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There are 4 types of Sinusitis.

• Acute Sinusitis lasts up to 4 weeks.
• A sub-acute Sinusitis may last up to 4-12 weeks.
• Chronic Sinusitis has a longer course and may last more than 12 weeks to a few months or even years.
• Recurrent Sinusitis is a condition where several attacks of acute Sinusitis are experienced within a year.

Sinusitis may be either bacterial or viral infection. When nasal congestion along with common cold or other allergies does not allow proper drainage of the Sinus content into the nasal passage, the trapped fluid encourages bacterial or viral growth resulting in bacterial or viral Sinusitis.

Causes

There are many causes of Sinusitis, anything that can result in inflammation of the Sinus membrane and can keep the cilia from moving can result in Sinusitis. A few causes of Sinusitis are

• Change in temperature and air pressure
• Allergies
• Pollutants
• Using too much decongested nasal spray increases the swelling of the Sinuses once it is stopped
• Smoking
• Swimming & diving
• Growth of polyps (small non-cancerous growth) in the Sinus region
• Bacterial or viral infection
• Cold, as the cold virus attacks the Sinus and results in swelling & blockage
• Untreated acute Sinusitis
• Structural abnormalities
• Allergy to fungi
• Enlarged adenoids (mass of tissue that destroys the pathogens entering into the Nasopharynx region)
• Weak Immune System

Sinusitis Symptoms

Sinusitis may exhibit as a headache in the morning immediately after waking up or while bending down. It may or may not be accompanied by fever. There may be pain, swelling, and tenderness in the forehead, nose, cheeks, and between the eyes. Yellow, green, or blood-tinged nasal secretion may be present.

The person suffering from Sinusitis may have a reduced sense of smell and taste and may complain of nasal congestion or stuffy nose. There could be drainage at the back of the throat called the postnasal drip, and mucus discharge from the nose.

Some people may also have a cough that worsens at night. Sinusitis may cause swelling of the eyelids and tissue around the eye. Other symptoms include toothache and bad breath.

Diagnosis

Sinusitis is diagnosed by a detailed physical examination of the patient’s face and nose, and by noting all the symptoms told by the patient. If symptoms do not lead to a conclusive diagnosis then the physician might order for a computer tomography scan to check the presence of Sinusitis.

Blood tests are done to rule out Sinusitis associated conditions like Immune Deficiency Disorder (HIV). Testing the sample of mucus is done to look for bacteria or fungal infections. In addition, a biopsy of the tissue lining the nose or the Sinus is taken to check the condition of the tissue lining these regions.

An Endoscopy is performed to view the Sinus region, a flexible tube-like device with a light called an Endoscope is inserted into the nasal cavity through the nose under local anaesthesia and the inner Sinus region is viewed.

Sinusitis Treatment

If Acute Sinusitis is detected then the patient might not require any antibiotics as the infection goes on its own. Even if antibiotics are taken they give only slight relief and just reduce the time the person is sick. Antibiotics are prescribed in Sinus infection, if the person has headache and pain in the face, swelling around the eyes along with a body temperature higher than 102.2°F, and if nasal discharge and cough persists for more than 2-3 weeks.

Along with antibiotics, the physician might also prescribe a pain reliever and a decongestant to reduce congestion. Treatment for Acute Sinusitis is required for 10-14 days and for Chronic Sinusitis 3-4 weeks treatment is required. Medications for Sinusitis include:

• Immunotherapy, which includes allergy shots to prevent the disease from coming back
• Preventing or avoiding any trigger that induces allergy
• Over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen can ease Sinus headache and Sinus pain
• Corticosteroid nasal spray and anti-histamines to treat swelling, polyps, and allergies
• Saline nasal spray may help to drain out the mucus and help relieve congestion. A prescribed nasal spray treats inflammation

Patients whose symptoms don’t seem to go away even after 3-4 months of treatment and patients who experience 2-3 episodes of acute Sinusitis every year might require surgery to clean and drain the Sinus. Surgery is performed by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon. Most patients with fungal infections require surgery. Surgery involves correcting the Deviated Septum and nasal polyps, which prevent the condition from coming back.

