1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Updated Articles and Resources

  • Throat Pain - Managing Throat PainCreated: 2009-12-09 @ 10:50:09 EST     Updated: 2009-12-09 @ 10:59:15 EST
    There are many causes of throat pain including colds caused by viruses or strep throat, overuse of the vocal cords, smoking, acid reflux or growths. Learn when to worry, and how best to manage your…
  • Esophageal Cancer - A Closer Look At Esophageal CancerCreated: 2009-12-07 @ 12:34:12 EST     
    Esophageal cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the esophagus. According to the National Cancer Institute the prevalence of esophageal cancer is approximately 5-10 per 100,000 persons with …
  • Sleep Apnea - What is Sleep Apnea?Created: 2009-12-01 @ 10:58:13 EST     
    Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you stop breathing during your sleep. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association more than 12 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea…
  • Herpangina - What is HerpanginaCreated: 2009-11-24 @ 15:09:46 EST     
    Herpangina is a condition caused by a virus in which blisters break out in the back of the throat. The condition is most common in children and infants under the age of four and can be fairly painf…
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis - What is Vocal Cord ParalysisCreated: 2009-11-18 @ 00:29:31 EST     
    Vocal Cord Paralysis is a common voice disorder occurring with either one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) vocal cords. This occurs when the vocal cord(s) do not open and close appropriately. The l…
  • Allergen - Definition of AllergenCreated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:35 EST     
    An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. Some examples of common allergens are dust mites, cat dander and pollen. Allergens trigger the immunoglobulin IgE which activates the im…
  • Allergen - How to Detect an Allergen and Remove It From Your HomeCreated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:35 EST     
    An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction, (in some individuals). Some examples of common allergens are dust mites, cat dander and pollen. Sometimes individuals can have severe al…
  • Stuffy Nose - What to Do About Your Stuffy NoseCreated: 2009-11-16 @ 10:40:59 EST     Updated: 2009-11-16 @ 10:52:37 EST
    There are many underlying causes for a stuffy nose but contrary to popular belief the nostrils are not clogged. A stuffy nose occurs when the blood vessels inside the nose become swollen…
  • H1N1 Vaccine - All About the H1N1 VaccineCreated: 2009-11-10 @ 22:04:29 EST     Updated: 2009-11-11 @ 15:23:29 EST
    Individual experiences written by individuals who have received the 2009 H1N1 Vaccine. Share your experience and get tips from others. How were you able to find the H1N1 vaccine despite the shortag…
  • Mastoiditis - What is MastoiditisCreated: 2009-11-03 @ 10:31:06 EST     
    Mastoiditis is an uncommon illness that usually results from untreated ear infections…
  • Flu Shot - Seasonal Flu ShotCreated: 2009-10-29 @ 12:15:47 EDT     Updated: 2009-10-29 @ 15:18:45 EDT
    Every year, scientists work to predict which seasonal flu viruses will be circulating during the next flu season. These viruses are then used to make a vaccine, a medication that is given as a shot…
  • Cochlea - What is the CochleaCreated: 2009-10-28 @ 14:22:44 EDT     
    The cochlea is the portion of the inner ear that looks remarkably like a snail shell. The cochlea is divided into three different parts which contain a fluid called perilymph and tiny sensitive hai…
  • Semicircular Canals - What Are the Semicircular Canals of the EarCreated: 2009-10-28 @ 13:39:01 EDT     
    The semicircular canals are organs in the inner ear that are responsible for balance and equilibrium…
  • Glue Ear - What is Glue EarCreated: 2009-10-21 @ 12:40:23 EDT     
    Glue ear is another name for serous otitis media, or fluid in the ear. It is called glue ear when a thick mucous substance is excreted from the ear canal…
  • Cryptic Tonsils - What to Do About Cryptic TonsilsCreated: 2009-10-09 @ 11:41:19 EDT     Updated: 2009-10-09 @ 11:44:19 EDT
    Cryptic tonsils are pockets in the tonsils which accumulate food and other debris, cause bad breath and occasionally sore throat. Cryptic tonsils are also called tonsil stones, tonsilloliths, fetid…
  • Tonsil Stones- What Are Tonsil StonesCreated: 2009-10-09 @ 11:40:37 EDT     
    Tonsil stones are also called tonsilloliths. They are created when there are pockets in the tonsils which trap food and other debris which may then harden into a stone-like ball. …
  • Recurring Strep Throat - What to Do About Recurring Strep ThroatCreated: 2009-10-07 @ 18:27:22 EDT     Updated: 2009-10-07 @ 18:34:40 EDT
    Recurring strep throat can result in pain and discomfort, lost days at school or at work, and ultimately surgery. This article will explore ways to discover why you may be experiencing recurring st…
  • Throat Strep - Is Your Sore Throat Strep?Created: 2009-10-06 @ 10:21:34 EDT     Updated: 2009-10-06 @ 10:46:52 EDT
