While it’s more common in children, strep throat can strike people of any age, most often in the winter or spring. And while most sore throats are due to viruses, strep throat is caused by and gets its name from group A Streptococcus bacteria. Though medically it’s considered a mild...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
Mouth breathing is often a necessity, particularly when a respiratory infection closes your nasal passages with drainage. However, it’s not efficient, nor does it extend the benefits of filtration the way that nose breathing does. Still, should you be concerned when you notice your child frequently breathes through their mouth? ...
Ear infections are often associated with childhood. Over 80% of children have at least one ear infection by the age of three. Despite this, people of any age can suffer from ear infections, a leading cause of ear pain. As an adult, your ear pain probably isn’t due to infection....
About one in five adults experiences chronic acid reflux, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But this could be a low estimate since many treat their symptoms with over-the-counter medications, and it may never occur to them to talk to a doctor if they feel they have the condition...
The American Sleep Association estimates that about half of the US adult population snores. This quirk of sleeping ranges from amusing through distracting to outright disturbance, and for as many as 10% of those snorers, it may signal a potentially life-threatening condition. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder...
You may not think of an ear, nose, and throat practice as your first destination for Botox® Cosmetic treatments, but Botox was first developed as a therapeutic medicine. It was only later that its aesthetic applications emerged. In fact, it’s commonly used to treat many disorders where involuntary muscle spasms...
About 13% of the American population has some level of hearing loss in both ears. An equal number of people could benefit from having hearing aids to help compensate for these losses. There are many different reasons you can lose your hearing, and sometimes the reason isn’t known, but the...
Any time your body’s immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance, you’re having an allergic reaction. These substances may be organic particles in the air such as pollen or dust, or pollutants like smoke or chemicals. You can also suffer allergies to insect bites, foods, or substances that contact...
As we move into May 2020, COVID-19 continues its domination of the news headlines. At the time of writing, cases of the viral infection topped 1.1 million in the US, and nearly 70,000 Americans lost their lives because of it. As with other viral infections such as influenza, the best...
Most people likely only give their sinuses thought when they’re congested, typically during a respiratory infection or when allergy season arrives. Headaches, runny nose, and breathing problems take hold for a few weeks, then life returns to normal. For an unlucky few, though, chronic sinus issues last for months. Congestion...
With summer’s glow fading from your skin and the harsh reality of dry winter air, you’re likely not mistaken if you feel your skin looks duller than it should. As you get older, your skin loses its resilience, natural moisture, and youthful elasticity. Combine that with exposure to sun, wind,...
Removing tonsils and adenoids was once virtually a childhood ritual. Thought to be a problem when they were frequently inflamed, these tissues are now seen as an important part of your child’s immune system. While it used to be thought that tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies would end chronic earaches and breathing...
The years take a toll on your skin. Repeated facial expressions — from squinting to raising your eyebrows — can crease your skin, leaving permanent lines and wrinkles over time. Everyone faces these signs of aging, but not everyone is willing to accept them. That’s where BOTOX® comes in. Over...
If you suffer from allergies, you’re not alone. More than 50 million people in the United States battle seasonal or year-long allergies. In the past, allergy shots were the most effective way to fight allergies. Today, however, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an innovative way to treat allergies without needles. Immunotherapy...