6 Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat

Between fireplaces drying out your home and the cold winter air, it's no surprise that everyone's throat seems to bother them during the winter months. No one wants to be sick for the holidays, so if you feel a sore throat coming on, give these remedies a try:

Licorice root. Meaning “sweet root” in Greek, licorice root is just that! Whether you decide to chew it raw, or mix it with water and gargle, it relieves scratchiness and irritation by coating your throat in a thick solution.

Slippery elm.  Make your own version of a soothing tea, but better! Pour boiling hot water over the powdered bark and stir it to make a warm drink. Have it over the course of an hour, just before bed for a cough free night.  

Honey. Not only is honey one of the best soothing remedies for a sore throat, it is perfect for kids who can’t yet gargle, don’t like taking medicine or won’t go near a homemade drink.

Salt water. You probably have a sore throat remedy on your table top and didn’t even know it. Mix half a tablespoon of salt in warm water and gargle it for 30 seconds in the morning and before bed to help clear your throat of any built up mucus.

Peppermint. Breath mints aren't just for freshening breath anymore. Peppermint contains menthol, which opens up your sinuses, and anti-inflammatory properties, which relieve sore throats.

Chamomile tea. When in doubt, always grab some warm tea to sooth a sore throat. Chamomile is one of the oldest sore throat remedies for a reason - the steam helps open your nose and sinuses, while the tea soothes your throat and boosts your immune system.

If these natural remedies just aren’t cutting it and the pain worsens, we encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. Our facility, located in central Florida, is dedicated to the complete medical care of the nose, both cosmetic and functional. To learn more about our sinus institute, please visit our website or call 407-944-3340.

Your Guide to Winter Sinus Relief

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Feeling the effects of a winter sinus infection? Don’t worry, you’re only one of the 37 million Americans who suffer from sinus problems each year. While there is only so much you can do to rid your symptoms, some are more helpful than others. When winter sinus relief is in order, we recommend the following tips:

1. Stay cool
Winter means more heat inside the home, and if you’re spending all your time indoors then we have a bigger problem. That’s because mucus isn’t cleared well in dry, hot, stuffy environments. You’re better off layering on warm sweaters and keeping your heat down a notch. If you’re not waking up with congestion and nosebleeds, you’re home is the right temperature for your sinus health.

2. Humidify the air
Not only does your air need to be cooled down, but it also must be slightly on the humid side. Dust mites and mold love anything greater than 50 percent humidity, so your home should be a happy medium around this time of year - not too dry, nor too humid. The biggest benefit is that using tools like a humidifier will suck the congestion from your nasal passages, easing your inflamed sinuses.

3. Drink (a lot)
Being more water-conscious is always a good thing. This is especially true when your sinuses start acting up. Drink at least a quart a day - the more the better! Salt-water nasal rinses for your nose can help too. You can either make your own mix or buy an OTC solution. Use a bulb syringe to flush out your nasal cavities and clean out mucus and debris.

4. Get rid of irritants
Cigarette smoke, cleaning products, hairspray - you name it - get rid of whatever makes your sinuses feel worse. Anything with a strong odor of fumes can be a problem as can pet dander. While we don’t suggest getting rid of your pet, we do recommend following the steps above and keeping the air in your home fresh by cleaning sheets and upholstery regularly each week.

If your winter sinus infection is only getting worse, consult with an ENT to cure your symptoms faster. We encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

5 Ways to Prevent Sickness During the Holidays

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

The holidays can be a stressful time. Not to mention the weather is more cold and damp than usual. Both of these factors can lead to greater chances of sickness. But by taking preventative measures, you can fight the odds:

 Avoid germy spots
With colder temperatures, you’ll be spending more time indoors. That being said, it’s important to decrease your exposure to germs. Whether at the gym, at the mall, or in your home, there are many germ hotspots. For example, door handles, gym equipment, and ATMs all carry a load of germs.

Don’t spread germs
Prevent spreading germs to friends and family by washing your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20-30 seconds. Remind your children to do so as well. Also, we recommend coughing into your sleeve or elbow rather than your hand, whether you’re sick or not.

Keep stress down
By lowering your stress levels, you’ll increase your chances of staying healthy for the holidays. While you’re busy getting through your holiday to-do list, maintain a healthy diet and sleep well.