Taking care of Sinusitis

A few simple tips may help the patient cope with Sinusitis. Getting complete rest and lying down may help feel better. Drinking plenty of liquids and taking hot liquids often may also relieve the symptoms. Applying moist heat to the face by wetting a towel in warm water and breathing in steam will help relieve congestion. A nasal spray with decongestant should never be used for more than 3 days, as it might worsen the swelling if the medicine is stopped. Alcohol should not be consumed as it worsens the Sinus swelling.

Signs and Symptoms

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nose. Allergic Rhinitis has cold-like symptoms, and they include:

• Sneezing
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Frequent headache
• Itching
• Watery, red eyes
• Fatigue

You may experience one or more symptoms after immediate exposure to the allergen. These symptoms may worsen, or new symptoms may be seen if there is long-term exposure.

Causes

Usually, Allergic Rhinitis occurs or worsens due to seasonal factors. The triggers include tree pollen in early spring, grass pollen in late spring or summer, or ragweed pollen in the fall season.

Dust mites, cockroaches, or dander are seen all the year. These are called perennial factors. Allergic Rhinitis may occur more due to indoor allergens in winter. Smoke and fuel exhaust can also cause allergies in a few cases.

Risk factors

The risk of Allergic Rhinitis increases if you have other Allergies, Asthma, a family history of Allergies or Asthma, and continuous exposure to allergens such as dander, at the workplace.

Complications

Complications such as worsening Asthma, ear infection, and Sinusitis are associated with Allergic Rhinitis. You may also have less sleep due to bothersome symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your doctor performs a physical examination and takes a thorough review of your medical history. Your doctor will ask about the onset of symptoms whether they are seasonal or vary by time of day. The diagnosis also includes:

• Skin prick or scratch test and intradermal test: for allergen testing
• Allergy blood tests: IgE RAST tests – to examine levels of allergy-related substances
• Complete blood count: eosinophil count – to diagnose allergies

Your doctor recommends allergy blood tests when you cannot undergo a skin prick test or intradermal test.

Treatment

The best therapy for hay fever is to avoid exposure to the allergen. For mild symptoms, you may use over-the-counter medications. However, if the symptoms worsen, your doctor may prescribe medications.

Medications

Nasal corticosteroids: Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective treatment for hay fever. These drugs treat the nasal inflammation, itching, and runny nose.

Antihistamines: They block histamine, which is an inflammatory mediator and treat itching, sneezing, and runny nose. They do not have much effect on congestion. These drugs cause drowsiness, so avoid taking alcohol while using these medications and do not use more than one medication, unless prescribed by your doctor.

Decongestants: These are available in the form of liquids, tablets, and nasal sprays and are also given as over-the-counter medications. Examples include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.

Cromolyn Sodium: This medication blocks the release of allergy-causing substances. However, it is not effective in all patients.

Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): In this therapy, allergens are administered either orally, sublingually, or subcutaneously to induce specific long-term tolerance. This helps the body to accept harmless substances such as pollen and house dust mites.

Self-management

Avoid triggers by implementing some changes to your home

• Keep windows closed at seasons when pollen is high.
• Use air-conditioning in your car and home.
• Clean your hands after petting or playing with an animal.
• Use mite-proof bedding covers to prevent exposure to dust mites.

Causes

The following are the common causes of Chronic Sinusitis.

• Nasal polyps are the fleshy swellings or masses that develop in the lining of the nose and block nasal passages.
• A crooked or Deviated Nasal Septum obstructs the nasal passages
• Respiratory Tract Infections that cause inflammation and thickening of your Sinus membranes blocking mucus drainage
• Inflammation due to allergies such as hay fever may also block the nasal drainage

The other medical conditions that lead to blockage of the nasal drainage include Cystic Fibrosis, Gastroesophageal Reflux, HIV and other diseases associated with the Immune System.

Symptoms

The Chronic Sinusitis symptoms include:

• Nasal obstruction with thick, discoloured nasal discharge
• Severe pain over the upper teeth
• Pain and swelling around your eyes and cheeks
• Loss of smell

Other Sinus infection symptoms include ear pain, cough that worsens in the night, sore throat, bad breath, fatigue, fever, and nausea.

