Dr. Prashanth R Reddy, ENT, Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgeon Many people in India often suffer from chronic headaches, neck, and shoulder pains without knowing that these problems could actually stem from issues in their nasal passages. These discomforts usually happen because important nerves in the nasal area, like the anterior ethmoidal nerve and the sphenopalatine ganglion, get pressed on. The anterior ethmoidal nerve is crucial because it gives feeling to parts of the nose and the sinus (a hollow space in the bones around the nose). When there are common structural issues like a bent septum, large turbinates (tiny structures within the nose cleanse and moisten the air as it travels through the nostrils into the lungs), or nasal polyps, they can squash this nerve, causing pain that spreads to the head, neck, and shoulders. Figuring out and treating this can be tough. The sphenopalatine ganglion is another important part near the nose that helps manage different head and facial pains. But if there’s pressure or irritation because of nasal problems, it can cause a lot of ongoing discomfort. Blocked nasal passages can really mess up the sleep. When one can’t breathe properly, one will get disrupted sleep, making them feel tired during the day and less productive. Constantly blocked noses often lead to snoring and can even cause serious sleep issues like obstructive sleep apnea, which will end up hurting the heart health. When the nose is blocked, we often end up breathing through the mouth, which is not recommended. This means the body is not getting enough oxygen, and the body might start using up energy differently, leading to muscle cramps and constant pain. Plus, not breathing correctly can make other health problems worse. Low oxygen levels can disturb your thinking, mood, and overall health, making life harder. The ongoing stress from dealing with constant pain and tiredness also makes a person more likely to get sick, showing how important nasal health is for your overall well-being. It’s important for people dealing with persistent head, neck, or shoulder pain, as well as ongoing breathing or sleep problems, to get checked out by an ENT specialist. Getting a quick and accurate diagnosis is essential for effectively handling these complex issues and getting back to a better quality of life. They can take a close look to find out exactly what’s causing the symptoms. Once they know, they can come up with a plan to treat the underlying nasal issues and ease the symptoms. Treatment could mean taking medicine to reduce swelling and clear out your nose, having surgery to fix structural problems, or trying therapies to relieve nerve pressure and make your nose work better. Fixing these issues can make a big difference, leading to better sleep, less pain, and a happier, more active life.
ENT Specialist in Jayangar
ENT Specialist in Jayanagar: Expert Care for Your Ear, Nose, and Throat Health If you’re experiencing issues related to your ear, nose, or throat, finding a reliable ENT specialist becomes crucial for your overall well-being. In Jayanagar, one name stands out for exceptional expertise and compassionate care: Dr. Prashanth R Reddy. With a commitment to delivering top-notch medical assistance and personalized treatments, Dr. Reddy has become a trusted figure in the field of Otolaryngology. In this article, we delve into the world of ENT care, exploring the significance of specialized treatment and why Dr. Prashanth R Reddy should be your go-to specialist. 1. Understanding the Role of an ENT Specialist An Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, commonly referred to as an ENT specialist, is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide array of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures. From common issues like sinus infections and hearing loss to more complex problems such as sleep apnea and vocal cord disorders, an ENT specialist is equipped to address an extensive range of health concerns. 2. The Expertise of Dr. Prashanth R Reddy Dr. Prashanth R Reddy is a distinguished ENT specialist known for his exceptional skills and dedication to patient care. With years of experience under his belt, Dr. Reddy has gained a reputation for providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, all while prioritizing patient comfort and well-being. His comprehensive approach to medical issues ensures that patients receive tailored solutions that align with their individual needs. 3. Services Offered Under the expertise of Dr. Reddy, a wide spectrum of ENT services is offered. These include: 3.1. Diagnostic Procedures Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment. Dr. Reddy employs state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques to identify the root cause of your symptoms. From hearing tests and endoscopic examinations to allergy assessments, his clinic is equipped with modern technology to provide precise evaluations. 3.2. Medical and Surgical Interventions Whether your condition requires medical management or surgical intervention, Dr. Reddy offers comprehensive solutions. He specializes in procedures ranging from tonsillectomies and septoplasties to more advanced surgeries addressing complex issues. 4. Why Choose Dr. Prashanth R Reddy Choosing the right ENT specialist can significantly impact your treatment outcomes. Here’s why Dr. Reddy should be your top choice: 5. The Importance of ENT Care Your ear, nose, and throat health play a pivotal role in your overall quality of life. Issues in these areas can lead to discomfort, pain, and even more severe complications if left untreated. Seeking specialized care from an ENT specialist ensures that you receive the right interventions to maintain optimal health and well-being. 6. Conclusion In the realm of ENT care, Dr. Prashanth R Reddy shines as a beacon of expertise and compassion. His commitment to patient welfare, coupled with his exceptional medical skills, makes him the go-to ENT specialist in Jayanagar and beyond. If you’re seeking personalized, effective, and compassionate care for your ear, nose, or throat concerns, look no further than Dr. Reddy’s practice.
