Looking for the Signs of an Ear Infection

Ear infections are very common in children, especially those younger than 2. A parent should suspect an ear infection when a child becomes ill with a fever, is irritable and complains of pain in the ear. Ear infections are not contagious, but the colds that result in ear infections are. Colds are spread when germs are released from the nose or mouth during coughing or sneezing. Anything that can reduce the spread of germs will help reduce ear infections.

A parent should not solely diagnose an ear infection. A physician should examine the child. Usually, the child should be seen within 24 hours. An emergency room visit is not necessary unless ordered by your physician. To help control pain before a doctor’s visit, you can give the child a non-aspirin pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

There are two main types of ear infections in children, outer ear infections and middle ear infections. Outer ear infections (also called swimmers ear) usually occur when water gets in the ear, which may lead to inflammation and infection. Your child will have symptoms of an earache, which is worse when the outer earlobe is touched. The child may also have discharge from the ear and should not have a fever. These infections are usually treated with antibiotic eardrops.

Middle ear infections usually occur one to two weeks after your child has an upper respiratory tract infection, which can cause inflammation and fluid to build up behind the eardrum. This fluid can then become infected with bacteria and your child will likely develop ear pain, fever and/or irritability. Your physician can tell if a middle ear infection exists by looking inside the ear at the eardrum. With an ear infection, the eardrum will look red and can be bulging because of pus building up behind it. Most middle ear infections are felt to be viral in nature, and your physician might recommend observation when the ear infection is mild.

After a middle ear infection, your child’s eardrum will typically have fluid behind it for one to three months. This is normal, and the fluid will usually clear up on its own. It is not an infection, and the fluid does not usually require antibiotics to clear up. In young children, a physician will typically recheck a child’s ears every 4 to 6 weeks until all of the fluid has cleared up.

For some children, if their ear infection does not clear up with repeated courses of antibiotics, if they have fluid in both ears for more than 3 to 6 months and it is affecting their hearing, or if they have recurrent ear infection episodes every 4 to 6 months or 6 to 12 months then they may require a referral to an otolaryngologist, a physician that specializes in the ear, nose and throat.

Because most ear infections occur in children under the age of 3, often they can be prevented. Here are some things parents can do to help prevent ear infections:

• Teach children that tissues should be used only once and then thrown away properly and to wash their hands after sneezing or coughing into them.
• Do not allow children to share toys, cups or other utensils that they put in their mouths.
• Feed a baby upright. Lying down while bottle-feeding can cause the milk to irritate the eustachian tube which can contribute to ear infections.
• Keep the nose clear. When a runny nose and cold start, do your best to keep the nose clear by using steam, saline nose drops and suctioning in young children.
• Wash dirty toys in hot, soapy water before other children play with them.
• Regularly wash and disinfect all surface areas and common play areas.
• Eat more raw fruits and vegetables. These can greatly boost your child’s immune system and help fight off infections.
• In addition, an immunization called Prevnar can help protect against infection of the bacteria that commonly causes of ear infections. It is recommended that all children younger than 2 get this vaccine, and you should especially consider it if your child is prone to ear infections or other family members get recurrent ear infections.

How Cold Weather Affects Your Ear, Nose & Throat

When the weather turns cold, many people experience pain or discomfort in their ears, nose and throat. People often confuse symptoms caused by cold weather with illness or infection (or vice versa). It is important to know how cooler weather can affect your respiratory health.

Does Cold Weather Cause Ear Infections?

Contrary to popular belief, cold weather does not cause ear infections. An ear infection is caused by bacteria in the upper respiratory system that travels up the Eustachian tube into the middle ear.

Even though cold weather doesn’t cause the issue, it can make symptoms more pronounced. If you or your child are experiencing symptoms, seek treatment. Studies show that recurring ear infections can cause hearing loss.

How do you prevent cold-induced ear pain?

While you can’t prevent an ear infection from developing, you can prevent ear pain that comes from decreased blood circulation in cold weather. Whenever you’re outside, be sure to cover your ears with a winter hat or ear muffs. This will provide warmth and protect you from harsh winds.

Why Does My Nose Run?

