Dizziness, vertigo and balance issues are common symptoms and most of us may have experienced momentary symptoms. It is a sensation of feeling a movement even after the movement has stopped. For example the sensation we feel when we get off a merry-go-round or feeling butterflies in the stomach when we are on a roller coaster ride. Imagine if these symptoms are constant and start affecting our day to day activities. Even a simple task of walking can be bothersome as we may feel like our body is drifted and we cannot balance properly. We may feel a severe spinning sensation when we change position from lying down to sitting or rolling over in bed. It can also cause fear, anxiety and make us limit our movements and activities. These may cause more complications such as neck pain, headaches, body pains and depression. It is therefore very important to find out the root cause of vertigo and treat it immediately.

Dizziness is a sensation of light-headedness or unsteadiness. It can be caused heart disease, brain related causes like stroke, prolong illness, psychological issues, side effect of certain medications, blood pressure fluctuations and many other conditions. Neck stiffness, pain and weakness can also cause dizziness called Cervicogenic dizziness or Cervical Vertigo.
Vertigo is a spinning sensation or a feeling of motion when we are not moving. Its a common symptom in inner ear disorders. Some of the conditions that cause vertigo are: BPPV or Positional Vertigo, Meniere's, Labrynthitis, Vestibular Migraines, Vestibular neuritis, mal de barquement syndrome, perilymph fistula, toxicity of ears due to certain antibiotics, acoustic neuroma etc.
Balance problems or Disequilibrium means unsteadiness, imbalance or loss of equilibrium. It can occur as a primary symptom or with vertigo and dizziness.
You need to consult a Vestibular Therapist or Vertigo specialist who can diagnose your problem correctly. If you have Positional Vertigo known as BPPV then specific tests and manevers can help cure it completely. If there is inner ear disease such as Menieres disease, ear infections, labrynthitis or vestibular neuritis then proper medications prescribed by ENT specilialist and Vestibular Therapy can help you get rid of vertigo. In case the symptoms are related to Central nervous system (Brain) then promt treatment from Neurologist and Vestibular Therapist can help decrease vertigo and improve daily activities. If the symptoms are related to the neck called Cervical Vertigo or Cervicogenic Dizzienss then proper treatment of neck by a Vestibular Physiotherapist can help. Also making sure the posture is good when working on computer/laptops for prolong periods can prevent strain and reduce dizziness related to neck and back muscle tightness.

Vertigo & Dizziness - How You Can Get Rid Of It With Physiotherapy?

Throat cancer is a broad term used to cover cancer across a number of organs in the oronasal passage   right from the nasopharynx, oropharynx, glottis, epiglottis to supraglottis. Minus the medical terms, it means anywhere from the back of the nose and throat to the where the neck ends. The mucous cells along this path can undergo changes and begin multiplying rapidly, leading to cancer. The following are some additional risk factors:

Cigarette smoking
Tobacco abuse
History of human papilloma virus (HPV)
Alcohol abuse
Poor dental hygiene
Family history
Cigarette smoking is the most important of all, and a person can significantly reduce the risk by cutting down smoking. The throat has different types of linings and gland tissue, and depending on the cell type affected, the type of cancer could vary.

Symptoms: Throat cancer diagnosis can get delayed as the symptoms are very similar to a throat infection.

Sore throat: A sore throat that lasts for weeks together is often a cause for concern and requires ruling out underlying serious problem. Having associated risk factors is a good way to see if ruling out cancer is needed.
Cough: A cough that does not go away is a cause for concern. This is often associated with other symptoms mentioned here.
Voice change: Usually hoarseness of the voice, which is painless and not accompanied by a throat infection, is an indication of throat cancer.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing: Depending on where the cancer is located, there could be problems in either free breathing or swallowing. The developing mass gets in the way of free air and/or food movement.
Lumpy feeling in the throat: If the developing mass is along the length of the throat, then there could be a lumpy feeling, as if something is caught in the throat and not going down.
Bleeding: There could be bleeding either through the nose or the mouth, depending on the place of the cancer. Again, this is one of the late symptoms and not seen in the beginning.
Unexplained weight loss: As with any cancer, throat cancer also leads to unexplained weight loss.
Depending on the area affected, the symptoms can point to the location. For instance, voice changes are often associated with laryngeal cancer. A combination of risk factor assessment and symptoms will help in pinning down the diagnosis. Reach out to the doctor as soon as you notice something is wrong, as early diagnosis is very good for timely intervention and improving prognosis.

