20 Questions About Your Sinuses
Q. How common is sinusitis? A. More than 37 million Americans suffer from at least one episode of acute sinusitis each year. The prevalence of sinusitis has soared in the last decade possibly due to increased pollution, urban sprawl, and increased resistance to antibiotics. Q. What is sinusitis? A. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the…
Prevention and Treatment of Facial Sports Injuries
Playing catch, shooting hoops, bicycling on a scenic path or just kicking around a soccer ball have more in common than you may think. On the up side, these activities are good exercise and are enjoyed by thousands of Americans. On the down side, they can result in a variety of injuries to the face….
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: What is CPAP?
What Is CPAP? The most common and effective nonsurgical treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP which is applied through a nasal or facial mask while you sleep. The CPAP device does not breathe for you. Instead, it creates a flow of air pressure when you inhale that is strong enough…
Recommended Use and Side Effects of Antihistamines, Decongestants, and “Cold” Remedies
Insight into recommended use and side effects What are the side effects of antihistamines? Who should not use decongestants? What are combination remedies? and more… Drugs for stuffy nose, sinus trouble, congestion and drainage, and the common cold constitute a large segment of the over-the-counter market for America’s medication industry. Even though they do not…
Allergies & Hay Fever: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Why does the body develop allergies? What are common allergens? When should a provider be consulted? and more… Millions of Americans suffer from nasal allergies, commonly known as hay fever. Often fragrant flowers are blamed for the uncomfortable symptoms, yet they are rarely the cause; their pollens are too heavy to be airborne. An ear,…
The Effects of Secondhand Smoke
What is secondhand smoke? Who is at risk? Effects on children… Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke from a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled by a smoker. Also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), it can be recognized easily by its distinctive odor. ETS contaminates the air and is retained in clothing,…
How the Voice Works
We rely on our voices every day to interact with others, and a healthy voice is critical for clear communication. But just as we walk without thinking about it, we usually speak without thinking how our body makes it happen. However, knowing how we make sound is useful to maintaining the health and effectiveness of…
GERD and LPR: Insight into Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment
What are the symptoms of GERD and LPR? Who gets GERD or LPR? How are GERD and LPR diagnosed and treated? and more… What is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease, often referred to as GERD, occurs when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. Normally, food travels from the mouth, down through the esophagus…
Tips for Healthy Voices
Voice problems usually are associated with hoarseness (also known as roughness), instability, or problems with voice endurance. If you are unsure if you have an unhealthy voice, ask yourself the following: Has your voice become hoarse or raspy? Does your throat often feel raw, achy or strained? Has it become an effort to talk? Do…
Pediatric Obesity and Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Today in the United States, studies estimate that 34 percent of U.S. adults are overweight and an additional 31 percent (approximately 60 million) are obese. Combined, approximately 127 million Americans are overweight or obese. Some 42 years ago, 13 percent of Americans were obese, and in 1980 15 percent were considered obese. Alarmingly, the number…