FAQ’s on Ear Surgeries
FAQ’s on Ear Surgeries An ear disease can manifest in a variety of ways like ear discharge, earache, reduced hearing, facial asymmetry, ear bleeding among others. Ear diseases refractory to medications would be cleared by surgery of the ear. Since the ear is a sensitive organ and the anatomy is intricate, the surgery is done using either a microscope or an endoscope, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Some ear surgeries are done through the ear canal and some require an incision behind the ear on the natural crease line to minimize the post-operative scar. Depending on the type of surgery required the surgeon usually takes a call on the endoscopic or microscopic surgery, if microscopic, whether to be done through the ear canal or if it requires an incision from behind the ear. As with any surgery, the patient undergoing it runs a modest of risks including bleeding, pain and risk of infection. Before the surgery Here are a few things to the patient can do before the surgery so things run smoothly: Prior to having my ears operated on, should I have a hearing test and a scan? ● A pure tone audiometry (hearing assessment) is required before the surgery to assess the degree of hearing loss and the type of hearing loss. ● A High Resolution scan of the Ear may be required by the surgeon to assess the extent of the disease inside the ear and mastoid region. What is the importance of Nose and throat examination before ear surgeries ? ● A full assessment of the Ear, Nose and Throat is mandatory. ● Endoscopic examination of the nose becomes important as it is the main organ of ventilation of the ear through the Eustachian tube which is at the back end of Nose. What can patients do to prepare for ear surgeries? ● Inform the doctor about any medical condition(s) or medication(s) that the patient is on and ask whether it has to be taken on the morning of the surgery. ● Stop smoking if the patient is a smoker at least 3 weeks prior to surgery. ● Arrange for an attendee for the duration of the hospitalization. ● Make sure insurance clearance has been done before admitting the patient to the hospital and if there is any query raised by the insurance company, kindly Whatsapp us the same to us at 8217884802. ● If you have been planning for a day-care surgery (admission and discharge on the same day) kindly get admitted before 6 am or as discussed by your doctor and carry all the reports and scan films along. During the surgery Patients are not allowed to eat or drink anything from midnight before the day of surgery. If any medications are advised by the doctor, it has to be taken with a few sips of water. Will I be awake during the procedure? Ear being an organ of intricate anatomy and organ of hearing, simple ear surgeries may last for about 1.5 to 2 hrs, more complex ear surgeries may take longer time. Most ear surgeries are usually done under general anesthesia (the patient will not be conscious during the procedure) to aid comfort to the patient and operating surgeon. After the Surgery After the procedure, will there be a dressing? ● Mastoid dressing will remain for 5 days after the operation and will be changed to box / tegaderm dressing on first follow-up ● Box / Tegaderm dressing shall remain for 10 days after being put and will be removed on second follow-up ● Both dressings should be maintained clean and water should not come in contact with both dressings How to apply ear drops after removal of dressing ? ● After the box / tegaderm dressing is removed, NEOSPORIN H ear drops will be started. ● NEOSPORIN H EAR DROPS to be used 4 drops thrice daily in case of intact canal procedures and 6 drops thrice daily in case of canal wall down procedures ● 3 bottles of ear drops for intact canal wall and 4 bottles for canal wall down procedures to be used after which the patient shall come for follow-up ● During the use of ear drops, water should not enter the ear while bathing / washing face etc. for which cotton balls soaked in coconut oil to be squeezed dry and placed in the ear during them. General precautions ● Avoid bending forwards ● Avoid lifting heavy weights ● Avoid vigorous cough or straining while passing stools, report to the hospital / surgeon in such case ● Sneeze with mouth open at all times ● Avoid sleeping on the operated side ● Head bath should be avoided for 3 weeks after surgery ● In case of any respiratory condition of the patient requiring use of inhalers / rotacaps, patient shall switch over to nebulizers after consulting with pulmonologist ● All medications should be used at the prescribed manner by the patient without fail ● In case of any emergency, patient should report to hospital emergency – Dr. Prashanth R Reddy “E.N.T. health – ENTry for better senses”. Previous Blog
