Thursday, January 22, 2015

How to Deal with Common ENT Issues in Children

An ENT doctor can provide diagnosis and treatment options if you suspect that your child has an issue in their ears, nose, or throat. There are also a variety of home remedy methods for less severe problems. Sometimes, it feels like every time you turn around, your child is experiencing some kind of illness. Busy social activities, highly physical lifestyles, poor personal hygiene habits, and growing bodies that need more sleep are all reasons that your child might pick up viruses, get infections, or become injured. It is good to know the basics of common ENT issues and when to seek help.


Nosebleeds
Known medically as epistaxis, nosebleeds are fairly common in children. Generally they are not considered serious. Sometimes, dry or inflamed sinuses can cause irritated nasal tissue that bleeds. Parents can use humidifiers in the child’s bedroom and provide a number of topical medications during the day to help soothe the symptoms. Generally, nosebleeds can be treated by simply applying pressure on the soft part of the nose for a short period of time. If the nosebleed persists or is the result of a blow to the face during a rough play session, then seek the advice of an ENT doctor. There could be an strong underlying cause, injury to the nose structure, and possible brain trauma from a blow.

Earaches
Earaches are highly common and In most situations, are the result of some kind of internal infection. Sinus infections, allergies, bacterial infections, failure to properly dry ears, swollen adenoids, or infected tonsils are typically the culprits. Other causes of ear pain could be congenital abnormalities or injury due to a foreign object. Symptoms can all be similar, but treatment options vary, so it is important to always consult an ENT doctor. Plus, some issues may cause severe side effects or permanent damage if not addressed, and are usually painful. Doctors can prescribe medications or treatment options to relieve symptoms and cure the issue.

Sinus infections
Many children experience multiple sinus infections during their childhood. The sinus cavity becomes blocked, the mucus builds up, and bacteria finds a good place to replicate. This perfect storm of issues can result in uncomfortable symptoms, like a stuffy or runny nose, swelling of the face, post nasal drip, fever, headache, coughing, difficulty breathing. The infection needs to be treated by an ENT doctor, but is not typically a serious condition. In most cases, it might take a few weeks, but the issue clears with treatment.

Remember to check with your doctor before taking any treatment or medical remedy.

If you would like to learn more about an ENT doctor in Seguin, Tx, visit GRMC.

Is Surgery An Option for My Bunions?

Surgery for bunions might be avoidable for a period of time, but is often the best treatment option. Bunions develop because of uneven pressure and weight on the toe, and then the joint becomes misshapen, jutting out from the side of the foot. Often, the condition is a result of improper footwear, foot injuries, joint disease, or inherited foot problems. The bunion bump is sensitive to being irritated and is frequently a source of pain for the patient.


Pads and shoe inserts might be good options to help cushion and protect the sensitive tissue around the bunion. Medications can also be prescribed to help alleviate the inflammation, which could reduce the pain. Applying ice packs can also be a reliable way to reduce soreness after long periods of walking. However, none of these methods are generally considered reliable long-term treatment options.

Bunions might be manageable with home remedy treatments, but they never go away on their own. When left untreated, they can lead to other conditions, such as hammertoe, inflammation of the ball of the foot, or bursitis. Since the condition is progressive, they usually get worse with time. Surgery for bunions becomes the best option when the pain affects the quality of life. Some people find themselves unable to perform daily tasks and avoiding situations that require significant walking. If left untreated for too long, serious deformity of the foot could cause irreversible damage.

During surgery for bunions, the toe is realigned with the foot. Sometimes this requires removal of some bone, fusing bones together, or removing swollen soft tissue from around the bone. While surgery is the only way to remove a bunion, there is a risk that they can develop again. The best prevention is to keep in good touch with a food doctor and to follow all directions for proper footwear support.

Remember to check with your doctor before taking any treatment or medical remedy.

If you would like to learn more about surgery for bunions in the Seguin area, click here.