Get exercise
Exercising on a regular basis can help prevent stress and lead to a healthier lifestyle. Whether you hop on the treadmill, run around your local track, or take up a yoga class, working out is a natural antidepressant that can keep illness down and happiness up.

Prepare for travel
Airplanes and hotels are filled with germs. Prepare for your holiday vacation by packing sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, and avoiding public surfaces that can carry germs as well.

If you're feeling under the weather or suffering from sinusitis and allergies this holiday season, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit us on the web.  

The Real Difference Between a Cold and Sinus Infection

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

A cold or sinus infection - which one is it?

Distinguishing the difference between the two can be tricky for someone experiencing similar symptoms. But there significant differences between the two. Let’s find out:

 What is a cold?
A cold is a virus that gets better on its own in 10 days or less. Colds vary in symptoms, but typically include the following:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Mucus buildup
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Swollen sinuses
• Fever

Treating your cold
The common cold can typically be treated with over-the-counter medications, as antibiotics won’t cure a virus. Getting rid of your fever can be simple, but getting rid of the rest can take time. What lingers is the thin mucus and sinus pressure.

What is a sinus infection?
A sinus infection occurs when your nasal passages become infected, which is tricky to get rid of unlike a cold. Viruses, bacteria, and allergies can often lead to sinus infections, which is why people so easily confuse the common cold for a sinus infection and vise versa. Some sinus infections include:

• Sinus pressure behind the eyes and cheeks
• Worsening headache
• Runny and stuffy nose that lasts longer than a week
• Cough
• Foul breath
• Fatigue
• Thick yellow or green mucus draining from the nose or back of the throat (post nasal drip)

Treating your sinus infection
Treating a sinus infection requires seeing a doctor. Most acute infections go away on their own, but many times antibiotics are needed. Steroids and decongestants can also help ease symptoms.

If you think you have a sinus infection, consult with an ENT to cure your symptoms faster. We encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

5 Reasons Gratitude is Great for Your Health

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

There are hundreds of reasons to be thankful this holiday. But what we are most thankful for is good health. Good health offers many benefits - and if you show your gratitude for being healthy, the perks are even greater.

1. You’ll feel happier
Studies show that when you write down one thing you are grateful for every day, you are 25 percent more happy. Practice this for a few weeks and you will notice results. When you realize what you are appreciative of, you’ll realize all the good things in your life.

2. You’ll boost your energy levels
Writing down that you’re thankful for leads to an increasing sense of vitality. When you give thanks, you feel more energetic and get a boost of feel-good hormones.

3. You get healthier
Gratitude also leads to improved kidney function, reduced blood-pressure, stress hormone levels, and a stronger heart. People who express gratitude also take better care of themselves, smoke and drink less.

4. You become kinder
When others express grateful for you, your body triggers a response in the brain to release dopamine - the feel-good chemical. Thanking people for their acts of kindness also makes us feel good and reminds them of why we are in their lives.

5. You’ll be more resilient
The more gratitude you pay forward, the more our brains become wired to seek out positives in any situation to seek out the positive in any situation, making us more resilient in every situation. 

How do you show appreciation for your health?

If you're feeling under the weather or suffering from sinusitis and allergies this winter, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com. 

3 Miraculous Cures for a Dry Nose

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Cold and allergies are the most common cause of a dry nose. But let’s not forget how unforgiving winter can be too! When the temperatures drop and the weather dries up, so can your nose. Luckily, there are three easy and miraculous cures that can relieve some of the discomfort:

Petroleum Jelly
This product is so easy to find at any drug store, yet is so relieving when it comes to a dry nose. Simply use your fingers to apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the lining of the inside of your nose and right along the outside. This is great for moisturizing your nose and won’t upset your stomach like other medications. Lip balm is another safe alternative.

Nasal Spray
Nasal spray isn’t just for allergies, it’s also perfect for winter when your nose dries up and you get stuffy. Nasal sprays are used to wet the nasal passages - just be cautious to not overuse them, as they can actually have the opposite effect, leading to a chronic dry nose.

Humidifier
If you don’t have one already, a humidifier can work wonders for a dry nose. Sleeping with dry mist in your room can increase humidity and relieve the dryness in your nose. For the best results, place the humidifier in the middle of the room rather than directly next to you. Be careful not to point it in the direction of furniture, as the humidity can warp the wood.

