Ear Nose & Throat Doctors

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Different Allergy Management

Allergies are increasingly common and can range from inconvenient to life-threatening. Traditional allergy management often involves taking antihistamines or using an inhaler, but there are alternative methods that have gained popularity in recent years. These methods include acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary changes. In this blog post, we will explore these different allergy management techniques and weigh their effectiveness. Whether you are tired of relying on medication or want to explore holistic options, this post will provide valuable insights into managing your allergies.

Understanding Allergies

Understanding allergies is crucial for individuals who suffer from allergies on a daily basis. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a harmless substance as if it were dangerous. This can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, hives, and even anaphylaxis.Common allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. Pollen allergies, food allergies, inhalant allergies, and medication allergies are among the most common types. Some people may also experience allergies to latex or insect venom.To handle allergies, it's important to identify triggers and avoid them, as well as considering antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other treatments under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Managing Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, it's important to work with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your medical history, allergy test results, and symptom severity. The plan may include avoiding allergens, taking medications, and/or receiving immunotherapy.

1. Allergen avoidance

When it comes to managing allergies, avoiding allergens is key. Even though it may not always be possible to completely avoid an allergen, there are steps that can be taken to decrease exposure. For instance, special dust-proof covers can be put on pillows, mattresses, and box springs to limit contact with dust mites. Furthermore, washing bedding frequently with hot water and avoiding stuffed animals in the bedroom can also help. Grasses, trees, and weeds produce pollen that cause seasonal allergies, so it is important to stay indoors on high pollen count days and keep windows closed. Finally, individuals should work with their doctor to create an allergy management plan and always carry medication in the event of an allergy attack.

2. Medications for Allergy Symptoms

Allergy medications can come in various forms such as pills, liquids, inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops, skin creams, and shots. There are over-the-counter options as well as prescriptions, depending on the severity of the allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are commonly used to block histamine, which causes allergic reactions. Decongestants provide temporary relief for nasal and sinus congestion, but they are not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, or hyperthyroidism. Corticosteroids are used to suppress allergy-related inflammation and relieve symptoms such as stuffiness, runny nose, and sneezing. It is important to be aware of the side effects associated with allergy medications and consult with a physician before use.

3. Immunotherapy for Allergies

Immunotherapy is a preventive treatment for allergic reactions that involves gradually increasing doses of the substance or allergen to which the person is allergic. It helps to desensitize the immune system to the substance, probably by causing the production of a "blocking" and "tolerizing" antibody response. Skin or sometimes blood tests are performed to confirm the specific allergens. Allergy shots are tailored to the patient and could be accelerated or slowed down based on how the patient tolerates them. It is a cost-effective and beneficial treatment approach for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis, or stinging insect allergy. Allergy shots work like a vaccine, leading to lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped. If allergy shots are successful, maintenance treatment is generally continued for three to five years.

If you suffer from allergies, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that's tailored to your unique needs. Based on your medical history and the results of allergy tests, your provider may recommend avoiding allergens, taking medications, or undergoing immunotherapy. By following a comprehensive treatment plan, you can manage your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.

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What are Cochlear Implants and How Do They Work?

Cochlear implants have revolutionized the way in which people with hearing loss can function and communicate with the world around them. But what exactly are they and how do they work? Cochlear implants are electronic devices that are surgically implanted into the inner ear of individuals who are deaf or severely hard of hearing. They work by bypassing damaged parts of the ear and sending electrical signals directly to the brain, which then interprets those signals as sound. In this blog post, we will explore in more detail how cochlear implants work and the benefits they offer to those with hearing loss.

Introduction to Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that mimic the function of a healthy inner ear. They replace the function of damaged sensory hair cells and use electrodes placed in the inner ear to stimulate auditory nerve fibers. This allows individuals with severe hearing loss to experience sound sensations. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted under the skin behind the ear and are complex electronic devices. In the following sections, we will explore how cochlear implants work, their benefits and limitations, and who would be an ideal candidate for such a device.

