Signs that Indicate You Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, a well-known sleep disorder, can be a high-risk health problem to those that have it. There are several factors that contribute to sleep apnea, including family history, obesity, a small airway, large tonsils and allergies. Most people suffering from this condition are unaware they have it and are often notified by another person.

The three different forms of sleep apnea include central, obstructive and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the throat closes, blocking or obstructing the airway.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

There are several symptoms that may indicate you have a sleeping disorder. They include:

·         Loud snoring, generally every night

·         Pauses in breathing

·         Choking or gasping while sleeping

·         Fatigue during the day

·         A feeling of not sleeping well

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to see the doctor as soon as possible. A sleep study will be done to determine whether you have a problem with this sleeping disorder.

Treatment Options

There are several different treatments options available to help with the symptoms of sleep apnea. The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a CPAP device. This machine is worn while sleeping and allows you to keep breathing throughout the night.

Surgery is another treatment option, used to treat those who have trouble breathing at night due to enlarged tonsils.

Sleep apnea is a very serious condition and can cause dire health risks. It puts you at risk for heart failure, irregular heartbeat, obesity, and stroke. If you suspect that you have this sleeping disorder, consider contacting a doctor to start treatment. Call Florida ENT at 877-EAR-NOSE to schedule an appointment today.

5 Ways to Protect Your Hearing at a Concert

Who doesn’t love going to go a concert to enjoy live music by your favorite artist? Most of us want to hear the music loud and clear, but listening to music at high decibels for a long period of time can lead to tinnitus or even impair your hearing permanently.

The ears are a fragile part of the body and can be damaged very easily. When you are exposed to noise at a high decibel level for an extended period of time, hair cells within the ear are at risk to get damaged.  Once hair cells are damaged, they cannot be repaired and eventually die off.

You can still enjoy going to concerts, but we recommend taking these preventative measures to protect your hearing.

Tips to Avoid Hearing Damage

Here are five tips to survive dangerous levels of noise while attending a concert:

1.       Wear Protection – Carry along earplugs that allow you to hear the music, but block out sound at harmful levels.

2.       Avoid Front Row Viewing - Getting up close is fun, but it will also put you closer to the speakers. Enjoy the music farther back in the venue at a safer sound level.

3.       Check the Decibels – There are apps available to download that allow you to check the decibel level. Listening to sound louder than 85 decibels for an extended period of time can cause hearing damage.

4.       Take Breaks – Taking a minute break during a concert will give your ears a rest and can help to prevent permanent hearing damage.

5.       Enjoy Music Outside - Whenever possible, enjoy concerts outside. Sound vibrations are trapped within a confined space when music is played indoors.

 

If you’re concerned about your hearing after attending a concert, set up an appointment with your Orlando ear nose throat doctor at Florida ENT today! Offices serving Orlando and Kissimmee.

Why Do I Still Get Ear Infections...As an Adult?

Ear infections are something that only children are supposed to get right? Wrong. Unfortunately, some adults still find themselves suffering from ear infections. There are several risk factors that make some adults more prone to getting ear infections.

Weakened Immune System

Having a weakened immune system increases your likelihood of getting sick, allowing for a greater chance to get an ear infection. When you get sick, your sinuses clog which leads to a fluid buildup in the Eustachian tube. The accumulation of fluid in your Eustachian tubes then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, causing infection.

Smoking

Smoking isn’t normally associated with ear problems, but it does take a toll on your auditory system. The more you smoke, the greater the chance of getting an ear infection. Smoke irritates the ear’s Eustachian tubes, causing them to swell. The swelling hampers the Eustachian tubes of its primary role, pressure equalization, which then causes fluid to build up. This results in an infection.

Cotton Swabs

While it might seem like a good idea to use a cotton swab to get the wax out of the ear, it does more harm than good. The ear needs wax to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the ear canal. Using a cotton swab not only removes some of the good wax, but it also pushes the remaining wax further down the ear canal. The wax then attracts bacteria and debris, creating a safe haven for a bacterial infection.

It’s Not an Ear Infection

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is where stress on the jaw joint causes pain. TMJ is often associated with ear pain and mimics the symptoms of an ear infection. There are a few distinguishing characteristics that differentiate TMJ from an ear infection.  If you are also experiencing pain while chewing or have a toothache, this could be a result of TMJ.

If you believe you’re suffering from recurring ear infections as an adult, contact Dr. Han at Florida ENT. Utilizing the latest advances in medicine and state-of-the-art techniques, our goal is to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. To learn more about the services we provide, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE!

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

With the season beginning to change, sinus infections are sure to become more frequent in our community. The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention speculates that upwards of 29 million people over the age of 18 suffer with sinusitis in any given year.

If you've ever wondered if a sinus infection is contagious, and want to avoid being the "person who got everyone sick," we’ve got information that is perfect for you.

What is Sinusitis?

A sinus infection occurs when the passageways located in the nose and sinus cavity become inflamed and fill up with fluid. The fluid buildup then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, causing an infection in the affected area. Sinusitis symptoms are similar to those of a cold and include facial pain, runny nose, congestion, and loss of smell.

Is it Contagious?

More often than not, sinus infections cannot be spread from person to person, but there are some situations where they are contagious. When sinusitis is caused by a virus, it can be spread to another person. Even though another person may get sick from the virus, it doesn't always turn into a sinus infection.

Prevention

You can help to prevent spreading sinusitis by following these tips:

·         Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing

·         Washing your hands

·         Staying home from school or work

If you find yourself battling with sinus infections this spring and would like to consult with a healthcare professional, call Florida ENT at 877-EAR-NOSE to schedule an appointment. Your health is always of the utmost importance!