Suffering from a chronic dry nose this winter? If the symptoms are unbearable or worsen overtime, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com. 

How Winter Affects Your Sinuses

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Contrary to popular belief, sinus infections can occur all year round. How does it happen and what are the symptoms? We can answer that:

The Trigger
What first occurs is a cold or flu, which causes the skin inside your nose and sinuses to swell up. When your nose and sinuses swell, they can’t drain mucus properly. As a result, the mucus starts to build up, creating bacteria and a sinus infection.

The Symptoms
When the sinus infection occurs you get stuffed up, which creates headaches. You may also experience a slight fever and other painful sinusitis symptoms.

The Allergies
Many people also experience allergy symptoms which can cause similar symptoms:

• Mold
• Alcohol
• Food
• Artificial Fragrances

All of these allergy triggers seem to stay at the top of the winter allergies list. You can fight it by avoiding these as much as possible and taking a nasal spray to clear the passages.

If you're suffering from  sinusitis and allergies this winter no matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

Are You At Risk for Winter Allergies?

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Some get lucky when spring and summer allergies come to an end. But for others, winter is just as bad. From pet dander to mold, here are a few common allergies you might be at risk for and what you can do to eliminate your chances:

  
Pet dander: Cold weather means your pets will spend more time indoors, exposing you more to dander.

Mold and mildew: leaves and other waste in the yard gives mold and mildew a breeding ground in which your allergies could worsen. This also goes for shoes and clothes that provide damp irritants with an easy path indoors.

Dust mites: Winter means more indoor heat and less fresh air. With the air getting stuffy, it’s easy for dust mites to create some sensitivity.

Damp wood: Cut wood that is stored outside becomes moist. Bring that wood inside and you’re only inviting a heavy allergy trigger.

You can avoid such allergies in a few ways:

• Wash your bedding often to eliminate pet dander and dust mites
• Shower when you feel symptoms progress to wash away allergens stuck to your body and in your hair
• Try a saline solution to relieve nasal congestion
• Purchase a humidifier to create more moisture indoors

If you're suffering from allergies this winter no matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Hearing Loss

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Hearing loss is one of the most frustrating, and unfortunately one of the most common occurrences that happens to people of all ages - especially those who are aging. Genetic makeup is a common cause of hearing loss, but oftentimes it is also due to exposure of loud noises. That being said, you might be wondering the answers to these questions:

What are the warning signs of hearing loss?

• You hear ringing or buzzing in your ears after noise exposure
• You have difficulty understanding people after exposure to noise
• You experience a “fullness” in your ears after leaving a noisy environment

How do I protect myself from noise damage?

• Block out noise by wearing earplugs and earmuffs when necessary
• Avoid loud sounds by putting hands over ears if you can’t avoid a noisy situation
• Turn the volume down and keep earbud volumes to a minimum
• Limit exposure to noisy activities at home.

They key is to be alert to risks of hazardous noise in your everyday life.

At Florida ENT, we are committed to helping patients who suffer from hearing loss at all levels of severity and at any stage. Utilizing the latest advances in medicine combined with the state-of-the-art techniques, our goal is to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. Our general and specialized services include:To learn more about the services we provide, please call us today at 407-944-3340 to schedule an appointment. 

The Sinus Sufferers' Guide to A Restful Sleep

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

The environment you sleep in is everything, especially for those who suffer from allergies and sinus infections. Getting a restful sleep is important for so many reasons, but if you’re not relaxing in a clean and comfortable space, you can only make your symptoms worse. That being said, we have a few pointers for getting a good night’s sleep: 

Keep pets out
Pet dander can lead to more sinus issues and breathing complications. So as much as you love your furry companions, make a comfortable space for them either right outside your door or on the opposite side of the bedroom in a cozy bed. Having them sleep in bed with you can only make allergies worse. 

Buy an air filter
Dust and other allergens can make it more difficult to breathe in your bedroom. By using an air filter, you can filtrate allergens and restore fresh, clean air for a comfortable sleep.

Clean sheet regularly
Cleaning your sheets weekly is essential - especially if you’re extra sensitive to dust. And every time you open your bedroom window, more allergens become airborne and get caught in your bed sheets. By washing them on a regular basis, you can help keep seasonal allergies at bay.