The technical term for a runny nose caused by cold temperatures is “cold-induced rhinorrhea.” One of the functions of the nose is to warm and humidify the air we breathe in order to prepare it for the lungs. Since cold air is dry, the nose produces liquid to condition the air we are breathing and the excess moisture ends up dripping out of our nose.

Not only does breathing in produce moisture, so does breathing out. Cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air, so when you breathe out, the vapor in your breath condenses at the end of your nose and turns into liquid.

Can I prevent cold-induced rhinorrhea?

Since your nose becomes runny because of its natural process of warming cool air, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it. But when you enter a warm building, your symptoms should go away quickly.

Is My Sore Throat From Cold Air?

Sore throats aren’t always caused by being sick. Cold air can dry out the tissue in the throat and can cause severe irritation. Symptoms can be made worse when breathing through the mouth rather than the nose. Because of this, it is common for people to have a sore throat from cold weather after exercising.

How do I prevent throat pain from cold air?

When running, skiing or simply walking, try to remember to breathe through your nose so that moisture can be added to the air. If throat soreness does develop, it should go away soon after coming back inside.

Are Your Ear, Nose or Throat Symptoms Not Going Away?

The conditions listed above tend to go away immediately or last a day or two at most. If any of your symptoms are persisting after this period of time, it could be caused by something more serious. Marc Dean MD will identify and treat any potential conditions to get you feeling well again.

To make an appointment with Marc Dean MD, please call 817.332.4060

Do Your Ears Ache in Winter? Here’s How the Cold Weather Affects Your Ears

With winter fast approaching, now is a good time to think about protecting your ears from cold weather. As our ears are made mostly of cartilage, with very little insulating fat, they can become cold very easily. Additionally, cold weather can irritate sensitive tissue in the ear canals, thus making earaches more common. Prioritizing your ear health is important, especially if you have to work in a cold environment for extended periods of time.

Why Do You Experience Earache in Winter?

Here are some reasons why you might experience ear pain in cold weather:

Congestion

Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the upper throat and back of the nose, prevent a buildup of fluid in the middle ear and also prevent abnormal changes in air pressure within the ear. However, if you have a cold or head congestion, fluid and mucus from your nose can block the eustachian tube, causing discomfort or pain. Though these issues usually will improve as your cold goes away, there are times when it can lead to secondary ear infections.

Middle Ear Infection / Otitis Media

One of the most common complications of the common cold is a middle ear infection, also known as otitis media. When viruses or bacteria in your throat and nose enter your ear through the eustachian tube, they can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear. These infectious particles can multiply in this accumulated fluid, resulting in a middle ear infection.

In addition to ear pain, otitis media can cause:

• Fever
• Swelling
• Difficulty hearing
• Redness
• Yellow or green nasal discharge

Sinus Infection

Persistent cold can cause a sinus infection, also known as infectious sinusitis, characterized by inflammation in the sinuses.

If you have sinusitis, you may experience ear pressure, earache, and other symptoms such as:

• Poor sense of smell
• Green or yellow nasal discharge
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Bad breath
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Cough
• Facial pain or pressure
• Fever
• Toothache

Can Cold Weather Affect Your Hearing?

Spending time outdoors in the cold without wearing any ear protection can lead to hearing loss. If your ears are constantly exposed to low temperatures, you may develop bony growths in the ear canals. This bone growth, also known as exostosis, or “surfer’s ear”, can damage your ear health and hearing. Exostoses constrict the ear canal, making it difficult to drain water, ear wax, and dirt, which can lead to ear infections and even permanent hearing loss.

How Can You Prevent Earaches in Winter?

Here are some ways in which you can prevent earaches during winter:

• Make sure to cover your ears outdoors.
• Always dry your ears after showering or swimming.
• Don’t put anything, like swabs or cotton wool, inside the ears.
• Take care of any allergies to help prevent your Eustachian tubes from becoming congested.

Remedies for Earache

A mild, temporary earache can often be addressed with watchful waiting. There also are over-the-counter medications, such as ear drops, which can be helpful in certain situations. Any earache which lasts longer than a day, or which is more than mildly uncomfortable, should be addressed by a medical doctor.

What Should You Wear to Protect Your Ears in Winter?

Wearing appropriate and warm clothing can go a long way toward protecting sensitive ears from winter chills. Ear muffs, a hat which covers the ears, or a jacket collar turned up can all help to protect your ears from the cold.

