It’s bothersome and you’ve actually thought it would never end – that tickle at the back of your throat, making you cough or clear your throat.

It’s called a post-nasal drip.

What causes a post-nasal drip?

Post-nasal drip is pretty much very common. It can happen to almost anyone.

Our noses have glands that produce mucus for fighting infections, keeping the nasal membranes moist, and filtering out foreign matter. 

When we’re experiencing an allergic reaction, having viral or sinus infections, and experiencing changes in weather, our body may produce more mucus.

The excess mucus may start accumulating at the back of our throats. We would start feeling the tickle in that area and sometimes, we may also feel it trickle down from our noses.

Are there home remedies for post-nasal drip?

Remedies for post-nasal drip could vary, depending on its underlying cause.

If it is caused by an infection that causes congestion, an over-the-counter decongestant might help.

Saline nasal spray, antihistamine, and nasal irrigation tools like neti pots could also help. 

An excess in mucus production should not be an excuse to forget about hydration. 

When you’re having a post-nasal drip, it’s very important to stay hydrated.

Warm tea or chicken soup can help thin out the mucus and prevent dehydration. And of course, the good, old plain water can definitely help too!

When should you see a specialist

If your post-nasal drip persists for 10 days or more even with home remedies, then it’s time to see a specialist.

You should also see a doctor if your mucus has a strong odor and if you’re having a fever and wheezing.

Greater Knoxville ENT has specialists who are well-experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions of the eyes, nose, and throat. You can request an appointment by calling us at (865) 244-4396.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip

https://www.healthline.com/health/postnasal-drip#see-a-doctor

It is estimated that about 2-3 of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with hearing loss in one or both ears. 

When a child loses his/her sense of hearing at a very young age, it can affect his/her ability to develop language, communicate, and socialize with others. 

In the past, hearing loss in children usually goes unnoticed until they reach the age of 2 when he or she doesn’t talk yet. Now research is showing that treating the hearing loss before a child reaches 6 months of age results in a more favorable outcome. This results in newborn hearing screening, which becomes universal in hospitals in the United States.

What is hearing loss?

A hearing loss occurs when a part of parts of the ear is/are not working in the usual way.

Some of the most common signs of hearing loss in children include:

• Not saying a single word by age 1
• Does not turn to the source of noise after 6 months old
• Does not get startled at loud noises
• May turn when he/she sees you but does not do it when you call out his/her name
• Does not follow directions
• May turn up the volume of the TV too high

Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Children 

Hearing loss in children can be a result of a congenital or acquired condition.

Some of the congenital causes of hearing loss include autosomal recessive hearing loss, autosomal dominant hearing loss, a nervous system or brain disorder, and genetic syndromes such as Treacher Collins and Alport syndromes.

When a child suffers from hearing loss later in life, it can be a result of a perforated eardrum, infections like Meningitis and measles, a serious head injury, or untreated or frequent otitis media.

If you suspect that your child suffers from hearing loss, it’s important to see a specialist immediately. Early intervention can result in a more favorable outcome.

Greater Knoxville ENT has specialists who can help. We have years of experience in diagnosing and treating ear conditions, including those that may lead to hearing loss. 

To schedule an appointment, you may call us at (865) 244-4396.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/help-for-parents-hearing-impaired-children

https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-loss/children

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 30 million Americans or about 12 percent of the adult population suffers from sinusitis. 

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis or inflammation of the tissue lining of the sinuses can result from anything that blocks the sinuses. It can be due to a common cold, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum. 

While it’s rarely serious, sinusitis can cause a lot of discomfort. 

People with sinusitis often complain of facial pain or pressure, runny nose, nasal congestion, fatigue, dental pain, and even fever.

Balloon Sinuplasty for Sinusitis

Balloon sinuplasty is a type of endoscopic procedure, recommended for patients with a severe or chronic form of sinusitis.

It’s a minimally-invasive procedure adapted from angioplasty, where balloon catheters are used to dilate congested blood vessels near the heart.

How Balloon Sinuplasty Works

Patients with chronic sinusitis suffer from blocked and inflamed sinuses that cause problems in their breathing and even sleep.

Balloon sinuplasty dilates the openings of the major sinuses, draining the mucus, pus, and other discharges that cause the blockage.

Studies have shown that this procedure can significantly improve the symptoms 3-6 months after it’s done. 

Patients who underwent balloon sinuplasty also experience cleaner and more open nasal passages.