    It can be difficult to tell if your sore throat is strep throat but there are a few things which can help to differentiate the difference between a sore throat caused by a cold virus and a sore thr…
  • Flumist - Flumist by MedimmuneCreated: 2009-10-05 @ 23:01:16 EDT     
    FluMist by MedImmune is an alternative method of administering a flu vaccination. Instead of a shot it is given as a liquid through the nose. Unlike a flu shot which contains a killed virus the Flu…
  • Strep Throat Complications- What Are Strep Throat ComplicationsCreated: 2009-10-02 @ 13:04:13 EDT     
    Strep throat can cause several problems ranging in severity from being just a nuisance to more serious long-term health compromising problems. …
  • Strep Test - What Is a Strep TestCreated: 2009-10-02 @ 11:46:03 EDT     
    A strep test is method used to treat strep throat. There are two kinds of tests that can be used to detect the streptococcus bacteria in the throat. One is the rapid strep test, the other is a thro…
  • Strep Throat - Strep Throat SymptomsCreated: 2009-09-28 @ 15:45:31 EDT     
    Strep throat symptoms include sore throat, fever, stomach ache... Strep throat is caused by the bacteria group A streptococcus and must be treated with antibiotics…
  • Voice Loss and Hoarseness - Causes and Treatment of Voice Loss and H…Created: 2009-09-13 @ 21:35:39 EDT     
    Voice loss and hoarseness are common problems and can cause missed days at work and a decrease the quality of your life. There are also many disorders that can cause these bothersome symptoms and s…
  • GERD and Eosinophilic Esophagitis - Difference Between the TwoCreated: 2009-09-10 @ 17:36:36 EDT     Updated: 2009-09-10 @ 23:44:34 EDT
    Many of the symptoms experienced by people with GERD and eosinophilic esophagitis overlap. While the symptoms are similar, the treatments are different. Are you being treated for GERD but really ha…
  • Symptoms of H1N1 - What To Do if You Have Symptoms of H1N1Created: 2009-09-04 @ 11:38:41 EDT     Updated: 2009-09-04 @ 11:42:02 EDT
    If you have symptoms of H1N1 the CDC recommends that you stay at home for at least 7 days or 24 hours after…
  • Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate - How Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate OccursCreated: 2009-09-02 @ 14:48:19 EDT     
    Cleft lip and palate occurs due to a combination of both genetic and environmental factors (multifactorial inheritance). This is called congenital malformation. All factors that lead to the potent…
  • Immunoglobulin - What is an Immunoglobulin?Created: 2009-08-26 @ 15:57:35 EDT     Updated: 2009-08-26 @ 17:05:46 EDT
    Immunoglobulins are proteins which act as part of our immune system, they detect foreign substances such as viruses, bacteria and allergens and send a message which triggers the immune system. …
  • Microdebrider - What is a MicrodebriderCreated: 2009-08-26 @ 15:52:04 EDT     Updated: 2009-08-26 @ 17:05:02 EDT
    Microdebrider definition…
  • Cleft Lip - What Is Cleft LipCreated: 2009-08-25 @ 18:59:44 EDT     
    Cleft lip usually originates during the first three months after conception, the fetal palate(the roof of the mouth) and lips have a cleft or separation and develop separately. During normal develo…
  • H1N1 Pandemics - The 1918 Flu Pandemic and the Current H1N1 PandemicCreated: 2009-08-19 @ 12:13:25 EDT     Updated: 2009-08-19 @ 12:33:51 EDT
    A comparison and history of the 1918 flu pandemic in relationship to the current H1N1 pandemic…
  • Symptoms of H1N1 - What Are Symptoms of H1N1Created: 2009-08-10 @ 13:02:22 EDT     Updated: 2009-08-10 @ 13:04:23 EDT
    The symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) vary between individuals but are very similar to that of the regular flu. Individuals infected with H1N1 have reported the following symptoms…
  • The Epley Maneuver - What is The Epley ManeuverCreated: 2009-08-08 @ 17:08:28 EDT     
    The Epley Maneuver is a treatment for vertigo (dizziness) caused by a disorder called BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). The Epley maneuver must be preformed by a qualified physician in a…
  • BPPV - What Is BPPV?Created: 2009-08-08 @ 17:07:22 EDT     
    BPPV is a medical abbreviation for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. It is a form of vertigo that is thought to be caused by calcium deposits within the inner ear…
  • H1N1 - What is H1N1Created: 2009-08-07 @ 11:34:12 EDT     
    H1N1 is a flu virus and is also called the swine flu. It was first detected in the United States in April of 2009. It causes flu like symptoms including, fever, cough, fatigue and muscle aches…
  • Perilymph Fistula - What is a Perilymph FistulaCreated: 2009-08-07 @ 10:08:42 EDT     
    Perilymph Fistula occurs when there is a tear in the thin membrane called the oval or round window which separates the inner ear from the middle ear. The inner ear is filled with a fluid called per…
  • Tonsils - Having Your Tonsils RemovedCreated: 2009-07-31 @ 18:07:15 EDT     
    Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system. There are two that reside on each side of the throat. Indications for having your tonsils removed include frequent infection and enlargement that interfere…