Maxillary Sinusitis symptoms include:

• Fever
• Redness and swelling around the eye
• Pain around the upper teeth

Risk factors

The risk for Chronic Sinusitis or recurrent Sinusitis may be increased if you have any of the following conditions:

• Nasal passage abnormality
• Asthma
• Aspirin sensitivity
• Immune System disorders, such as HIV/AIDS or Cystic Fibrosis
• Hay fever or any other allergic condition
• Regular exposure to pollutants

Complications

If the symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis are left untreated, it may lead to certain complications that include:

• Meningitis
• Infections
• Partial or complete loss of sense of smell
• Vision problems

Diagnosis

Your doctor diagnoses Chronic Sinusitis by thorough physical examination and may recommend you to go for the following diagnostic tests;

• Nasal Endoscopy: The diagnostic procedure used to view the inner side of your Sinuses. It uses a thin, flexible tube that consists of optic light inserted into your nose.
• Imaging scans: CT Scans and MRIs may be recommended for a detailed view of nasal Sinus areas.
• Nasal or Sinus cultures: Sometimes, culture is suggested if you fail to respond to the treatment. The tissue cultures are obtained to determine the bacterial infections.
• Allergy test: Your doctor may suggest a skin test to find the allergen that is causing nasal flare-ups.

Treatment

The primary goals for the Chronic Sinusitis treatment include reducing the nasal inflammation, clearing the blockage of nasal drainage, and reducing the recurrent Sinusitis. Your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments.

Nasal corticosteroids: Corticosteroids such as fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone are given in the form of nasal sprays and help to treat inflammation.

Oral or injected corticosteroids: Your doctor may recommend oral or injected corticosteroids if you have nasal polyps.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the bacterial infection. It is also recommended for maxillary Sinusitis treatment.

Immunotherapy: If the underlying cause of your Chronic Sinusitis is due to allergy, then your doctor may recommend Immunotherapy that reduces the body’s response to the allergens.

Surgery: In some instances, an endoscopic Sinus surgery may be required to treat the condition or halt the progression of the condition.

Self-management

Certain lifestyle and home remedies may relieve the symptoms of Sinusitis. These include:

• Take adequate rest
• Increase the intake of water
• Moisturize the Sinus cavities
• Apply warm compresses to the nasal area
• Clean or rinse the nasal passages frequently
• Keep your head elevated while sleeping

Symptoms

Symptoms do not occur all the time in people with Meniere’s Disease.

• When Meniere’s Disease symptoms occur it is called an ‘attack’ that lasts from 20 minutes to 2 hours or more.
• The affected person has episodes of Vertigo which is the feeling of spinning around and then losing balance when you stop spinning.
• There is nausea and vomiting in severe cases of Vertigo.
• There is certain loss of hearing in the initial stages of the disease which leads to permanent loss of hearing in later stages.
• A low-pitched Tinnitus is experienced which is nothing but the buzzing, hissing, whistling or roaring sound in the ear.
• The affected person can have a feeling of pressure and fullness in the ear.
• During an ‘attack’ the person may sweat profusely, and experience nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis

The doctor will conduct a physical examination and will ask the patient questions regarding the duration and severity of the sensory problem; history of allergies; past medical history; and history of any ear problems in the family.

A hearing test (audiometry) is conducted to check if the patient can hear sounds of different pitches and distinguish between two similar-sounding words.

To check the function of the inner ear, some tests are conducted like Electronystagmography (ENG) (checks balance function by studying eye movement), Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential Testing (VEMP)(measures the function of sensors in the inner ear), Posturography (reveals which part is causing balance problems) and Rotary Chair Testing (measures inner ear function).

To rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms tests like MRI Scans, CT Scans, and Auditory Brainstem Response Audiometry (which helps detect Tumours) are done.

