Ear, Nose and Throat Health

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Have you ever been standing still, yet felt as though the room around you was moving? And we’ve all had a ringing in our ears at some point, but how do you know when that inner noise is a symptom of a more serious condition? So many functions are controlled by the ear, nose, and throat region that it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. Dr. Soo Kim Abboud, an otolaryngologist (specialist of the ear, nose, and throat) joined Suzanne to discuss some of the common conditions that can affect seniors. The Ears Dr. Abboud states that the most frequent referrals she receives deal with the ear. This can include the common ear infection, hearing loss or pain in the ear. But there are two conditions she singles out as sometimes being harder to diagnose, as they can have multiple causes. The first disorder is vertigo, which is characterized as a constant dizziness. Some people feel the room around them is spinning, and it worsens with sudden movement, such as getting up out of bed or changing head positions. Vertigo can be caused by many ear problems, like a build-up of earwax, inflammation of the inner ear due to infection, or ear/head trauma. A physician must run tests to get to the root of the problem before proper treatment is given. If the cause is an infection, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. In some cases, a simple adjustment in the way the head is maneuvered can alleviate some of the dizziness.

A buzzing, roaring, humming or ringing in the ears is called tinnitus. Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from the condition, and it can begin to interfere with daily life. The noise a person hears can vary in pitch and frequency, and can be heard in one or both ears. Tinnitus is a result of bent or broken hairs within the ear that send random messages to the brain, which interprets those messages as noise. This can be caused by a head injury, caffeine, long-term use of certain medications, or age. After discussing the symptoms with your doctor, they will decide what the treatment should be depending on the cause. Again, antibiotics can be prescribed for an ear infection, or excess earwax can be removed. If the ringing in the eras is age-related, unfortunately, the condition can not be stopped, only managed.

The Importance of A Healthy Nose
We’ve all heard the phrase, “My allergies are acting up,” but what exactly does that mean? In the nose, it means nasal obstruction and congestion that can be both annoying and painful. Many people who suffer from allergies sometimes dismiss their suffering as a “seasonal” attack, when it may be something more serious. Sinusitis is one of the most common health conditions in America, yet left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the sinuses and cheekbones. Symptoms of sinusitis include fever, facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, headache and pain in the upper teeth that can last over 10-14 days. A thick yellowish-green nasal discharge is also a common symptom. The primary treatment is a course of antibiotics, possibly accompanied by a nasal spray. If there is a resistance to medication over time, you may be diagnosed with “chronic sinusitis” and given a longer, more intense, treatment.

Heartburn, or something worse?
We’ve been told time and again that chest pains are a red flag when it comes to heart health. But not all chest pains are a precursor to a heart attack. The problem could be heartburn, caused by acid reflux.

Acid reflux can cause pain in the chest, trouble swallowing, a dry cough and bad breath. It is caused by the lower esophageal sphincter not closing properly, causing stomach contents to leak back into the esophagus. When “refluxed” acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat, called heartburn.

The best way to prevent acid reflux is to make several dietary changes. Eliminating fatty and acidic foods is the main course of treatment. O