How Does a CPAP Machine Work?

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP machine is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder. OSA is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Let’s review everything you need to know about CPAP machines, including how they work. The Parts of a CPAP Machine All CPAP machines are…
Bacterial vs Viral Sinus Infections: Understanding Your Treatment Options

The chillier season is fast approaching and, unfortunately, that means cold and flu season is also on its way. If you tend to get a cold or flu during the winter, you might also be familiar with a sinus infection—often arising after the original illness. Sinus infections bring along uncomfortable symptoms including facial pressure, nasal…
Game-Day Sinus Relief: Stay Clear During Football Season

It’s football season, and whether you like playing in the park with your friends or attending a Beaumont Renegades game at the arena, one thing you don’t want getting in the way of your enjoyment is a sinus infection. How Can a Sinus Infection Interrupt Game Day? A sinus infection, or sinusitis, can cause a…
What To Know About Chronic Facial Pain

Chronic facial pain, usually described as a dull ache behind the cheeks, eyes and forehead, is a frustrating symptom, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it. Most facial pain stems from inflammation and mucus buildup in your sinuses—a condition called a sinus infection. Let’s take a look at a few causes of sinus infection-related…
What To Know About Decongestants

An estimated 12% of the U.S. population is congested at any given time. Congestion can interrupt your breathing, make you snore, dull your sense of taste and even keep you from smelling the fresh flowers at Roger’s Park. Decongestants are one popular option people turn to for congestion relief. How Do Decongestants Work? When things…
Ear Pressure and Altitude Changes: What To Know

When you board a flight at Jack Brooks Regional Airport, you check to make sure your passport is handy, you have a handy neck pillow, and your in-flight entertainment is within reach, whether that be a crime thriller you picked up at the gift shop or a movie you’ve preloaded onto your phone. Some frequent…
Ear Hygiene: Understanding Safe Practices

We all want to take the best care of ourselves possible. For you, that might look like drinking less caffeine or stretching your shoulder after a long day paddling around Cooks Lake. For others, it could be adding a weekly run into their exercise routine. However you like to practice self-care, it’s essential not to…
The Connection Between Sinus Infections and Tooth Pain

A bad toothache can make you grumpy, interrupt your sleep and ruin your favorite Riverside Grille meal. While your mind might jump straight to dental issues when that pain pops up, there is another possible cause: sinus infections. How Do Sinus Infections Cause Tooth Pain? Your sinuses are air-filled pockets behind the face. A sinus…
The Impact of Acid Reflux on Throat Health

Many people have experienced that uncomfortable burning sensation in their chest or queasy feeling in their throat after drinking too much coffee or eating a rich meal, otherwise known as acid reflux. While some cases of acid reflux are mild, only popping up occasionally, others are chronic. Throat issues are one possible side effect of…
Recognizing the Signs of Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) prevents your vocal cords from opening all the way when you breathe, causing an airway blockage. Recognizing the signs of VCD and its causes is the first step in managing it. How Do I Know If I Have Vocal Cord Dysfunction? Common signs of VCD include: Common Causes of Vocal Cord…