Bad Breath (HALITOSIS)
Bad Breath (HALITOSIS) Halitosis, in its common term, means bad odor from the mouth or simply bad breath. It can be due to various factors Halitosis/bad breath can have oral (mouth) or non-oral (systemic) causes. Food substances that are volatile like onion, garlic, spices and tobacco chewing and smoking can also cause bad breath The major reasons for halitosis 1. Chronic sinusitis 2. Tonsillitis and tonsilolith (stone in tonsillar crypts) 3. obstructive sleep apnea / snoring 4. Gastrointestinal problems( LPRD) 5. Pharyngeal pouches 6. Poor dental hygiene/ food impaction 7. Dental caries 8. Periodontitis( gum infections) 9. Coated tongue 10. Dry mouth( Xerostomia) 11. Cancers of upper aerodigestive area 12. Liver disorders, uncontrolled Diabetes 13. Drugs – like disulfuram, amphetamines Chronic sinusitis will cause post-nasal drip and biofilm growth in the nose and throat, which will result in bad breath. Similar to chronic tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis causes biofilms, stagnation of saliva, and foul breath. When you have gastrointestinal discomfort, the back of your throat becomes inflamed, which causes bad breath. How to test for halitosis You need to visit an ENT doctor to rule out tonsillitis and sinusitis , which are the most common causes of bad breath. A doctor may suggest an endoscopic examination for detailed assessment in case of Reflux disorders (LPRD) Treatment of bad breath Correcting the cause for bad breath resolves the issue most of the time. In addition to medical management of gastric disorders (LPRD), surgical clearance of sinusitis and removal of infected tonsils can lessen bad breath. 1. Treatment for LPRD 2. Clearance of sinusitis 2. Clearance of sinusitis 4. Maintain proper oral hygiene 5. Use mouth rinsers 6. Tooth brushing and interdental flossing 7. Periodic Dental check up 8. Maintain good water balance. Additionally, bad breath might be a covert indicator of cancer and pharyngeal pouches. If you have persistent bad breath, make an early appointment with the doctor – Dr. Prashanth R Reddy “E.N.T. health – ENTry for better senses”. Previous Blog
Biofilms In Ear infections
Biofilms In Ear infections A biofilm is a thin layer of microbial slime and proteins adhering to a surface. Biofilm forms when bacterial cells adhere to a surface and produce a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), a sticky, glue-like material. The bacteria remain embedded within the EPS, which protects them Bacteria and fungi are present naturally in the air and water. This can attach to damp surfaces and multiply to form a visible black slime or stain in various colors – black, red, and pink. These growths are known as biofilms or microbial slime.This is most noticeable in bathrooms and kitchens What are the stages of biofilm formation? There are five stages of biofilm development. They are: ● Initial attachment. ● Irreversible attachment. ● Maturation I. ● Maturation II. ● Dispersion. The biofilm infection life cycle generally follows the steps of attachment (interaction between bacteria and the implant), accumulation (interactions between bacterial cells), maturation (formation of a viable 3D structure), and dispersion or detachment (release from the biofilm). Why is biofilm so dangerous? Inside biofilms, bacteria can communicate, live, feed, and grow. Bacteria are typically 200 times harder to kill with antibiotics or disinfectants inside a biofilm. While they are alive, they remain a threat to patients. The bacteria will continue to grow until the biofilm is disturbed or the released bacteria are transferred to other surfaces by hands, gloves, cleaning cloths, or other materials. Only highly effective systems and products can assist with the removal of biofilms and kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. Biofilms