Also Read

7 Tips to Protect Your Hearing This Winter

In Summary

Ear pain in winter is a common occurrence which often aggravates existing ear conditions like tinnitus. While the above suggestions may help prevent or relieve earaches, if discomfort is persistent or severe, make sure to see a doctor before the condition worsens.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Hoffmann to get your hearing tested.

Your Ears Can be Damaged by The Common Cold

A study by The American Lung Association states that the normal adult gets as many as four colds a year. While colds are usually minor viral infections, that’s still a lot. It doesn’t make a difference what part of the body the virus attacks, if it leads to congestion, it can cause an ear infection.

There are certain cold symptoms you shouldn’t ignore despite the fact that colds are usually thought to be harmless. The link between the common cold and ear infections has finally been confirmed by researchers. This discovery is significant, because ear infections are a major contributing variable in the disturbing rise in antibiotic resistance.

You Should Never Ignore These Symptoms

It’s really ordinary to feel stuffed up in your ears when you have a cold because your sinuses and ears are linked. Ordinarily, this feeling comes and goes, particularly if you’re taking a decongestant and your head is draining out fluids. But congestion can develop into an ear infection in just a few hours. This is why you should always seek professional assistance if you have any pain or abnormal discharge in your ear.

Pain is a sign that your cold is moving in the wrong direction and can be an indication of inflammation or infection. If you take care of it early enough, you can get a prescription for antibiotics and avoid permanent damage. If it’s neglected, it can lead to scarring on the eardrum and possibly damage to the cilia from inflammation.

Is this very serious? A cold will generally only cause temporary problems with your hearing. However, permanent loss of hearing can result if the eardrum or cilia become injured and that can result in other health problems.

Your General Health Can be Harmed by Loss of Hearing

Loss of cognitive capacity, depression, an increase in accidents, and other health issues have been connected to loss of hearing. Researchers have recently confirmed a connection between hearing loss and increased healthcare expenses. As a matter of fact, in just 10 years, neglected hearing loss can increase your healthcare costs by 46%.

Your chance of requiring hospitalization with untreated hearing loss is increased by 50%….and also increase the probability of needing to be readmitted.

It adds up each time your ears take even minor damage. Johns Hopkins found that just having slight hearing loss can double your probability of getting dementia. Consider the fact that significant hearing loss can be caused by scarring on the eardrum from recurring ear infections.

Have You Had Ear Pain For Several Days?

Have you already ignored ear pain for days? Seek treatment immediately. Don’t make the common mistake of putting it off. Most health insurance companies consider symptoms of an ear infection or ear pain an emergency and there’s good reason for that. If ear pain has occurred during a cold or after a cold schedule a hearing test. A professional examination can tell you if:

• you need to deal with damage to the eardrum
• your inner ear is impacted
• You have an infection now

A professional evaluation can also make sure there are no obstructions in the ear that may cause irritation or temporary hearing loss.

Ear pain or prolonged hearing loss are certain signs that you need to see a professional. Schedule a hearing examination today.

If your child has an ear infection

PHOTO: Getty Images

What is an ear infection?

A typical ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear. It’s one of the most common childhood infections and can occur in one ear at a time or both ears at the same time. They are more common during cold and flu season.

What are the causes of ear infections?

Many situations can contribute to developing an ear infection. A middle ear infection can be caused by infection of fluid behind the ear drum, secondary to a viral or bacterial upper respiratory infection or uncontrolled allergies.

What are some of the symptoms parents should look for in their children?

Symptoms can include ear pain, ear drainage, fever, irritability, sleeplessness, poor appetite, cough and nasal discharge.  Children who aren’t old enough to speak might be fussier or seem to have trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds. Tugging on the ears is not a reliable symptom to help your doctor lead to the diagnosis of an ear infection.

How are ear infections treated?

Some infections might clear on their own with close follow-up. Antibiotics are typically used to treat ear infections. If your child has reoccurring ear infections, they might be a candidate for ear tubes.

How can you soothe a child with ear infections?

Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen can help to soothe a child with an ear infection. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe a numbing ear drop for temporary relief.

If children have frequent ear infections, what damage could this cause?