How a Cochlear Implant Works

A cochlear implant works by bypassing the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. The implant consists of two main components: an external processor and an internal implant. The external processor, worn behind the ear, captures the sound and transforms it into digital signals. These signals are then sent to the internal implant, which is surgically placed under the skin behind the ear. The implant contains a series of electrodes that are inserted into the cochlea, or inner ear. When the electrodes receive the digital signals from the external processor, they stimulate the auditory nerve, which then sends signals to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound. While not everyone is a candidate for a cochlear implant, those with severe to profound hearing loss who receive little or no benefit from hearing aids may be good candidates. Cochlear implants have been shown to improve speech understanding and quality of life for many recipients, although there are some limitations and risks associated with the procedure. Overall, cochlear implants have transformed the lives of many people with hearing loss, providing a solution where traditional hearing aids fall short.

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Is My Child Tongue-Tied?

When we say, “tongue tied,” most of us think of a situation when we are too excited to express ourselves verbally. Although not a medical condition, tongue tie is the name for a fairly common condition that limits the movement of the tongue – medically referred to as ankyloglossia.

Before we are born, a strong cord of tissue called the frenulum is positioned in the center of the mouth and guides the development of the oral cavity. As we grow and develop, it thins and recedes to a small thin piece of tissue that attaches the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. In some children, the frenulum is especially tight or fails to recede and may cause difficulty with tongue movement. Ankyloglossia or tongue tie can cause eating or speaking difficulties in some children.

In infants, tongue tie can present with trouble sucking or poor weight gain. In breast-fed infants, it can cause trouble with latching, or the mother may experience pain when the baby is nursing. Some mothers give up nursing because of tongue tie that is not recognized. In toddlers and older children, tongue tie can be a cause of trouble with speech articulation, especially consonant sounds. Signs that your child may have difficulty due to tongue tie include a V-shaped notch at the tip of the tongue, inability to stick the tongue out past the gums, or simply difficulty licking an ice cream cone or lollipop.

Frenuloplasty

Because a shortened frenulum restricts the range of motion of the tongue, a frenulectomy may be recommended. A frenulectomy is a surgical procedure performed to clip the frenulum and release the tongue. In infants a frenulectomy can be performed as a simple office procedure with topical local anesthesia. Older infants and young children often require anesthetic gas for the procedure, but older cooperative children can also have the procedure safely with only local topical anesthesia. Although it is considered a safe and simple procedure, risks of a frenulectomy may include infection, scarring and excessive bleeding.

This procedure results in increased tongue mobility and problems with eating and speech are greatly improved. After surgery, most patients experience effective symptom relief and restored full movement to the tongue. In some cases, tongue exercises may be recommended to improve the movement of the tongue after a frenulectomy.

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How is Swallowing Affected by Postnasal Drip?

Swallowing problems may result in an accumulation of solids or liquids in the throat that may complicate or feel like post-nasal drip. When the nerves and muscles in the mouth, throat, and food passage (esophagus) aren’t interacting properly, overflow secretions can spill into the voice box (larynx) and breathing passages (trachea and bronchi), causing hoarseness, throat clearing, or coughing.

Several factors contribute to swallowing problems:

With age, swallowing muscles often lose strength and coordination, making it difficult for even normal secretions to pass smoothly into the stomach.

During sleep, swallowing occurs much less frequently, and secretions may gather. Coughing and vigorous throat clearing are often needed upon waking.

When nervous or under stress, throat muscles can trigger spasms that make it feel as if there is a lump in the throat. Frequent throat clearing, which usually produces little or no mucus, can make the problem worse by increasing irritation.

Growths or swelling in the food passage can slow or prevent the movement of liquids and/or solids.

Swallowing problems may also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a backup of stomach contents and acid into the esophagus or throat. Heartburn, indigestion, and sore throat are common symptoms. GERD may be aggravated by lying down, especially following eating. Hiatal hernia, a pouch-like tissue mass where the esophagus meets the stomach, often contributes to the reflux.

