Dr. Honey Gupta

Diphtheria is an infectious disease which occurs in the throat. Let us know more about what Diphtheria is.

What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease that affects the throat and is caused by bacteria and viruses which usually damage human tissue in the throat. Diphtheria is highly contagious and can be spread to other persons easily. It causes serious problems in people who have never been vaccinated. It can be identified by a sheet of grayish material covering the back of the throat. It generally affects children who are age below 15 years because their metabolism and the unity to fight germs is still not very strong. Earlier when it was untreatable, it even resulted in death.

Causes of Diphtheria:
There are many causes of Diphtheria. Let us have a look at them.

1. Diphtheria is mostly caused by the bacterias Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which affects directly the tissues lining the throat and produce exotoxins which result in burning or lead to the break down of throat tissues and cells.
2. Diphtheria is very contagious and can easily be transmitted to another person if one of them has it.

Symptoms of Diphtheria:
There are many common symptoms of diphtheria and we will talk about some of the most important ones.

1. The patient suffers from low fever and tremendous weakness. The metabolism and the immunity system tends to get weak therefore resulting in an overall weakness present in the whole body.
2. Since diphtheria attacks mostly the cells and tissues present in the throat inter results in swollen glands all over the neck of the patient.
3. Diphtheria also results in the swelling of soft tissue which gives a 'bull neck’ appearance to the throat and neck.
4. Often patients suffering from diphtheria are diagnosed with faster heart rates.
5. Children who are below the age of 15 can face problems like vomiting, nauseated feelings and headaches.

Treatment for Diphtheria:
In most cases, diphtheria is treated with the help of two major ways.

1. Antitoxin: when your doctor will suspect that you have been infected with diphtheria, he may give you an anti-toxin which neutralizes the already injected diphtheria toxin. It helps to fight the germs and bacteria present in the throat and provide with relief to the patient.
2. Antibiotic: antibiotics like penicillin helps to kill the bacteria and helps to clear the throat from their presence. Therefore providing relief.

Wash your hands carefully if you have made a person who was affected with diphtheria and try to avoid any physical contact with that person also.

What is Sore Throat?
A sore or dry throat is an unhealthy and painful scratchy feeling inside the throat which is coupled with pain while swallowing and can cause really bad irritation. A sore throat usually resolves on its own because it is a mild health problem.

Causes of Sore Throat-
A sore throat is caused by many important risk factors. Let us have a look at some of them:

• Viral infection: It is the most common cause of a sore throat and several viruses are present which can result in a sore throat of many intensities.
• Toxins like cigarettes, smoke or pollution can also lead to an acute sore throat because of the unhealthy chemicals present in these things.
• A bad injury or infection in the throat can lead to a chronic sore throat. Sometimes when people should loudly for long periods also result in a sore throat because the tissues burn away of tear apart.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease also causes a sore throat when the acid from the stomach retreats back to the esophageal tract.
• The development of cancer cells or tumor results in a sore throat and blocks the entire throat tract.

Treating a Sore Throat:
Sore throats are easily curable and sometimes they tend to go away on their own. Let us have a close look at the remedies:

1. Gargling with warm salt-water will hell you to get rid of sore throat because saltwater helps to wash away the viruses and germs.
2. Honey mixed in tea is an excellent detoxifier and helps your body and throat to get rid of the unnecessary foreign objects stuck in the tract.
3. Consuming fenugreek also helps in killing the bacterias which are causing the sore throat.
4. Chamomile tea is a proven relief during throat sores. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities that help the throat to get relief and heal overtime.
5. Drink warm water or liquids which will constantly keep the throat wet and warm leading to the decline of the bacterias present.
6. Antibiotics can also be taken for 5-6 days if you think no other remedy is working in the right way. However, try not to give antibiotics to children of young age and stick to home remedies.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

What is Sinusitis?
For those of you who do not know what Sinusitis is, it is the inflammation or swelling of the sinus tissues which are hollow spaces in between the bones around the nose. The sinuses are healthy when there is constant flow in the air but when the portion gets blocked it fills with bacteria and viruses. This causes mucus and other unhealthy elements to remain blocked inside the nose.