Throat cancer - Symptoms to watch for!

Do you have a habit of secretly picking your nose? This is a very common bad habit, which many people carry out, in spite of it being a habit which is frowned upon. There is a certain amusement that people seem to enjoy about picking the nose. However, on top of being a very unhealthy and unhygienic habit, it is harmful for the body as well. 


Why should you stop picking your nose?
Picking your nose is quite dangerous for your body. Your fingers contain many harmful germs, which are transmitted into your nostrils when you are digging into your nose. A specific germ known as Staphylococcus aureus can live in the front part of your nose. Combining the habit of nose picking along with the germs, may lead to the development of abrasions. These abrasions can bleed and promote more germs. As a result, the crust and irritation increase the more you keep on picking your nose. Based on where you are and what you have touched with your hands, some seriously dangerous germs may enter your body, causing health hazards and complications. 


Children are notorious by nature and it is very common among children to pick their nose resulting in nose bleeding. The blood supply to the nose is quite vigorous in nature and there are five arteries that reach to the front part of the nose or Kisselbach s plexus. When an abrasion takes place, there are chances of severe bleedings, due to damage to these fragile arteries. 


Other reasons
Picking your nose may lead to the development of pimples in the nose hair follicles.
In case a small pimple in the nose develops into a boil, the infection may travel to the brain through your bloodstream.
In case you are suffering from cold and your sinus is blocked, picking your nose may lead to the development of sinusitis. This happens because of the introduction of various bacteria present beneath your fingernails into the nose. They may proceed to the sinus cavity from your nose. Due to insufficient drainage, the bacteria will multiply and cause a sinus infection.
Picking your nose on a regular basis makes your nose a breeding group of dangerous germs. If you do not wash your hands after picking your nose, these germs may be transmitted to others. 


If you feel some irritation in your nose or feel a constant stuffiness, you should use a tissue paper to soothe your nostrils. Avoid using your fingers for picking and if the irritation lasts even after cleaning it, you should consult a doctor. 

Picking Your Nose Secretly - Can It Be Harmful for Your Body?

Sinusitis is an irritation or swelling of the tissue covering the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are loaded with air. But there are times when they get blocked and loaded with fluid. In such cases, germs can develop and cause an infection. Due to this infection, your nose gets heavily blocked along with you sinuses and might make it difficult for you to breathe.
Conditions that can bring about sinus blockage include the following:
Common cold
Allergic rhinitis (swelling of the lining around the nose)
Little developments or growths in the covering of the nose called nasal polyps
A deviated septum (a shift in the nasal cavity)
Here are some of the ways you can get rid of sinusitis naturally:
Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water, soup or broth, along with juices with no added sugar and hot tea. These liquids will disperse bodily fluids and drain it from the disturbed sinuses.
Salt Water Rinse: In case you suffer from sinus infections often, invest in a neti pot. This helpful container makes it simple to hydrate your nasal tract, getting out undesirable bodily fluids and any contaminants you may have breathed, an which may have been caught in the nasal cavity.
Turmeric/Ginger Root: Turmeric root is an excellent fragrant spice found in most Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Turmeric not only contains the regular calming and anti-inflammatory curcumin, it is also an antioxidant. When it is mixed with hot ginger ale and blended with hot tea, this mixture can remove excess fluid from the clogged nasal sections, ease sinus pressure and make you feel better.
Spicy Food: Spicy ingredients such as mustard, hot peppers, curry, horseradish, and masala in one s food may help in clearing sinuses. In case you like spices, think about including some hot flavours to your food to open your nasal entries.
Apply Warm Packs: You can use a warm pack to keep the nasal tissues damp. Also, fill a round bowl or pot with steaming water and place your face over it with a towel around your head to inhale the steam in. This will open up your sinuses and make an easy path for fluid drainage.
Take a Steam: High temperature water vapour can saturate the sinuses. Sprinkle a couple drops of eucalyptus or menthol in the shower or bath and steam up your bathroom. A hot shower can also relax the bodily fluid as well as the mucus and debris that are stuck inside your nose.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is not only powerful in disposing off sinus issues; it can also be used for different skin and hair issues. What it does essentially for sinus infection is that it clears up the nose so that the bodily fluid can be removed quickly.

How To Cure Sinusitis Naturally?

