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The spring allergy season is in full bloom and is caused by tree pollen.  Pollen counts have been very high, and will remain high for the next few weeks.  Symptoms include itchy eyes and eye swelling, itchy nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, and itching sensation in the throat. The first line of […]

Chronic sinusitis is a common problem, affecting 12% of adults in the United States. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis include facial pain, facial pressure, headache, congestion, post-nasal drip, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Chronic sinusitis can have a significant affect on the quality of life, which can lead to depression. Depression may arise in the

We have had an unusually warm winter, and the spring allergy season will probably begin earlier this year. Spring allergies are related to tree pollen. Allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal or ocular itching, and runny nose(clear mucous). It is recommended to begin allergy treatment early, before significant symptoms develop. The first line of

Nasal congestion, a runny nose, and nasal irritation is common during the winter season. We spend more time indoors during the winter, and are more susceptible to winter allergies. Common indoor allergy triggers include dust mites, mold, and pets. Symptoms of allergies include a runny nose(clear, thin mucous), sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, watery eyes,

Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are formed in the tonsils of affected adults. The stones can arise from material, such as food, mucous and bacteria, that collects in the crypts(holes) of tonsils. The can also be formed from a strain of bacteria, actinomycoses, that are found in the tonsils and produce sulfur granules. The stones are

A recent article in the New York Times discussed the risk of long term hearing loss in children who listen to music with headphones at high volume. The risk of long term hearing loss increases with increased volume(decibels) and length of noise exposure. The OSHA workplace safety limit for adults is 85 decibels for no

As the seasons change, and the air becomes cooler and dryer, the incidence of nose bleeds(epistaxis) increases. The mucous membranes of the nose have a rich blood supply, and the dry air makes them more friable and likely to bleed. Those who take daily low-dose aspirin are at increased risk of bleeding. Use of anti-coagulant

A recent study performed at Massachusetts General Hospital confirms the cost-effectiveness of nasal surgery to increase continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) adherence in patients with nasal obstruction. The study was reported in the September 2016 issue of The Laryngoscope. For patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA), the recommended treatment is often CPAP, which delivers air through

Tinnitus(ringing in the ear) is the perception of noise when there is no external cause.  It may sound like humming, hissing, chirping, ringing, or whooshing.  It is usually a constant noise, but may be pulsatile, matching the rhythm of your heart beat.  Tinnitus may affect one or both ears. Tinnitus may be temporary, frequently occurring

According to a recent post in Men’s Health, scientists in France have found that the telomeres(the ends of chromosomes that degrade as we age)of men with severe sleep apnea were shorter than the telomeres of men without sleep apnea.  Men with moderate sleep apnea had shorter telomeres as well. Telomere shortening is associated with increased