What Causes Post-Nasal Drip?

Did you know that you produce nearly two quarts of mucus every day? If you’re like most healthy people, you swallow mucus every few seconds without ever noticing. Unfortunately, that can all change once you get sick.

What is a Post-Nasal Drip?

Unlike regular nasal drip (where mucus falls out of your nose), post-nasal drip mucus falls down the back of the throat. This causes a tickling and/or irritating sensation in the back of your throat, which people often try to cough up. 

What Causes Post-Nasal Drip

Because it’s such a common symptom, there are over a dozen different causes for post-nasal drip. Some of the most common causes are:

• Sinusitis (a sinus infection)
• The common cold
• The flu
• A number of different viruses
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease 

Other uncommon causes of post-nasal drip include blockages in the nasal passage, reactions to certain medications, pregnancy, weather conditions, and even spicy foods.

Natural Treatments

When caused by common and minor conditions like allergies, the cold, the flu, or sinus issues, the nasal drip can be treated without medication. These simple treatments include:

• Gargling a saltwater mixture
• Nasal sprays
• Sleeping with your head elevated
• Drinking warm liquids, like soup or tea 

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 Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Snoring might be regarded as a humorous stereotype for a deep sleeper, but the truth is that it might have more serious health implications. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious medical condition that affects millions of Americans, can cause a host of other ailments if left untreated.

What is obstructive sleep apnea? 

OSA occurs when the muscles surrounding the throat relax downward and temporarily block the airway during deep sleep. Snoring is the mildest symptom, but OSA can also cause a person to completely stop breathing for prolonged periods. Over time, this can cause major health problems.

Is it dangerous? 

Yes, OSA can be very dangerous, even life-threatening. Repetitious drops in blood oxygen levels can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, and even small-vessel brain damage. Chronic sleep disruption can cause elevated blood sugars, fatigue, and depression. Atrial fibrillation, a cardiac rhythm disorder in which the top chambers of the heart beat erratically, is highly associated with severe OSA. If you have OSA, you’re also at a higher risk for:

• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Heart attack 
• Stroke 
• Glaucoma 
• Surgical complications 

Symptoms of OSA 

OSA can be difficult to diagnose. Though a person may be aware of the side effects, he/she may not be aware of snoring or pauses in breathing. It’s usually a person’s spouse or partner that reports those signs. Symptoms of OSA include:

• Frequent waking 
• Excessive daytime sleepiness 
• Mental fogginess or depression 
• Confusion or a headache upon waking 
• Hypertension 

Treatment 

It’s important for anyone exhibiting signs of OSA to consult their doctor before serious medical consequences develop. If indicated, lifestyle changes may be advised, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, or more exercise. In some cases, a positive-pressure breathing apparatus called a CPAP is ordered, which is worn at night to keep the airway open. If all else fails, a surgical solution may be discussed.

The team at Florida ENT are dedicated to helping you resolve your OSA.

The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

Everyone knows that smoking cigarettes is bad for your health. However, secondhand smoke is also a health risk as it contains over 7,000 chemicals, 70 of which are carcinogenic. Not only are adults affected, but also children, infants, and even animals. Some of the most common diseases caused by secondhand smoke are:

Cancer

Lung cancer is not the only health problem that secondhand smoke can cause. Smoke can also raise your risk of:

• Brain cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Stomach cancer

Lung Infections

Secondhand smoke can irritate your lungs and increase your chances of getting bronchitis or pneumonia. Young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to lung infections from being around someone who smokes regularly.

Worsened Asthma

Approximately 21% of adults in the United States have asthma and tobacco smoke is one of the most common triggers for asthma attacks. Even mild symptoms can be exacerbated by being around a person smoking cigarettes.

Not only does smoking cigarettes affect people, but also inanimate objects in the area. The smell can permeate many materials, including clothing, hair, carpet, and furniture. If enough smoke accumulates, it can also stain and discolor things.

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.

Florida ENT — A Year in Review(s)

To say that 2018 was a whirlwind year for us would be an understatement! From sinus infections to plastic surgeries, we had the pleasure of working with hundreds of patients throughout Florida.

From the procedure or treatment to bedside manner, our goal is always to provide the best service possible. And judging from the many reviews we’ve read this past year, it looks like we’ve succeeded! Take a look at some of our top reviews from 2018:

“Receptionists were really friendly. I actually didn't see Dr. Han but he did have another doctor in for him and he was quick, detailed, and friendly.” - Jere T.

“Very happy with Dr. Han and the treatment I received. Staff was also excellent.” - Carolyn C.

“...outside of fixing my sinus problem, I just really like Dr. Han as a person. He was very patient with me, answered all my questions, and I just got the sense that he actually cared about me, not just as a patient, but as a person. I highly recommend him to anyone.” - Noah C.

“Dr. Han is a top notch ENT. I drove 29 miles to see him. I trust his judgment and his staff is awesome.” - Sherraine G.

