you do not exceed the recommended or prescribed dose.
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How Can I Get Rid Of A Furry Tongue
A furry tongue is not an indication of internal disease. If you have an oral yeast infection, oral medication can resolve the condition. Good dental hygiene that includes brushing the tongue and rinsing the mouth with dilute salt water can help reduce or eliminate furry tongue. Because yeast can be associated with elevated blood sugar , it is important to have your urine checked if you are having problems with yeast.