Troop Pharmacy > Blog > Ear, Nose And Throat
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Listening to Your Health: Warning Signs Your Ears Can Give You

Introduction

Our ears are not just organs for hearing; they can also provide valuable insights into our overall health. From minor discomforts like itchiness to issues as common as excessive earwax, paying attention to the warning signs your ears give you can help detect underlying health problems early. In this article, we will explore various ear-related symptoms and their potential health implications.

1. Itchiness

Itchy ears can be a common annoyance, often associated with a buildup of earwax or an allergic reaction. However, persistent itchiness may indicate a more serious issue. Itchy ears can be a symptom of eczema, fungal infections, or even allergies. If itching persists or is accompanied by pain or discharge, it is advisable to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to rule out any underlying problems.

2. Earwax Buildup

Earwax, or cerumen, serves as a protective barrier for the ear canal. However, an excessive buildup of earwax can cause discomfort and even affect your hearing. While it’s typically not a cause for alarm, recurring or severe earwax blockages can be indicative of an underlying issue. Diabetes, eczema, or skin conditions that affect the ear canal may contribute to excessive earwax production. Regular cleaning by a healthcare professional can help manage this condition.

3. Ear Pain

Ear pain can result from various causes, including ear infections, sinus infections, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as ear tumors or jaw problems. If you experience persistent or severe ear pain, especially if it’s accompanied by hearing loss or discharge, consult a healthcare provider promptly.

4. Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears when there is no external sound source. While it is often related to exposure to loud noises, tinnitus can also be associated with underlying health issues. Hypertension, Meniere’s disease, or vascular issues are some potential causes of tinnitus. If you notice persistent tinnitus, consult an audiologist or ENT specialist for evaluation and management.

5. Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common concern, especially as we age. However, sudden or unexplained hearing loss can signal an underlying medical condition. Infections, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and medications can contribute to hearing impairment. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial when experiencing sudden hearing loss to determine its cause and receive appropriate treatment.

6. Ear Discharge

Ear discharge, also known as otorrhea, can be a sign of an ear infection, injury, or foreign body lodged in the ear canal. It can also indicate other health conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or even a leaking cerebrospinal fluid. If you notice unusual discharge from your ear, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Our ears are sensitive and complex organs that can provide valuable clues about our overall health. From itchiness and earwax buildup to ear pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear discharge, these warning signs should not be ignored. While many ear-related issues are benign, some may point to underlying medical conditions that require prompt attention. Regular check-ups with an ENT specialist or audiologist can help ensure the early detection and appropriate management of any ear-related health concerns, allowing you to maintain good hearing and overall well-being. Listening to your body, including your ears, is a crucial aspect of maintaining your health and quality of life.

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Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a dangerous bacterial infection that damages the mucous membranes in the nose and throat. Diphtheria can by avoided by the use of vaccines even through it is contagious from person to person.

WHAT CAUSES DIPHTHERIA?

Diphtheria is caused by a kind of bacteria called CORYNEBACTERUM DIPHTHERIAE. The disease is often passed from person to person or through touch with objects that have the bacteria on them, like a cup or used tissue. If you are in close proximity to someone who has diphtheria and they cough, sneeze or blow their nose, you could also contract the disease.
An infected person can potentially spread the bacterial infection for up to six weeks after the initial infection, even if they dont exhibit any diphtheria symptoms or signs.
The bacteria typically infect your throat and nose. The bacteria release harmful compounds known as toxins after you are infected. The poisons circulate throughout your bloodstream and frequently result in the formation of a thick, grey coating in the following bodily parts:
1) Throat.
2) Tongue.
3) Nose.
4) Airway.
These toxins can occasionally harm other organs including the heart, brain and kidneys. Complications that could be fatal can result from this, including:
1) Myocarditis ( inflammation of the heart).
2) Renal failure (kidney failure).
3) Muscular paralysis.

WHAT ARE RISK FACTORS.
Diphtheria is fairly common in developing countries where immunization rates are low. In these countries, children under age 5 and people over age 60 are particularly at risk of getting diphtheria. People are also at an increased risk of contracting diphtheria if they:
– aren`t up to date on their vaccinations.
– visit a country that doesn`t provide immunizations.
-live in unclean or crowded environment.
-have an immune system disorder such as AIDS.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIPHTHERIA?
Diphtheria symptoms frequently show up two to five days after the infection. While some people have moderate symptoms similar to the common cold, others don`t feel any symptoms similar at all.
A thick grey coating on the tonsils and throat is the most obvious and typical sign of diphtheria other typical symptoms include:
1) Fever.
2) Chills.
3) Rapid breathing.
4) Cough.
5) Sore Throat.
6) General fatigue.
7) Slurred speech.
8) Changes in vision.
9) Signs of shock.
HOW CAN DIPHTHERIA BE DIAGNOSED?
A diagnosis will be made by your doctor based on your symptoms and the results of a lab test. They obtain a sample from your sore or the back of your throat using a swab. The swab is subsequently sent to analysis and diagnosis.

HOW IS DIPHTHERIA TREATED?
Treatment for diphtheria starts immediately often even before the results of the lab tests are confirmed. To prevent organ damage your health care provider will administer diphtheria antitoxin. To treat infections, they`ll recommend antibiotics, usually penicillin or erythromycin.
To stop the spread of the disease, diphtheria patients are segregated from the general population. After taking antibiotics for around 48 hours, an infected person is no longer contagious. Tests will be be repeated to confirm that the bacteria are eliminated when therapy is finished. You will receive a vaccine to stop further illnesses after the bacteria are eliminated when therapy is finished. You will receive a vaccine to stop further illnesses after the bacteria are eliminated.

HOW IS DIPHTHERIA PREVENTED?
Antibiotics and vaccines can be used to prevent diphtheria. The vaccine for diphtheria is called DTap. It`s often administered in a single dose alongside the pertussis and tetanus vaccines. It takes five doses to fully protect against the DTap virus. Children receive it at the following ages trusted source:
1) 2 months.
2) 4 months.
3) 6 months.
4) 15-18 months.
5) 6 months.

A child may in extremely rare circumstances, develop an allergy to the immunization. This may cause lives or seizures that will eventually go away.
Since vaccines only remain effective for 10 years, your child will remain another vaccination around the age 12. it is advised that adults receive a single dose of a booster vaccine that include diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. You will thereafter receive the tetanus-diphtheria(TD) vaccine every 10 years. By following these instructions, you or your child may be shielded from future diphtheria.

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Vertigo

Does it feel like you are spinning or the room is moving around you? That’s a classic sign of a particular type of dizziness called vertigo. It’s more than feeling off-kilter and usually gets worse when you move your head. This is a symptom that there is an issue in the inner ear or part of the brainstem governing balance. The most common kind is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is triggered by certain changes in head position, such as tripping the head up or down. It is rarely serious unless it increases with the risk of falling.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may include:

  • Dizziness
  • A sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving (vertigo)
  • A loss of balance or unsteadiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

The signs and symptoms of BPPV can come and go and commonly last less than one minute. Episodes of BPPV can disappear for some time and then recur.

Activities that bring about the signs and symptoms of BPPV can vary from person to person, but are almost always brought on by a change in head position. Some people also feel out of balance when standing or walking. Abnormal rhythmic eye movements usually accompany the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Risk factors

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurs most often in people age 50 and older, but can occur at any age. BPPV is also more common in women than in men. A head injury or any other disorder of the balance organs of your ear may make you more susceptible to BPPV.

Complications

Although BPPV is uncomfortable, it rarely causes complications. The dizziness of BPPV can make you unsteady, which may put you at greater risk of falling.

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