Dr Hilary Jones' Healthcare Guide - Essex, Kent & Sussex - (Page 62)
ENT PROCEDURES – EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
Problems in your ears, nose and throat can be resolved by seeing an ENT specialist
heads UP
OF SNORERS HAVE A FAMILIAL LINK – THIS MEANS IT’S HEREDITARY SINUSITIS
You are born with four pairs of sinuses which are connected to the nose through small openings called ostia. The nose and sinuses produce mucous secretions to rid the body of bacteria. WHAT CAUSES IT? Sinusitis is usually caused by blocked sinus openings. This can be the result of colds and upper respiratory tract infections leading to bacterial infections. Cigarette smoke, household chemicals and pesticides can also lead to swelling of the lining of the nose. TREATMENT Antibiotics are usually used to reduce the swelling of the nasal lining.
o you or anyone in your family suffer from sniffles, have earache, or have trouble swallowing? The chances are an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can help. Otorhinolaryngology (or ENT), is the branch of medicine that focuses on head and neck disorders. It can help patients with problems including allergies, hearing defects, breathing troubles, swallowing issues, snoring and sinus problems.
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WHAT CAUSES IT? Tonsillitis can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, and is spread by airborne droplets, hand contact or kissing. TREATMENT Paracetamol can ease pain and help reduce a temperature, while removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be necessary.
SNORING
This occurs in both adults and children when the soft tissue at the back of the mouth, nose or throat vibrates when you breathe in and out. WHAT CAUSES IT? In adults, being overweight, drinking alcohol or smoking. In children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are a common cause. TREATMENT Nasal devices such as strips can help adults if the snoring is coming mainly from your nose, while oral products such as a vestibular shield (similar to a boxer’s gum shield) may help if it mainly comes from your mouth.
SLEEP APNOEA
WHAT CAUSES IT? Being overweight is a major risk factor because excessive body fat increases the bulk of soft tissue in the neck, which can place a strain on the throat muscles. OSA is also more common in men over 40. TREATMENT Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, stopping smoking and cutting down on alcohol can help. You may require breathing apparatus (a mask over the nose) when asleep.
TONSILLITIS
Situated on either side of the throat, the tonsils contain cells to trap and kill bacteria and viruses entering the body. Tonsillitis is a swelling of the tonsils, causing pain and difficulty swallowing, temperature, headache and voice loss.
Products such as nasal strips can help you breathe easier
062 Dr Hilary Jones’ Healthcare guide – Essex, Kent and Sussex
WORDS: Holly Quayle, Lynne Maxwell|PHOTOGRAPHS: Getty Images
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep. The muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse sufficiently to cause a total blockage of the airway; it is called an apnoea when the airflow is blocked for 10 seconds or more. If the airflow reduction is greater than 50% for 10 seconds or more, it is hypopnoea.
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dr Hilary Jones' Healthcare Guide - Essex, Kent & Sussex
editor’s letter
A healthy hello from Dr Hilary
NEWS and views
the big interview
Question time
A weighty issue
fitness for free
Top nosh
DR HILARY ’S WELCOME
Make the right decision
choosing the best
breast cancer
Cardiology
Colorectal
cosmetic surgery
dentistry
dermatology
Ear, nose and throat
fertility
gastroenterology
haematology
neurosurgery
obesity
obstetrics and gynaecology
ophthalmology
oral surgery
orthodontics
orthopaedics
psychiatry
rheumatology
urology
vascular
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