Treatment

• The doctor prescribes motion sickness medication for Vertigo that includes diazepam (Valium), promethazine and meclizine (Antivert) which reduces nausea, vomiting and spinning sensation.
• To reduce fluid retention in the body that may help regulate the fluid volume in the ear, a diuretic like a combination of hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is used.
• Steroids like dexamethasone also help in reducing Vertigo attacks.
• When medications do not work, surgery is done. Endolymphatic Sac Decompression is a surgical procedure in which a small bone present over the Endolymphatic Sac (regulates fluid in the inner ear) is removed to decrease Vertigo.
• In a procedure known as the Vestibular Nerve Section, the vestibular nerve that controls the balance and movement sensors is surgically cut to alleviate Vertigo.
• When there is total hearing loss in the affected ear, then a procedure known as Labyrinthectomy is done in which a part or the entire affected inner ear is surgically removed.
• Rehabilitation Therapy is useful for people who are having balance problems during a Vertigo attack. The therapy includes activities and exercises that will help to regain balance. The hearing problem can be dealt with by using a hearing aid which can be suggested by the Audiologist (specialist who deals with hearing-related problems).
• A device known as the Meniett device is used to improve fluid exchange by applying positive pressure on the middle ear.

During an attack

• When there is an attack of Vertigo, the person should lie flat on the floor and keep his or her eyes fixed on any static object to prevent the feeling of dizziness.
• There is a chance of vomiting if the person has eaten or has had a drink before the attack.
• After the symptoms subside the person should slowly get up.
• The doctor must be called if the vomiting does not subside even after 24 hours.
• Unusual headache
• Double vision
• Difficulty in walking
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Slow heart rate

Prevention

By making certain healthy lifestyle changes one can prevent Meniere’s Disease.

• Eating and drinking liquids should be evenly distributed throughout the day.
• Meal timing should be maintained and it is better to have 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day than having three large meals.
• Salty foods increase water retention in the body so one must limit salt intake in foods. Similarly, an ingredient known as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is present in prepackaged food that increases water retention in the body.
• Other factors that one needs to avoid include smoking, caffeine, stress, and allergens.

Causes

The exact cause of Nasopharyngeal Cancer is not known but the risk of developing it is high in people who eat foods preserved in salt like eggs, fish, roots, and leafy vegetables. It may also be caused due to genetic factors, heavy alcohol consumption, and also by a virus called the Epstein-Barr Virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms may not appear in the early stages of the Cancer. The symptoms that you may notice at later stages of Cancer are:

• Discharge of blood from the nose
• Nasal congestion
• Loss of hearing
• Ear infections
• Blurred vision
• Sore throat
• Blood in saliva
• Swollen lymph node in the neck
• Headache

Diagnosis

For diagnosing Nasopharyngeal Cancer, the doctor first does a general physical examination. The neck is felt to assess for any palpable swollen lymph nodes. If Nasopharyngeal Cancer is suspected, the doctor recommends Nasopharyngeal Endoscopy in which a tube with a camera at its end is passed through the nose into the Nasopharynx to check for any Tumours or abnormalities that may be present. Local Anaesthesia is given for this procedure. A small part of the tissue is taken as a sample which is known as biopsy with the help of an endoscope or an instrument, to look for any Cancer cells. The sample is then tested to see if there are any Cancer cells present.

To determine the stage in which the Cancer has progressed, the doctor recommends tests like:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to produce clear images of Organs.
• Computerized Tomography (CT) by which 2D and 3D images are created.
• X-ray and Positron emission Tomography (PET) gives information regarding the function of the Organs.

Treatment

The treatment of Nasopharyngeal Cancer is a combination of Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy. In Radiation Therapy, rays of high energy are used to kill Cancer cells. For Nasopharyngeal Cancer, Radiation Therapy known as external beam Radiation is used. In this procedure, the patient is placed on a table and the machine is put in such a position from where it targets Radiation to the exact area of Cancer in the patient. This treatment is enough for small Nasopharyngeal Tumours. If the Cancer is severe, Chemotherapy is also combined with Radiation Therapy. Chemotherapy involves the use of chemical drugs to kill Cancer cells. This is given to patients in the form of oral pills or intravenously (through the vein). Surgery may be necessary to remove Tumours in the Nasopharynx and malignant lymph nodes in the neck.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer is generally detected at an advanced stage of Cancer progression because the Cancer may not show symptoms at an early stage. For every 10 persons who have been diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Cancer, 5 of them survive up to 5 years. The survival rate also depends on the treatment. With a combination of Chemotherapy and Radiation, 6 out of 10 people having Cancer survive for more than 5 years.