Use a nasal spray
Use a saline solution to rinse out the sinus area. Repeat every night before bedtime to help you feel less congested before you lie down for sleep.

Sleep on your side
Some doctors recommend sleeping on your side to fight the uncomfortable feeling of postnasal drip, which will reduce the amount of sore throats you experience upon waking up.

Can’t get sleep to sleep without feeling miserable from your allergies or sinuses? We encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

How Hearing Loss Truly Impacts Your Life

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

 A whopping 38 million people in America between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and it’s no easy feat. The challenge of hearing is difficult, but the impact it has on your daily life runs deeper. From the emotional to the financial well-being, you’ll want to hear this:

The Effects
Studies have associated untreated hearing loss with these effects:

• Irritability, negativism, and anger
• Fatigue, tension, and depression
• Reduced alertness and increased risk of personal safety
• Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks
• Withdrawal from certain social situations

How, might you ask, does this impact your life? Well, in many ways, your social, personal, and professional life can alter from this health condition. Here’s how:

Education and Employment
The great news is that surveys show no prevalence in employment or education. Despite the effects, individuals function “quite well” and are fully able to perform their daily tasks with no problem. In fact, many people are delaying retirement due to the need for financial stability. However, that does not mean there aren’t times of frustration and difficulty during a certain task - it’s a constant struggle, but it can luckily be fought.

In the Home
The home might be a little bit of a different story, solely because of the effect it has on family and friends. The are emotional ties attached to hearing loss, such as anger and frustration. There needs to be a great deal of understanding in a household if you suspect someone close to you suffers from the effects of hearing loss. Be kind, be gentle, and don’t be afraid to speak slowly and repeat. This should make the change slightly easier to adjust to.

If you or someone you know suffers from hearing loss, learn about audiologic testing.

The doctors at Florida ENT specialize in hearing loss and offer many different resources to you. For more information about hearing aids or hearing loss in general, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE today! 

Natural Ways to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center
877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

 Everyone who has ever had a sinus infection knows that sinus pressure and nasal congestion are two of the post irritating symptoms - sometimes even unbearable. When the pain worsens in morning and night, you want nothing more than to reach for the medicine cabinet. While we do believe in the benefits of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, we have a few natural methods that will help cure you as well:

Humidity
What blocks your sinus drainage and traps viruses more than anything else is the dry, thick mucus in your nose. Increase your exposure to humidity can thin out the mucus and get things moving again. Try using a humidifier and taking steamy showers. A cup of hot tea or soup can help too.

Saline
The best way to cleanse the nose and sinuses and relieve sinus pain is saline. Purchase an over-the-counter saline nasal spray to combat nasal irritation - no medicine necessary.

Hot and cold compress
Reclining your head and placing a hot washcloth across your sinuses can help warm the nasal passages and loosen secretions.Then, place a cold towel over your sinuses for pain relief. Start by placing the hot towel across your sinuses for about three minutes. Then switch to the cool cloth for about 30 seconds. Alternate several times throughout the day.

Deep breathing
Relaxation and deep breathing techniques are known to effectively relieve sinus pain. Why, you may ask? Because these practices rely on the mind’s ability to influence pain perception, often associated with sinus pressure. Yoga, meditation, and hypnotherapy are all great options.

If these natural remedies just aren’t cutting it and the pain worsens, we encourage you to give our Sinus & Facial Plastics Institute a call to schedule an appointment. Our facility, located in central Florida, is dedicated to the complete medical care of the nose, both cosmetic and functional. To learn more about our sinus institute, please visit our website or call 407-944-3340.

Foods That Fight Allergies

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

 Wonder what’s causing your autumn allergies? Whatever the trigger may be, there are ways to fight it. The right exercise routine and hygiene can help, but so can diet. Here are some of the top foods that may ease up your allergies and others you should stay away from:

Tea - Warm fluids such as tea or chicken soup can help break up congestion, suppressing your seasonal cough.

Honey - Put some in your honey or on a salad. Studies show that a teaspoon is a common treatment for allergies.

Fish - The more omega-3 fatty acids you ingest, the less likely you are to develop allergies. Try tuna, salmon, and mackerel for example.

Yogurt - Some research shows that probiotics found in yogurt might slightly reduce pollen allergy symptoms in children.

To avoid making allergies worse, shy away from foods such as:

Certain fruits and vegetables - They contain proteins similar to those in pollens, which could be a trigger for some.

