What Are Tonsil Stones?
The tonsils are two lymph nodes located on either side of the back of your throat. They are part of your body’s defense mechanism against infection, but sometimes can be susceptible to infection themselves. Another tonsil-related ailment is tonsil stones. One study published in ISRN Dentistry found that tonsil stones affect around eight percent of…
Understanding Your Child’s Ear Infection
One of the most common childhood ailments is an ear infection. Understanding what causes them can help you get the right treatment faster. What Is an Ear Infection? An ear infection occurs when fluid becomes trapped behind the eardrum because of an inflammation of the middle ear. If your child has an upper respiratory infection,…
Symptoms of a Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, occurs when your nasal cavity becomes enflamed. If the condition lasts for less than four weeks it is known as acute; any longer and it is classified as chronic. Understanding the symptoms that come from a sinus infection can help ensure you seek treatment in a timely manner….
What Your Earwax Says About Your Health
Earwax is a perfectly normal substance produced by your ears. While most of us are familiar with the yellow substance, there are occasions when your earwax may chance color or texture. Understanding the causes of these changes can help you identify a problem and seek help quickly. What Is Earwax? Earwax, also known as cerumen,…
Understanding Neuroblastomas
This rare type of cancerous tumor is most commonly found in children under the age of five. Understanding the symptoms of this disorder can help you identify the signs and seek treatment quickly. What Is a Neuroblastoma? This type of cancer forms in the early form of nerve cells, known as neuroblasts. As the fetus…
When to Bring Your Child to an ENT
Ear, nose and throat concerns are among the top reasons children are brought to the doctor. This is because children are especially sensitive to issues like ear infections and food allergies, and because certain birth defects such as cleft palates must be treated at a young age to prevent complications later on. Here are some…
Treating Sinus Infections Without Surgery
Chronic sinus infections are a widespread problem in Salem and across the country. An estimated 37 million Americans are diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, defined as an infection that persists for longer than eight weeks. Medications are often ineffective, leaving people with few options other than surgery. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati recently completed a…
Immunotherapy: A Secret Weapon in the War on Asthma?
People in Salem are no strangers to allergies. After all, the Willamette Valley is notorious for being the grass seed capital of the world—and where there is grass, there are allergies. For many allergy sufferers, immunotherapy offers long-term relief. New evidence shows it might also be an effective treatment for those will allergic asthma. How…
Protruding Ears: Overcoming the Stigma
Children in Salem can be bullied for a seemingly endless number of reasons. Oftentimes, their physical appearance makes them targets; those with protruding ears often find themselves the victims of schoolyard taunts. A simple surgical procedure can help anybody uncomfortable with the appearance of their ears. Physical Appearance and Self-Esteem Issues Healthline magazine writes, “Ears…
Are My Watery Eyes and Runny Nose Allergies or Sinusitis?
Up and down the Willamette Valley, people are sneezing and coughing. The fertile beauty of the valley comes with a price: excessive pollen production in the springtime. But it turns out your symptoms might not be related to allergies at all. Spring is well underway now in Oregon and across the U.S. Unfortunately, many people…
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