Have you been sneezing frequently? Have you been feeling congestion in the chest or have a stuffy, itchy or a runny nose? If yes, it is possible that you may be suffering from nasal allergy. It is an inflammatory reaction caused due to dust mites, animal hair, pollens, and pollutants. Individuals who suffer from nasal allergies experience symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing which tend to last for the whole day. To get a relief from the symptoms of nasal allergy, you must observe the signs of allergy and consult with an ENT or Ear-Nose-Throat specialist for effective results.

If the nasal allergy symptoms are left untreated in the early stage, then it might gradually worsen over time. So, the best way to prevent other complications is by paying attention or recognizing the allergy signs instead of ignoring them. For your convenience, here you will get to know about some of the basic symptoms which might assist you in this regard.

Three primary symptoms which you must not ignore:

The first and foremost symptom which is quite common is a stuffy or a runny nose. One of the best methods of treating congestion is by treating the allergy behind it. You must start avoiding allergy triggers. But, if you want to identify your allergy triggers, then you may seek the assistance of an allergist or an ENT specialist. If it is not impossible to avoid the trigger, then you must try to minimise your exposure to it.
The next sign of nasal allergy which one must not leave untreated is sinus pressure. Sinuses are tiny cavities just behind a person's eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Due to allergy, mucus builds up in such areas, and the affected person feels pain and pressure. Over-the-counter nasal sprays or applying warm and moist cloth on the face might help reduce the pain. But, if the pain or pressure stays for nearly 5-7 days, then it will be a wise decision to visit a doctor.
Another common symptom is itchy eyes. Though it is quite annoying, severe vision problems do not occur because of this symptom hence no need to worry. To relieve this symptom, one may try applying a cold wash cloth over both the eyes, consume prescribed or OTC allergy medications. Eye drops containing antihistamine also prove beneficial in this matter. Before administering any medicines or drops, it is best to consult with your physician.
Foods that might help prevent nasal allergy:
Warm fluids like hot tea or warm chicken soup or any other fluids assist in treating congestion. Studies suggest the fact that fish containing healthy omega- 3 fatty acids might prove beneficial in decreasing the risk of allergies. So, sufferers of nasal allergy might intake fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna. According to some research, healthy bacteria termed probiotics which are present in yogurt may help slightly lower the symptoms of pollen allergy in kids.

So, the best way to deal with nasal allergies is by identifying the common symptoms and visiting an ENT specialist as soon as possible. The specialist may prescribe you the best treatment depensing on your condition.

How Do You Know It Is A Nasal Allergy?

When there are vibrations in the top airways of the respiratory system because of obstruction to the air movement during the time of sleep, it leads to the sound of snoring. When a child gently squeaks or snores at night, it could be a warning sign of an underlying sleep disorder. 

Common Reasons for Snoring in Children 

  Infection in the Respiratory System- If the child suffers from a stuffy nose or from chronic allergies or cold then there is a chance that the snoring is brought on about by a blockage to the sinuses. The blockage to the nasal canal makes it difficult for the child to breathe normally and instead has to breathe through the mouth leading to the sound of snoring. 

  Inflamed Tonsils- Enlarged adenoids, as well as tonsils, are the primary reasons for snoring in children. It is also a strong indicator of sleep apnea. The inflamed glands block the airways and the child finds it difficult to breathe during the night. 

  Diverged Septum- When the airway of the nostrils is offset, it leads to the condition of a diverged or deviated septum. This again makes breathing through the nose quite a difficult job. This is because the passage is smaller as compared to others, lowering the quantity of airflow. 

  Obstructive Sleep Apnea- Obstructive sleep apnea is a severe condition where the airflow becomes obstructed completely via the respiratory system. This makes breathing difficult through the nose and can lead to other associated health issues. 

Symptoms of Various Snoring Problems in Children 

Each of the disorders stated above is characterized by a number of symptoms that lead to the problem of snoring in children. These may include-

  The child continues to snore almost regularly 

  The breathing is brought to a halt by snorts, gasps or pauses that extend longer than ten seconds 

  The child suffers from restless sleep or tends to sleep in awkward positions especially with the head tipped backwards. Remedies After observing your child s symptoms there are a few remedies you can try on the recommendation of your paediatrician. 

  Give the child some medications for allergy or congestion 

  You can put your child s head up with the help of a pillow. 

This can clear up the blocked nasal passage and bring the child some relief. Aside from these, your paediatrician might feel that you take your child and go see either an ENT specialist or a sleep specialist to figure out if the child suffers from obstructive sleep apnea. 

Snoring Problem In Children - What Causes It?

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