How is the Throat Affected by Post-Nasal Drip? Post-nasal drip often leads to a sore, irritated throat. Although there is usually no infection, the tonsils and other tissues in the throat may swell. This can cause discomfort or a feeling that there is a lump in the throat. Successful treatment of the post-nasal drip will usually clear up these throat symptoms.

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What are Ear Tubes?

Ear tubes are tiny cylinders placed through the ear drum (tympanic membrane) to allow air into the middle ear. They also may be called tympanostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, ventilation tubes, or PE (pressure equalization) tubes.

These tubes can be made from plastic, metal, or Teflon and may have a coating intended to reduce the possibility of infection. There are two basic types of ear tubes: short-term and long- term. Short- term tubes are smaller and typically stay in place for six months to a year before falling out on their own. Long-term tubes are larger and have flanges that keep them in place for a longer period. Long-term tubes may fall out on their own, but removal by an otolaryngologist is often necessary.

Who needs ear tubes and why? Ear tubes are often recommended when a person experiences repeated middle ear infection (acute otitis media) or has hearing loss caused by the persistent presence of middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion). These conditions most commonly occur in children but can also be present in teens and adults and can lead to speech and balance problems, hearing loss, or changes in the structure of the ear drum. Other less common conditions that may warrant the placement of ear tubes are malformation of the ear drum or eustachian tube, Down Syndrome, cleft palate, and barotrauma (injury to the middle ear caused by a reduction of air pressure, usually seen with altitude changes such as flying and scuba diving).

Each year, more than half a million ear tube surgeries are performed on children, making it the most common childhood surgery performed with anesthesia. The average age for ear tube insertion is one to three years old. Inserting ear tubes may:

Reduce the risk of future ear infection;

Restore hearing loss caused by middle ear fluid;

Improve speech problems and balance problems; and

Improve behavior and sleep problems caused by chronic ear infections.

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How is Allergic Rhinitis Treated?

Allergic rhinitis typically results from two conditions: family history/genetic predisposition to allergic disease and exposure to allergens. Allergens are substances that produce an allergic response.

Children are not born with allergies but develop symptoms upon repeated exposure to environmental allergens. The earliest exposure is through food — and infants may develop eczema, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and wheezing caused by one or more allergens (milk protein is the most common). Allergies can also contribute to repeated ear infections in children. In early childhood, indoor exposure to dust mites, animal dander, and mold spores may cause an allergic reaction, often lasting throughout the year. Outdoor allergens including pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds primarily cause seasonal symptoms.

The number of patients with allergic rhinitis has increased in the past decade, especially in urban areas. Before adolescence, twice as many boys as girls are affected; however, after adolescence, females are slightly more affected than males. Researchers have found that children born to a large family with several older siblings and day care attendance seem to have less likelihood of developing allergic disease later in life.

What are Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms?

Symptoms can vary with the season and type of allergen and include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes and nose. A year – long exposure usually produces nasal congestion (chronic stuffy nose).

In children, allergen exposure and subsequent inflammation in the upper respiratory system cause nasal obstruction. This obstruction becomes worse with the gradual enlargement of the adenoid tissue and the tonsils inherent with age. Consequently, the young patient may have mouth – breathing, snoring, and sleep – disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep problems such as insomnia, bed-wetting, and sleepwalking may accompany these symptoms along with behavioral changes including short attention span, irritability, poor school performance, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

In these patients, upper respiratory infections such as colds and ear infections are more frequent
and last longer. A child’s symptoms after exposure to pollutants such as tobacco smoke are usually amplified in the presence of ongoing allergic inflammation.

When Should My Child See a Doctor?

If your child’s cold-like symptoms (sneezing and runny nose) persist for more than two weeks, it is appropriate to contact aphysician.