With its high success rate and low risk of complications, balloon sinuplasty has become one of the most sought after sinus procedures since its introduction in the mid-2000s. 

If you’re ready to end your suffering from chronic sinusitis, we can help. 

Greater Knoxville ENT has specialists who are adept in performing balloon sinuplasty. To request an appointment, you may call us at (865) 521-8050.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinusitis-and-sinus-infection#1

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320719.php#risks

A sinus infection is a very common condition, affecting about 3 million Americans every year. 

What causes a sinus infection?

Sinusitis or a sinus infection can develop when the nasal cavities can become inflamed, swollen, or infected. 

Although it’s usually caused by a virus, bacteria and fungi may also lead to a sinus infection.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

The most common symptoms of a sinus infection include nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sinus headaches, throat irritation, and cough.

In many cases, allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infection can exacerbate the symptoms of a sinus infection.

When should you see a doctor?

Some cases of sinusitis can be resolved easily with some home remedies such as increasing hydration, getting enough sleep and taking decongestants. 

However, there are some cases of sinus infection that can’t be easily relieved with these interventions alone. A good example is a sinus infection caused by bacteria. 

If your sinusitis is due to a bacterial cause, you have to see a doctor to be prescribed with appropriate antibiotics.

You should also consider seeing an ENT specialist if your sinusitis symptoms persist over 2 weeks. 

Greater Knoxville ENT has specialists who can assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you. You can request an appointment by calling us at (865) 244-4396.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sinus-infection-symptoms

https://www.immediateclinic.com/blog/when-see-doctor-sinus-infection

October is National Audiology Awareness and National Protect Your Hearing Month. 

Hearing loss is an increasing health concern in the country, but it’s one that’s highly preventable.

What causes hearing loss?

There are several factors that can lead to hearing loss in adults. This includes aging, otosclerosis (a type of middle ear disease), Meniere’s disease, ototoxic medications such as neomycin, head injury, and constant exposure to very loud noise.

How can you prevent hearing loss?

Contrary to popular belief, hearing loss is not an inevitable part of aging. 

There are some types of hearing loss that can be prevented through:

• Minimizing exposure to loud noises

If you have to be in an event where exposure to loud noise is inevitable or if you’re constantly working with loud machines, getting ear protective devices as ear muffs can definitely help protect your hearing.

• Avoiding or quitting smoking

Research shows that smokers are most likely to develop hearing loss than non-smokers.

• Removing your earwax properly

When you have a buildup of earwax, it may cause you to have difficulty in hearing. But avoid using a cotton swab to clean your ears as you may end up pushing the wax further. 

A good cleaning method is using an at-home irrigation kit that will soften the wax and gently wash it out. If you have compacted ear wax, you may need to see a specialist to remove it.

• Seeing a specialist if you have a family history of hearing loss

Early intervention can help in keeping hearing loss from progressing. If you have a family history of hearing loss or if you’re constantly exposed to loud noises and want to assess your hearing, it’s best to see a specialist.

Greater Knoxville ENT has a team of specialists who can help you. To request an appointment, you can call (865) 244-4396 or visit: https://www.greaterknoxent.com/contact/.

References:

https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Causes-of-Hearing-Loss-in-Adults/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/how-to-prevent-hearing-loss.aspx

The terms headache and migraine are often used interchangeably. And it’s pretty understandable. 

The pain from a migraine and tension from a headache are very similar. The discomfort may also be felt on either one or both sides of the head. 

But what’s the difference between the two?

Headache vs Migraine

Headache disorders cover a wide range of nervous system conditions that cause painful symptoms. These include headaches and migraines.

What’s a headache?

There are several types of headaches but medical experts classify them into two – primary and secondary. 

Primary headaches are independent conditions causing discomfort/pain in the head, face, or neck areas. 

Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are headaches that result from other medical conditions such as stress or medication overuse.

Tension headache is the most common type of headache. Over 40 percent of the population experience it.

As its name implies, tension headaches cause intense pressure around the head. It can be episodic (headaches that happen every 10-15 days of the month) or chronic (headaches that occur more often).

What’s a migraine?

A migraine is a type of primary headache that causes severe pain and other symptoms. 

People suffering from migraines may experience recurring symptoms, which doctors call episodes.

A migraine episode may occur in four distinct phases, although not everyone may experience all four:

Premonitory 

This phase is characterized by sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, food cravings, unexplained mood changes, and frequent yawning.