  • Turbinate - Reduction of TurbinateCreated: 2009-07-31 @ 18:05:53 EDT     
    Turbinates are the portion of your nose that work to warm and moisten the air we breathe. The turbinates are filled with warm blood vessels which work to humidify the air, keeping cold air from rea…
  • Prevention of ENT Disorders - Prevention of ENT DisordersCreated: 2009-07-31 @ 18:04:54 EDT     
    Learn how to prevent common disorders of the ear nose and throat including ear infections, sinus infections, tonsillitis and more. Receive tips on coping with ENT disorders and tips for daily life…
  • Surgery - How To Prepare Your Child For SurgeryCreated: 2009-07-31 @ 16:09:34 EDT     Updated: 2009-07-31 @ 17:59:10 EDT
    Learn how to prepare your child for surgery. Reduce their anxiety and your own. Learn appropriate ways to explain what is going to happen according to your child's age and minimize trauma…
  • Sore Throat From Acid Reflux - What Do You Do To Prevent Getting a S…Created: 2009-07-29 @ 12:13:26 EDT     Updated: 2009-07-29 @ 12:34:04 EDT
    Acid reflux and GERD are common causes of a sore throat. Find out what you can do to prevent getting a sore throat from acid reflux…
  • Barrett's Esophagus - What Is Barrett's EsophagusCreated: 2009-07-24 @ 16:01:40 EDT     
    Barrett's esophagus is a rare condition in which the tissue of the esophagus is replaced by intestinal tissue. It is sometimes caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and can be a precursor to eso…
  • Laryngeal Cancer - What is Laryngeal CancerCreated: 2009-07-24 @ 11:09:17 EDT     
    Laryngeal Cancer is a cancer of the organ in the front of the neck between the esophagus and the trachea called the larynx and also sometimes the voice box. The larynx assists in breathing, speakin…
  • Neurolabrynthitis - What Is NeurolabrynthitisCreated: 2009-07-16 @ 15:58:26 EDT     
    Definition for neurolabrythitis, a disease that causes vertigo, nausea and vomiting, visual impairment, one sided hearing loss and more…
  • Speech Therapy - What is Speech TherapyCreated: 2009-07-16 @ 13:53:30 EDT     Updated: 2009-07-16 @ 16:10:51 EDT
    Speech therapy encompasses more than just talking. Speech therapy can treat problems eating, swallowing and aspiration, non-verbal communication in addition to treating speech disorders…
  • Vertigo - Coping With VertigoCreated: 2009-07-14 @ 16:52:50 EDT     
    Bouts of vertigo (extreme dizziness which sometimes includes nausea and vomiting) can be very disabling. Find out how others manage their vertigo and share your tips as well…
  • Ear, Nose and Throat - Symptoms and Diagnosis of Ear, Nose and Throa…Created: 2009-07-13 @ 18:18:49 EDT     
    Information about the symptoms and diagnosis of common ear, nose and throat disorders including breathing problems like snoring, sleep apnea, and deviated septum. Learn how to manage other symptoms…
  • Treatment - Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat DisordersCreated: 2009-07-13 @ 18:17:46 EDT     
    Hundreds of options for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat. The treatment your physician recommends should be tailored to your individual symptoms. Learn some of the treatments your doc…
  • Second Opinion - When to Get a Second OpinionUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:34 EST
    There are many reasons to get a second opinion from a physician. This article will explore some of those reasons and also give some suggestions on how to go about getting a second opinion and what …
  • Ear Nose Throat Doctors - Finding Ear Nose and Throat DoctorsUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:33 EST
    Find out how to find an ear, nose and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) in your area…
  • Lumps - Is it a Lump or a Lymph NodeUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:32 EST
    Lumps are common with many ENT disorders and can be terrifying. Often these lumps are actually swollen lymph nodes. Find out disorders that cause lumps in the ear, nose and throat. …
  • Snoring - How to Stop SnoringUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:31 EST
    Snoring occurs when something is blocking air flow. It occurs during sleep because of the position and relaxed state your are in. Common causes of snoring include being overweight and obstructions …
  • Ear Pain - Managing Ear PainUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:31 EST
    Ear pain can be caused by a variety of factors. This article explores different conditions that can cause ear pain and gives information on managing ear pain…
  • Fluid in the Ear - Diagnosis and Treatment for Fluid in the EarUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:30 EST
    Fluid in the ear, also called serous otitis media(SOM) or otitis media with effusion (OME), is usually the result of an ear infection, but it can occur under any condition in which the auditory tub…
  • Swimmers Ear - What Is Swimmers EarUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:30 EST
