The most common type of nasal infection is infectious rhinitis. Viral rhinitis is frequently seen throughout the world and is known by the more widely used term – the common cold. It is an acute infection, with symptoms lasting for about 2 to 3 days, and resolving spontaneously without any treatment. However, an infection of the nasal cavity can often extend to the paranasal sinuses, thereby leading to acute sinusitis. Infection of the nose and sinus is broadly encompassed under the term rhinitis, although it it more correctly described by the term rhinosinusitis.

Most nasal infections are viral in origin. The sinuses are not involved in every case of rhinitis but are more likely to occur as a secondary infection following rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal lining). Sinusitis may be due to viral or bacterial pathogens but a secondary bacterial infection tends to arise due to the obstruction of the sinus openings as a result of inflammation in viral rhinitis.

continue reading Nasal Infection – Symptoms and Causes of an Infected Nose

Swallowing is reflex that is largely involuntary. Only the first stage of swallowing, known as oral swallowing is under voluntary control, where the tongue pushes the chewed food to the back of the throat. The swallowing process then continues with pharyngeal and esophageal swallowing.

Normally, swallowing should be neither difficult nor painful. Swallowing hard and partially chewed foods could cause some difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and even painful swallowing (odynophagia). However, pain when swallowing thoroughly chewed foods and drinks is almost always a sign of pathology within the mouth, throat or esophagus (gullet). This may be acute, as is often seen with infections, or chronic (persistent, long term).

Throat pain when swallowing may also be accompanied by other symptoms :

• difficulty swallowing
• coughing
• regurgitation
• gagging
• mouth pain
  
• chest pain
• hoarse voice

Some of these symptoms may be unrelated to the act of swallowing but rather a consequence of the causative condition. Bleeding after swallowing is a serious sign and warrants immediate medical attention. Refer to blood in the mouth.

continue reading Throat Pain When Swallowing

Drugs Available as Nasal Sprays

A variety of drugs are used in the form of a nasal spray. It is also increasingly being explored as a route of administration for several other drugs. The currently available nasal sprays include

1. Antihistamines
2. Corticosteroids
3. Topical decongestants
4. Saline
5. Others

continue reading Nasal Sprays – Steroid, Anthistamine, Saline, Decongestant

What is a nasal spray?

Nasal sprays are medications that are available for application through the nasal cavity. Most nasal sprays are available as metered-dose nasal sprays meaning that each spray delivers a measured quantity of the solution into the nasal cavity. By creating a fine mist (aerosol), the active ingredients can exert its effect on the nasal mucosa, travel further down the respiratory tract or absorb into the blood stream to take action elsewhere in the body.

Nasal sprays are available in two forms – pressurized canisters and the pump bottles. Nasal sprays can be of use in local disease of the nose (like corticosteroid nasal spray in allergic rhinitis) or for systemic diseases (like desmopressin nasal spray for diabetes insipidus).

continue reading Nasal Spray Side Effects, Actions and How to Use a Nasal Spray

What is LPR?

Recurrent acid reflux seen with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) inflames and damages the lining of the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box), causing a host of signs and symptoms in these areas. This is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux disease or LPR.  The classic symptoms of acid reflux such as burning chest pain (heartburn), nausea and regurgitation may not be evident and therefore LPR is associated with silent acid reflux. Both terms are used interchangeably at times.

However, it is important to note that laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is a combination of both gastrointestinal and airway disease. The symptoms extend beyond the typical heartburn and nausea since the larynx is involved. It typically affects the upper airways but can exacerbate conditions such as asthma. It is believed that a significant number of cases of  asthma in infants may be related to aspiration of gastric contents into the airways.

continue reading LPR Reflux | What is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease, Symptoms