Frequent ear infections could lead to decreased sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics if frequent rounds of antibiotics are used, making infections in the future more difficult to treat. Hearing loss is a rare, but potentially permanent, residual of frequent ear infections.

How can ear infections be prevented?

Maintaining adequate hygiene and trying to keep the nose as healthy as possible are the best ways to prevent ear infections. Using nasal saline mist or spray daily can help to prevent an upper respiratory infection or allergies from leading to ear fluid or an infection.

To learn more about the Otolaryngology at Texas Children’s Hospital, click here.

Ear Infection | Boston Children’s Hospital

What is an ear infection?

A middle ear infection, also called otitis media, is inflammation in the middle ear, the space between the ear drum and the inner ear. Middle ear infections are often associated with colds, sore throats or upper respiratory tract infections. When a child has an ear infection, fluid builds up in the middle ear, often putting pressure on the eardrum.  

Middle ear infections are common in children. More than 80 percent of children have at least one ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. In the U.S., ear infections account for about 30 million visits to the pediatrician each year — the most common reason children visit their doctor. 

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

Common symptoms of an ear infection may include:

• ear pain
• fever
• irritability
• trouble sleeping
• tugging or pulling at the ears
• fluid draining from ear
• feeling of being off balance
• trouble hearing
• nausea and vomiting
• decreased appetite

Although any child can get an ear infection, children may be at higher risk if they are:

• around people who smoke cigarettes
• in daycare or preschool with other children, increasing the risk of getting a cold or upper respiratory tract infection
• bottle-fed, especially if given bottles while lying in bed

What causes ear infections in children?

Children most often get ear infections after being sick with a cold, sore throat or upper respiratory tract infection. Viruses or bacteria may then settle in the middle ear space, causing fluid buildup behind the eardrum.

One reason children are more likely to get ear infections than adults because they have smaller Eustachian tubes, the canals that link the middle ear with the back of the nose. These Eustachian tubes normally help drain fluid and allow air into the middle ear space, equalizing the pressure inside the ear, but when they become swollen, the excess middle ear fluid cannot drain out.

How we care for ear infections

Our physicians in the Boston Children’s Hospital Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement have extensive expertise treating ear infections, particularly as a chronic condition. The department is the oldest and one of the largest and most recognized centers for pediatric otolaryngology in the U.S.  

Earaches and Ear Pain – Innovative Care

12th March, 2018 in 1:54 pm by Dr. Khare

There is a dull ache in your right ear and you cannot seem to shake it. Did you catch an ear infection from your toddler? Or did some water from the community pool get stuck in there? Either way, it needs to go. Earaches and ear infections can drive you crazy and turn a bomb into a whisper. What’d you say, Sonny?

Causes of ear pain

So what exactly causes that pain in your ear? Ear pain can be caused by a variety of issues from trauma to an infection. Determining the cause of the ear pain will aid in kicking it to the curb.

Earache due to cold

Earaches often stem from lingering colds. Cold viruses can sometimes cause inflammation in the sinuses and ear canals, causing ear pain. This type of earache typically presents with a mild and more gradual pain, and it usually subsides along with the cold. Taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help decrease the inflammation and ease the pain. The best course of action is to wait out the cold and treat the symptoms as they occur.

Earache due to infection

Ear pain due to an infection can often be quite severe. Ear infections are caused most commonly by bacteria infecting the middle ear causing a build up of pus and pressure. Symptoms of an ear infection often include diminished hearing, intense pain, and fever. Ear infections are typically treated with a course of antibiotics.

Ear Injuries

Ear injuries such as a ruptured ear drums can occur from any number of traumas or rough play. Ruptured ear drums and damage to the middle and inner ear can also happen by inserting items such as cotton swabs into the ears incorrectly. These injuries can cause severe pain, bleeding, and dizziness. Ear injuries are common among children and athletes who participate in contact sports. If you incur such an injury, seek immediate medical attention.

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear occurs when there is an increase in moisture in the outer ear. Activities such as swimming, showering, and bathing can contribute to the issue. The increase in moisture provides a breeding ground for bacteria that already inhabit the ear canal naturally. The increase in bacterial growth then causes an ear infection. As with other types of ear infections, a course of antibiotics should clear up a case of swimmer’s ear.

Visiting your physician.

