Do sneezing and a runny nose are signs of allergies?

In this video, Dr. Sushmita Gupta, Consultant ENT at Apollo Clinic and CHD City Chandigarh, discusses the causes of sneezing and runny nose. 

What is a sneezing and runny nose? 

A sneeze is a sudden blast of air expelled from the lungs through the mouth or nose. Frequent sneezing results in a runny nose and leads to a common cold. It is one of the protective mechanisms of the body. It expels the allergens outside the nasal cavity.

Why does sneezing and a runny nose occur?

Sneezing may occur due to many reasons. They can be allergic or non-allergic. Various allergens, like pollen grains, dust particles, fungal mold, pet hairs, etc., trigger allergic sneezes. 

Non-allergic rhinitis

Another condition is non-allergic rhinitis. The symptoms are similar to allergic rhinitis; however, the chemical mediators that trigger allergic response are absent. Non-allergic mediators include infection, runny nose or flu, irritant gases, fuels, dust particles, odor perfumes, hot and spicy food, and beverages. Even hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, menstruation, and conditions like hypothyroidism leads to non-allergic sneezing. Uncontrollable sneezing can also have psychological causes.

How to treat it?

Treating the underlying cause is the key to getting relief from constant sneezing. If one is allergic, one may take an anti-allergic decongestant and antihistamines. If it’s infectious, then one should take antibiotics. Avoid trigger agents as much as possible. If you suffer from hormonal imbalance, consult your doctor and seek proper treatment.

When should one worry about sneezing and a runny nose?

If the sneezing is excessive, chronic symptoms hamper your daily routine activity, and even after taking medicines, if it’s not reducing or getting worse, you must consult your doctor immediately and take proper treatment.

 To know more, watch the full video.

Thank you.

0

0

Itchy Ears: Causes and Treatment

In this video, Dr. Sushmita Gupta, Consultant ENT at Apollo Clinic discusses itchy ears causes, and their treatment. 

Common reason of itchy ears

There can be various reasons for an itchy ear. The first reason is dry skin. If there is inadequate wax production in the ear, it might lead to dryness and itchiness in the ears. Wax help in ear lubrication and also plays a role in protective functions. If its production is less, it will dry the ear. In addition, one has white flakes in the ear canal. 

Ear infection

The second reason is ear canal dermatitis. If there is an inflammation or swelling in the inner lining of the ear, then  ear canal dermatitis develops. Allergic reactions can also lead to swelling in the ears. Metal allergy from metal-based earrings and cream or lotion can also cause allergic response to the skin. Another type of dermatitis is oral eczematous dermatitis. 

Other reasons

Swimmer’s ear or outer infection or otitis externa can also cause inflammation in the skin or itchiness. Infection develops in the inner lining of the ear skin. There can be discharge and itchiness. 

Hearing aids 

Usage of hearing aids and earphones  can also lead to itching. These devices can trap moisture inside the ear. And even the earphone material can cause allergy inflammation, pain, swelling, and itching. 

Skin condition

Psoriasis, a skin condition in which rashes develop on the skin, and skin may turn red, formation of flakes, and cause itching. Any bacterial or fungal infection in the ear can lead to swelling and pain or fever in the ear. In addition, there can be discharge and itchiness.

Treatment for itchy ear

Doctors target the underlying cause to reduce itchy ears. If there are allergic changes, then the doctor may prescribe antihistamines. For excessive wax,  its clearing can give relief. Lubrication or moisturization may alleviate the dryness in the ear’s skin. For infection, use antibiotic ear drops, but one should always seek advice from a doctor before putting any drops in the ear. Always take treatment on advice. One may take steroid-based creams for skin conditions like psoriasis and infection.

How do you prevent it?

Avoid over-cleaning your ears with earbuds. If there is an allergic reaction toward metal, then avoid that metal-based earring. Dry your ears after a bath or swimming.

0

0

Hole in the eardrum: Causes and Treatment

In this video, Dr. Sushmita Gupta, Consultant ENT at Apollo clinic and CHD City Hospital, discusses a common problem: hole in the eardrum or perforation in the ear drum.

What does a hole in the eardrum mean?

A hole in the eardrum means there is perforation in the eardrum or the tympanic membranes. It can be due to some trauma or infection. 

Causes of hole in the eardrums

First is a foreign object in the ear. Often we use things like earbuds or hairpins like sharp objects to itch inside the ear. As a matter of fact, they result in injury or perforation.

