Are There Home Remedies for Congestion Relief?
Congestion can cause snoring, interrupt your breathing and even make running around Laurel Park feel impossible. Decongestants are one effective way to improve congestion temporarily, but you can’t take them for more than a few days, as prolonged use can worsen your stuffy nose. Let’s examine a few ways to minimize congestion at home and…
Why Do I Have Mucus in My Throat?
The slippery substance lining the tissues in your nose and throat is called mucus, or snot. It acts as part of your immune system to trap and clear harmful germs and particles. Healthy mucus is clear but may turn white, yellow or green when you have an infection. When your body produces too much mucus…
What To Know About Cobblestone Throat
Cobblestone throat refers to small bumps on the back of your throat that arise with inflammation. While it’s normal to worry when you see these bumps, they’re harmless and will usually go away with the inflammation. Let’s look at a few common causes of cobblestone throat and what you can do to treat them. Allergies…
What to do About Flying and Ear Pain with Infants
Airplane ear, or ear barotrauma, is a common phenomenon when the ear starts to ache during air travel due to changes in air pressure. Simple remedies, such as swallowing, chewing gum or yawning can help with symptoms. You may wonder how to help infants who can’t try these remedies. This uncomfortable pressure in the ears…
What to Expect During an ENT Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re dealing with persistent issues with your ears, nose or throat, an ENT specialist is the right doctor to see. Let’s take a look at what you can expect during each area of an ENT exam to help you set expectations for your first visit. Ear Examination During an ear exam, your ENT…
Exploring the Link Between Nasal Health and Asthma
Your respiratory system consists of two main parts: the upper and lower tracts. These systems work in unison to help you breathe efficiently. Because they are interconnected, problems in your nose and sinuses can directly affect your lungs. This concept, known as the unified airway theory, highlights the connection between nasal inflammation and asthma. The…
Mastering Vocal Health: A Singer’s Guide to a Strong Voice
Your voice is more than just sound—it’s an instrument, a form of self-expression and, for many, a professional tool. Whether you’re a stage performer, a choir member or someone who simply enjoys belting out tunes in the car, keeping your voice in top shape is essential. Your vocal cords are delicate folds of muscle and…
Why Does Your Nose Burn? Common Causes and Solutions
A burning feeling in your nose can be hard to ignore. Let’s look at a few reasons your nose might be bothering you and some simple ways to calm the irritation. Spicy Foods and Strong Scents Eating spicy foods or being exposed to strong smells—like cleaning products or perfumes—can irritate the nasal lining. Capsaicin, the…
Vocal Nodules and Vocal Polyps: What’s the difference?
Vocal nodules and vocal polyps are noncancerous growths on the vocal cords that can lead to a hoarse, breathy voice. Though they share some similarities, these conditions have distinct characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at each. Understanding Vocal Nodules Vocal nodules are small, callus-like formations that develop on the vocal cords due to prolonged…
Tips To Address the “Plugged Up” Sensation in Hearing Aids
In 2019, approximately 7.1% of adults aged 45 and older used a hearing aid. Hearing aids are tiny devices that amplify external sounds to improve communication understanding. If you’ve been wearing hearing aids for a while or recently started using them, you may have experienced a “plugged up” feeling similar to how your ears feel…