It is important to avoid excess moisture and over cleaning your ears. If an earache persists, you may need to seek the care of a physician. Physicians will be able to test, diagnose and treat your ear pain accordingly.

Having an earache of any sort can be upsetting and uncomfortable, but at Innovative Express Care, we utilize telemedicine and the latest technology to bring you top notch care. Our staff will provide a great experience and have your ears feeling better in no time.

90,000 Measles

Measles is an extremely contagious severe disease of viral origin. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination, major measles epidemics occurred every 2-3 years, with 2.6 million measles deaths annually.

Measles killed an estimated 110,000 people in 2017, most of them children under five, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine for the disease.

Measles is caused by a virus from the paramyxovirus family.The measles virus is usually transmitted through direct contact and also through the air, infects the mucous membrane, and then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease and has not been reported in animals.

Accelerated immunization activities have had a significant impact on reducing measles deaths. In 2000-2017. measles vaccination has prevented an estimated 21.1 million deaths. Global measles deaths fell by 80%, from 545,000 deaths in 2000 * to 110,000 in 2017.

Signs and Symptoms

The first sign of measles is usually a significant rise in temperature, which occurs about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and lasts 4 to 7 days. At this initial stage, a runny nose, cough, redness of the eyes and watery eyes may appear, as well as small white spots on the inner surface of the cheeks. After a few days, a rash appears, usually on the face and upper neck. After about 3 days, the rash spreads throughout the body and eventually appears on the arms and legs. It lasts 5-6 days and then disappears. On average, the rash appears 14 days (7 to 18 days) after exposure to the virus.

Most deaths from measles are due to complications associated with the disease. Most often, complications develop in children under the age of five or in adults over 30 years of age. The most serious complications include blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes swelling of the brain), severe diarrhea and associated dehydration, ear infections, and severe respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.Severe measles is more likely among malnourished young children, especially those who are deficient in vitamin A or whose immune systems are weakened by HIV / AIDS or other illnesses.

Who is at risk?

Unvaccinated young children are at the highest risk of developing measles and developing complications, including death. Unvaccinated pregnant women are also at risk. Anyone who is not immune can get measles – someone who has not been vaccinated or who has not developed immunity after being vaccinated.

Measles is still widespread in many developing countries – especially in parts of Africa and Asia. The vast majority (over 95%) of measles deaths occur in countries with low per capita income and weak health infrastructures.

The deadliest measles outbreaks occur in countries experiencing natural disasters and conflicts or returning to normal after such events. Damage to infrastructure and health services interrupts routine immunizations, and overcrowded housing camps greatly increase the risk of infection.

Transmission

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. The measles virus is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, or direct contact with infected nasopharyngeal secretions.

The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for 2 hours. It can be transmitted by an infected person over a period of time starting 4 days before the rash appears and ending 4 days after the rash appears.

Measles outbreaks can take the form of epidemics that lead to multiple deaths, especially among malnourished young children. In countries where measles has been largely eradicated, cases imported from other countries remain a significant source of infection.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for the measles virus.

Severe complications of measles can be reduced with supportive care that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake, and treatment of dehydration with WHO-recommended oral rehydration solutions.These solutions replace fluid and other important micronutrients that are lost through diarrhea and vomiting. Antibiotics should be given to treat eye and ear infections and pneumonia.

All children diagnosed with measles should receive 2 doses of vitamin A supplements 24 hours apart. This treatment restores the low vitamin A levels seen during measles, even in well-nourished children, and may help prevent eye damage and blindness.In addition, vitamin A supplementation has been shown to reduce measles deaths.

Prevention

Routine measles vaccination of children, combined with mass immunization campaigns in countries with high morbidity and mortality rates, are key public health strategies to reduce global measles deaths. The measles vaccine has been in use for over 50 years. It is safe, effective, and inexpensive.It costs approximately US $ 1 to immunize one child against measles.

The measles vaccine is often combined with rubella and / or mumps vaccines in countries where rubella is a problem. It is equally safe and effective as a single vaccine or in combination. The inclusion of rubella in measles vaccine only marginally increases its cost and allows for the balance of vaccine delivery and vaccination costs.

