Have You Considered Surgery for Your Chronic Nasal Problems?

Inside your nose are built in air filters known as turbinates. They help to filter, warm and add moisture to the air you breathe in. But if they become swollen, enlarged or displaced, this can lead to nasal blockage. While some can treat their enlarged turbinates with medication or environmental changes, many require a surgical…
Understanding Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are benign growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They grow when the mucus membrane becomes inflamed and swollen over a long period of time. If the polyp grows large enough, it can block the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to infection and breathing problems. Who Is at…
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…
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