Why It's Time to Put Down the Nasal Spray

Nasal sprays can provide relief when you need it the most. These sprays generally include ingredients such as saline, decongestants, antihistamines, and steroids. People tend to use nasal sprays when they have seasonal allergies, a sinus infection, or a cold. But are sprays almost too good? Because they provide instant relief, people tend to overuse them.

When to Use Nasal Spray 

Nasal spray is commonly used to open the sinuses when someone has a sinus infection or cold. Decongestant sprays do this by shrinking swollen blood vessels in nasal passages. By reducing the size of blood vessels, spray also lowers the amount of inflammation in a person’s sinuses, allowing them to breathe easily.

Can I Overuse Nasal Sprays? 

Simply put, yes! Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than three days in a row. If they are used for longer than three days, decongestant nasal sprays can cause a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa (i.e., rebound congestion). A person with rhinitis medicamentosa will experience congestion as a result of the medication in nasal sprays (rather than a cold or sinus infection).

The Effects of Using too Much Nasal Spray 

Overuse of nasal sprays may lead a person to be congested more often than not. People can also become reliant on decongestant nasal sprays if used too often. These individuals may need to take increased amounts of nasal spray in order for the medication to work.

• Stinging
• Increased mucus production
• Burning
• Sneezing
• Dryness in the nasal cavities
• Difficulty staying asleep or falling asleep
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Headache

If you have any questions about our office or are interested in making an appointment, please give us a call at 877-EAR-NOSE or visit us online for more information. To keep up with the latest from our office, be sure to visit our Facebook Page.

4 Medical Conditions that Can Diminish Your Sense of Smell

Anosmia is the loss of a person's sense of smell. Although the condition can be permanent, other cases can be reversed with proper medical treatment. However, it is important to first identify the underlying problem before establishing a course of action.

Is Your Sense of Smell Really That Important?

Yes! This sense may not seem as important as vision or hearing, but a disruption in the olfactory system can still diminish your quality of life. In addition to enhancing a person's appetite and eating pleasures, the sense of smell can help you detect potential threats that are not obvious to the eyes or ears (think a gas leak or something burning on the stove).

Conditions That Can Diminish Your Sense of Smell 

• Diabetes: Nearly half of all people with diabetes have a diminished sense of smell and taste. However, most people don’t even realize it because it’s so gradual.
• Tumors of the brain of the sinus cavity: Cancerous tumors can damage olfactory nerve cells and affect your ability to smell. 
• Epilepsy: Not only can epilepsy diminish your sense of smell, but it can also convince you of (usually unpleasant) smells that are not really there. 
• Old age: Aging is the most common reason for a deterioration in the olfactory system, with the sense usually beginning to decline after a person reaches 60. 

Seeking Medical Attention

Disruptions in the ability to smell often go away with the precipitating illness, but a persistent condition will probably require medical attention. The attending physician will first review the patient's medical status and may perform certain tests, including a CT scan, before making a diagnosis. If a loss of the sense appears suddenly and is accompanied by other health problems, such as dizziness or weakness, the patient should seek emergency care.

Treating Olfactory Disorders

No treatment is available to revive a person's sense of smell. However, some of the underlying causes of anosmia, including allergies and sinusitis, can be treated with medications. In cases where the loss of smell is related to a physical deformity, such as a deviated septum, the patient may require surgery. It is important that those suffering from anosmia describe their specific symptoms to their doctors to ensure that they receive the treatment they require. The Florida Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center can help those who are having difficulties with their sense of smell.

Tips for Dating with Hearing Loss

First dates are stressful enough. Add hearing loss into the mix and you might decide living the life of a hermit is the easier choice. But there’s no need to shy away from a fun evening out and getting to know somebody better. Even if you’re in a committed relationship, the occasional date night is a great way to keep the romance alive, and a much-needed break from the daily routine. Hearing loss does not have to put a damper on your dating life; with a little extra preparation, you can have a great time.

The following tips should help:

1. Remember, location is everything. Probably the most important factor in making sure your date is successful involves the location. Whether you’re going to a restaurant, bar, or coffee shop, you’ll want to choose a place that is relatively quiet. It might not be a bad idea to check it out for yourself first, especially if it’s a venue where you have never been before. Another factor to consider is lighting, especially if you rely on lip reading. If all else fails, suggest a romantic evening at home; there’s nothing like a home-cooked meal to impress a potential paramour.

2. Make an early reservation. Restaurants tend to be most crowded later in the evening. Go early to beat the crowds, and you’ll be rewarded with a quieter atmosphere (not to mention the possibility of scoring an excellent Happy Hour deal). Getting there early will also increase your chances of finding a good table away from the noise (e.g., kitchen or loudspeakers). If you are unable to arrive early, you can always request a quiet booth in the corner when making your reservation.