Beer or wine - Drinking alcohol can make nasal congestion worse (especially beer).

If you're suffering from allergies this fall no matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

The 5 Types of Audiological Testing

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Do you or someone you love suffer from hearing loss? The best thing you can do to get to the core of the problem is to go for audiologic testing. Through audiologic testing,  you can determine the severity and best treatment. At Florida ENT, we offer a wide range of audiologic testing from the basic diagnostic test to the more advanced examinations.

Audiogram 
Function: An audiogram uses sounds of specific frequencies and intensity levels to determine what a person can hear in each ear.
The sounds are heard through headphones, and the patient is asked to identify each sound and the ear in which it was heard. The sounds become fainter and fainter, ultimately determining the lowest level at which a patient can hear. An audiogram may also include speech in the form of two-syllable words to determine how well a patient can comprehend what is being heard. For results to be considered normal, a patient must be able to hear a normal speaking voice, a whisper and the ticking of a watch.

Tympanometry
Function: Tympanometry examines and diagnoses the middle ear by varying air pressure in the ear canal to see how the ear responds.
A probe is inserted into the ear to change the air pressure, produce a tone and measure the responses. The patient may not speak, move or swallow during the test because doing so can affect ear pressure. Tympanometry measures the functionality of the eardrum (tympanic membrane). Abnormal findings may be the result of fluid in the middle ear, a perforated ear drum or impacted ear wax.

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test
Function: The brainstem auditory evoked response test (BAER) examines brain waves that have been stimulated by a clicking sound in order to evaluate the auditory pathways in the brain. 
Electrodes are placed on the scalp and earlobes, and the patient listens to a clicking noise through headphones. The electrodes record the brain's reaction. The BAER is commonly used to diagnose nervous-system abnormalities and hearing loss in infants and children.

Otoacoustic Emissions Test
Function: Otoacoustic emissions testing (OAE) measures response to sound from the cochlea.
 The hair cells inside the cochlea vibrate in response to sound. The test is performed by inserting a microphone and two speakers into the ear to emit a sound and then record the response signal. The test is often performed on children when hearing loss is a possibility. Absent or very soft response signals may be the result of hearing loss, fluid behind the ears or damage to the cochlea.

Videonystagmography
Function: Videonystagmography (VNG) is a test used to record involuntary eye movement called "nystagmus."
The test generates nystagmus, and the resulting recorded data determines the vestibular ocular reflex. The VNG is a basic balance test used to diagnose patients with symptoms of dizziness. The VNG is actually composed of seven different tests that help to determine whether dizziness results from a dysfunctions of the ear or from a different factor.

For more information on hearing loss, visit our website, or call (877) EAR-NOSE to schedule an appointment!

7 Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Are you tired throughout the day, unable to pay attention to your family or friends? Do you experience mood swings or irritability? Can your spouse no longer sleep next to you due to your loud snoring and gasping? You may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting approximately 18 million adults in the U.S. with 80 percent going undiagnosed. If you are unsure if you are affected with sleep apnea, keep these symptoms listed below in mind.

1. Loud, Persistent Snoring
Although snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea; loud, chronic snoring is one of the most frequently cited symptoms. Snoring is caused by partial blockage, restricting your airways. If your snoring is loud, disruptive, and occurs nightly, visit your primary care physician to discuss if you may have sleep apnea.

2. Gasping While Sleeping
Again, the cause of gasping in your sleep is due to the obstruction of your airway. The fatty tissues of the throat and tongue become relaxed and fall back into your airways, restricting airflow for a few seconds. The low oxygen levels due to the restriction causes your brain to wake itself long enough to get past the air blockage causing you to gasp while you're breathing. This can occur 5 to 30 times in an hour lasting up to 10-20 seconds at a time.

3. Tired all the Time
While you may think you got plenty of sleep because you were in bed for 7-9 hours, all of the pauses and interruptions your body made in order for you to breath properly adds up. One of the most overlooked symptoms of sleep apnea is EDS (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness). If you have difficulty waking in the mornings, feeling excessively tired throughout the day, a general lack of energy, or difficulty concentrating among others, you may be affected by EDS and sleep apnea.