Emergency treatment is rarely necessary except for upper airway obstruction causing severe sleep apnea or an anaphylactic reaction caused by exposure to a food allergen. Treatment of anaphylactic shock should be immediate and requires continued observation and care.

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When Should My Child See a Doctor?

If your child’s cold-like symptoms (sneezing and runny nose) persist for more than two weeks, it is appropriate to contact aphysician.

Emergency treatment is rarely necessary except for upper airway obstruction causing severe sleep apnea or an anaphylactic reaction caused by exposure to a food allergen. Treatment of anaphylactic shock should be immediate and requires continued observation and care.

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Unlike traditional sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty does not require incisions, or any removal of bone or tissue, although, in certain cases, it may be used in conjunction with traditional surgery. Balloon sinuplasty has many advantages over traditional procedures. Benefits may include:

Absence of surgical incisions

No damage to surrounding tissue

Lack of serious complications

Shorter recovery time

Reduced bleeding

Although balloon sinuplasty is an effective treatment for relieving many sinus problems, and has no reported serious complications, it is not appropriate for everyone. Balloon sinuplasty cannot be performed on patients who have extensive scarring of the sinuses, ethmoid sinusitis or nasal polyps.

The Balloon Sinuplasty Procedure

A balloon sinuplasty may be performed in a hospital, ambulatory-surgery setting or doctor’s office. The procedure is commonly performed while the patient is sedated under general anesthesia but, in some cases, may be performed under local anesthetic. During the procedure, a sinus-illumination system with laser-tipped guides keeps the area well-lit so that the surgeon can see the site accurately. The physician inserts a guide catheter, that is attached to a wire and a small balloon, through the nostril and near the sinus opening. The balloon is inflated to expand the sinus opening. Another catheter, called an irrigation catheter, is then inserted to cleanse the sinus with a saline solution. After the opening of the affected sinus is cleared, the balloon is deflated and removed, but the sinus remains open. By gently reconfiguring the structure of the bones in the nose, the catheter restores normal sinus drainage, and keeps post-operative pain and bleeding to a minimum. Most patients can return home, the same day of the procedure.

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How is Allergic Rhinitis Treated?

Allergic rhinitis typically results from two conditions: family history/genetic predisposition to allergic disease and exposure to allergens. Allergens are substances that produce an allergic response.

Children are not born with allergies but develop symptoms upon repeated exposure to environmental allergens. The earliest exposure is through food — and infants may develop eczema, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and wheezing caused by one or more allergens (milk protein is the most common). Allergies can also contribute to repeated ear infections in children. In early childhood, indoor exposure to dust mites, animal dander, and mold spores may cause an allergic reaction, often lasting throughout the year. Outdoor allergens including pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds primarily cause seasonal symptoms.

The number of patients with allergic rhinitis has increased in the past decade, especially in urban areas. Before adolescence, twice as many boys as girls are affected; however, after adolescence, females are slightly more affected than males. Researchers have found that children born to a large family with several older siblings and day care attendance seem to have less likelihood of developing allergic disease later in life.

What are Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms?

Symptoms can vary with the season and type of allergen and include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes and nose. A year – long exposure usually produces nasal congestion (chronic stuffy nose). In children, allergen exposure and subsequent inflammation in the upper respiratory system cause nasal obstruction. This obstruction becomes worse with the gradual enlargement of the adenoid tissue and the tonsils inherent with age. Consequently, the young patient may have mouth – breathing, snoring, and sleep – disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep problems such as insomnia, bed-wetting, and sleepwalking may accompany these symptoms along with behavioral changes including short attention span, irritability, poor school performance, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

In these patients, upper respiratory infections such as colds and ear infections are more frequentand last longer. A child’s symptoms after exposure to pollutants such as tobacco smoke are usually amplified in the presence of ongoing allergic inflammation.

[earnoseandthroatdoctors]

How is Allergic Rhinitis Treated?