Coping with Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Knowing that you have Cancer can be very overwhelming for you and all the people who care about you. Try sharing your feelings with someone from your family or friends. Take medications regularly and visit your doctor for regular checkups. You can also connect with support groups and share your feelings with them. Involve yourself in some hobby you love. Take good care of yourself by eating healthy and doing exercise to keep yourself fit and above all have faith.

Signs and Symptoms

In the early stages of Hypopharyngeal Cancer, symptoms are not seen. However, you may have the following symptoms as Cancer progresses:

• Hoarseness and change in voice that does not go away within 2 weeks; this is the early symptom of Throat Cancer
• A lump in the neck
• Airway obstruction, noisy breathing
• Pain or difficulty swallowing and breathing
• Persistent sore throat and a feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Ear pain
• Bad breath
• Choking
• Sudden and unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

These symptoms may not always indicate Cancer but may occur due to some other health conditions. If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, and if the symptoms don’t go away or get worse, then talk to your doctor immediately.

Causes

The exact cause of Hypopharyngeal Cancer is still not known, but scientists believe that it usually occurs when the throat cells develop mutations that make the cells grow uncontrollably, forming a Tumour.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors associated with Hypopharyngeal Cancer:

• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
• Heavy alcohol use
• Lack of nutrients in the diet
• Plummer-Vinson Syndrome (a disorder linked to severe Anaemia)
• A virus called hHuman Papillomavirus

Complications

Some common complications with untreated Throat Cancer are:

• Obstruction of the airways
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Loss of voice
• Toughened skin of the neck region
• Disfigured face and neck
• Spread of Cancer to the other parts

Diagnosis

The doctor first examines the throat and neck to detect and diagnose Hypopharyngeal Cancer. Your doctor may use an endoscope to look at your throat closely during a procedure called Endoscopy which helps the doctor to watch for the signs of abnormalities in your throat.

The doctor may also insert a Laryngoscope in your voice box to examine vocal cords. This procedure is called Laryngoscopy.

Biopsy - If the doctor finds any abnormalities during an Endoscopy or Laryngoscopy then he or she would pass a surgical instrument through the scope to collect a tissue sample to detect Cancer and its stage.

Imaging tests - These tests include X-ray, CT Scan, MRI Scan and PET that help the doctor to determine the extent of Cancer beyond your throat or voice box.

Treatment

Your doctor would suggest appropriate Thyroid Cancer treatment depending on the stage of Cancer, and your general health condition.

Radiation Therapy: This therapy uses high-energy beams of X-rays and protons to kill the Cancer cells. This therapy is most appropriate for people with early-stage Cancers. In advanced Cancers, Radiotherapy combined with Chemotherapy or surgery is suitable.

Surgery: It is the common treatment for all the stages of Hypopharyngeal Cancer. Appropriate surgery is considered based on the location and type of your Cancer.

• Laryngopharyngectomy: The entire Larynx (i.e. voice box) and a part of the Pharynx is removed
• Partial Laryngopharyngectomy: A part of the Larynx and Pharynx are removed. This surgery prevents the loss of the voice.
• Neck Dissection: Lymph nodes and other tissues in the neck are removed

Even after removing the Tumour, your doctor may suggest Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy to kill any Cancer cells that are left. This is called Adjuvant Therapy.

Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill Cancer cells. Cancer Chemotherapy is often used along with Radiation Therapy as certain Chemotherapy drugs make Cancer cells more sensitive to Radiation Therapy. Discuss with your doctor regarding the associated side effects.

Cetuximab is one targeted drug therapy approved for the treatment of Throat Cancer in some patients.

Self-management

As discussed, Throat-related Cancers are mainly caused by smoking and drinking. So, better to give up the habit to prevent the risk of Cancer and to improve the quality of life.

Types of Tinnitus

There are two types of Tinnitus - Objective and subjective Tinnitus.

