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blonde women with ear ringing problem
August 1, 2023
Ear PainENT Doctor
ENT Pembroke Pines

Ear Ringing Treatment: Understanding the Causes and Solutions

If you have noticed a ringing in your ears that doesn’t go away, it could be an indication of a more serious problem. Ear ringing, or tinnitus, is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can range from a mild, intermittent buzzing to a constant and painful sensation. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are treatments available that can help alleviate the symptoms and provide lasting relief. To understand how to find the right treatment for your ear ringing, it’s important to understand the causes and solutions.

What Causes Ear Ringing?

The most common cause of ear ringing is exposure to loud noise. This can be from things like concerts, sporting events, construction sites, or even regular activities like mowing the lawn. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the tiny hairs in your inner ear, leading to tinnitus. Other causes of ear ringing include:

• Ear infections
• Ear wax buildup
• Sinus infections
• Meniere’s disease
• Certain medications
• Aging
• Head or neck injuries

Treatment Options for Ear Ringing

The first step in finding relief from ear ringing is to identify the cause of the condition. If your doctor suspects that your tinnitus is caused by an ear infection, sinus infection, or ear wax buildup, they may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help clear up the infection and reduce the ringing in your ears. If the cause is Meniere’s disease or a head or neck injury, they may recommend physical therapy or other treatments to help relieve the symptoms.

If your ear ringing is caused by noise-induced hearing loss, it can be difficult to treat. In this case, the best treatment option is prevention. Wear earplugs or other protective gear when you’re in loud environments, such as concerts or construction sites. You can also limit your exposure to loud noises by using headphones or earbuds at a lower volume.

Ear Ringing Treatment at Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center

At Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center, we offer comprehensive ear ringing treatment options. Our experienced team of ENT doctors can evaluate your condition and determine the cause of your tinnitus. We offer a range of treatments to help reduce the ringing in your ears and provide lasting relief.

Our ENT doctors can provide medications and treatments to help clear up any underlying infections, such as ear infections and sinus infections. We can also provide treatments to help reduce the ringing in your ears, such as hearing aids and sound-masking devices. We also offer ear wax removal and clogged ear treatments.

Finding Lasting Relief From Ear Ringing

At Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center, we understand how frustrating and debilitating ear ringing can be. Our team is committed to helping you find lasting relief from your tinnitus. If you’re looking for ear ringing treatment in Pembroke Pines, FL, contact Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center today. Our experienced team of ENT doctors can evaluate your condition and develop a customized treatment plan to help reduce your ear ringing and provide lasting relief.

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Sneezing young girl with nose wiper among blooming trees in park
June 1, 2023
ENT Doctor
ENT Pembroke Pines

How to Avoid Allergies in the Summer Months in South Florida

The summer months in South Florida can be a difficult time for those with allergies. With high temperatures and humidity, it can be hard to avoid being exposed to allergens. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of having an allergy attack. Read on to learn tips from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor on how to avoid allergy triggers, natural prevention methods, and how best to get rid of allergies if you get them during the South Florida summer.

Tips from an ENT Doctor to Avoid Allergy Triggers

The first step in avoiding allergy triggers is to identify what you are allergic to. Common allergens in South Florida include pollen, mold, and dust mites. Your ENT doctor can help you identify your triggers and recommend the most effective treatment plan.

Once you know what you’re allergic to, you can take steps to avoid exposure. For example, if you’re allergic to pollen, you can avoid going outdoors when pollen counts are high. You should also take measures to reduce the amount of pollen in your home, such as using air purifiers and changing your air filters regularly.

Natural Prevention Methods

In addition to avoiding exposure, there are natural prevention methods you can take to help reduce your risk of allergy attacks. One of the best ways to reduce your risk is to boost your immune system. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods can help support your immune system. You should also make sure to get plenty of rest and exercise regularly.