Aura

The aura pertains to any sensory disturbance occurring before or during a migraine attack. This phase can affect a person’s vision, speech, or touch.

Headache

Migraine headaches can be mild to severe. The pain can get worse with physical activity and exposure to certain lights, sound, and smell.

Postdrome

This phase occurs once the headache subsides. During the postdrome phase, people usually feel exhausted, confused, or unwell.

Is it a headache or a migraine?

If a headache worsens with activity or with exposure to certain light, smell, or sound, then it could be a migraine. 

Whether it’s tension headache or migraine, you should see a specialist if your headache is interfering with your ability to function or if it’s greatly affecting your quality of life.

Greater Knoxville ENT has specialists who can help you. To request an appointment, you may call us at (865) 244-4396.

References:

https://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_vs_headache_whats_the_difference/article.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/migraine-vs-headache

Are you snoring, have a dry mouth, and experience chronic fatigue? Then you may be breathing through your mouth. Some people don’t realize that they breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. 

What causes mouth breathing?

A person may be a mouth breather for several reasons.

Kids who breathe through their mouths may do it as a result of a habit, their bite being off, or may have abnormally large tonsils that can obstruct breathing. 

For adults, mouth breathing may happen due to their medication or damaged glands as a result of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Why mouth breathing can be a problem?

An excessively dry mouth is one of the problems resulting from mouth breathing. Normally, the saliva continuously washes bacteria from the mouth. But when the mouth is too dry, it’s easier for the bacteria to take hold of the mouth and cause problems like cavities. 

Mouth breathing in children can also cause problems. Mouth breathing may cause the growth of the upper jaw (rather than the lower jaw), which can result in an overbite and gummy smile.

Breathing through the mouth can also cause sleeping difficulties. This is why chronic fatigue is common in those who are doing it.

What can be done about mouth breathing?

Just like anything else, it’s important to understand the underlying cause of mouth breathing before certain interventions could be recommended. 

If it’s due to abnormally large tonsils, then removing them might help. If it’s due to structural problems (e.g. child can’t close the flaps of his/her lips over front teeth), then orthodontic treatment may be sought.

If mouth breathing is a problem you’ve been struggling with for quite a while now, we can help. Greater Knoxville ENT has specialists who can help determine the cause of your mouth breathing. To request an appointment, you can call us at (865) 521-8050.

References:

https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/oral-health/mouth-breather/

https://www.healthline.com/health/mouth-breathing

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319487.php

Strep throat is common among school-age kids. Although a sore throat is a common symptom of the condition, not all cases of it are due to strep.  

What causes strep throat in kids?

Strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria (hence the name). It is contagious and can be spread to others through droplets. 

When an infected child coughs, sneezes, or talks, the bacteria can be breathed in or caught by others through touching contaminated objects or surfaces.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

A child with strep throat may manifest the following symptoms:

* Difficulty or pain in swallowing

* Bright red, swollen tonsils

* Fever

* Tender glands in the neck

* Irritability

* Sleeping more than the usual

* Tiny red spots at the back throat of the mouth

* Poor appetite

* A red rash on the body that feels like sandpaper

How is strep throat treated?

Once confirmed, a child with strep throat will be prescribed with antibiotics. This should be taken as instructed to avoid other problems.

Usually, after a day or two of antibiotic therapy, your child will start feeling better. 

Aside from antibiotics, there are other solutions that can help your kid to feel better. This includes acetaminophen for the fever and throat pain, plenty of fluids, and soft foods that are easy to swallow.

It isn’t easy seeing your kid suffer from strep throat. If you suspect your child has it, see a specialist immediately. Strep throat can cause complications when left untreated. 

Greater Knoxville ENT (GKENT) has a team of specialists who are well-experienced in assessing, diagnosing, and treating conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. Call us at (865) 244-4396 to request for an appointment. 

References:

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/strep-throat.html

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/strep-throat

Greater Knoxville ENT’s Dr. Allan Rosenbaum discusses Sinuva, an FDA approved sinus implant created to reduce nasal congestion and nasal polyps.

Dr. Joseph White, the newest physician at Greater Knoxville ENT, shares his philosophy of care.

Learn more on cognitive decline from Greater Knoxville ENT’s Doctor of Audiology, Danielle King.

Daniel Higdon can breathe again and no longer has “sleepless, restless nights” thanks to Dr. Joseph White of Greater Knoxville ENT.