What is acoustic trauma?

The second reason is acoustic trauma or loud noise. It can be an explosion or gunshot.

Can travelling in an airplane lead to hole in the eardum?

Barotrauma can also lead to perforated eardrums. When there is an imbalance in middle ear pressure and external air pressure, it ruptures in drum. Sudden pain in the ear while flying or deep driving might occur due to the sudden pressure change or imbalance.

What is a middle ear infection?

The fourth reason is a middle ear infection or otitis media. There is an accumulation of fluid which increases steadily and creates pressure. This pressure, when released, ruptures the eardrum and discharges outside.

Common symptoms of perforated eardrums

If you sense an intense pain in the ear, that may heal eventually. But after pain, some fluid starts discharging from the ear, or your hearing ability is less, and then there is hole in the eardrums. The second reason is any injury or trauma to the ear or head. It might cause ear discharge. Other symptoms include watery or bloody discharge, reduced hearing ability or dizziness, and  tinnitus.

Common problems with perforated eardrums

Reduced hearing ability is one of the most common problems associated with perforated eardrums. If the sound conduction mechanism is impaired, if the perforation doesn’t heal, it might infect repeatedly. It may cause persistent ear discharge and become chronic. 

Do we need surgery for every perforation in the eardrums?

There is a relatively good chance of automatic ear perforation healing in a few weeks or months. However, you may not require further treatment in some cases, patients may have repeated ear infections, and perforation doesn’t heal. There may be a requirement for surgery. 

Surgery for perforated eardrums

These days these surgeries are minimally invasive. By minimally invasive, I mean doctors do these surgeries with the help of an endoscope. As a result, there is less to no scar formation, limited hospital stay, better healing, and faster recovery. 

Bottom Line:

If you have perforated ear drums, you must visit your ENT specialist and find the treatment option. In addition, you must seek treatment for perforated ear drums. Eardrum repair will reduce the risk of repeated infection and improve hearing. 

Thank you.

0

0

Seasonal allergies: Causes and Treatment

In this video, Dr. Sushmita Gupta, Consultant ENT at Apollo Clinic Chandigarh. Discusses about seasonal allergies.

What are seasonal allergies?

Any allergy that occurs in particular weather, we call that reaction of the body a seasonal allergy. It is also known as hay fever, spring allergy, summer allergy, or allergic rhinitis. When allergens come inside the body, our immune system reacts against them. It results in the development of symptoms that we see as allergic symptoms. 

Causes of seasonal allergies

Anything that can trigger an allergic response in the immune system are called allergens. Some examples of allergens are pollen from trees or grass, pollen grains, fungus, mould, and pet hairs. It is more common in summer or during the harvesting season. There is a high concentration of pollen in the air. During winter, it recedes. However, in a few patients, there may be an annual reaction or anytime during the year. If you have an allergy during a particular season. Then you are allergic to pollen which is found in that specific season. 

Common indications or symptoms

Some specific symptoms are prevalent during allergies, like sneezing, nose blockage, and running nose. Itchy eyes, red eyes, watery eyes, and irritation in the eyes, ears, and nose can also occur. Also, one may feel irritation in the throat. In addition, one may have post-nasal discharge. 

Rare symptoms

Less common symptoms include headache, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and dry cough. Few may develop asthma with allergic symptoms. However, in these cases, these allergens may trigger asthma attacks.

Why do allergies occur?

Sometimes our immune system identifies the airborne-harmless particles as dangerous elements. As a result, the body produces certain chemical elements and histamines against it in the blood. These chemical elements stimulate allergic symptoms inside the body. 

How to avoid an episode of allergic reaction?

First and foremost, one needs to reduce exposure to trigger agents. Like if you are allergic to a particular season then try to stay indoors at home and restrict outside hangouts. Use facemasks when you go outside. Avoid outdoor activities in the morning as the pollen count is maximum in the morning air. Close all the windows and doors at night. 

Do we need air filters ?

One can use a dehumidifier to dry up the air in the house. One can install HEPA filters. As much as possible, avoid gardening and furniture dusting. The second thing is to rinse their nasal cavity and sinuses. Saline Nasal irrigation is rapid, inexpensive. It is an effective method for nasal congestion. 

How to make nasal saline at home?

It is available in readymade formulations. One can easily procure them, and even you can make them at home. To make saline suspension at home, take 1 litre of water and add one and a half teaspoons of common salt and half teaspoon of baking soda and create a solution. You can use it and rinse your nasal cavity with this solution. 