Symptoms-
The symptoms of sinusitis are common and not critical or dangerous in nature. Over 40 million people get affected by this common disease every year.

1. Swelling or inflammation inside the nose because of a mild fever or common cold can cause the sinuses to get blocked and result to sinusitis.
2. If the drainage ducts inside, the nose gets blocked the health passage of air gets halted or disrupted.
3. A runny nose with a constant flow of water and the nose might also get blocked by pus inside.
4. Structural problems inside the nose which may lead to the narrowing of the nasal tract through which the air passes and comes back.
5. Deficiency in the immune system can lead to such a problem.
6. Allergies are also a common contributor to the cause of sinusitis because the nasal chamber gets blocked in the result.

Treatment-
Treating a condition of sinusitis is very common. Let us have a look :

1. The first thing which a doctor will prescribe you is an antibiotic doze of 7-8 days, which will help you to fight the blocked bacterias and viruses.
2. Warm compresses will help the nasal cavity to remain warm and wet, keeping it clean from pus and germs. Thus clearing the way for healthy inhaling of air.
3. Saline nose drops are also used to clear out the blockage in the nose and fight the germs building inside the sinuses.
4. Sometimes surgeries are also performed when no other medications work properly. It helps to widen the natural pathway which helps in draining between the sinuses and nose, resulting in the congested mucus to come out and again start a fresh process of taking air in.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Discharge from the ear is medically termed as otorrhea. This discharge can be white (clear), yellow, brown, bloody, or with pus (purulent). Also, it can be offensive (smelly) or non-offensive. Discharge can be due to the pathologies of the ear canal, middle ear, or, rarely, from inside the skull. There are many causes of ear discharge, some are:

1. Earwax- Wax is a brown, sticky discharge from the ear. The wax formation is a normal process. It is a protective mechanism of the body. It protects the ear from dust, bacteria, viruses, or any foreign bodies entering inside. Sometimes excess of wax can be a problem. That’s why it should be removed regularly.
2. Infection- It is one of the most common reasons for discharge from the ear. It occurs when the middle ear is infected with bacteria or viruses. This causes fluid to build up in the ear, which leads to ear discharge. Generally, the discharge is yellowish due to pus and offensive because of the infection.
3. Swimmer’s ear- It is medically termed as otitis externa. It occurs when the ear canal is infected with bacteria or virus. Mostly, this condition is due to long hours of swimming; too much moisture in the ear can rupture the wall of the ear canal through which the infection enters in the ear canal.Also, this can be due to eczema or any foreign body in the ear which can rupture the wall.
4. Trauma- This can be due to the cotton swab while cleansing your ear if you insert or push it too deep. Also, this can be due to altitude changes such as seen in scuba diving or while flying in the airplane. This can cause rupture of the eardrum leading to ear discharge.Acoustic trauma- This type of trauma occurs due to loud noises which rupture the eardrum and can cause discharge from the ear.
5. Necrotizing or malignant otitis externa- This condition is very rare. This condition can occur as a complication of otitis externa, or in immunocompromised patients, or in those suffering from diabetes. This can cause damage to the cartilage and bones in the base of the skull which is responsible for the ear discharge. It can be clear fluid due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which is present in the brain.
6. Cholesteatoma- It’s a noncancerous growth of skin cells in the middle ear leading to discharge from the ear.
7. Mastoiditis- It is due to infection of the mastoid bone which can cause discharge from the ear. Even this condition is very rarely seen.
8. Fracture of the skull- Fracture in any of the bones in the skull can lead to discharge from the ear.
9. Head injury- It’s an emergency. Bloody discharge from the ear can be present.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Ear pain is also called as an earache or otalgia. The pain may be associated with fever, malaise, sore throat etc. Sometimes, a patient can indulge in rubbing ears or pulling of ears rather than directly complaining about the pain.

Ear pain may be caused by primary affections of the ear, or it may be caused by secondary affections of other parts which can cause referred pain.

What are the primary causes of ear pain?

