What Is an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?
Upper respiratory tract infections are contagious infections that affect your nose, throat, pharynx, larynx and/or bronchi. One article published in the National Library of Medicine reports, “Upper respiratory tract infections are accountable for greater than 20 million missed days of school and greater than 20 million days of work lost.” In this post, we review…
What Is the Valsalva Maneuver & How Does It Relate to Your Ears?
Even if you haven’t heard the term “Valsalva maneuver,” you probably know what it is. It is a breathing technique used for several reasons: one reason is clearing your ears. What Does the Valsalva Maneuver Entail? There are only a few steps involved in the Valsalva maneuver. They are: You can maintain these steps for…
How Should I Prepare My Child for Ear Tube Surgery?
If your child has chronic, recurrent ear infections, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician may recommend ear tubes, also known as tympanostomy tubes (TT). According to one 2022 article published in the National Library of Medicine, “Almost 7% of all children will have a least one set of TT by 3 years of age,…
Can You Prevent Ear Infections in Children?
While anyone can develop an ear infection, they are more common in children than adults. This is because children have smaller Eustachian tubes that are still developing and are more likely to experience swelling and fluid blockages. Though the occasional ear infection is likely nothing to worry about and will clear up on its own,…
What Is an Acoustic Neuroma & How Is It Treated?
An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is a benign (noncancerous) growth that develops on the vestibular nerve. The vestibular nerve is the connection between your inner ear and your brain that helps you balance. Pressure from the acoustic neuroma can cause a variety of audiological and other symptoms. What Causes an Acoustic…
What Are the Health Benefits of Nose Breathing?
Breathing is something we do without thinking—inhale, exhale and repeat. But did you know that how you breathe, whether through your nose or mouth, impacts your health? From filtering out allergens to supporting better sleep, nose breathing offers unique advantages that mouth breathing doesn’t provide. Let’s explore the health benefits of nose breathing, common causes…
Tips to Help Your Partner Seek Help for Their Snoring
Snoring is a widespread issue that affects not only the person who snores but also their sleep partner. Approximately 90% of American adults said they snore occasionally, while 37 million say they snore regularly. While occasional snoring might be nothing to worry about, frequent or loud snoring can indicate a more serious health concern, such…
Practical Tips To Relieve Sinus Pressure and Find Long-Lasting Relief
Sinus pressure is an all-too-common discomfort that can leave you feeling stuffy and frustrated. It typically presents as a dull, throbbing ache around the eyes, forehead, cheeks and nose. But the discomfort doesn’t always stop there. Severe sinus pressure can radiate to your teeth, jaw and scalp. The root of sinus pressure often lies in…
Chronic Sinus Infections: Exploring Balloon Sinuplasty for Lasting Relief
A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is a common condition resulting from inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses. This inflammation can block sinus drainage, leading to a buildup of pressure and uncomfortable symptoms, including facial pressure around the eyes, forehead and nose, congestion, teeth pain, persistent cough, bad breath and poor sense of taste…
Tips to Sleep with a Stuffy Nose
When dealing with colds, allergies or sinus infections, you may find that your sleep quality declines. One of the main culprits behind could be nasal congestion, which can lead to difficulty breathing, snoring or an uncomfortable runny nose. Here are some practical tips to help you sleep more comfortably when you’re experiencing nasal congestion: Use…
