ENT specialist Archives - Southeastern ENT In Pembrook Pines

March 7, 2023

ENT Doctor

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!

February 3, 2023

Ear Pain

5 Common Causes of Ear Infection and How You Can Avoid It

If you’ve ever had ear problems, then you know how frustrating they can be. They not only make you feel uncomfortable but are also painful and annoying to deal with. This article will discuss the most common causes of ear problems and how they can be avoided.

1. Excess Water Exposure

When you get too much water in your ear, the fluid that washes out of your ear canal seeps back into it and causes an infection. This is especially true for infants and toddlers, as their ears are more susceptible to infections than other body parts.

If you think that you have excess water exposure, then see your ENT specialist so they can check for an infection in your ear canal. An ENT specialist may also recommend using antibiotics if there is any infection.

You can try to avoid getting excess water into your ears by using a saline ear drop after swimming or by using an ear plug if you are prone to swimming with hair in your ears.

2. Allergies

Allergies can cause ear problems because they cause swelling, ear canal pain, and redness in the outer portion of the inner ear. Ear problems can also be due to allergies if you have hay fever or other allergic reactions that cause inflammation in your nose or throat.

If you think you may have an allergy, talk to your ENT doctor about how to avoid causing further problems with your immune system. If this is not possible, an ENT doctor may recommend antihistamines or steroids to relieve symptoms like ear canal pain and prevent further problems from developing into a full-blown infection.

3. Wax Buildup

Wax can get into the ears when you wear earrings or earplugs or if you have a condition that makes it difficult for the wax to drain from your ears. If this happens often, you may be more likely to develop an infection.

You can prevent this by taking care of your ears daily. Keep them clean and dry when you are not wearing earrings or plugs. You should also wash your hands before touching your ears because bacteria can get into them this way as well.

4. Trauma to the Ear

If you have had trauma to your ear, you may have an infection in your ear. This is because the ear canal is lined with a thin lining of skin called the epithelium. This lining can become damaged or inflamed and cause an infection inside the ear canal. If this happens, treating the infection as soon as possible is important.

Ears are very sensitive and can easily be damaged by falling, loud noises, or touching them too hard. You should therefore try to avoid these situations if at all possible. If you have an accident that causes trauma to your ears, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible so that they are checked over and cleaned thoroughly.

5. Foreign Objects in the Ear

Another cause of infection is foreign objects that are lodged in the ear. These can include toys, coins, hair pins, cotton swabs, and more. The object usually sticks out of the ear canal, making it difficult to remove. If you suspect some object is lodged in your ear, ensure you don’t touch it with your fingers until a doctor looks at it or uses an instrument to remove it.

If you find your child suffering from ear problems or other respiratory problems, contact Southeastern Ear, Nose, Throat Sinus Center today. It is better to act early than wait for the problem to aggravate and become complicated.

January 6, 2023

ENT Doctor

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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