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Shouldering the Burden...AgainView Thread
How is the shoulder doing--are you encouraged this time? Sure hope so!
yanksgirlView Thread
Unfortunately, I cannot offer you a credible explanation for this, but I can tell you that is is (a) harmless, and (b) not considered an Ear, Nose, or Throat disorder (the theme of this community board). It is most like a phantom neurological response, but since this is not my area of expertise, I really at a loss to offer you any profound insight.View Thread
Mono can take a while to resolve...from a week or so, to a few months, depending on the severity. A few days isn't going to do it. She may need her liver functions monitored since mono can cause issues with both the liver and the spleen. If she is feeling worse, than she may need to be re-evaluated.
I would not recommend the Afrin for more than a few days. It has a nasty habit of habituation.View Thread
There are two tiny ventilation and drainage tubes that run from our middle ear space (the area behind the eardrum) to the back of our throats (near the adenoids) called the eustachian tubes. The main purpose of these ventilation tubes is to make sure the middle ear space is filled with AIR at the same atmospheric pressure as the outside atmosphere. As tiny as these little tubes are, they tend to do a great job. However, they are prone to becoming "dysfunctional". Colds, allergies, environmental irritants, sinus infections, tonsillitis, cigarette smoke, airplane flights, driving in a mountainous area, etc. all can the Eustachian tubes to malfunction. When this happens, fluid and/or changes in air pressure will occur in the sensitive middle ear space. This will compromise your hearing (stuffy, full feeling), and your ears may feel a need to "pop.
Most cases of ETD will self-resolve in a week or so. Rarely will ETD will become chronic, but it does happen. In cases of chronic or severe ETD, surgical tubes are often tried. Although controversial, decongestants (like pseudoephedrine) can help, but not all people can medically use them and this is far from a miracle cure. It is always best to check with your own medical provider first. Prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays have also be used, especially in people with allergies. There is a new device on the market (EarPopper) that may help ETD by attempting to correct this pressure variation, but you will need to have a prescription if your doctor feels that would be an appropriate treatment.
If you feel you have blown out your eardrum, then I would strongly suggest that (a) you see a medical provider so you can be properly examined, and (b) stop pinching your nose and blowing so forcefully.View Thread
Eardrops are typically used if you have an infection or suspected infection.View Thread
Salivary Duct Obstruction (Sialolithiasis) OverviewSalivary duct obstruction occurs when small stones form in the salivary glands. These stones plug up the ducts, like a clog in a drain. The backed up saliva causes swelling and pain, often under the tongue or jaw. Salivary stones are uncomfortable but harmless.
Chronic bacterial infections and dry mouth -- from conditions like Sjögren's syndrome or medicines such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or antipsychotics -- can cause salivary stones.
--I think mine is due to dry mouth from medications.View Thread
Consider the "second opinion" before agreeing to surgery.View Thread
He may also be teething, so are you giving him anything for pain, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen? Even if he doesn't have a fever, he can still have pain.
If he does not seem to improve by Friday, it would be appropriate to give his medical provider a call before the weekend.
He really should be improved at 2-3 days. Some strains of bacteria, especially some of the super-bugs in day-care can be resistant to amoxicillin. Some ear infections are viral and will not respond to any antibiotic. The vast majority of ear infections actually get better WITHOUT ANY antibiotics, so I am more concerned with his comfort right now.View Thread
An eardrum rupture is really Nature's Way of dealing with a middle ear infection with pressure. When the eardrum ruptures, the pressure is equalized and the infection is able to drain. The vast majority of ruptured eardrums will heal in a few weeks with no permanent loss of hearing. With that said, I do not know the extent of your rupture or the location on your eardrum, so you will need to address any patient-specific issues with your doctor.
One more point: I just happen to be checking the postings, but WebMD Health Experts are not on-line 24/7, so it would not be prudent to expect an immediate response like you have requested. We live all over the world, and may not be in your time zone!View Thread
I can't really blindly comment on the resilence of your immune system, or the quality of the medical providers in your Asian countryView Thread
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If your tinnitus continues beyond a week, you will need to see an ENT specialist, have a hearing test, and be carefully examined. Acoustic injury to the ears can cause permanent hearing changes, but at two days, it is too early to know.
I would strongly suggest that you turn down the volume significantly, and don't use those headphones for a while.View Thread
After dealing with this condition for 4 years, I've gone through some very bad days of depression---and then gotten through it finally. I feel this and other 'bumps in the road' have not helped and that's just 'life'!
But, the blessings keep coming too and I have to remind myself of that all the time! We all do.
Have a good evening--you're so kind to 'lend your ear'! Thanks!
View Thread
Have you been taking antihistamines that tend to dry the nose and throat?
Try some saline nasal spray or saline gel in the nose for moisturization. Use a cool mist humidifier; an ultrasonic model is the best. And, drink plenty of liquids.View Thread
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