Other natural prevention methods include taking a daily probiotic supplement, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and using a neti pot to rinse allergens out of your sinuses. You can also try using a saline spray or nasal rinse to flush allergens out of your nasal passages.

What to Do if You Get Allergies

If you do get allergies during the summer months in South Florida, there are steps you can take to get rid of them quickly. Over-the-counter antihistamines are often effective in reducing allergy symptoms. If your symptoms persist, your ENT doctor can prescribe stronger medications to help you manage your allergies.

If you’re looking for a more natural approach, you can try using a saline spray or nasal rinse to flush out allergens. You can also try using a neti pot to irrigate your sinuses and flush out allergens. In addition, taking a daily probiotic supplement can help reduce your risk of experiencing allergies.

Conclusion

The summer months in South Florida can be difficult for those with allergies. However, with the right precautions and treatments, you can reduce your risk of having an allergy attack. Talk to your ENT doctor about what triggers you’re allergic to and the best treatment plan. You can also take natural prevention methods to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of experiencing allergies.

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male having ear pain touching his painful head
May 4, 2023
Ear PainENT Doctor
ENT Pembroke Pines

Ear Pain Won’t Stop? How An ENT Can Help

Living with ear pain can be extremely uncomfortable and frustrating. Whether you’re dealing with an earache or sharp stabbing sensations, ear pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that needs to be addressed. If your ear pain won’t go away, it’s time to visit an ENT doctor in Pembroke Pines. An ENT, or otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the ear, nose, and throat.

What Causes Ear Pain?

Ear pain can be caused by a variety of issues, from ear infections to impacted earwax. Some of the most common causes of ear pain include:

Infections

Infections of the ear can cause sharp and shooting pains. A common cause of ear infections is an upper respiratory infection, such as the flu. Infections can also be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Impacted Earwax

Earwax is a natural part of the ear canal, but if it builds up too much it can cause blockages and pain. Earwax can also increase the risk of infection.

Allergies

Allergies can cause inflammation of the ear canal, leading to pain and discomfort. Allergies can also cause fluid buildup, which can further increase the risk of infection.

Trauma

Trauma, such as a blow to the head or an object entering the ear, can cause pain and damage to the ear.

How Can An ENT Help?

An ENT can help diagnose and treat your ear pain. During your visit, your ENT will examine your ear, looking for signs of infection, inflammation, or impacted earwax. Depending on the cause of your ear pain, your doctor may recommend medications, ear drops, or even surgery.

Medications

If your ear pain is caused by an infection, your ENT may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications. These medications can help reduce inflammation and fight off infection.

Ear Drops

If your ear pain is caused by impacted earwax, your doctor may recommend using ear drops to soften the wax and help it move out of the ear.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat ear pain. Surgery can be used to remove impacted earwax or to repair damage to the ear.

When Should I See An ENT?

If your ear pain persists for more than a few days, it’s time to see an ENT. Your doctor can help diagnose the cause of your ear pain and recommend the best treatment option.

Conclusion

If your ear pain won’t go away, it’s time to visit an ENT doctor in Pembroke Pines. An ENT can help diagnose the cause of your ear pain and recommend the best treatment option. With the right treatment, you can find relief and get back to enjoying life without the pain.

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Woman touching sore throat
March 7, 2023
ENT Doctor
ENT Pembroke Pines

Having Trouble Swallowing? Here’s What You Can Do About It

A sore throat is mainly caused by a viral infection like the flu or a cold, while strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus. However, these infections may sometimes have similar symptoms. For instance, you may experience painful swallowing and have swollen tonsils with streaks of pus. Another common symptom of sore throat and strep throat is a hoarse voice. The following are six ways to deal with a throat infection.

1. Eat Soothing Foods and Drinks

You should take foods that are easy to swallow to avoid irritating your throat further. These may include soups, eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurts, and ice cream. Avoid sugary foods, alcoholic drinks, spicy foods, and hard foods like crackers, nuts, and pretzels. You can also drink hot tea, cold water, or smoothies when you have a sore throat.