Treatment for Seasonal Allergies

For its treatment, there are some available over-the-counter drugs like antihistamines and oral decongestants that one can take. They can help in reducing sneezing, nasal congestion, and discharge. One may also use corticosteroid nasal spray. 

Immunotherapy

Another prevalent modality of treatment that is gaining popularity these days is immunotherapy. It is a desensitisation therapy. In this, we introduce allergens in a minute quantity via injection. As a result, the immune response towards allergens slowly starts receding, and there is healing in symptoms. Apart from injections, they are also available in sub-lingual tablet forms. So one should identify seasonal allergic symptoms and take precautions so you’re healthy and symptom-free. Thank you.

0

0

Mucus in throat: Causes & Treatment

In this video, Dr. Sushmita Gupta, Consultant ENT at Apollo Clinic and CHD City Hospital Chandigarh discusses a very common problem: mucus in the throat. Mucus forms a mucosal lining in the nose, throat, sinus, and lungs. It lubricates the respiratory tract with moisture. Mucus also protects the lining by filtering harmful particles. 

What is Mucus in throat?

The mucus forms through the nose, and the sinus continuously drops into our throat. We call this condition post-nasal drip. And one unconsciously swallows it. Sometimes it is formed in excessive concentration leading to pooling in the throat. So one may develop a phlegm problem. As a result one needs to repeatedly clear their throats. Sometimes one may feel that something is stuck inside the throat.

Causes of mucus in throat

It can occur due to allergies or infection in the nose and sinuses. The second reason is acid reflux. By acid reflux, doctors mean that the acid in the stomach may come upwards to the throat. It might irritate and cause such problems. The third reason is lung infection, like bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD. These may occur as a side effect of a few medicines.

Is this normal?

Excess mucus production is a temporary process. It heals on its own. But in some cases, it may persist for longer. What can we do, or what medicines could help us? 

Treatment

If there is mucus in the throat repeatedly, one may take sips of water to clear mucus pooled in the throat. Also, one must prefer normal water. The second thing is the use of saline nasal irrigation. Over the counter, mucolytics syrups are available in the market that thin the mucus and help clear it by coughing it out. 

Home remedies

Gargling with salt water helps in clearing mucus. For humidifying, one can keep water in the bowl in one corner. Moisture will make the mucus thin, avoid its pooling in the nose. And hence, prevent its thickening. These humidifiers are available in the market for purchase. Apart from these, stay hydrated. One must take reasonable amounts of water in intervals and increase the concentration. Avoid sleeping flat, and try to level the head up. Avoid irritants like chemicals and fragrances that irritate your throat, and quit smoking. 

Symptoms that need doctor assistance

These are specific symptoms for which one must immediately consult the doctor. First, there is mucus formation repeatedly, or it is forming for a longer duration, like if it has been four weeks. The second is if the mucus concentration increases and is thickening. Third, there is a color change. Like if the color has changed to brownish or yellowish or greenish. If there is blood in the mucus followed by fever, pain in the chest, or difficult breath, you must consult the doctor and seek treatment.

 Don’t ignore them, as these may be warning signs of other underlying problems.

0

0

Earache(कान दर्द): Causes and Management

In this video, Dr. Sushmita Gupta, Consultant ENT at Apollo Clinic and CHD city Hospital, talks about earache: its common causes and how to manage it at home.

What is earache?

Ear ache is widespread. Often children suffer from earaches during cold or cough. There can be many reasons behind earache. We can divide the ear into outer, middle ear, and inner ear. Infection or inflammation in the outer or middle part of the ear may result in earaches. Apparently, earaches can occur due to tooth or gum infection, nose blockage. Water accumulation behind the eardrum, neck pain, impacted wax, or any injury or presence of the foreign body in the ear, may result in ear ache.

Why does my earache more during the night?

When we lie down, there is a blockage in the eustachian tube, or the ventilation tube. It reduces in the ventilation tube or is unable to drain properly. Also, if one has a cold, then it may result in blockage, building pressure, and thereby earache.

How to treat earache at home?

Painkillers are the best option for immediate relief. One can give paracetamol or ibuprofen to small children, if they are not allergic. Avoid straight lying down, and take steam. Besides, one may sip fluid like water or juices and milk.  It would help release the pressure and reduce the pain. Heat pads also are a good option to relieve ear pain. 