    Swimmers ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear. It is called swimmers ear because it is common among swimmers. Bacteria has a tendency to thrive under warm and moist conditions s…
  • Nasal Polyps - What Are Nasal PolypsUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:29 EST
    Nasal Polyps are a non-cancerous mass of tissue inside of the nose. The nose is lined with a layer of tissue called mucosa, nasal polyps occur when this tissue becomes inflamed due to a variety of …
  • Seasonal Allergies - Diagnosing and Treating Seasonal AllergiesUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:29 EST
    Seasonal Allergies, or hayfever, affect more than 35 million people in the United States. Seasonal Allergies can impact your sleep and wake cycle, your moods, and cognition. Find out how you can tr…
  • Meniere's Disease - What is Meniere's DiseaseUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:28 EST
    Meniere's Disease is a cause of vertigo, (severe dizziness which causes a feeling of being off balance). It is a disorder of the inner ear which is not entirely understood and affects only one ear…
  • Post Nasal Drip - What is Post Nasal DripUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:27 EST
    If you've ever had a particularly nasty bit of phlegm in the back of your throat, you've experienced post-nasal drip. Mucous traps bacteria and keeps unwanted debris out, serving an important funct…
  • Deviated Septum - What Is a Deviated SeptumUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:27 EST
    The septum is the cartilage and bone that divides the nostrils. If the septum is deviated it means that the wall in not aligned properly and may be dividing the nostrils unevenly. Sometimes this ma…
  • Tonsillitis - What is TonsillitisUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:26 EST
    Tonsillitis occurs when the pharangeal tonsils, located in the back of the throat become inflamed. This can be cause by an infection or allergies. Tonsillitis can cause a severe sore throat and may…
  • Sleep Apnea - Can My Child Have Sleep ApneaUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:25 EST
    Can My Child Have Sleep Apnea? Yes. Approximately 2% of children suffer from sleep apnea. Symptoms include daytime drowsiness, mood swings, and delays in development. Sleep apnea can be caused by e…
  • Sinus Infection - Do I Have a Sinus InfectionUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:25 EST
    A sinus infection, also called sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses. Sinusitis can be caused by infection, allergies, or structural abnormalities. Symptoms include severe headaches, post na…
  • Vertigo - How to Manage Peripheral VertigoUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:24 EST
    Vertigo is the sensation of the world spinning around you while you remain still. While there are many reasons for vertigo, many are related to problems within the inner ear…
  • Prevent ENT Disorders - How to Prevent ENT DisordersUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:24 EST
    Learn how to prevent different types of ENT related disorders. Common infections that you may be able to help prevent include ear infections, sinus infections, sore throat and sleep apnea…
  • Diagnosis of ENT Disorders - How ENT Disorders are DiagnosedUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:23 EST
    Doctors use many different methods to diagnose ENT disorders, including signs and symptoms, cultures, visualization with an endoscope or otoscope and sometimes imaging, such as x-rays, CT scans or …
  • ENT - What Are ENT DisordersUpdated: 2009-11-17 @ 16:50:22 EST
    ENT is a medical abbreviation for ears, nose and throat. ENT disorders include tonsillitis, sleep apnea, sinusitis and ear infections. A doctor who treats these disorders is called an "ENT&quo…
  • H1N1 Vaccine - Everything You Need To Know About the H1N1 VaccineUpdated: 2009-11-10 @ 22:07:35 EST
    A comprehensive article designed to tell you everything you need to know about the H1N1 vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine is a medication that is given to prevent a person from catching the H1N1 influenza …
  • Foreign Object Nasal Obstruction - What to Do About Foreign Object …Updated: 2009-10-05 @ 10:13:04 EDT
    Foreign Object Nasal Obstruction, AKA children stuffing anything from beans to pencils up their nose is pretty common. Children have a natural tendency to put things where they don't belong. Find o…
  • ENT Treatment - What is the Best ENT TreatmentUpdated: 2009-10-01 @ 13:34:15 EDT
    ENT treatment can be handled by either a general pracitioner or an otolaryngologist (ENT). Do I need to see an ENT? An ear, nose and throat specialist can help you get up-to-date treatments for all…
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis - What Is Eosinophilic EspohagitisUpdated: 2009-09-08 @ 11:37:41 EDT
    Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic disorder which causes inflammation of the esophagus. When a person with eosinophillic esophagitis eats certain foods the eosinophils in their body recognize …
Explore Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.