and health hazards One common example of biofilms in the human body is the dental plague. They form a yellow coating on your teeth and cannot be easily removed. Biofilms and ear infections – Studies have shown biofilm formation in a chronic middle ear infection and in the mastoid. These biofilms are difficult to treat and contribute to recurrent ear infections. Similar implants used in the ear like grommets, ossicular prostheses, and cochlear implants have also shown biofilm formation How to treat BIofilms in the ear? The treatment of biofilms is tricky. As antibiotics are less effective here, mechanical removal of the slime/plaque is important. Similar to this, tympanoplasty ( ear surgery to close the perforation ) is done to remove the biofilms and enhance healing thereby preventing recurrent infections – Dr. Prashanth R Reddy “E.N.T. health – ENTry for better senses”. Previous Blog
Complications of snoring
Complications of Snoring Snoring is not a disease but could be a manifestation of an underlying condition. It is a trigger. During the day, the muscles of the neck keep the airway wide and help air pass through the nose and throat smoothly. Meanwhile, during sleep, neck muscles loosen and collapse into this airway, narrowing it and causing airflow turbulence. The suction current created by the rapid airflow vibrates and stretches the uvula and soft palate. Due to the negative pressure pulling the tongue back and blocking the airway, this force causes snoring and sleep apnea. In the event of any obstruction to nasal airflow, we tend to open our mouths and breathe, which further pulls the tongue back and aggravates snoring. Mouth breathing also dehydrates the tongue, which results in increased blood supply to tongue and progressive tongue enlargement, increasing the chance of sleep apnea. Complications of Snoring and Mouth Breathing Obesity is acknowledged as a significant OSA risk factor. It’s unclear exactly how obesity and OSA are related, but there are certainly other factors involved. Body fat distribution, neck soft tissue mass, parapharyngeal and lingual adipose deposition, and BMI are all relevant factors. Any weight gain is not always entirely made up of fat, and it may be more crucial to have more soft tissue mass around the airway. This will lead to an excessive amount of stress on the chest and heart and the release of stress hormones in the body. The stress hormones manifest themselves in various ways, such as 1. Poor sugar level control in Diabetic patients 2. Raised blood pressure in previously non hypertensive patients 3. Coronary heart disease and stroke 4. Hypoxemic injuries for vital organs – Sudden drop in oxygen supply will lead to hypoxia and initiate free radical reaction in the blood vessels of vital organs like heart and liver 5. Metabolic syndrome- A higher risk of heart disease is associated with this ailment, which includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, excessive blood sugar, and an enlarged waist circumference. 6. Fatigue – Due to inadequate oxygen supply and altered sleep pattern, you may feel fatigued and increased daytime sleepiness 7. Depression – due to inadequate oxygen supply to brain
Ear Wax
Ear wax A quick guide for understanding ear wax related problems. First, let us try to understand what earwax is. Ear wax is a substance that is produced in your ear canal by ceruminous glands in the external ear canal. It helps prevent some dust and small particles from entering the ear and damaging or disrupting the eardrum. Everyone produces ear wax, although some produce more than others, and it is determined genetically. Important note: Ear wax dries up and its self-cleaning, secondary to the vibration of the ear canal due to the movement of the jaw joint that’s in front of the ear. But for some people, they experience an earwax buildup of earwax impaction. Your ENT doctor can see if you have an earwax blockage by looking in your ear. Your doctor uses an endoscope that lights up and magnifies your ear to examine it well. Symptoms of earwax build-up: Here are a few symptoms of earwax build-up: ▪ You may experience hearing loss ▪ Ear pain or blocked feeling in the ears. ▪ Buzzing or ringing in your ears (tinnitus) ▪ Vertigo – feeling dizzy and unable to balance Ways to treat earwax build-up