What Causes Long-Lasting Coughing?
A persistent cough that lingers for weeks can disrupt your daily life. Around one in 10 people experience chronic coughing. For many, the symptom causes interrupted sleep, fatigue and chest soreness. Common Reasons Behind a Lingering Cough Things like a cold, dry air or exposure to smoke can cause a short-term cough. However, chronic coughing…
The Link Between Acid Reflux and Throat Irritation
Acid reflux happens when the muscles at the bottom of your esophagus open at the wrong time, sending stomach acid back into the esophagus. Common symptoms of acid reflux include: While these are the most common symptoms of regular acid reflux, a lesser-known form, called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), can result in throat symptoms like sore…
The Connection Between Allergies and Sleep Apnea
Allergies and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are two common health conditions that can significantly affect daily life. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to substances like pollen, while OSA involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to a blocked airway. Though these conditions may seem unrelated, some research suggests a connection between the…
Reasons for Your Cough This Winter
There’s a reason winter is known as cold and flu season. These ailments are common during the colder months, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like coughing. While ailments like the common coldtypicallygo away on its own, some conditions may require treatment from an ENT. Here are some common causes for coughing during the winter…
What Causes Throat Clearing and How to Stop It
Throat clearing is a common experience, but constant throat clearing isn’t normal. Let’s look at some common causes before we determine when it’s best to see a specialist. Common Causes of Throat Irritation Allergies and Post-Nasal DripOne major cause often has to do with allergies. When airborne allergens irritate your sinuses, the body produces more…
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…