2. Gargle With Warm Salt Water

Salt water helps to loosen the mucus in your throat and reduce inflammation, resulting in less pain. By gargling with warm salt water, the cells in your throat get submerged in the salt water. This draws liquids along with bacteria and viruses to the surface of the cells. As a result, by spitting out the salt water, you will get rid of the microorganisms responsible for sore throat.

3. Take Antibiotics

In some cases, you may need antibiotics for strep throat treatment. This is because strep throat may lead to severe complications if not treated early. These complications include rheumatic fever, ear infections, swollen lymph nodes on the neck, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. If you experience any of these complications, you should make an appointment with an ENT specialist from Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center. We perform CT scans to give you a correct diagnosis so as to ensure we prescribe appropriate antibiotics for your strep throat treatment. In some cases, however, strep throat cures on its own.

4. Take Lozenges

Lozenges are a great option for sore throat treatment. They contain methanol that numbs the tissues in your throat, causing temporary relief. They also contain antiseptic that kills the germs in your throat. Fortunately, you can purchase throat lozenges without a prescription at any drug store.

5. Take an Antacid

Gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause a sore throat. This happens when stomach acid frequently flows back into your esophagus, causing your throat’s mucus lining to be inflamed and irritated. Taking an antacid relieves the symptoms of acid reflux and reduces instances of sore throat discomfort.

6. Use Honey or Throat Spray

Like many medications that are used to reduce throat pain, throat sprays numb the throat and reduce swelling. Some of them even work within seconds. All you need to do is follow the instructions on the spray bottles so that you do not exceed the recommended dose for the drug. Honey is also a natural remedy that has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. This allows it to provide fast relief from sore throats.

Conclusion

Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center has a qualified and experienced ENT specialist named Robert Contrucci. Dr. Contrucci provides the best strep throat and sore throat treatments. Our medical staff is also certified and can perform complex surgical procedures like tonsillectomy and other key medical services to get rid of your throat infection. If you have any inquiries or concerns about our services, don’t hesitate to contact Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center today!

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Close up of painful ear
January 6, 2023
ENT Doctor
ENT Pembroke Pines

7 Situations Where You Need To Visit an ENT Specialist Immediately

Your ears, nose, and throat are important parts of the human body that require special attention when maintaining one’s health. In some instances, visiting an ear-nose-throat specialist may be necessary to identify and treat any issues with your ENT system before they become more serious. Many people need to realize how critical ENTs play in keeping us healthy. Still, if you find yourself experiencing extended symptoms related to this area of the body, you need to visit as soon as possible.

1. You Have a Persistent Sore Throat

Throat infections can range from mild to severe and require different treatments, so it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible to prevent any long-term damage or complications. Seeing an ENT specialist allows them to accurately diagnose the issue and develop a treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. Proper diagnosis and treatment of a sore throat are essential – the best ENT doctors will help you find the right path toward getting healthy again.

2. You’re Experiencing Ear Pain

Ear pain is a sign that something is wrong with your auditory system and should be taken very seriously. Signs of ear pain can range from a dull throbbing in the inner or outer ear to sharp, shooting pain in the eardrum. Left untreated, serious conditions can develop over time, making it important to visit an ENT doctor quickly if you feel any significant distress or discomfort.

3. You Have Ringing in Your Ears

While the occasional ringing is normal and not indicative of a serious condition, chronic or unabating ringing could indicate tinnitus or hearing loss, requiring medical attention. Furthermore, if the ringing is accompanied by dizziness or headaches, you should get to the doctor sooner rather than later. Visiting a specialist can help diagnose and treat your condition so that you can find relief and avoid more serious long-term health issues.