4. Wake with Headaches
While uncomfortable no matter what time of the day, if you get morning headaches it could be a sign of something more serious - sleep apnea. Low oxygen levels causes headaches and when you stop breathing during the night, less oxygen is making its way to your brain. This symptom, along with excessive daytime drowsiness are the two symptoms sufferers complain about the most.

5. High Blood Pressure
The same reason you experience headaches is how you can get high blood pressure. When your body wakes from your sleep due to low oxygen levels, it causes a spike in your blood pressure which restricts your blood vessels to kick start your system into working again. When this repeatedly happens throughout the night, your body gets used to restricting its blood vessels and begins to during the day, even when you are breathing normally.

6. Obesity
People who are overweight or obese are most likely linked to sleep apnea. Excess of fatty tissues can fall back into the airways during sleep causing obstructions to the airway. You are not alone in this fight, more than two-thirds of adults are overweight in America. Discuss options with your primary care physician to help you lose weight which in turn helps with your sleep apnea.

7. Irritable, Depressed, or Experience Mood Swings
Waking up hundreds of times during the night - even briefly - can have a serious affect on your mood and personality while you are awake. With lack of sleep you are prone to anxiety, depression, and mood swings among other things. Talk to your doctor to see if any of these symptoms are related to a sleep disorder.

To learn more about sleep apnea or the services we provide to help with this disorder, please call us today at give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. 

The Most Common Fall Allergies

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Most people associate allergies with springtime. But allergies can happen during all times of the year, especially in the fall! Below are three of the most common fall allergies you’ll come across and how you can protect yourself from suffering the side effects:

Fall Allergies

Ragweed: One of the most common fall allergies. Ragweed grows abundantly throughout the south, north, and midwest, and it can travel up to 400 miles in the wind. It can be found alongside the road, in vacant lots, and open field.

Other weeds: Goldenrod, curly dock, lamb’s quarters, pigweed, sheep sorrel, and sagebrush can also all cause fall allergies. Goldenrod, for example, blooms at the same time that ragweed does, except it is insect-pollinated.

Molds: Outdoor molds are another common seasonal allergy that first appear in early spring, and then thrive in late fall. They are commonly found in soil, compost piles, and in leaves that cover the ground. Mold spores are common airborne allergens that many should be aware of, as they are light and easily inhaled into the lungs.

Protecting Yourself

Regardless of how bad your fall allergies become, here are a few precautions you can take:

• Use a face mask when you are outdoors (especially between 5 and 10 am or on windy days).
• Dry your clothes inside in the dryer instead of hanging them outside
• Keep your windows closed and turn on the AC
• Shower frequently to remove allergens from your hair and clothes

If you're suffering from allergies this fall no matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

Types of Audiologic Testing

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Patients who suffer from hearing loss or suspect they might have another hearing and balance-related condition may benefit from audiologic testing. At Florida ENT, we offer many different types of audiologic testing for any type of hearing or imbalance a patient might be dealing with. The follow are three of the tests we commonly use:

Audiogram
How it works: Uses sounds of specific frequencies and intensity levels to determine what a person can hear in each ear.
This is your typical physician check-up, where a patient hears sounds through headphones. The patient is then asked to identify each sound and in which hear it was heard. The sounds become fainter and farther as the test progresses and the goal is to determine the lowest level at which the patient can hear.

Tympanometry
How it works: Examines and diagnoses the middle ear by varying air pressure in the ear canal to see how the ear responds.   
Tympanometry measures the functionality of the year drum. To avoid affecting ear pressure, patients may not move, speak, or swallow during the test. Any abnormal findings could be fluid in the middle ear or impacted ear wax.

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test
How it works: Examines brain waves that have been stimulated by a clicking sound in order to evaluate the auditory pathways in the brain.
As the patient listens to a clicking noise through headphones, electrodes are placed on the scalp and earlobes. The electrodes record the brain’s reaction and the audiologist will test for diagnose nervous-system abnormalities and hearing loss. The BAER test is commonly used with infants and children.

To learn about other types of audiologic testing, click here.

The doctors at Florida ENT specialize in hearing loss and offer many different resources to you. For more information about hearing aids or hearing loss in general, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE today!

Top Signs of Hearing Loss

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

 

Hearing loss can occur for many reasons. This health concern involves damage to the inner ear. It might be tied to aging or exposure to loud noise, ultimately tearing the nerve cells in the cochlea, which send signals to the brain.