In 2017, about 85% of all children in the world received 1 dose of measles vaccine during their first year of life as part of their regular health care services, up from 72% in 2000.To ensure immunity and prevent outbreaks of the disease, 2 doses of the vaccine are recommended, since about 15% of vaccinated children do not develop immunity after the first dose. In 2017, 67% of children received a second dose of measles vaccine.

In 2017, an estimated 20.8 million infants were not vaccinated with at least one dose of measles vaccine as part of their routine immunization, of which 8.1 million children lived in three countries: India, Nigeria and Pakistan.

WHO Activities

In 2010, the World Health Assembly set three milestones towards future measles elimination to be achieved in 2015:

• Increase regular coverage of the first dose of measles vaccine (CSV1) to> 90% nationally and> 80% in each district;
• Reduce and maintain an annual incidence of measles <5 cases per million; and

90,057 Reduce estimated measles deaths by> 95% over 2000 estimates.

In 2012, the Health Assembly endorsed the Global Vaccine Action Plan to eliminate measles in four WHO regions by 2015 and five regions by 2020.

In 2017, global efforts to improve vaccination coverage resulted in an 80% reduction in deaths. For the period 2000-2017 with the support of the Measles and Rubella Initiative and GAVI, the vaccine alliance, measles vaccination has prevented an estimated 21.1 million deaths; most of them were prevented in the African region with the support of the GAVI Alliance.

But if the attention paid to this problem is relaxed, the gains achieved at the cost of such efforts can be nullified. Where children are not vaccinated, outbreaks occur. Due to low coverage at the national level or at outbreaks in 2017, large outbreaks of measles with high mortality broke out in many areas. Taking into account current trends in measles vaccination coverage and morbidity, the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) concluded that measles elimination is at great risk and that the disease has reappeared in a number of countries that have achieved or are close to elimination.

WHO continues to strengthen the global laboratory network to ensure timely measles diagnosis and monitor the international spread of measles viruses in order to implement a more coordinated country approach to vaccination efforts and reduce mortality from this vaccine-preventable disease.

Measles and Rubella Initiative

Launched in 2001, the Measles and Rubella Initiative is a global partnership led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and WHO.The Measles and Rubella Initiative seeks to ensure that no child dies of measles or is born with congenital rubella syndrome. We help countries plan, fund and evaluate efforts to end measles and rubella.

90,076 9,0002 * Estimates of mortality for 2000 may differ from previously reported estimates. Reusing the model to estimate annual measles mortality by WHO and UNICEF, taking into account new data from the WHO / UNICEF National Immunization Coverage Assessment (WUENIC) and updated surveillance data, also allows the results to be adjusted and updated for each year, including the base year.

Common ENT diseases – SPb GBUZ “City Polyclinic No. 112”

Most common ENT diseases

Diseases of the ear:
Sulfur plug – is formed due to increased secretion of the sulfur glands. It consists of sulfur, the secretion of the sebaceous glands, flakes of flattened skin, cholesterol. Normally, they are removed by movements of the anterior wall of the ear canal during conversation, chewing. The retention is facilitated by the narrowness and tortuosity of the ear canal and the increased viscosity of sulfur.The color of the sulfur plug is from yellow to dark brown. The consistency is soft at first, waxy, then dense and even stony.

Symptoms and course:
The plug can become large, but if there is at least a narrow gap between it and the wall of the ear canal, hearing remains normal. However, it is enough to get a small amount of water into the ear, as the sulfur swells and suddenly hearing drops sharply, there is a feeling of congestion, sometimes noise in the ear. The plug can put pressure on the eardrum and cause reflex headaches, dizziness, coughing, and nausea.

Recognition:
Based on complaints, examination of the ear.

Treatment:
The cork is washed out with warm water. Before doing this, you need to make sure that there was no suppuration from the ear earlier, i.e. that the integrity of the membrane is not violated. In such cases, the plug is removed using special tools. Rinsing should be done with warm water (37.C), so as not to cause dizziness, nausea. The jet from the syringe is directed along the back wall of the ear canal, pulling the auricle backward and upward.With sufficient jet force, the plug is washed out in whole or in parts. Then the ear is dried with a cotton wick. If the procedure did not give a tangible result, then the sulfur is softened by instilling alkaline drops or 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

Prevention:
To prevent the formation of a blockage, do not remove the wax with hairpins, the tip of a rolled towel, as this will push the earwax deep into the ear canal. In addition, the use of sharp objects can injure the membrane and walls of the ear canal.

