Are Sinus Infections Contagious?
Also known as sinusitis, a sinus infection is the result of the face’s air lined pockets filling with fluid. This inflames the sinus lining and makes it difficult to drain, which allows bacteria to grow and leads to infection. While sinus infections themselves are not contagious, their underlying causes can be. What are the Symptoms…
COVID or Flu? This Test Can Check for Both
Finding out what’s causing that tickle in your throat during respiratory virus season just got easier. In October 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved nine at-home combination tests that can detect the coronavirus and influenza from a single sample. About the New Tests Made by health care equipment company Healgen®, the combination tests check…
7 Tips for Holiday Socializing When You Have Hearing Loss
Here comes the holiday season, along with all the fun of reconnecting with your family and friends at special get-togethers. But if you have hearing loss, participating in conversations at noisy events can pose a challenge—even when wearing your hearing aids. However, staying present in every special moment may be easier than you think. Follow…
Can Weight Loss Drugs Help with Sleep Apnea?
According to two new major clinical trials, the weight loss drug tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Zepbound® and Mounjaro®, has an interesting side effect—it can significantly improve obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in people with obesity.1 Eli Lily, the maker of tirzepatide and funder of the two studies, has asked the Food and Drug Administration…
Could You Have Reactive Tinnitus?
If you’ve noticed that your tinnitus (ringing in your ears) worsens when exposed to everyday sounds in your environment, you may be experiencing reactive tinnitus. According to Brian Taylor, Au.D., senior director of audiology at Signia, “Reactive tinnitus is a form of tinnitus that changes in loudness, quality or pitch, in response to average or…
TikTok-ers Claim this Viral Bedtime ‘Mocktail’ Can Help You Sleep
Did you spend all last night tossing and turning? TikTok wellness influencers would recommend you sip a sleepy girl mocktail—a mix of tart cherry juice, magnesium powder and a splash of seltzer—to get more shuteye. Wondering if it works? According to scientific evidence, the answer is probably not. A Closer Look at the Mocktail’s Ingredients …
When Sinus Surgery Is Your Best Option
Sinus infections are no laughing matter. Known medically as sinusitis, they bring pain and misery to 37 million Americans annually, making them one of the most common chronic health complaints in the U.S. Causes & Symptoms They are the result of swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages caused by viral or bacterial infections, nasal…
What To Know About a Tonsillectomy
Tonsils are removed for various reasons, including: Post tonsillectomy pain gets worse on days four through nine. It is important to control pain well. Dr Rosner’s strategy is to use multiple medications to reduce the risk of side effects. Typically, ketorolac, a cousin of Motrin, is used three times a day to prevent pain. Prednisone…
When to See an ENT
ENT physicians, also called otolaryngologists, treat a multitude of conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, mouth and neck. Below are some specific conditions that ENT physicians specialize in treating. 1. Sinus infection Sinusitis is inflammation and swelling of the tissues that line the sinuses. This interferes with normal mucus drainage, leading to breathing difficulties,…
The Link Between Hearing & Your Golf Score
The game of golf is filled with hazards. Water, bunkers and sand traps can all wreak havoc on your game. Another important factor that can affect your final score is your hearing. You not only need to hear well out of both ears—you also need to be able to hear the sound of your swing. …