Otolaryngologists, also known as ENT physicians, diagnose and treat conditions that affect the ears, nose and throat. While an ENT physician is happy to care for these types of ailments, you may want to save yourself the trip and remain healthy by taking the following measures to prevent common ENT disorders.
Ear Infections
An ear infection occurs when fluid becomes trapped in the middle ear. Normally, fluid drains through the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. But when the Eustachian tubes are inflamed, usually due to allergies or an upper respiratory infection, fluid pools up and bacteria can grow.
To prevent an ear infection, we recommend getting any allergies diagnosed and under control, washing your hands frequently, staying away from sick people, and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke. To prevent ear infections in children, ear tubes may be placed.
Sinus Infections
The sinuses are mucus-lined pockets in the face, behind the forehead, eyes and cheeks. Like with ear infections, inflammation caused by allergies or an infection can cause mucus to pool and bacteria to grow.
Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, are common. According to one article, “Sinusitis is one of the most common health complaints leading to a physician visit in the United States, as well as one of the leading causes of antibiotic prescriptions. In 1 year, there were up to 73 million restricted activity days in patients with sinusitis.”
You can prevent sinus infections by managing allergies, avoiding getting sick, using saline nasal spray or a saline rinse with a Neti pot from The Medicine Chest on East State Boulevard, and avoiding flying if you have a cold.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders. Characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, OSA is caused by the soft tissues in the mouth and throat collapsing into the airway.
You can make several lifestyle modifications to prevent or treat OSA, including maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding alcohol and other sedatives at bedtime and quitting smoking. If you experience any of these ENT disorders, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an expert physician immediately. To do so, call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today.