Diseases of the nose:

Vasomotor rhinitis is a disease associated with dysregulation of the tone of blood vessels that are located under the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, namely in the region of the lower nasal passage. Normally, the inferior turbinates regulate the volume of inhaled air, decreasing or increasing in size due to the blood filling of the mucous membrane, depending on the temperature and humidity of the air.
The manifestations of vasomotor rhinitis are similar to those of allergic rhinitis, but this type of rhinitis is not associated with allergies.Therefore, another term that is used to refer to vasomotor rhinitis is non-allergic rhinitis.

Vasomotor rhinitis in itself is not a serious disease, but it significantly affects the usual way of life. Various factors contribute to the manifestation of vasomotor rhinitis, such as infection, environmental irritation, medications, hormonal changes, changes in air temperature, as well as stress and physical activity. The diagnosis of non-allergic rhinitis is usually made only after the allergic nature of the common cold has been ruled out.
Causes of vasomotor rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis is associated, as already mentioned, with a dysregulation of the tone of the blood vessels that are under the mucous membrane. Violation of tone means that these vessels can expand due to certain reasons, which leads to swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, nasal passage, and this, in turn, leads to nasal congestion.

There are many such reasons: some of them are short-lived, others lead to the chronization of the process.

– Infection. The most common cause of non-allergic rhinitis is a viral infection. The infection usually clears up on its own after a few weeks, but mucus in the airways may become stagnant. Sometimes the infection becomes chronic.

– Irritating environmental factors. Dust, smoke, or strong odors (such as perfume) can trigger vasomotor rhinitis.

– Changes in weather conditions.Changes in temperature or humidity can cause swelling of the nasal mucosa and nasal congestion.

– Stress. Emotional and physical stress can be a factor in non-allergic rhinitis.

– Hormonal changes. Another cause of vasomotor rhinitis can be hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, the use of contraceptives, or with certain diseases, for example, a decreased function of the thyroid gland.

– Nutritional factors.Hot food and spices can contribute to non-allergic rhinitis. In addition, alcoholic beverages are also among the provoking factors.

– Medicines. Vasomotor rhinitis can also develop under the influence of certain drugs, for example, anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), as well as beta-blockers, drugs used to treat high blood pressure. In addition, these drugs include sedatives, antidepressants and drugs that improve male potency.

– Long-term use of nasal drops. Long-term use of such agents leads to irritation of the nasal mucosa, which is manifested by vasomotor rhinitis. Therefore, it is not recommended to use drops longer than 5 – 7 days.

90,000 Set aside Q-tips: How to Clean Your Ears Properly

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16 March 2017

How pleasant it is to feel cleanliness and freshness in the body! And how sometimes it is unpleasant to realize the fact of the presence of earwax in the ear canal.However, put your cotton swabs aside. They do far more harm than good, and over-cleaning your ears will almost certainly get you into the doctor’s office.

While the sight of the yellow content pulled out of your ear at the end of a Q-tip can be satisfying, in fact, you are pushing even more earwax inward from the part of the ear canal where it is produced and should ideally be present all the time.

Earwax has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and brushing too often can lead to ear and skin complications, from ear infections to eczema in the outer ear.And often doctors meet patients who pierced the eardrum when using cotton swabs.

But, if you are not able to get rid of such a hygienic dependence, limit yourself to “cleaning” your ears up to three times a month. To avoid any trouble, clean your ears only after showering, as the heat causes the earwax to melt. Secure your thumbnail at the point where the cotton ends at the end of the Q-tip to ensure you don’t go too deep.Wipe the inside of your ear gently and try not to get stuck in earwax. To avoid problems with cleaning your ears in general, otorhinolaryngologists advise switching to vegetable or cosmetic oils and hydrogen peroxide. Once a week before bed, fill the dropper with olive, mineral, or baby oil. Place up to three drops inside each ear and massage the triangular cartilage that covers the opening of the ear canal. Use a cotton swab to prevent the oil from leaking onto the pillowcase.The next day, before taking a shower, drip 5-10 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide, previously diluted in an amount of 20 drops in a tablespoon of water, and wait 5 minutes.