at home and keep your ears squeaky clean: Avoid using your fingers or any objects like cotton buds, keys, or safety pins to remove earwax. This will push it deeper and make it worse. There are certain drops that you can buy over the counter that can help soften the ear. Apply 2 to 3 drops of medical grade olive or almond oil in your ear 3 to 4 times a day. You can try this for 3 to 5 days. Note: Do not use drops if you have a hole in your eardrum or a perforated eardrum. Remember, there is no evidence that ear candles get rid of earwax. When should I see my ENT doctor, and what are the red flags? If, for whatever reason, you feel that the home remedies have failed, you can visit your ENT doctor. Your doctor will be able to recommend medicines to dissolve the earwax. Also, you may need to visit your health care provider once or twice a year for regular cleaning. Visit your ENT doctor when conditions such as discomfort in your ears or issues with your hearing persist for a long time, ear pain, a blocked feeling in your ear, ringing or buzzing in your ears, or when you experience vertigo related problems – spinning sensations, loss of balance, an inability to walk, persistent vomiting, or a high fever. Treatment for ear wax impaction:: Treatment of an earwax impaction depends on the severity of your earwax problem; quality and consistency of the earwax that is built up. If your ear wax looks hard or dried up, your ENT doctor may use a small drop of an oil solution inside your ear canal. This will help to soften the earwax before they try to remove it. Your ENT doctor can remove excess wax by using a small, curved tool called a curet or by using suction techniques under endoscopic vision. Medicated ear drops may also be recommended to help soften the wax, such as carbamide peroxide. Since these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal, use them only as directed by your ENT doctor. – Dr. Prashanth R Reddy “E.N.T health – ENTry for better senses”. Previous BlogNext Blog
I Hear Ringing in My Ear – FAQ
I hear ringing in my ear – FAQ Ringing in the ears is called tinnitus. This sensation is not caused by an external sound and hence cannot be heard by others. You may have the sensation of hearing buzzing, hissing, chirping, whistling, ringing, or other sounds that could be intermittent or continuous. The loudness of tinnitus may vary. It is often worse when the background noise is low; hence, you may hear this more at night when you are making an effort to fall asleep. It affects about 15% to 20% of people and is especially common in older adults. It’s a signal to listen to your body. Why do I have tinnitus? The major cause of tinnitus is damaged hair cells in the inner ear. It could be due 1. Old age- As age advances, the hair cell are more prone to oxidative damages 2. Exposure to loud sound for a longer time- May be occupation related, can lead to hair cell damage 3. Ménière’s disease- Inner ear disease associated with balance disorders 4. Ear infections / accumulated wax 5. Brain tumors 6. Hormonal changes in women 7. Thyroid abnormalities 8. Medications- NSAID , diuretics, antidepressants etc 9. Acid reflux 10. Jaw disorders – Like TMJ arthritis/tenderness Important note Tinnitus may also be associated with hearing loss. Patients who were infected with Covid 19 also present with sudden hearing loss and tinnitus Treatment for tinnitus The doctor may conduct a detailed physical examination of the ENT region, especially the ear and nose endoscopically. Inform the doctor about the medications that you take. A detailed audiogram (hearing test) will also be taken for assessing the hearing status of the patient. To rule out structural damage to the inner ear The doctor may suggest you MRI of the brain and inner ear. Treatment depends on the cause of tinnitus. Any correctable causes/ underlying medical conditions will be evaluated and managed first. Depending on the severity and time of onset, your ENT doctor may recommend: ⮚ Medications ⮚ Injections into the ear ⮚ Hearing aids. ⮚ Counseling. ⮚ Wearable sound generators ⮚ Acoustic neural simulation. ⮚ Tabletop sound generators ⮚ Cochlear implants. Hearing aids and sound generators create a band of noise that helps to cancel out the ringing sensation in the ear. Hearing soft music at night may help with sleeping. Tinnitus Retraining therapy To get rid of tinnitus, we must train our brain to become accustomed to this signal. This requires time and effort from the patient to get used to it and ignore the tinnitus sound. Cognitive therapy and Relaxation techniques will also help you with the same How to prevent Tinnitus? 1. Avoid exposure to loud sounds. 2. Wear Earplugs at the workplace in case of loud noise 3. Reduce the volume if you’re listening to music; avoid loud music. 4. Avoid self medications 5. Avoid too much alcohol, caffeine, smoking ( Nicotine) Previous BlogNext Blog
