A blocked nose is a common complaint but the reasons why it may occur can be quite varied. Most of us associate a blocked nose with an acute infection like the common cold or a sudden change in the weather that clears after a short period of time. However, for some people a blocked nose is a daily occurrence that either >> Read More ...
Ear infections are common, especially in children, but many cases of outer ear infections can be prevented with a little vigilance. The ear like any part of the body has various mechanisms in place to prevent infection apart from the fact that the immune system can fight off an infection when it occurs. As the age old >> Read More ...
What is fungal sinusitis? Fungal sinusitis is either an infection by fungi or an allergic reaction to fungi in the paranasal sinuses. Overall infectious fungal sinusitis is uncommon in the general population and is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems. An allergic reaction to the presence of the >> Read More ...
What is rhinitis medicamentosa? Rhinitis medicamentosa is nasal congestion and sneezing that arises with the overuse of medication for treating nasal symptoms. This is also known as rebound rhinitis. Although this is a short-lived reaction in some cases, it can have permanent effects such as chronic sinusitis. Typically >> Read More ...
What is CSF rhinorrhea? CSF rhinorrhea is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks through the nose. Normally cerebrospinal fluid is confined to the space around the brain and spinal cord. Due to its close proximity to the sinus and nasal cavity, any opening will allow CSF to leak into it and then drain out >> Read More ...
What is Zenker diverticulum? Zenker diverticulum is an outpouching of the wall of the upper esophagus (gullet). It is rare and almost only seen in the elderly. Outpouchings are protrusions of the wall of a hollow cavity. It can occur in any part of the gut and a more common type is seen in the large intestine. Zenker >> Read More ...
Ear problems are one of the common complications of flying. It is not always a problem for every person. Some may feel a slight discomfort, other a slight popping sensation when landing or even with takeoff. However, many people experience a more severe form of this ear problem. It is painful, affects hearing, may trigger >> Read More ...
Infection of the mastoid process, a protrusion of the temporal bone of the skill, is known as mastoiditis. One of the most common causes is a result of a middle ear infection (otitis media) which spreads to the skull bone if left untreated or is severe. Most of these infections are bacterial in nature and can be >> Read More ...
The Eardrum Between the outer and middle ear lies the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. It is a thin layer of tissue that is oval in shape and stiff but flexible. The eardrum vibrates in accordance with sound waves. The middle ear bones known as the ossicles transmit these vibrations to the inner ear where the organ of >> Read More ...
What is a quinsy? A quinsy is another term for a peritonsillar abscess (PTA). It is a collection of pus in the throat (pharynx) region specifically between the tonsil tissue and the capsule surrounding it. A quinsy progresses from a tonsillitis to cellulitis and eventually an abscess forms. It is a more common infection of >> Read More ...