4. You Have Difficulty Swallowing

When experiencing difficulty swallowing, be sure to see an ENT doctor without delay. This condition can be caused by muscular or nerve damage and illnesses such as cancer or stroke, which require immediate medical attention. Difficulty swallowing can also result from throat or neck infections that need to be treated quickly. As well it could be indicative of more serious underlying issues, such as a damaged vocal cord or the presence of a tumor.

5. You Have Chronic Coughing

While a cough is usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. If a cough lasts longer than three weeks, it’s time to see an ENT specialist. A specialist can help determine your cough’s cause and provide treatment.

6. You Have Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion could be an indication that there is something more serious going on. Visiting the best ENT doctors for a professional diagnosis is the best way to address and treat the issue properly. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, facial pain, headaches, or ringing in the ears are all signs of nasal congestion and require immediate assessment from an ear-nose-throat specialist.

7. You Snore Loudly

If you snore loudly regularly, it’s time to see an ENT doctor. While snoring is usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious condition that requires treatment. A specialist can help to determine if you have sleep apnea and provide treatment.

It’s important to be aware of signs and symptoms that require urgent attention from an ear-nose-throat doctor. Many of these conditions can quickly worsen if not addressed, so it’s important to consult an experienced medical professional as soon as possible. In some cases, certain viruses and bacteria can lead to serious infections. Contact Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat Sinus Center to book an appointment for any ENT problem.

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Doctor performing ear examination
July 7, 2022
ENT Doctor
ENT Pembroke Pines

Center for Ear Nose Throat Specialists Pembroke Pines, FL

It can be tough to know where to start looking if you need an ear, nose, or throat specialist. There are many different centers for ear, nose, and throat specialists around the country, and it can be hard to determine which one is right for you. Find out how to get the best ear doctor in Pembroke Pines

1. Determine Your Specific Needs

When finding a Davie ear nose throat specialist, it is important to determine your specific needs. For example, if you have a sinus infection, you will want to find a specialist who focuses on sinus and nasal disorders. If you have hearing loss, you will want to find a specialist trained in diagnosing and treating hearing disorders.

Once you have determined your specific needs, you can begin your search for a center that meets those needs. You can start by asking your primary care physician for referrals or searching online for centers in your area. Once you have found a few potential options, schedule an appointment for a consultation to get to know the staff and learn more about their services. Davie ENT doctor can help you to achieve better health.

2. Consider the Location

When choosing an ear doctor in Pembroke Pines, it is important to consider the location. You will want to choose a center that is conveniently located near your home or office. This will make it easier for you to get to your appointments and make follow-up visits if necessary. You should also consider the parking situation at the center. If you have difficulty finding parking or if the parking is expensive, you may want to look for another option.

3. Consider the Cost

The cost of services at a center for ear, nose, and throat specialists can vary depending on the type of services you need and the center’s location. Be sure to ask about the cost of services before scheduling an appointment. You should also check with your insurance provider to see if they cover your needed services.

4. Consider the Staff

It is important to consider the staff. You will want to choose a center with friendly and knowledgeable staff members willing to answer your questions. You should also feel comfortable asking the staff members for help if you need it.

5. Consider the Hours

You will want to choose Davie ear nose throat specialist center because it has convenient hours that fit your schedule. They offer flexible hours to accommodate their patients’ schedules. We offer expert diagnosis and specialized treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders at the Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center.

6. Consider the Reviews

When finding specialists, it is important to consider the reviews. You can read reviews online or ask friends and family members for recommendations. Reading reviews can give you a good idea of what to expect from a particular center.

7. Consider the Amenities

When choosing a center for ear, nose, and throat specialists, it is important to consider the amenities. Davie ear nose throat specialist is a center with all the amenities you need. For example, if you have difficulty hearing, you may want to choose a center like Davie ENT doctor that offers audiology services.

When choosing a center for ear, nose, and throat specialists, it is important to consider your specific needs, the location of the center, the cost of services, the staff, the hours, the reviews, and the amenities. Considering all of these factors, you can be sure that you choose the best center for your needs. We offer expert diagnosis and specialized treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders at the Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat, and Sinus Center. Contact us to learn more.