Following are the most common causes of ear pain in small children:

1. Infection of the ears: An infection of the middle ear, especially the eardrum, is the most common cause. An infection from the nasal passage can be transmitted to the ear via Eustachian tube. It usually occurs in winter as infections are common during winters.
2. Due to swimming: Most children who are swimmers land up with an ear infection, as water from the pool enters the ear canal. The entry introduces an infection in the ear cavity that presents with ear pain.
3. Due to an injury to the ear canal: An injury to the ear canal can occur either because of a cotton swab, a fingernail, or a pin which can lead to ear pain.
4. Due to abscess formation in the ear canal: An abscess can be formed in the ear due to infection, and it can cause severe throbbing pain in children.
5. Due to an accumulation of earwax: Excessive accumulation of earwax in the ear is one of the most common reasons for ear pain in children. It usually causes mild ear pain.
6. Due to blockage of the ear canal by foreign objects: Small children usually put small objects, such as a ball, in the ear canal. Due to it, children may complain mild-to-moderate pain.
7. Due to blockage of the ear while traveling in the airplane: Sometimes, the ear tube gets blocked due to sudden increases in air pressure and causes stretching of the eardrum, ultimately leading to ear pain.

What are the secondary causes of ear pain in children?

Following are the most common causes of ear pain in small children:

1. Dental pain referring to the ear: The pain can occur during dentition or due to dental caries in the children due to a common nerve supply.
2. Due to infection of another gland, such as the parotid gland: Sometimes, mumps, parotitis can be associated with ear pain as the parotid gland is present in front of the ear.
3. Due to disorders of the temporomandibular joint In this condition, ear pain can occur while opening the mouth, chewing, etc.
4. Other illnesses that can cause referred ear pain include lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis, or an injury to the spine.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

The advent of new age antibiotics has led to an overall decline in the frequency of complications of diseases, and chronic suppurative otitis media is no exception to this. But there is still room for severe complications of the disease related to high mortality, and in most cases, extracranial and intracranial complications of acute and chronic otitis media are seen to be the root cause.

An overview of the complications of the disease
A chronic suppurative otitis media is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation in the middle ear cavity and mastoid cavity.

When the infection spreads from the ear and temporal bone, it leads to intracranial complications of otitis media. This may take place through three routes which include hematogenous dissemination, thrombophlebitis, and direct extension. On the other hand, extracranial complications are generally sequelae of the local chronic or acute complication. The complications of otitis media include-

• Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid
• Temporal abscess
• Encephalocele
• Petrositis
• Sigmoid sinus thrombosis
• Postauricular abscess
• Paresis of facial nerve
• Mastoiditis
• Labyrinthine fistula
• Labyrinthitis
• Meningitis
• Otitic hydrocephalus

The overall number of complications of suppurative otitis media has reduced to a great extent with the availability of effective microbial treatment options before which the incidence of mastoiditis needing surgical treatment was around 25 to 50 percent.

What are the reasons behind the complications of suppurative otitis media?