Why is my Ear Blocked? – FAQ
Why is my ear blocked? – FAQ So, why is my ear blocked? You have clogged or muffled sensations in the ear due to a block in the ear canal, like wax, a foreign body, or sometimes jaw problems. Another major cause of ear block sensation is fluid collection inside the ear impairing the hearing mechanism Wax or foreign body has to be removed under medical endoscopic supervision. Avoid probing your ear with earbuds. This could injure the eardrum directly or push the wax deeper into the canal. Hearing impairment as a part of aging or due to nerve damage can also manifest as an ear block. How does fluid collect inside the ear? The main reasons for fluid accumulation are an active ear infection, a sudden change in pressure, or a dysfunctional eustachian tube. 1. Otitis Media A clogged ear, also known as Otitis Media, is an ear infection that occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear and a virus or bacteria starts to multiply in the fluid. It could be a part of the common cold or cause nasal allergies too. In infants and toddlers, faulty breastfeeding techniques can also cause this. Note: This is not a serious condition, but it is still difficult and uncomfortable to live with, and this can undoubtedly make everyday life feel hard. You may also end up with a Swimmer’s Ear which is a condition that results from water being trapped in the ear. Also, it is good to be sure that you aren’t missing something more serious than just a little fluid or wax in the ear. 2. Otitic barotrauma. Ear Block after a flight journey is called Otitic barotrauma. You may end up with a cold when you fly or dive, which prevents adequate equalization of pressure in the middle ear. Sometimes your middle ear and the back of your nose get blocked. You may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears. This causes ear pain, dizziness, and muffled hearing. There are times when the swelling from the cold subsides, and the blockage usually resolves itself. 3. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) The Eustachian tube is a small canal that runs from either ear (from the middle ear) to the back of the nose and upper throat. For the most part, the Eustachian Tubes remain closed, but they will open as a person chews, yawns, or swallows and equalize the pressure inside the ear. Another function of the eustachian tubes is to drain built-up mucus into your nose or throat. Please note: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can trigger physical blockage, swelling-induced blockage, and a ruptured eardrum. Remedies to unblock your clogged ears: ✔ In case your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning, or chewing sugar-free gum to open your Eustachian tubes. ✔ Take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded. ✔ Quit smoking today, as smoking causes ciliary movement dysfunction leading to mucous non clearance ✔ A warm compress can help reduce the pain caused by clogged ears. ✔ Gargling with water (with/without salt) may help prevent upper respiratory infections. It can also help ease the symptoms of nasal congestion and clogged ears associated with a cold or flu. ✔ Cooking vinegar contains acetic acid, which can heal chronic ear infections. Other ways to clear plugged ears: ✔ Nasal decongestants which should be used only for a few days ✔ Topical nasal steroids, especially in people with allergies (as recommended by your ENT doctor) ✔ Ventilation tubes, in severe cases, drain fluid and relieve pressure Important tip: If the blockage does not clear, this could mean that there is dysfunction in the eustachian tube, which could cause further complications and lead to infection if not treated. If your symptoms are severe or last more than two weeks, visit your ENT doctor immediately. Adjust your lifestyle habits and remember to follow your doctor’s instructions to lead a healthy life. – Dr. Prashanth R Reddy “E.N.T. health – ENTry for better senses”. Previous Blog