For family and friends, it can be a challenge, and sometimes it isn’t recognized right off the bat. However, if you or someone you know ponders the possibility of hearing loss, ask these questions:

• Often ask people to repeat what they say?
• Have trouble hearing in groups?
• Think others are mumbling?
• Turn up the volume on the TV or car radio?
• Difficulty hearing on the phone?
• Fail to hear someone talking behind them?
• Have difficulty hearing at the movies?
• Dread going to noisy parties and restaurants?

Other points to consider if you think you or someone you know suffers from hearing loss are:

• Friends and family are likely the first to recognize the problem, long before the person does.
• Typically in the early stage, the individual might deny a problem. This is understandable, considering he/she might be doing fairly well regardless.
• A major complaint of people with hearing loss is the difficulty they experience in comprehending speech in any kind of noisy place, such as a restaurant or in the car.

At Florida ENT, we are committed to helping patients who suffer from hearing loss at all levels of severity and at any stage. Utilizing the latest advances in medicine combined with the state-of-the-art techniques, our goal is to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. Our general and specialized services include:To learn more about the services we provide, please call us today at 407-944-3340 to schedule an appointment.

The Real Reason Your Sinuses Hurt

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

 

37 million people suffer from sinus infections each year, and if you’re reading this chances are you’re one of the millions. It also means you know the horrible, overwhelming ickiness you feel when your sinuses start acting up. While you deal with the pain, do you know the true cause of it? Here are three of the most common symptoms and why they hurt so much:

Headache
That awful pressure and swelling you feel in your sinuses can give you symptoms of a headache. Sinus pressure can also cause earaches, toothaches, and pain in your cheeks, which all directly connect to the nerves in your head, causing your discomfort.

Sore Throat
Postnasal drip can leave you with a cringe worthy ache. While it may start off as a slight tickle, as your sinus infection worsens, the mucus in your throat can irritate and inflame your throat as it drips down, resulting in your basic (yet painful) sore throat.

Muscle Aches
If your sinus infection becomes chronic, you’re likely to have more bodily pain than the average person. You can blame this on possible fever and fatigue.

If you're suffering from sinus pain or chronic sinusitis, give Florida Ear Nose Throat and Facial Plastic Surgery a call for more information on how our doctors can help. Our team is here to help treat you and have you feeling healthy and happy once again. We can be reached by calling 877-EAR-NOSE. For more information on sinus infections, visit www.floridaent.com.

How You're Making Allergies Worse

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Are you one of the 60 million Americans whose allergies are acting up? Fight back with these not-so-obvious mistakes you might be making on the daily.

Overworking
Allergy sufferers have been proven to experience more symptoms under anxiety-inducing activities or tests. You can blame this on stress hormones, which stimulate the production of IgE, blood proteins. These proteins cause allergic reactions if under too much stress and little sleep. So be sure you’re getting a good amount of sleep and not overworking yourself on the job or in your daily life. 

Not using hot enough water while washing clothes
A recent South Korean study shows that not washing your clothes on the hottest setting can affect your allergies. In the study, laundering cotton sheets at 140 degrees Fahrenheit killed 100 percent of dust mites, as opposed to 104 degrees, which only killed 6.5 percent.

Growing houseplants
If you’re prone to seasonal sniffles, avoid growing houseplants like orchid. While there are many plants that can cause problems for your health, ficus, ivy, palm, and fern, and orchid have been proven to irritate allergy-prone people more.

Showering only in the morning
Allergy sufferers can benefit from a quick rinse in the evening after hours of being outdoors and in a dusty office building. Remember: just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean pollen particles aren’t getting trapped in your hair and on your clothes. Do yourself a favor and shower both in the AM and PM during peak allergy season.

If you're suffering from allergies this summer no matter how hard you try to fight the symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat right away. We offer allergy screening, allergy management and immunotherapy. To schedule an appoint, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE. For more information about our office, visit www.floridaent.com.

Most Popular Facial Plastic Surgeries

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Plastic surgeries are becoming more popular through the years. From medical to aesthetic needs, plastic surgery has the ability to improve both, increasing your health as well as your confidence. As your Long Island ENT specialists, we’ve rounded up the top three facial plastic surgeries and their benefits.

Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) is a plastic procedure for correcting sagging or drooping eyelids. Because the eyelid skin is much thinner than on other parts of the body, it’s one of the first areas you begin to see signs of aging.

Eyelid surgery is one of the most popular plastic services due to the ability to tighten muscles and tissue, reversing the affects of sun damage, smoking, and obesity.

Brow Lift
Also know as the forehead lift, this surgical procedure reduces signs of aging in the forehead area. It eliminates those horizontal creases across the forehead and lifts the brows for a more eye-opening appearance.

Due to its aesthetic goals, the brow lift is one of the most popular plastic procedures for those who want a younger appearance.

Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is for patients with ongoing sinusitis, deviated septums, breathing problems, or aesthetic needs. Aesthetically, some goals include but are not limited to:

• Remove a hump
• Modify the bridge
• Reshape the tip
• Reshape or resize the nostrils
• Repair an injury
• Open breathing passages
• Increase or decrease size

Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently performed plastic procedures for several reasons. It has the ability to improve anything from the bone to the skin and cartilage. 

AT Florida ENT, we offer all of these plastic surgical procedures and more! Utilizing the latest advances in medicine combined with the state-of-the-art techniques, our goal is to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. Give us a call today at 877-EAR-NOSE and you will be one step closer to relief! For more information, visit our website.

Anesthesia FAQ's

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Whether you’re thinking about a cosmetic or medical procedure or already have one scheduled, you might be concerned about one thing: anesthesia. Although anesthesia's main function is to provide you with the safety and comfort you need during your surgery, the fear of being temporarily induced is real.

At Florida ENT, we come across patients who feel uneasy about surgery and anesthesia. What we want most is for all of our patients to feel as comfortable with their surgical procedure as possible, which is why we take the time to answer any and all of your questions, such as these:

What does anesthesia feel like?
According to several leading surgeons in the nation, you will feel completely nothing. If your surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery, then they will be working in an accredited surgical facility with a qualified anesthesia provider. In fact, it might be one of the best sleeps you will ever have. This gentle sedation will ensure more comfort and should go by in a flash.

How does it feel to wake up after anesthesia?
Many patients will feel “groggy” upon waking up, which is why you should give yourself plenty of time to recover until you consult with your surgeon and agree that you are well and healthy enough to be discharged. Some might feel slightly nauseated, but consult with your doctor about ways to prevent this from happening.

Why do I need an empty stomach prior to surgery?
It is very important that patients have an empty stomach prior to any surgery to ensure stomach acids do not get into the lungs and cause infection.

How much anesthesia will my anesthesiologist know to give me?
Every anesthetic must be tailored to the individual and the procedure. This means there is no right amount of anesthesia for patients. The amount of anesthesia needed also depends upon weight, gender, medications being taken, and several other factors determined by your doctor.

Here at Florida ENT, we want you to feel 100 percent comfortable with your procedure. Utilizing the latest advances in medicine combined with the state-of-the-art techniques, our goal is to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. Give us a call today at 877-EAR-NOSE and you will be one step closer to relief! For more information, visit our website.

FAQ's About Rhinoplasty

 Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures to date, and it’s also one of the scariest. So much so that the thought of it is enough to change some people’s minds. But at Florida ENT, we are dedicated to making you feel as comfortable as possible with this surgical procedure. That is why we’re here to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions we receive:

 What is Rhinoplasty
Also referred to as nose surgery, this surgical procedure is designed to improve the appearance and function of the nose. Whether it be removing a hump, reducing or increasing the overall size, narrowing the nasal passage, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip, there are many complications that rhinoplasty can solve.

How long does the surgery take?
Nose surgery doesn’t take too long. A simple open nose procedure can be completed in under two hours. However, a cleft-lip nose procedure can take a little bit longer (usually two and a half hours).

What can I expect after surgery?
A long-acting numbing agent is used after surgery to ensure the patient feels comfortable and pain-free. Following the surgical procedure, a splint is usually placed on the nose for one week. You will feel swollen for several days and should experience some bruising. Complete changes could take up to a year depending on the procedure. 

As a practice, we are true believers that excellence in treating patients and performing surgery is derived from both education and experience. We strive to keep current on the latest techniques and standards to provide our patients with the safest and the most optimal results. To learn more about Rhinoplasty and and to schedule a consultation, call 877-EAR-NOSE or visit us on the web.