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic suppurative otitis media?
Fever accompanied by a headache is the most commonly observed manifestations of complications of the disease. The complications associated with otitis media include fetid otorrhea, lethargy, severe otalgia, vertigo and alterations in status changes. According to experts, a high index of suspicion is imperative for diagnosing the actual complication of otitis media. The complications are normally associated with chronic and subacute infections, but acute otitis media remains the most frequently manifested issue. When there is meningitis in the setting of acute suppurative otitis media, it may indicate anatomic abnormality like Mondini malformation. The intracranial and extracranial complications are unique to each individual, and therefore, it needs to be dealt with utmost precision and expertise. Imaging studies such as CT scanning, MRI, and electrical excitability tests are required for discerning the issues concerning the health issue.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Hello everyone, myself, Dr Honey Gupta I practice in Faridabad. I am ENT specialist, ENT is the is the branch which is for Otolaryngology it covers ear, nose, throat as well as the structure of head and neck, letsamanicular gland, parotid gland thyroid, neck roots etc. Today we are not going just to do one topic we still are discussing do's and don'ts for the ENT. What should be done for the routine care of ear, nose, throat as you all know ear is a very vital structure, it is a vital structure not only just for hearing purpose but also it is very important as it plays an important part in balancing our body, we cannot even stand or walk without the help of ears. So how should we take care of our ears, it is a very common question how should we clean our ears in a routinely actually routine ear cleaning is not required there is an automatic self-cleaning mechanism in our ear for cleaning. We should avoid overuse or excessive use of earbuds as it mainly injurious to our ears. Many time patients come with the bleeding, swelling or trump trauma or sentence hearing loss because of use of earbuds, so avoid using earbuds and any sharp object inside the ear and it is also important to know that you should avoid water in our ears as water moisture inside the ear make a rise to various infections and ear discharge. So while swimming we should use earplugs and during bathing also we can use earplugs or cotton buds and in case of any hearing loss or any sudden hearing loss, we should seek for an immediate medical help as the time left is very critical. And today is the era of mobile phones, there is a radiation comes from the mobile as we all know we should keep mobile at a little distance from the ear while talking and we should avoid long talks over the mobile, never use headphones as the loud noise for a long time as it may cause hearing loss. And for the nose, as we all know it is very important for the smell function, it is important sense organs, it also filters the air which we taking during the breathing, we should not pluck our nasal hair as it may cause infections which can be very dangerous at the time. And we should also avoid nasal packing as it is the commonest cause of nasal bleeding and we should not keep our cough and cold untreated for a long time as it may give rise to various complications like ear discharge, SOM, CSOM, sometimes it may cause sinusitis, asthma etc. So get your cough and cough treated early and the further throat, we should maintain our oral hygiene as we all know we should brush twice but avoid vigorous gargling and also never put your fingers too deep in your throat and we should use a voice very properly not use loud voice or continuous voice for a long time as it may care cause hoarseness in our voice. In case of any problem always seek for the medical advice never used over conquering drugs as it may cause various dangers or various problems. It is like experimenting with your own body without knowing the outcome, so in case of any query always feel free to ask and that's all.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Allergic Rhinitis is also known as hay fever. It can be described as an allergic reaction to substances inhaled while breathing. As the name suggests, this allergy is common during the pollen season. Apart from pollen, it can also be caused by pet dander, dust mites, and mold. This is a common condition that affects 10-30% of the world’s population. While some people may develop its symptoms within minutes, for others it could take a few hours. Common symptoms of this allergic reaction include:

• Continuous sneezing
• A running nose
• Itchiness inside and around the nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Watery eyes
• Itching in the eyes
• Headaches
• Eczema
• Difficulty sleeping

It can also aggravate issues caused by nasal defects, upper respiratory infections and non-allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is usually not accompanied by fever. Also, it is not necessary for all patients to experience all the above symptoms together.

The intensity of your symptoms could vary from time to time depending on the substance you are allergic to. For example, people allergic to pollen and grass will suffer the most in spring. However, if you are allergic to pet dander and dust, your symptoms could be aggravated during winter when you spend more time indoors. Women suffering from allergic rhinitis may also see their symptoms intensify when they are pregnant. For most people, the intensity of allergic rhinitis decreases with age.

There are many forms of treatment for allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines are usually the first form of treatment attempted. This form of medication stops the body from creating histamines and thereby reduces the allergic reaction. Decongestants can also help in relieving stuffiness in the nose. For short term relief, you may also use eye drops or nasal drops. Prolonged use of these medications is not advised. Your doctor may also recommend flu shots or immunotherapy in case of severe allergies. This is a long term treatment plan that will gradually reduce your body’s reaction to the allergens.

You can also take a few simple steps at home to ease your condition. Using a humidifier indoors can help control allergies and keep the air from turning dry. If you are allergic to dust mites, limit the amount of carpeting in your house and vacuum the house regularly. When you wash your bed linen, do so in hot water. Above all, avoid exposure to allergens. If you have pets, restrict them to one part of the house. If you are allergic to pollen, avoid stepping out on windy days or when the pollen count is high.

