What Is a Goiter & What Causes It?
The term “goiter” describes an irregular growth of the thyroid, which is the butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck that produces essential hormones. Goiters are relatively common, affecting approximately 5% of people in the United States, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Below, we review more about goiters and their causes. What Are…
What Are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones, known also as tonsilloliths, are lumps that develop within the tonsil tissues. They are usually white or yellow in color. Below we review the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tonsil stones. What Are the Symptoms of Tonsil Stones? While in many cases, especially if the tonsil stones are small, you’ll be…
Mouth Tape for Sleeping: ENT and Safety Implications
Mouth taping, the act of taping your mouth shut while you sleep, is a popular trend that took social media by storm. Advocates for the practice claim that taping your mouth while you sleep could help prevent bad breath, dry mouth and snoring. While these potential benefits may sound appealing, it’s crucial to know how…
Why Does My Throat Feel Tight?
Have you ever felt like your throat is suddenly tight as if something is clogging or restricting it? Throat tightness can be unsettling and even a little scary, but it’s important to remember that there are many potential reasons it could be happening. It isn’t always a serious condition. Let’s take a look at a…
Tips to Help Your Partner Seek Help for Their Snoring
Snoring is a widespread issue that can disturb both your sleep and that of your partner. In fact, about 45% of adults snore on occasion, while 25% snore regularly. Although occasional snoring may not be harmful, frequent or loud snoring could point to more serious health concerns like sleep apnea or nasal blockages. If you’ve…
Why Do My Allergies Get Worse When I Travel
For the 100 million people in the U.S. who suffer from allergies, traveling can be a double-edged sword. While exploring new places is exciting, it can sometimes bring a familiar, unwelcome companion—exacerbated allergy symptoms. But why do allergies seem to flare up when you hit the road? Here’s a look at the reasons and some…
What Is an Allergy Cough and How Is It Treated?
An allergy cough is a typically non-productive cough caused by exposure to allergens (substances your immune system identifies as dangerous, even when they aren’t). If you enjoy walking through Windward Community Park on a warm Saturday, it’s likely that an allergy cough is an unwelcome intrusion. Let’s take a look at a few ways you…
Why Do I Have Allergies Indoors: Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality
When we think of allergies, we often think of getting the sniffles when walking through a park or that it only occurs at certain times of the year. Outdoor allergies do have an impact on our health; nearly 100 million people experience allergies each year. Allergies indoors may not immediately come to mind, but they…
How Do Allergies Impact Mental Health?
Mental health is often not talked about in conjunction with allergies. Allergies are also widespread, impacting an estimated 100 million people per year in the U.S. It is the sixth most common chronic condition. Studies show that those with chronic allergic rhinitis are at a higher risk for navigating depression and anxiety. About Allergies An…
Best and Worst Foods for Your Voice
Between singing along to your favorite carols and video calling your loved ones this holiday season, you may find that your voice is more fatigued than it has been during the past several months of social distancing. It’s important to care for your voice in order to avoid common issues like vocal cord nodules or…
