Chronic Sinusitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Care
A sinus infection can cause discolored drainage, sore throat, facial pressure, and headache. When symptoms last longer than a week, it may be an acute sinus infection. Chronic sinusitis is different. Symptoms may improve, then linger for a month or longer. If antibiotics, decongestants, or other treatments aren’t helping, a closer evaluation may be needed. […]
ABR Hearing Test: What It Is and Who Needs It
An Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test is a safe, painless way to see how sound travels from the ear to the brain. It measures the brain’s response to sounds like clicks or tone bursts, which helps estimate hearing levels. During the test, small electrodes are placed on the forehead and behind the ears. A computer […]
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Plugged Ears Relief
What the Eustachian Tube Does The Eustachian tube is a small passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. Its main job is to equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside world. That is why ears “pop” during flights or when driving through the mountains. When the tube is […]
Infection Signs in Older Adults: What to Watch For
As we age, the body changes how it responds to infection. Older adults may not mount a strong fever or “classic” symptoms, even when they are truly sick. That is why it helps to know what is normal for you or a loved one. Small changes in routine can be the first clue that something […]
Dizziness Causes Beyond Vertigo and How to Get Help
“Vertigo” is a specific type of dizziness that feels like true spinning, like a merry-go-round. Other people feel unsteady on their feet or feel like they might pass out. These symptoms can have different causes and need different treatments. Because dizziness can come from more than one system, the first step is describing what the […]
Toenail Fungus: Signs, Risks, Treatment, and Prevention
What Is Toenail Fungus? Toenail fungus is a common infection that affects the nail and sometimes the surrounding skin. It is often caused by microscopic organisms called dermatophytes, and in some cases by yeast. These organisms are related to conditions like athlete’s foot and ringworm. They feed on protein in the outer layers of skin […]
Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery: When It’s Needed
Tonsils and adenoids help trap germs that enter through the mouth and nose. They are part of the body’s early defense system. Even so, they are not essential for life. If they need to be removed, the body has other ways to help fight infection. When They May Cause More Harm Than Good Tonsil and […]
Bladder or Bowel Accidents: Causes and Treatment
Bladder or bowel accidents can feel embarrassing, but they are very common—especially as people get older. The good news is that help is available, and many treatments are simple, effective, and low disruption. If symptoms are affecting daily life, it is worth bringing up with a provider. These concerns are medical issues, not personal failures. […]
Early Signs of Head and Neck Cancer to Watch For
Head and neck cancers can affect several areas, including the voice box (larynx), tonsils and throat, tongue, and other parts of the mouth. The most common type is squamous cell cancer, which can develop in these regions and may impact speaking, swallowing, and daily comfort. Less commonly, other types such as adenocarcinoma can occur in […]
Understanding the Different Types of Ear Infections
Ear infections can happen in different parts of the ear, and location matters for treatment. The ear has three main areas: the ear canal (up to the eardrum), the middle ear (behind the eardrum), and the inner ear (where hearing nerves are). In children, “ear infection” often means fluid and infection trapped in the middle […]