Q
: 1
08/21/2009 |
Hi my son got tubes in his ears about 6 months ago, however he has gotten 2 ear infections since then. Is there anything else that could be done to prevent the ear infections?
There are many reasons for ear infections. If his tubes are in and not clogged, the likely source of the ear infection would be external. Keeping him from submerging his head in dirty water such as bath or lake water would be a good first start.
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Q
: 2
08/07/2009 |
Can a sinus infection cause pressure in your head, fullness behind your ear and make your ears feel like they are popping? I am feeling pressure that makes the base of my head hurt and I can feel my pulse go up when there is pressure put on my neck like when you lay on a pillow. When I go to the dentist he says I have a sinus infection or something on the x-ray but when I go to the doctor they think it is headache or heart related.
Generalized inflammation in the nose can cause facial pressure, ear fullness and ear popping. It doesn't need to be a sinus infection. Feeling your pulse when you lay on the pillow can be a normal phenomenon in some people
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Q
: 3
07/11/2009 |
I have a deviated septum which causes severe buildup of mucus causing great discomfort. I have tried everything to dislodge the mucus only to have to have the buildup start all over again. I have been told I am not a good candidate for surgery as I have had triple bypass heart surgery and have severe coronary artery disease. I am on Plavix along with numerous other meds for high blood pressue. Can you offer me any suggestions?
A deviated septum typically does not cause excess mucous. Often, people have undiagnosed allergies in the nose and the most practical approach is to use a good allergy spray (like flonase, nasonex, etc), but you really need to use it DAILY for several weeks before the benefit really kicks in. Additionally, flushing the nose with saline solution regularly is helpful because it gets rid of the elements that can lead to inflammation and mucous production.
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Q
: 4
06/06/2009 |
Is there any procedure that can 'open' nasal valves which collapse too easily when breathing heavy? Mine even collapse when I sleep on my side at night, causing me to wake up. I really don't want to wear sinus strips 24 x 7.
A septorhinoplasty would be an appropriate procedure and very effective. You want to make sure you go to a surgeon who is trained in ENT as well as facial plastics to assure that the nasal airway is properly opened. I would recommend Dr. Bryan Ambro at the University 410 328-3223
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Q
: 5
05/13/2009 |
I'm a 31 year old female who suffers from severe headaches in the sinus area (between, behind the eyes). I've had a CT scan and results were normal. My doctor prescribed ibuprofen 800 mg 3 times daily but my headaches are getting stronger and occurring daily. Could this be sinusitis? I don't have any other symptoms.
With a normal scan, it is not likely that you have sinusitis. You may have a contact point between your turbinate and septum that is causing your facial pain. You may also just be experiencing migraines.
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Q
: 6
04/22/2009 |
I am putting 1-2 drops of isopropyl alcohol in my boyfriends ear to help dry out fluid. My aunt used it with me for my many cases of swimmer's ear. It seems to be working, but is it safe?
As long as there isn't a hole in his eardrum, the use of isopropyl alcohol to dry out the ear canal is a safe practice.
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Q
: 7
03/26/2009 |
I have mucus in the back of my throat and I feel like I have to continuously clear my throat during the day. When I go to bed at night, I have trouble breathing through my nose. What can i do?
The most common cause of the frequent throat clearing is reflux laryngitis and this should be evaluated. Reduced nasal breathing while lying down is generally from inferior turbinate hypertropy and both are easily diagnosed by an ENT doctor.
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Q
: 8
02/15/2009 |
I'm 26wks pregnant and having trouble sleeping at night due to extreme nasal congestion. My doctor said that I can take
Tylenol, Advil or Sudafed (tablets or inhalers/sprays), but I'm afraid of taking taking them. Is it really safe for me to take these? Which will be least likely to negatively effect my pregnancy?
When you are pregnant, it is best to avoid all medications and I certainly would not recommend that you take Sudafed. I would suggest you try saline sprays or a netie pot as these are safe alternatives that may offer you relief.
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Q
: 9
01/29/2009 |
I have obstructive sleep apnea and my doctor wants to remove the usual but he also want to put a screw in the back of my jaw bone with a metal plate to help pick up my tounge and pull it forward. Have you ever heard of it and what is the outcome that you know of for this procedure?
I am familiar and perform this procedure when necessary. It is done when the base of the tongue falls back excessively to block the airway. Whether it is necessary depends on the degree of your sleep apnea and the size of your base of tongue.
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Q
: 10
11/10/2008 |
I have been suffering from chronic sinusitis. I know some of the symptoms. However, i am wondering if it is normal to feel tenderness behind the ears and even behind the part of the neck?
The tenderness in the neck and behind the ears is NOT specific to a sinus infection but rather indicates a generalized adeopathy most typically from a viral infection.
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Q
: 11
05/10/2008 |
I have salivary stone(s) that have been killing me for the past year. In the past they have passed on their own. Not this time. None of the ENTs or oral surgeons in my area have offered any results. What would be the next step?
It depends on the gland involved. If it is in the submandibular gland and you don't pass the stone, sometimes it is easiest to remove the gland with the duct. In case of the parotid gland, usually the duct can be dilated and the stone removed.
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Q
: 12
05/08/2008 |
What would cause daily very strong nose bleeds? The MRI did show anything. and a scope by an ENT did not show where it was coming from. What is the next step?
It could just be dryness in the air. Using a water-based nasal lubricant may help. If they are brisk bleeds, it could be that your blood pressure is high. Also, you should have your doctor check your blood for coagulation factors.
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Q
: 13
05/08/2008 |
Can salivary stones be flushed out?
If they are near the end of the salivary duct that drains into the mouth, they can be retrieved.
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Q
: 14
03/01/2008 |
I've never had nose bleeds in my life and the past month I've had four serious ones that take a long time to stop and all have had large clots. I am 57 years old and it's starting to worry me. I've been to my family doctor and she is dismissing it from recently having bronchitis. Today I got one at my workout club. Any advice?
Humidification is extremely important. Nasal saline during the day (5-6 times) and saline gel (Ary gel) are very importatnt. A humidifier in your bed room is also helpful. Many of the nose bleeds begin in the winter when there is a lot of forced dry air in the home and work environments. If it doesn't stop and you are not on blood thinners (aspirin, coumadin), it should be evaluated.
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Q
: 15
01/15/2008 |
I would just like to ask if tinnitus is related to pregnancy? I'm 28 weeks pregnant and started to experience tinnitus on my left ear.
Yes, some women may experience tinnitus during pregnancy, especially during the third month. It typicallly subsides on its own but if it is still presnent after you deliver or is associated with hearing loss and dizziness, you should have it evaluated.
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