“This is the best doctor I have ever encountered! He was so genuine and down to earth. He didn’t seem rushed, even though I was a new patient. I honestly wish more doctors were like him! Dr. Wade should consider specializing in everything so I could see him for every little thing lol! I would definitely recommend him.” - Anna O.

“Excelente!” - Edwin R.

Have you recently visited Florida ENT or Dr. Han? If so, leave us a review and you may be featured in our next review wrap up!

The Top 3 Ways to Clean Your Ears

When was the last time you cleaned your ears — and we mean really cleaned your ears (not just let water fall over them while in the shower)? Despite the fact that your ears help you do everything from hear to balance, they often go uncleaned for days, even weeks at a time. But we say, no more!

1. Damp Cloth

When cleaning the outside of your ear, use a damp cloth to gently wipe dirt, dust, and dead skin from the surface. A warm damp cloth is ideal to help remove buildup from the front and back exterior surface of your ear.

2. Over-The-Counter Ear Wax Softener

Invest in an over-the-counter earwax softener if you believe your ear is suffering from wax build up. Over-the-counter earwax software helps to break up stubborn earwax that is deep or lodged in the ear canal, making it easier to remove. Using over-the-counter earwax softener is optimal if you are unable to rid the earwax on your own or if it is becoming increasingly difficult to hear. Plugged ear canals can also signal the need for over-the-counter earwax softener.

3. Visit a Specialist

When you want clean ears but you are unsure of how to go about doing so on your own, visit an ENT specialist. Visiting an ENT specialist for clean ears not only provides you with the necessary care and procedures, but also with valuable insight regarding proper care for your earwax buildup in the future.

What about Cotton Swabs?

While many people believe that using cotton swabs to clean their ears is a proper method, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Using cotton swabs can cause your eardrum to rupture due to increased and intense pressure inside of the ear. Additionally, cotton swabs tend to push earwax even further into the ear, making it more difficult to hear and clean properly.

Home Remedies for Treating Laryngitis (Voice Loss)

This is the season our office sees an increased number of clients complaining of voice loss, aka laryngitis. 

Laryngitis occurs when the voice box and chords become inflamed due to overuse, irritation, or infection. Typical symptoms include hoarseness, pain when swallowing, weak or lost voice, difficulty speaking, and the feeling that you always have to clear your throat. 

Laryngitis typically resolves itself in three to fourteen days. Although a related infection may be treated with medication, there are plenty of home remedies to effectively soothe the symptoms until it is resolved. 

The number one recommended home remedy recipe is:

• 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
• ½ cup of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Other Home Remedies Include

• Apple Cider Vinegar - anti-microbial and anti-fungal
• Honey - anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory
• Ginger - anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Warm Salt Water - anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory
• Lemon Juice - anti-bacterial
• Garlic - anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral
• Turmeric - anti-inflammatory

We also recommend some simple dos and don’ts to aid recovery: 

Recovery Do’s

• Do speak softly
• Do rest your voice box
• Do keep the area moist with lozenges
• Do drink plenty of clear fluids (water, broth, tea)
• Do use a humidifier

Recovery Don’ts

• Don't whisper
• Don't clear your throat
• Don't smoke
• Don't drink alcohol or caffeine

If symptoms do not resolve in two weeks, you may have a chronic condition that requires medical attention. If symptoms persist or you have any questions, contact Florida ENT for an appointment.

Quick and Easy Ways to Stop a Nosebleed

Nosebleeds can be frightening, especially because they tend to come on quickly and without warning. They are rather common, due to the fact that we all have a large number of blood vessels located in our nose. There are several causes for nosebleeds, such as dry nasal membranes, trauma, nose picking (especially in children!), frequent nose blowing, blood-thinning medications, and other bleeding disorders. Below you will find some quick and easy ways to stop your nose from bleeding.

Tilt Forward, Not Back

The old adage goes that if your nose is bleeding you should tilt your head backward to stop the blood flow. But this is exactly what you shouldn’t do! Repeat: do not tilt your head back when you have a nosebleed! Titling your head back will only make the blood travel down your throat and into your stomach or lungs. Instead, make sure that you sit up straight and lean forward a little bit, preferably over the sink.

Out, Not In

You should also never stuff your nose with tissues or other material when your nose is bleeding. Instead, gently blow your nose and then firmly pinch the softest part of your nose (the area just above your nostrils). After 10-15 minutes of pinching, the blood flow should stop on its own.

Stay Calm

It’s also important that you stay calm when your nose is bleeding, as stress can make it worse. Try breathing through your mouth and centering yourself.

Prevention

There are several ways to prevent a nosebleed, including

• Using only soft tissues
• Using a humidifier to prevent a dry nose
• Using Vaseline inside your nose

If your nosebleed doesn’t stop after trying these methods, is the result of a car accident or severe injury, or if it lasts for longer than 30 minutes, then you should seek medical attention right away. And as always, if you need more information about nosebleeds or anything else, please feel free to turn to us at Florida ENT.