What is Ear Crackling and What Can I Do About It?
Ear crackling can sound like small pops or rustling inside the ear and may happen intermittently or occur for a longer period. While ear crackling is often harmless, it can sometimes signal an underlying issue that might need attention so it’s best to understand a few causes. Common Causes of Ear Crackling Earwax Buildup One…
Can I Sleep With Earplugs In?
Noisy neighbors and a snoring partner can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Many people rely on earplugs to create a quieter environment, but using them regularly may cause concerns about ear health. How Do Earplugs Affect Ear Health? For the most part, earplugs are a safe way to block out noise…
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…
Tips for Relief from Cat-Related Allergies
Does someone in your household really want a cat, even though you are allergic to them? Or maybe you didn’t know you were allergic until you brought a kitten home from an Atlanta rescue shelter and now can’t imagine parting with your beloved pet. If you are struggling with cat-related allergies, know that you have…
Local Spring Allergens Unique to Georgia and Their Effects
The Origins of Allergens in Georgia Georgia’s unique climate and vegetation create a perfect storm for spring allergies. The state is home to mild winters and long growing seasons which means longer, staggered blooming times which create more airborne allergens. [Fun Fact: Georgia’s pine pollen is so abundant that it can travel hundreds of miles…
What To Know if Your Child’s ENT Recommends a Tonsillectomy
The tonsils are pads of tissue that line the throat and prevent germs from entering the body. When they become infected, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, tender lymph nodes and pain in the head, neck or stomach. If your child experiences frequent tonsil infections, your ENT at…
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…
Does My Child Need Ear Tubes?
If your child experiences chronic or recurrent ear infections, their physician may recommend that ear tubes be placed. This is a common procedure; according to Children’s Health, around 500,000 children of all ages receive ear tubes each year. Below, we review everything you need to know about ear tubes. What Are Ear Tubes? Ear tubes…
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…