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March 12, 2022
ENT Doctor
ENT Pembroke Pines

5 Common Ear Problems and How to Prevent Them

The human ear consists of three parts: the inner, middle, and outer ear.

The outer ear is what we see. The pinna, or the outer ear, is the cartilage-cupped portion of your ear that captures sound waves and directs them down an ear canal to the middle ear.

In the middle ear, the sound waves hit the eardrum, a membrane much like a snare drum skin. The eardrum begins to vibrate. Right behind the vibrating eardrum are three tiny connected bones of different shapes – malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). The vibrating eardrum causes those bones to vibrate in turn.

You have external pressure on the middle ear which is equalized by a eustachian tube from your throat to the middle ear. It also drains fluid that might build up in the middle ear.

The inner ear is where the sound wave-induced vibrations are translated into information-laden signals transported through the auditory nerve to the brain. The tiny vibrating bones strike the cochlea which is a spiral-shaped membrane enclosing thousands of tiny hairs and fluid. It is here that the translation occurs as a conversion of physical vibrations into electrical impulses.

Your brain interprets those electrical impulses as different sounds – voices, music, whistles, etc.

Such a complex system is vulnerable to disease and injury that interferes with the normal function of hearing.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is known as the mother of all ear meladies. It is a persistant annoyance without a known cure. It has been described as experiencing ringing, hissing, buzzing, or other sounds when there is no external sound.

It is a common ear problem experienced by 15% to 20% of the population, especially older people. While the condition itself has no known cure it is usually caused by some underlying factor such as injury or old age. If the underlying cause can be identified the condition is sometimes relieved by treating the underlying cause.

Most people who suffer from tinnitus say they learn to “tune” it out. Usually, it is not painful but just very annoying.

Recurring Ear Infections

Some people, particularly children, suffer from recurring chronic infections of the middle ear. If untreated, they can be painful and lead to permanent hearing loss or ruptured eardrum.

Infection is the result of a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. If the fluid is not properly drained by the eustachian tube it becomes infected by bacteria. For most adults, the infection is effectively treated with antibiotics. But surgery might be needed to correct a faulty eustachian tube.

Recurring infection is a common ailment of infants and toddlers whose eustachian tube is underdeveloped. As a result, uneven pressure builds up without relief from a normal eustachian tube. The pressure builds up fluid which becomes infected. The cure is achieved by inserting a tube to relieve the pressure until a healthy eustachian tube is matured.

Ear Blockage

Earwax is a natural protective substance that lubricates and cleans your ear canal by trapping dirt. Ordinarily, it dissolves. However, it sometimes builds up and causes pressure and pain while impeding your hearing.

Over-the-counter solutions are available to break down and dissolve the blockage. However, if that doesn’t work you should see your doctor who will perform a simple procedure to dislodge the blockage.

Ear Drum Perforation

If your eardrum is perforated the first instrument of your hearing system will be disabled and unable to vibrate. No signals will be translated and sent to your brain. It can also make your middle ear more vulnerable to infection.

It can be caused by an infection or other pressure imbalance, loud noises, or the insertion of small objects like cotton swabs.

In most cases, your eardrum will heal by itself in a few weeks.

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is a build-up of fluid that becomes infected in the outer ear canal that runs from your outer ear to your eardrum. The fluid or continuous moisture gathers bacteria that blossoms into an infection.

It is treated with antibiotics and topical ear drops.

Ear problems in Davie can lead to serious problems including permanent hearing loss if left unattended. They should be addressed at the earliest.

We at the Southeastern Ear Nose Throat and Sinus Center are Davie ear nose throat specialists. As soon as you experience pain, hearing loss, or other ear problems contact us in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

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February 12, 2022
ENT DoctorBalloon Sinuplasty
ENT Pembroke Pines

Do You Qualify for Balloon Sinuplasty?