Objective Tinnitus is found in only 5% of overall Tinnitus patients. The sound heard in objective Tinnitus is audible to others either with the help of a stethoscope or by listening closely near the ears. The sound is caused by either blood vessels or muscular disorders. The sound heard is called pulsatile, as it is synchronous with the heartbeat. The source of objective Tinnitus can be found and can be treated by Tinnitus medication or surgery.

Subjective Tinnitus is the common type of Tinnitus found in about 95% of Tinnitus patients. Subjective Tinnitus is audible only to the patient and is associated with every known ear disorder. Two individuals who show the same Tinnitus loudness and pitch may yet differ significantly in their causes.

Causes

There are many causes of Tinnitus:

• Blocking of the ear canal by ear-wax
• Noise-induced hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise
• Hearing loss due to ageing
• Damage to the nerve ending in the inner ear
• Hole or rupture of the eardrum
• Problems in jaw-joints can also cause sounds while moving the jaws
• Side effects of certain drugs like aspirin can cause Tinnitus
• Stiffness of the bones in the middle ear
• Blockage in the Eustachian tube that connects the upper throat to the middle ear results in Eustachian tube dysfunction, This can also cause Tinnitus
• Ear infections like Otitis Media or Labyrinthitis
• Brain Tumour
• Meniere’s Disease that is caused by fluid accumulation in the inner ear
• Thyroid abnormalities
• Hormonal change in women
• Other causes are allergies, Tumours, Diabetes, Heart problems, problems with blood vessels, High Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure, and head injury are also responsible for Tinnitus.

In most of the patients, the exact cause of Tinnitus is unknown.

Diagnosis

Initial diagnosis is simple and it is based on physical examination of the ear.

The doctor might check for the formation of ear wax or any other infection that might have caused Tinnitus. He will also enquire about your medical history, recent infections, and medicines that you are taking to know the cause of Tinnitus.

Your physician might direct you to an Otolaryngologist (an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor - ENT) if he is not able to identify the exact cause of Tinnitus.

The ENT will examine your ears, head, and neck to know the cause and also to check whether hearing loss is associated with Tinnitus.

Treating Tinnitus

Treatment for Tinnitus is easier if the underlying cause is determined. If taking aspirin is the cause of Tinnitus, then your doctor might ask you to consult the doctor who prescribed aspirin and get his advice on stopping aspirin.

If it is caused by other illnesses like altered Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Allergies etc. then treating the underlying cause makes Tinnitus go away. But, as in many, if the cause of Tinnitus is not properly understood then your physician might focus on minimizing Tinnitus.

Use of hearing aids may be recommended for people who suffer from both Tinnitus and hearing loss.

Using a hearing aid will maximize the surrounding sounds more than the sound heard in Tinnitus.

Maskers are a small device that is placed behind your ears, maskers play constant background noise that makes Tinnitus less noticeable. Using both hearing aids and maskers may help a lot.

Relax, as stress can worsen your condition. Most of the time depression is associated with Tinnitus, therefore, meeting a counsellor will help you cope with it.

Tinnitus-restraining Therapy involves the use of both counselling and maskers or other techniques. This is not a quick fix but for sure help you with time and practice.

There are no specific medicines for Tinnitus but medicines for underlying cause has proved good in many patients. For example – anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and a few anaesthetics are used in the successful treatment of Tinnitus.

Preventing Tinnitus

• To avoid Tinnitus you should protect your ears from loud noise.
• If working around loud noises then wear earplugs or earmuffs.
• If listening to music in earphones, then keep the volume low.
• Keep track of your blood pressure and decrease your intake of salt as it interferes with blood circulation.
• Avoid coffee, tea, tobacco, and cola as they can act as stimulants.
• Do regular exercise to keep blood pressure under control.
• Learn to manage stress stay relaxed and avoid fatigue.

Living with Tinnitus

Tinnitus in many cases doesn’t go away completely. People with Tinnitus may have to learn to cope with the condition.

A few suggestions to help you cope with Tinnitus are that you need to get counselling and know how to make Tinnitus less bothersome.

Counselling will also help you to control anxiety and depression. It is good if you share your experience with others who are suffering from the same.

