Ear Infections & Hearing Loss
Ear Infections
Ear infections are most common in babies and small children and occurs when the middle ear because clogged with mucus and fluids. The medical term for this type of infection is called otitis media. Typical symptoms of an ear infection in children are excessive crying, tugging at the ears, changes in mood, diarrhea and ear drainage. Ear infections can be caused by a virus but most are caused by bacterial infections. Normally these types of infections will clear up on their own or they can be treated with antibiotics.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is characterized by the partial or full decrease in the ability to detect and understand sound. The severity of hearing loss is determined by the degree of loudness and can be categorized as mild, moderate, severe or profound. Children with hearing loss experience delays in speech, language and social development. Adults find it a challenge to be in social situations.
Hearing loss can be caused by any number of factors: family history, disease, medications, age-related or physical trauma. An occupation that requires an individual to work in a consistently noisy environment can also contribute to gradual hearing loss.
You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Ear pain
• Ringing in the ears
• Muffled sounds
• Difficulty understanding conversations particularly against background noise
• Constantly turning up the volume of an electrical device in order to hear
Tonsillitis
Tonsils are small organs located at the back of the throat that fight germs that enter the body through the nose, mouth and throat. Tonsillitis is caused by a viral infection resulting the swelling of the tonsils. The swelling is accompanied by pain and is most common in young children. The infection can also be caused by a bacterium called streptococcus. In addition to swelling, some of the common signs of tonsillitis are:
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Stomachache
• Difficulty and painful swallowing
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Laryngitis
• White patches on the tonsils
Tonsillitis may be treated with penicillin or other antibiotics if caused by bacteria. If the infection is caused by a virus then it is best to an aspirin to relieve the symptoms of fever and pain. Drinking warm liquids and gargling with warm salt water also helps. Eventually the virus will run its course. Very rarely will a tonsillectomy be a required. This course of action may be recommended for children who have had severe frequent throat infections.
Sinusitis
Snoring
During sleep the area in the back of the throat gets smaller. The narrowing can be in the mouth, nose or throat. As a person breathes the air that passes through the area causes the surrounding tissue to vibrate. This vibration produces sound which in some people is loud. Snoring is common and can be disruptive. It can also be the sign of an underlying medical issue such as sleep apnea.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is also referred to as a sinus infection and is primarily caused by a virus, allergies, air contaminants or structural deficiencies in the nasal cavity. Sinusitis occurs when the nasal passages and sinuses become inflamed. When a person has a sinus infection they typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:
• Nasal Congestion
• Sore Throat
• Coughing
• Headache
• Fever
• Postnasal Drip
• Bad breath
There are virtually two types of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis can be caused by a bacteria or a virus. Acute viral sinusitis lasts for less than a little over four weeks and usually follows an upper respiratory infection. Bacterial sinusitis lasts longer and can be treated with antibiotics. Chronic Sinusitis lasts longer than four weeks and can be caused by nasal tumors, allergies and viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
There are many home remedies one may use to treat a sinus infection. The use of a humidifier will help to keep the air in your home moist and help to open the nasal passages. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications can help with headaches and inflammation. Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water also promotes drainage.
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Acupuncture/Acupressure
Holistic Acupuncture Clinic
167 G South Trade Street
Matthews , NC 28105
704-942-5300
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All Doctors - ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Conditions
Allergy, Audiology, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat/Otolaryngology), Otology, Pediatrics, Plastic Surgery
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Allergy, Audiology, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat/Otolaryngology), Otology, Pediatrics
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Allergy, Audiology, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat/Otolaryngology), Otology, Pediatrics
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ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat/Otolaryngology)
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Allergy, Audiology, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat/Otolaryngology), Otology, Pediatrics
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ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat/Otolaryngology), Otolaryngology (ENT)
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Allergy, Audiology, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat/Otolaryngology), Otology, Pediatrics
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is a professional organization of pediatricians dedicated to the overall well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. This web site contains information on a variety of health topics including ear infections.
The Hearing Loss Association of America serves as a resource for people and families affected by hearing loss. Through education and advocacy the organization is committed to improving communication access for people with hearing loss.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing communication science for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech/language/hearing scientists through continuing education and advocacy.
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Ear & Sinus Problems: Remedies for a Sinus Infection
In order to remedy a sinus infection, zinc supplements and saltwater drops can help with the use of a suction bulb. Find out which over-the-counter products can be used to treat sinus infections with help from a pediatrician in this free video on sinus problems.
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