When people suffer from chronic sinusitis and repeatedly experience infections, the doctor may prescribe a balloon sinuplasty.  

People who qualify for this procedure feel pressure in their face, nose, and ears, and they can also feel fluid in their ears. Pembroke Pines has some of the best facilities to relieve people of sinusitis and perform expert-level Balloon Sinuplasty.  

What Is Balloon Sinuplasty? 

Balloon Sinuplasty is a minor, minimally invasive surgical procedure that increases the space for air to get inside the sinus.  

The increased space in the sinus enhances the natural drainage of the sinuses, allowing the patient to breathe normally and suffer from fewer infections.  

Once the space in the sinus increases, the air in the sinus dries the mucus out. The dried mucus further increases the space in the sinus cavity, and the patient no longer feels as much pressure in their sinuses. 

Balloon Sinuplasty replaces old procedures that increase the space inside the sinuses by cutting into them. Instead, the space in the sinus increases by cracking open the bones and expanding it instead. There is no wound, and the bones heal quickly as well. 

Who Qualifies For It? 

A doctor will recommend a Balloon Sinuplasty to anyone who suffers from moderate or severe sinus infections multiple times a year. This means that a person needs to undergo four or more infections which last for a month or longer each time every year, to be a candidate for this procedure. 

People who get significant sinus infections without allergenic triggers are also qualified for Balloon Sinuplasty.  

Other people who are qualified for a Balloon Sinuplasty are people who suffer from recurring infections after a surgical procedure in a nearby area or people with a deviated septum.  

To identify if you have sinusitis and qualify for this procedure, you can check if you have any of the following symptoms.  

  • Pressure and pain in the face 
  • Nasal congestion 
  • Runny nose 
  • Dizziness and heaviness 
  • Toothaches and bad breath 
  • Headache due to congestion and pressure 
  • Difficulty in tasting food 

Contact your doctor immediately if you believe you qualify for Balloon Sinuplasty. Davie and nearby areas in Pembroke Pines have some of the most elite facilities for Balloon Sinuplasty so that you can try your luck there easily. 

What Is The Procedure? 

The procedure for Balloon sinuplasty is minimally invasive and easy to perform. It is done under anesthesia. 

Once the anesthesia takes effect, the doctor inserts a balloon catheter inside the nasal cavity. The balloon catheter is named because it expands like a balloon inside the cavity. As the catheter expands, space inside the sinus increases.  

The doctor then uses a saline wash to flush away the excess mucus and other fluids inside the sinus.  

The balloon is slowly deflated and removed. There is now more space inside the sinus, and the cracked bones heal within a few weeks.  

Once the bones heal, the sinuses have ample space, and the patient is less likely to have recurring infections and other symptoms of sinusitis.  

What Are The Advantages Of The Procedure? 

There is a myriad of advantages of getting the procedure. Balloon sinuplasty is approved by the FDA, ensuring that there is enough research on the procedure to deem it completely effective. Other than that: 

  • You no longer suffer from the symptoms of sinusitis. Your quality of life will improve massively. 
  • The procedure is free of cutting and suturing, ensuring no infection and minimal pain after the procedure is over.  
  • The procedure is very simple, so there is a minimal risk of complications and things going wrong with this procedure.  
  • You recover within a few weeks after the procedure as well. 
  • The aftercare of Balloon Sinuplasty is very easy too. You have to take care that you do not blow your nose and deal with any bloody discharge, which is common after the procedure. 

Is The Procedure Risky? 

The great thing about Balloon Sinuplasty is that the procedure is not risky. Most ENTs are qualified enough to perform the procedure without any hiccups. The procedure is also minimally invasive, and no cutting and suturing are involved, which minimizes the chances of infection in the area.   

So if you have recurring sinusitis and it affects your quality of life, you must get a Balloon Sinuplasty if the doctor recommends it.  

