The ear (inner, middle and outer) is responsible both for the sense of hearing and for equilibrium. The outer and middle ear transfers sound waves to the inner ear. The vestibulocochlear organ in the inner ear is involved with reception of sound as well as maintaining balance (equilibrium).

Therefore, conditions affecting the inner ear can present with symptoms related to hearing as well balance. However, most disorders involving the middle and outer ear may only impair hearing, although in severe cases, pain impulses may disrupt the sensory input from the vestibulocochlear organ.

Most ear problems will present with one or more of the following  :

• Pain
• Itching
• Discharge
• Functional disturbances – hearing and/or balance

continue reading Ear Problems – Symptoms of Inner, Middle and Outer Disorders

The color of mucus may vary although it usually clear in color. Its if often mixed with saliva when passed out through the mouth (spitting or coughing).

Clear, thin and watery mucus (serous) or clear to white, thick mucus (mucoid) is often accepted as the normal color and may be seen in the early stages of an infection or other inflammatory conditions. Pink to red or rust colored mucus is a sign of blood within the mucus and is usually associated with a severe infection or inflammatory response.

Why is mucus green?

Green mucus is a result of dead neutrophils, a type of white blood cell active in infectious and inflammatory responses, within the sputum. When neutrophils die and burst (lysis), it releases a green pigment known as verdoperoxidase. This is an enzyme responsible for the perioxidase activity of pus.

continue reading Green Mucus, Phlegm Sputum – Meaning and Causes

Pertussis (whooping cough) closely resembles many other upper and lower respiratory tract infections and a proper diagnosis is essential in order to commence with the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Many cases of pertussis are initially misdiagnosed for more common respiratory tract infections.

It is only upon the onset of the typical ‘whooping’ cough (stage 2) or continuation of symptoms beyond the expected timeline of other respiratory tract infections that pertussis may be considered as a differential diagnosis.

continue reading Pertussis Tests and Treatment (Medication, Hospitalization)

What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the larynx (voice box). This is the part of the respiratory tract that connects the pharynx (throat) to the trachea (wind pipe) and contains the vocal apparatus to produce sound. The most common causes of laryngitis are an infection and trauma (chemical and mechanical injury including vocal strain).

Most cases of laryngitis are acute, meaning that it last for a short period of time, anywhere from a few days (usually 7 to 10 days) to 2 to 3 weeks. Chronic laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx that lasts for more than 3 weeks and may sometimes be due to serious and even life threatening illnesses.

continue reading Laryngitis (Acute, Contagious and Chronic)