Join a support organization, and check whether it is facilitated by a physician so that you can be sure of the information shared.

Learn ways to alleviate symptoms of Tinnitus; the more you understand the less it will bother you.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

A few Tonsillitis symptoms are:

• Tonsillitis mostly affects children and teens. The tonsils become swollen, inflamed or red, and can have a yellow or white coating.
• Tonsillitis causes sore throat and you may have pain or problems associated with swallowing.
• The voice may become muffled rough or hoarse.
• You may also have foul breath and breathing problems in the night.
• Tonsillitis usually causes elevated body temperature or chills
• The glands (lymph nodes) in the neck become enlarged.
• There could be pain in the neck, head or ears.
• In addition, young children may have pain in the Stomach.

You should visit a doctor if your child has had persistent sore throat for more than two days, pain or difficulty in swallowing and looks tired. Immediate medical attention is required if the child has breathing problems extreme difficulty in swallowing and has profuse salivation.

If you are an adult, you should get in touch with your doctor if you have a constant sore throat for more than two days with a body temperature higher than 1030F, a rigid neck and weakness.

Diagnosing Tonsillitis

Diagnosis of Tonsillitis is done based on the examination of your throat, tonsils, nose, and ears.

The doctor may ask about the medical history. The doctor may also examine your neck for any swollen glands, and check your breathing for any problems.

The doctor may take a sample of the swab from the back of your throat to conduct a culture test required to confirm whether the tonsils are infected by Streptococcus Bacteria. The results may take more than 24 hours.

In some cases, a blood test, called Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC) may be required to know whether there are any changes in the cells of the blood and to confirm the presence of any other infective organism causing the infection of the Tonsillitis.

Generally, CBC is carried out when a throat swab test for Strep Throat is negative.

Treating Tonsillitis

If the Tonsillitis is caused by a virus, treatment with antibiotics is not effective. Usually, the symptoms disappear within 10 days. Your doctor may advise taking adequate rest.

Persuade your child to take plenty of rest, not to exert and strain to speak much. Ensure that your child takes plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist and avoid dehydration.

Warm liquids are preferable such as tea or warm water with honey, and cold fruit juice snacks to soothe sore throat.

If your child can gargle, then sore throat can be relieved by making your child gargle warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water).

If possible, do not expose your child to dry air and keep the air as humid as possible so that irritation to the sore throat can be avoided.

In children above the age of 4 years who can suck, lozenges may help to relieve sore throat.

Irritants such as cigarette smoke or fumes or chemicals must be avoided so as not to irritate your child. If your child is having pain, headaches or high fever, you may use certain painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve throat pain and fever. It is always advisable to consult your doctor.

If the Tonsillitis is caused by bacterial infection, then your doctor may prescribe antibiotics which need to be taken regularly as advised by the doctor.

Tonsillectomy

If the Tonsillitis does not respond to the antibiotics or occurs frequently, then your doctor may advise the removal of tonsils through a minor surgery which is called Tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy takes just a day (outpatient surgery) and your child recovers within 10 days.

If the Tonsillitis is not properly treated, it may result in pus formation in the tonsils and in such cases, the pus needs to be drained and the tonsils need to be removed surgically.

Preventing Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is contagious. It can be prevented if these precautions are followed.

• Washing the hands and utensils properly
• Avoid contact with people who are already infected and have Tonsillitis
• Avoid sneezing directly in the presence of others and use an obstruction such as a tissue or handkerchief when you need to sneeze or cough.
• Avoid public places such as schools or offices unless the doctor advises
• Avoid sharing food, utensils or glasses
• Maintain personal hygiene

Summarizing Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils and can be caused either by viruses or bacteria. The usual symptoms of Tonsillitis include sore throat, swelling of tonsils, and pain while swallowing or drinking.

If Tonsillitis is caused by a virus, there is no need to treat it with antibiotics. The symptoms disappear within 10 days. If the Tonsillitis is recurring and does not respond to antibiotics, surgical removal of the tonsils may be advised.

Tonsillitis can be prevented by taking simple precautions to avoid exposure to the infected people and avoid exposing others to the spread of the infection.