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ENT Doctor, Davie, FL | ENT Doctor Near Me| Ear Nose Throat Specialist
October 14, 2021
ENT Doctor
ENT Pembroke Pines

5 Remedies to Help Treat a Sore Throat This Flu Season

Having a sore throat may be common, but that doesn’t make it any less bothersome. There are many causes of a sore throat, such as allergies, and bacterial infections. They can last as short as a few days, or sometimes weeks. The duration of your sore throat and whether it will get better on its own depends on the cause. As the colder months approach South Florida, do not assume that your sore throat is caused by flu season, especially if it’s associated with sneezing, coughing, and sniffling. Know for sure by reaching out to a Davie ENT doctor, like the team at Southeastern Ear, Nose, and Throat.

Your condition could be the common cold or it could be a more serious condition, like strep throat. At Southeastern ENT, you will be seen by our Board-Certified Otolaryngologist, Dr. Robert B. Contrucci, D.O., P.A. With over 30 years of experience in ENT, he has the training and knowledge to correctly diagnose and treat your sore throat.

Once you have been diagnosed, your doctor will provide the best treatment for your condition, which may consist of a combination of prescription medication and R&R. To facilitate the healing process, you can try a few at-home remedies to alleviate pain and discomfort. Don’t know where to begin? Try these five solutions.

Honey-Infused Tea

As a child, your parents probably gave you lots of warm water with honey during flu season. Honey is an effective remedy for treating sore throat caused by infections. It can soothe your sore throat, kill existing bacteria and stave off new infections that may attack your weakened immune system. The best way to drink honey is by infusing it with herbal teas that possess other helpful ingredients. If you don’t have herbal tea on hand, you can add honey to a cup of hot water.

Sipping on Cold Drinks

You already know the benefits of sipping on hot drinks and soups to alleviate a sore throat. Did you know that extremely cold drinks and foods can also do the trick? The efficacy of cold vs hot drinks is the same. Which solution you choose boils down to your preference. Would you rather have a bowl of hot soup or a popsicle?

It is important to note that warm drinks are well-known for reducing coughs. So, if your sore throat is caused by a painful cough, consider hot liquids even if you would prefer cold.

Add Hot Sauce to Everything

Another remedy that isn’t an old wife’s tale is consuming copious amounts of hot sauce to soothe a sore throat. Maybe not copious amounts, but it doesn’t hurt to add a little hot sauce to all your meals.  Alternatively, you can add a few drops to a glass of warm water and gargle for a few seconds. While both methods are effective, we personally prefer adding this condiment to your meals, like chunky soups.

Gargle Baking Soda and Salt

Since we are on the topic of gargling, let’s not forget a tried-and-true method for oral pain relief: gargling salt water to break up mucus developing in your throat. Again, you probably did this as a kid. Mix a small amount of salt into a glass of warm water and gargle for a few seconds. Do not swallow the mixture. Alternatively, you can use the same amount of baking soda to a cup of warm water. Gargle, spit and repeat this every few hours.

Use a Humidifier

If you notice that you get a lot of sore throats, even outside of flu season, schedule an appointment with a Davie Ear, Nose, Throat specialist, as you may be suffering from allergies. In addition to this, you may benefit from using a humidifier at night. You may not think you need a humidifier in an already humid climate, but it can help regulate the cool air produced by your AC and alleviate allergy symptoms, including sore throat. We recommend adding vapor rub or eucalyptus oil to take its soothing properties to a new level.

Contact Southeastern ENT

We hope these remedies aid you this flu season. Remember, do not try these remedies as a means of avoiding a doctor’s appointment. It is still strongly advised that you see a doctor to diagnose the cause of your condition. These remedies will only work to facilitate the doctor’s solution. For a Davie ENT Doctor, contact Southeastern Ear, Nose, and Throat. Call (954) 437-5333 to schedule an appointment.

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