Allergic rhinitis is not typically something to worry about. It can usually be easily managed with medication and home remedies.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

A group of inflammatory diseases in the middle ear is termed as otitis media. When this problem persists more than a period of three months, it is known as chronic suppurative otitis media which can be described as a chronic inflammation of the mastoid cavity and middle ear. It is characterized by discharge from the ear. This happens because the tympanic membrane becomes perforated.

The phenomenon can be categorized into two, safe and unsafe CSOM and they are determined on the basis of whether or not cholesteatoma, which is an abnormal growth of skin in the middle ear, is present. The safe CSOM can be further subdivided into inactive and active depending on whether an infection is present or not. And the unsafe CSOM involves cholesteatoma which is non-malignant but can cause a destructive lesion on the base of the skull.

What are the causes of CSOM?
CSOM or chronic suppurative otitis media is mostly seen in people with chronic mastoiditis as a result of bacterial infection. It may stem from erosion of middle ear walls and the mastoid cavity which, in turn, can cause exposure of the jugular bulb, facial nerve, lateral sinus and temporal lobe dura.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic suppurative otitis media?
Chronic suppurative otitis media presents itself with leakage from the affected ear. It also includes the possible history of traumatic perforation along with insertion of grommets and otorrhea which may or may not include otalgia or fever. Other symptoms of the disease include vertigo, otalgia, and fever. Your doctor would be able to rule out intracranial or intratemporal complication which is essential for the treatment of the disease. Some people also suffer from hearing loss in the affected ear, and you should ask your doctor regarding the impact of the problem on work and daily living.

On the other hand, the signs of the disease may include oedematousness of the external auditory canal which is not generally tender. Granulation tissue is also seen in the median canal or the ear space in the middle ear.

When there is postauricular swelling or facial paralysis or vertigo or mastoiditis, it is imperative to arrange for urgent assessment or evaluation with a team of ENT experts. The patient must keep the affected ear clean and dry as far as practicable. The instances of life-threatening complications from the disease have been reduced to a great extent with the introduction of sulfonamides and penicillin. According to the medical principles, the primary aim of managing the disease includes eradicating the infection and closure of tympanic perforation. With the help of proper treatment, your doctor would be able to reduce the intensity of hearing loss and a constant threat of microbial infection in the middle portion of the ear. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ent Specialist.

Remember the sensation similar to that of a warm liquid flooding your tongue when you smell a deliciously baked chocolate cake? Or a freshly baked brown bread early in the morning? That is your saliva. The salivary glands present in the inner linings of the lips, cheeks and the mouth produce saliva. Saliva protects one from tooth decay, keeps the mouth moist and helps in the digestive process. Any disease that affects the saliva gland comes under the domain of ‘salivary gland disorders’.

Causes

There are three salivary glands in humans known as the Submandibular, Parotid and the Sublingual gland. The most common disorder that affects salivary glands is that of ‘blocked salivary glands’. Sialothiasis is a disorder wherein, calcium stones are formed in the salivary glands, which obstruct these glands. Obstruction of the salivary glands leads to an infection called sialadenitis, caused by strep or staph bacteria.

Sjogren’s syndrome is another condition which affects the salivary glands. In this condition, the antibodies in the body target the cells that produce saliva. This occurs mostly in women who suffer from autoimmune disorders. Viral infections are also common; flu virus and mumps are a few examples.

Symptoms

The symptoms of salivary gland disorders are problem specific; for Sialolithiasis, you will feel a painful lump below the tongue, which tends to aggravate when you eat. In case of Sialadenitis, there will be an odorous pus-filled discharge along with a lump beneath the chin. For viral infections, the symptoms will include muscle pain, swelling and fever. Symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome are dry eyes and mouth, joint pain, fatigue and tooth decay.

Treatment

Like the symptoms, the treatments for salivary gland disorders are also problem specific. For salivary gland tumors, surgery is required. If it is a malignant tumor, then radiation therapy will be prescribed which may cause dry mouth syndrome (Xerostomia). For bacterial and viral infections, anti-bacterial and anti-viral medications are required for treatment, respectively. It is also important that you take good care of your oral health for an even more effective treatment. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis will help keep salivary gland disorders at bay. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ent Specialist.