3. Suggest alternatives to the traditional “dinner and a movie.” As mentioned above, a quiet date at home is often more pleasing than a night out on the town. If watching a movie there, you can turn on the closed-captioning or subtitles feature. An added bonus: no sticky floors from spilled soda! Other options include a hike, visit to the beach, or picnic in the park. Breaking out of the mold is sure to impress your date and win you points for originality.

4. Wear your hearing devices with confidence. The stigma that once accompanied hearing devices is long gone. If you wear them, don’t try to hide that fact; chances are your date will be curious about them, opening up an interesting conversational topic. It’s better to wear your hearing devices and have a good time, instead of straining to hear what your date is saying and possibly misunderstanding key information.

5. Don’t be afraid to provide communication tips. Remember, you’re both there to have a good time; your date will appreciate the opportunity to make it easier for you to follow along. You might want to mention maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly, and not talking while chewing. That last one applies to everybody regardless of their hearing ability!

Understanding Different Types of Hearing Aids

Communication is an essential part of our well-being. Possessing the ability to interact, listen and communicate with our friends and loved ones is an integral part of our lives. It’s only when we are no longer able to do so, that we discover how much we have taken something like the ability to hear, for granted.

Facing the deterioration of your hearing can be a struggle. That’s why at Florida Ear, Nose and Throat, we are here to help. Allow our expertise as hearing professionals help guide you through the overwhelming process of deciding which device is best for you.

BTE Hearing Aids 

Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are the most common, chosen by more than 90% of those who experience hearing loss. The BTE hearing aid is typically the largest in size, hooking behind the ear with a tube connecting the earmold into the inside of your ear canal.

Pros

• Less feedback and greater amplification 
• Easily handled 
• Child-friendly 
• Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss 
• Extended battery life 

Cons

• Visible 
• Larger in size 

ITE Hearing Aids

In the ear (ITE) hearing aids are unobtrusive, lightweight, and can be worn with little to no visibility. As the second most popular hearing aid, the device also allows for easy phone use.

Pros 

• Discreet
• Functional 
• Advanced hearing loss 
• Superior sound quality 

Cons

• Ear wax build-up 
• Feedback 

RIC or RITE Hearing Aids

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) and Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) utilize a unique strategy as their microphone, amplifier, and receiver components are housed separately. The devises have the capability to exceptionally amplify high-pitched tones, making them a great choice for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Pros 

• Unobtrusive 
• Little to no feedback 
• Natural sound 

Cons 

• Higher in price 
• Susceptible to moisture and clogging 

If you have any questions about our office or are interested in making an appointment, please give us a call at 877-EAR-NOSE or visit us online for more information. To keep up with the latest from our office, be sure to visit our Facebook Page.

Understanding Childhood Ear Infections

Ask any pediatrician which type of after hours call they handle most frequently, and the answer is likely to be otitis media, the medical term for a middle ear infection. Aside from the common cold, ear infections are the most commonly diagnosed childhood illness, affecting three out of four children by the time they reach the age of three.

What is an Ear Infection? 

Ear infections occur when fluid fills the space between the eardrum and inner ear. Children are especially vulnerable because the Eustachian tube, responsible for draining fluid and equalizing pressure, is less developed in young children, and is prone to blockages and swelling when mucus and other fluids back up in the middle ear. This puts pressure on the eardrum and leads to a painful infection.

Identifying an Ear Infection

An increase in irritability is often the first sign of an ear infection. Your child may cry inconsolably and pull on the affected ear. Symptoms include a painful earache that worsens when lying down, fluid discharge, difficulty hearing, trouble sleeping, headache, fever, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. If your child displays these symptoms, a warm washcloth pressed against the ear will often bring soothing relief. Over the counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be given to manage pain, but avoid aspirin.

An ear infection is usually diagnosed after an examination of the ears using an otoscope. If they are dull, red, and contain fluid or pus, the ear is probably infected.

Treating an Ear Infection

The most common treatment for pediatric otitis media is antibiotics, which kill off the bacteria responsible for the child’s symptoms. Chronic infections require a more serious long-term solution. Many ENT specialists recommend ear tubes for children who experience frequent ear infections. Inserted into the eardrum surgically, these tubes promote drainage of fluids and prevent infections from occurring. Most are removed in a year or two, and may fall out naturally.

“Research has confirmed that the tubes can prevent infections and maintain a healthy middle ear environment,” says Dr. Gordon Hughes, an ENT specialist at the National Institutes of Health.

Home prevention can keep your child healthy, and avert trips to the doctor’s office. Simple actions such as teaching your child proper hand washing techniques and keeping current on vaccinations will help reduce the risk of ear infection. In addition, keep your child away from tobacco smoke; breastfeed when possible; and stick to smaller daycare centers, where fewer children mean fewer germs.