Allergic rhinitis typically results from two conditions: family history/genetic predisposition to allergic disease and exposure to allergens. Allergens are substances that produce an allergic response. Children are not born with allergies but develop symptoms upon repeated exposure to environmental allergens. The earliest exposure is through food — and infants may develop eczema, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and wheezing caused by one or more allergens (milk protein is the most common). Allergies can also contribute to repeated ear infections in children. In early childhood, indoor exposure to dust mites, animal dander, and mold spores may cause an allergic reaction, often lasting throughout the year. Outdoor allergens including pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds primarily cause seasonal symptoms.

The number of patients with allergic rhinitis has increased in the past decade, especially in urban areas. Before adolescence, twice as many boys as girls are affected; however, after adolescence, females are slightly more affected than males. Researchers have found that children born to a large family with several older siblings and day care attendance seem to have less likelihood of developing allergic disease later in life.

What are Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms?

Symptoms can vary with the season and type of allergen and include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes and nose. A year – long exposure usually produces nasal congestion (chronic stuffy nose). In children, allergen exposure and subsequent inflammation in the upper respiratory system cause nasal obstruction. This obstruction becomes worse with the gradual enlargement of the adenoid tissue and the tonsils inherent with age. Consequently, the young patient may have mouth – breathing, snoring, and sleep – disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep problems such as insomnia, bed-wetting, and sleepwalking may accompany these symptoms along with behavioral changes including short attention span, irritability, poor school performance, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

In these patients, upper respiratory infections such as colds and ear infections are more frequent and last longer. A child’s symptoms after exposure to pollutants such as tobacco smoke are usually amplified in the presence of ongoing allergic inflammation.

When Should My Child See a Doctor?

If your child’s cold-like symptoms (sneezing and runny nose) persist for more than two weeks, it is appropriate to contact aphysician.

Emergency treatment is rarely necessary except for upper airway obstruction causing severe sleep apnea or an anaphylactic reaction caused by exposure to a food allergen. Treatment of anaphylactic shock should be immediate and requires continued observation and care.

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What are the Causes of Recurring Nosebleeds?

Allergies, infections, or dryness that cause itching and lead to picking of the nose.

Vigorous nose blowing those ruptures superficial blood vessels.

Clotting disorders that run-in families or are due to medications.

Drugs (such as anticoagulants or anti-inflammatories).

Fractures of the nose or the base of the skull. Head injuries that cause nosebleeds should be regarded seriously.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a disorder involving a blood vessel growth like a birthmark in the back of the nose.

Tumors, both malignant and nonmalignant, must be considered, particularly in the older patient or in smokers.

When should an otolaryngologist be consulted?

If frequent nosebleeds are a problem, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist. An ear, nose, and throat specialist will carefully examine the nose using an endoscope, a tube with a light for seeing inside the nose, prior to making a treatment recommendation. Two of the most common treatments are cautery and packing the nose. Cautery is a technique in which the blood vessel is burned with an electric current, silver nitrate, or a laser. Sometimes, a doctor may just pack the nose with a special gauze or an inflatable latex balloon to put pressure on the blood vessel.

Tips to prevent a nosebleed

Keep the lining of the nose moist by gently applying a light coating of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment with a cotton swab three times daily, including at bedtime. Commonly used products include Bacitracin, A and D Ointment, Eucerin, Polysporin, and Vaseline.

Keep children’s fingernails short to discourage nose picking.

Counteract the effects of dry air by using a humidifier.

Use a saline nasal spray to moisten dry nasal membranes.

Quit smoking. Smoking dries out the nose and irritates it.

Tips to prevent rebleeding after initial bleeding has stopped

Do not pick or blow nose.

Do not strain or bend down to lift anything heavy.

Keep head higher than the heart.

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Vocal cord cancer - Coastal Ear Nose & Throat

Cancer of the vocal cords begins as small areas of abnormal cells that can grow out of control. If diagnosed in its early stages, before it has spread to other parts of the larynx, vocal cord cancer is highly curable.