Why not use earbuds?

The most important thing is to avoid self medication and consult a doctor before opting for ear drops. Earbuds are a big no as rather than cleaning they put wax more inside. Doctor advise to take proper medication and reduce the complication.

Symptoms of earache

Let’s talk about those symptoms whose presence requires the doctor’s immediate attention.

Usually, we ignore ear aches thinking that they will heal. However, if the usage of medicine cannot control ear pain. And if there is fever with swelling in the ear or nearby areas, then it is a matter of concern. Adverse cases it may affect hearing ability, and lead to infection. 

Discharge from ear

Discharge from the ear is a common reason for earache. In particular, if the discharge is stinky or pink or there is blood, you should immediately seek your doctor. One requires proper treatment for both infection and inflammation. You will receive treatment depending on whether it’s a common cold or any other problem. Once we identify the root cause, the doctor will sort it, and one can be safe from its complications.

Water in the ear

Another prevalent problem is water in the ear. Often patients ask what we can do under this condition. Water may often go inside the ear during a bath or swimming. Usually, water drains on its own, but if it doesn’t, it might lead to fungal infection. 

How to manage water in the ear ?

One can tilt their head towards one side, and pull their ear outside, which will straighten out the ear canal, and water will come out. Do clean water with a towel or tissue. Avoid the use of earbuds. Earbuds may cause injury to ear skin or eardrums. If these aren’t helpful, then you must consult your doctor. They may use suction or dry mopping to remove water from the ears.

Can we use hydrogen peroxide for ear cleaning ?

Hydrogen peroxide helps in the removal of wax by relatively softening it. Therefore, doctors commonly use it in a very diluted form. However, its repeated use or high concentration may cause inflammation in the skin of the ear. As a result, it causes swelling or pain in the ear. Avoid the use of hydrogen peroxide without seeking a doctor’s advice. 

Bottom line:

We are available at Apollo clinic if you have any of these symptoms or are suffering from any ear-related problem for which you wish to have detailed knowledge. You can meet us or contact us. Till then, stay fit, stay happy. Keep your ear dry and clean.

0

0

Allergic Rhinitis(एलर्जिक राइनाइटिस)

Dr. Sushmita Gupta, Consulting ENT at Apollo Clinic Chandigarh, talks about allergic rhinitis in this video. In light of various nose infections, how difficult is it to handle nose allergies? Also, how can we cure it permanently? 

What is Rhinitis?

It is the inflammation of the nasal lining of the mucosa. Thereafter, resulting in watery dripping from the nose. It might irritate the nose resulting in blockage. 

Types of allergic rhinitis

It can be infectious, allergic, nonallergic, and non-infectious. It is widespread. In India alone, 20-30% of the population suffers from this condition. And there is a sudden urge for allergic-mediated problems. 

How do allergies affect it?

It is an atopic disease. It is Ig mediated type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to allergens. Allergens like pollen, hairs of animals or pets, fungus or mold, fumes, and gases cause these reactions. They come inside the airway tube with air and initiate a response. In particular, people have this problem seasonally.

Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment of  Seasonal allergies(Allergic rhinitis) 

Symptoms

Common symptoms of seasonal rhinitis are sneezing, running nose, and itchy eyes or nose. This condition may get chronic and last for an entire year. The most common symptom of nasal congestion is post-nasal drip. Also known as liquid discharge from nose to throat. 

Diagnosis

Allergic rhinitis is a clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, specific tests are available to determine the type of allergens causing the reaction.

Treatment

Doctors prescribe oral decongestants or antihistamines to treat seasonal allergies. Meanwhile, intranasal corticosteroid therapy can also be used. What is intranasal corticosteroid therapy ?

Intranasal corticosteroid therapy includes corticosteroids in the form of nasal spray. Besides, they are safe. Eventually, it also depends upon the patient’s symptomatic condition. Doctors prescribe nasal spray alone or in an antihistamine combination. In addition, they may prefer the saline nasal spray. It helps in clearing out or cleaning nasal secretions. Moreover, it helps in alleviating the symptoms early.

Can this be permanently cured? 

There is no permanent cure for allergic rhinitis. However, we can reduce the prolonged episode and symptoms by using medicines. Unquestionably, immunotherapy is beneficial for long-term relief.

Bottom line

If you have any of these symptoms, seek your ENT doctor’s advice because untreated allergic rhinitis can lead to sinusitis, asthma, or bronchitis.

0

0