Ear Pain
Ear pain A quick guide for understanding ear pain Ear pain is medically known as otalgia. Ear pain may arise from any complaints in the ear or can secondarily be due to other conditions(Referred otalgia) The direct causes of ear pain can be 1. Injury or laceration of the pinna 2. Infection of the cartilage of the pinna( Perichondritis) 3. Injury to the external ear canal(otitis externa) 4. Infection to the middle ear ( Otitis media) 5. Impacted wax 6. Otic barotrauma ( injury due to pressure changes ) 7. Infection in the temporal bone( Mastoiditis) 8. Tumors of the ear The secondary causes ( Referred otalgia ) 1. Dental caries and impacted molar teeth 2. Jaw disorders and jaw joint arthritis 3. Elongated styloid bone ( styalgia) 4. Tonsillitis 5. Pharyngeal infection /tumors 6. Herpes zoster infection Ear pain due to mastoiditis ( Infection of ear bone) Mastoiditis is a bacterial infection that affects the mastoid bone behind and under the ear. It is common in children. Most people recover quickly with no complications as long as the condition is diagnosed and treated quickly. Ear infections, and particularly middle ear infections, are the most common cause of mastoiditis. The bacteria responsible could spread without effective treatment. This may happen if a person stops the course of treatment before it is complete or if the bacteria are resistant to the prescribed antibiotics. An abnormal growth of skin cells in the middle ear, called a cholesteatoma, can also cause a blockage that allows bacteria to multiply and leads to mastoiditis. Consultation Hours : Note: This condition is rare and can be life threatening without proper treatment. Symptoms of Mastoiditis include: ▪ Throbbing or burning pain in or around the ear ▪ Pus or other fluids coming from the ear ▪ Fever or chills ▪ Swelling behind or under the ear ▪ Redness behind the ear ▪ Bad smell coming from the ear ▪ Ear appearing to stick out more or be pushed forward ▪ Difficulty hearing ▪ Ringing in the ears ▪ Mood changes ▪ Pulling on their ears (especially in children) Please note:If these treatments do not work, your ENT doctor may recommend surgery to prevent further complications. What are the triggers for ear pain? Using earbuds, probing the ear, Acute ear infections and untreated tooth infections are the primary triggers for exaggerated ear pain Treatment for ear pain: Treatment of ear pain depends on the causative factor. Visit your ENT doctor to identify the cause and start the treatment Ear infections often clear up on their own. Treatment may begin with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Usually, antibiotics (orally and topically) are used to clear the infection. Consultation Hours : Home remedies at the time of pain are ✔ An ice pack or warm compress Soak a washcloth in either ice water or warm water, wring it out, and then put it over the ear that’s bothering you. ✔ A heating pad: Lay your painful ear on a warm, not hot, heating pad. How can an ENT doctor help you? ENT doctors deal with the senses that help you work very efficiently. Earlier screening and detection of ENT disorders can help you avoid permanent health issues. Visit your ENT doctor if you have signs of possible problems such as redness of the ear canal, swelling of your outer ear, fever, ear pain, blockage of your ear canal, draining fluids and discharge of pus, severe pain that might radiate to your face, neck, or side of your head, and swelling in the lymph nodes in your neck. If an earache is accompanied by dizziness, a serious headache, swelling around the ear, or a dropping of the facial muscles on one side of the face, then it may be time to seek medical treatment. A persistent fever of 104ºF (40 ºC) or higher in children is a clear sign that medical attention is necessary. An ENT doctor can also help with the assessment of your hearing status and provide advice regarding the methods of prevention and treatment of hearing loss. – Dr. Prashanth R Reddy “E.N.T health – Entry for better senses”. Consultation Hours : Previous BlogNext Blog