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Thyroid and Parathyroid - Coastal Ear Nose & Throat

At Coastal ENT we provide expert surgical care in Head and Neck region. Our fellowship- trained head and neck surgeon and the highly experienced surgeon specialize in thyroid and parathyroid surgery work closely with local Endocrinologists to provide expert care.

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What is the Difference between Surfer’s Ear and Swimmer’s Ear?

Surfer’s Ear

Surfer’s Ear involves bone growth in the outer ear canal. An ear canal with exostoses – bony outgrowths of the external auditory canal – can diminish that space dramatically. In the worst cases, they can close the canal completely along with a handful of other serious problems like hearing loss.

Swimmer’s Ear

Affecting the outer ear, swimmer’s ear is a condition causing pain resulting from inflammation, irritation or infection. These symptoms are experienced when water gets trapped in your ear allowing bacteria to spread, causing a painful sensation. Because this condition commonly affects swimmers it is known as swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear affects mostly children and teenagers but can also affect those with eczema or excess earwax. The most common symptoms of swimmer’s ear are an itchy ear and mild to moderate pain that gets worse when you tug on the auricle (earlobe).

Other signs and symptoms may include any of the following:

Sensation that the ear is blocked or full

Drainage

Fever

Decreased hearing

Intense pain that may radiate to the neck, face, or side of the head

The earlobe may appear to be pushed forward or away from the skull

Swollen lymph nodes (located in your neck)

Redness and swelling of the skin around the ear

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Anosmia (Lack of Smell) - Coastal Ear Nose & Throat

Anosmia is a condition in which a person completely loses the sense of smell. Depending on the reason for its loss, the condition may be temporary or permanent. Common causes of temporary anosmia include colds, allergies and sinus infections, and viral infections such as the flu. Aging is also a factor.

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Custom Earmolds - Coastal Ear Nose & Throat

Custom earmolds are made to specifically fit the size and shape of your individual ear, which provides for a more comfortable fit compared to many over-the-counter options. Earmolds are available in various materials and colors. For children, it is recommended that they use earmolds attached to their hearing aids. Since their ears are constantly growing and changing in size and shape, the audiologist will need to monitor the fit of the earmolds at regular follow-up appointments.

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Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy Services - Coastal Ear Nose & Throat

Coastal Ear Nose & Throat is proud to offer a broad spectrum of allergy and immunotherapy services for the convenience of our patients. We work with local Allergists and Immunologists to ensure our patients get the best care possible.

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What Negative Effects Can Sleep Apnea Have on the Body?

Many people discount the seriousness of sleep apnea, thinking it’s just a little snoring. That’s a risky line of thinking. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a number of very serious health concerns:

High blood pressure — Because you wake up over and over during the night, this process places stress on your body, activating your hormone systems. This raises your blood pressure.

Heart disease — People with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to have heart attacks, strokes, and atrial fibrillation.

Type 2 diabetes — Sleep apnea is common in people with type 2 diabetes. This is because when your body is tired it has trouble effectively processing insulin.

Weight gain — Sleep apnea can make your body release more of the hormone ghrelin, which makes you crave carbs and sweets.

Adult asthma — Adult asthma and sleep apnea combined tend to cause the patient to suffer from more asthma attacks.

Car accidents — People with sleep apnea are up to five times more likely than normal sleepers to have traffic accidents, and to even fall asleep at the wheel.

How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and you’ll be asked to provide a sleep history/sleep diary. You’ll need help from a spouse or partner for this.From there, evaluation will likely include overnight monitoring at a sleep center, or possibly a home sleep test will suffice. These are the two typical tests used to detect sleep apnea:

Nocturnal polysomnography — At a sleep center, you are attached to equipment that monitors your heart, lung, and brain activity. It also records breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep. Home sleep tests — Testing may be able to be done at home by using portable monitoring devices. These devices provide simplified testing, usually of your heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow, and breathing patterns.