Natural Remedies for the Treatment of Runny Nose

Increase in the levels of air-pollution has given birth to various triggers that cause runny nose. Runny nose occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of mucus in the nasal and sinus passage. Exposure to common cold, an allergic reaction, extreme cold and hot weather can also trigger the runny nose. Many medicines are taken to treat the runny nose, but these medicines have side effects such as drowsiness. Moreover, medicines do not give you a long-term relief; it just dries the excessive mucus, which is not healthy for the body, as mucus should come out of the body. Using natural remedies can give you instant relief without any side effects. 

Here are some effective natural methods that can help in the treatment of running nose

1. Garlic 

• The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of garlic have the potential to cure numerous problems like respiratory infections, cough, cold, sore throat.  
• Allicin, which is the prime ingredient in garlic, plays the vital role in killing the unfavorable bacteria inside your body and prevents running nose.
• You can swallow a piece of raw garlic empty stomach and drink water. You can also use garlic paste in your daily food or drink garlic soup daily. 

2. Steam

• Steam opens the nasal passages blocked due to overflow mucus and provides relief from the irritation due to runny nose. 
• Fill a bowl with boiling water, cover your head with a towel and bend down little to allow the steam to enter your nose properly.   
• Steam can ease the several symptoms of allergy. It revives the proper flow of breathing and settles the infuriation due to sinus.

3. Ginger

• Ginger is loaded with antioxidants, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which are very effective in the treatment of the runny nose.
• You can eat small pieces of a raw ginger, or make a ginger tea. Ginger can be, also taken with honey to get better results. 
• The antitoxic ability of ginger kills all the bacteria and other harmful toxins in your nose and lungs. 

4. Turmeric

• The antioxidant properties of turmeric increase the flow of oxygen in the blood and anti-inflammatory properties of the turmeric reduce the inflammation caused due to excessive runny of the nose. 
• Mix a pinch of turmeric in a glass of warm milk and drink it every night to neutralize the triggers that causes the runny nose.
• Turmeric is not only effective in treating the runny nose, but it can also give you relief from the other symptoms of cold, cough, and chest infections.

5. Honey

• Honey contains strong anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties, which gives you an instant relief from the symptoms of running nose.  
• Honey also contains hydrogen peroxide, osmotic effect, and has high sugar concentration, which fights infection at multiple levels. 
• To increase the strength of your immune system, mix one tablespoon of honey in warm water. Drink this empty stomach or just after waking up.

ENT specialists lay down the treatment options for hearing loss

Hearing loss is the most common ear problem in human beings today. WHO predicts that in India, more than 75 million individuals will be suffering from significant auditory impairment by the end of 2020. These astounding numbers amount to severe loss in productivity, both physical and economical. Unfortunately, even larger numbers are linked to milder degrees and unilateral (one sided) hearing loss.

Types of hearing loss

1. Conductive Hearing Loss occurs because of difficulty in the middle ear. In a normal ear, the sound hits on an integral eardrum. The increase in movement is backed up by three small bones, working simultaneously in which the third bone works as a piston to deliver the increased vibrations to the fluid system of the inner ear. Fluid in the ear, eardrum tear, and damage to the working of the three bones may cause hearing loss. If the inner ear is enthused directly by the nerves, hearing organ and hearing is normal. This is known as conductive hearing loss.
2. Sensory-Neural Hearing Loss refers to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve which is the signal bearer to the brain. This type of condition occurs when there is physical harm to the end organ or the nerve. In most cases, sensory-neural hearing loss is irreversible. Using a hearing aid is only the solution as surgery itself is baseless in this case. Sensory-neural hearing loss is linked to blockage of blood supply or the sudden arrival of viral infection.

Safeguarding newborns from hearing loss is now recommended. In young ones, hearing impairment can lead to further problems such as slow growth, slow learning capabilities etc. By detecting problem in the initial stages, suitable measures can be taken to avert any of the aforementioned types of hearing loss.

How hearing loss is diagnosed?

The best available examination to determine an individual’s hearing abilities is an audiometry test. Before commencing the test, the ENT specialist may conduct a general screening test to know the extent of the condition. He/she may ask patient to cover up one ear at a time to see how well his/her ear responds when exposed to different sets of volume.

During a thorough test called audiometry, the patients are asked to wear headphones and hear sounds directed to one ear at a time. The ENT specialist presents an array of sounds of various tones and asks him/her to indicate each time. Each tone is repeated different times at different levels.

Special hearing tests including speech tests give a clear idea whether hearing loss is conductive or sensory-neural.

What are the treatment options for hearing loss?

The treatment for hearing loss varies according to the severity. Hearing aid is the only possibility if the damage is to the inner ear.

1. Hearing Aids: The ENT doctor can discuss the probable advantages of using a hearing aid. Hearing aids cannot help every patient with hearing impairment, but they can enhance hearing for many people. However, getting adapted to it can take some time. Since, the sound coming through the hearing aid is amplified, it will take some adjustments before a patient gets used to it. Hearing aids should always be purchased after doing extensive research.
2. Cochlear Implants: Cochlear Implants are considered when hearing aids fail to deliver. These implants are inserted into the inner ear but can cost you a fortune. They have their own set of complications. It is advisable to have healthy discussion with an ENT specialist before going for such implants. 

Crucial Information on Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the soreness of two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat on each side known as tonsils. Symptoms and signs of tonsillitis include inflamed tonsil, tender throat, difficulty swallowing and sore lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.

95 percent of tonsillitis cases are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial infections may also be responsible for the same.

Treatment of tonsillitis depends on the cause but it’s quintessential to get the right treatment. The most common way to treat tonsillitis is to surgically remove them but it’s usually performed when the condition occurs frequently, doesn’t respond to medications or causes serious complexities.

The indications of tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is very common these days and mainly seen in small children and the mid-teenage ones. Prevalent symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Swollen tonsils. Looks red in color
• Whitish yellow patches on the tonsils
• Tender throat
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Fever
• Inflated, sore glands in the neck
• A very heavy, scratchy voice
• Foul smell from the mouth
• Pain in the stomach particularly in small children
• Headache 

In young children who are unable to describe their feelings, signs of tonsillitis may include:

• Salivating due to discomfort in swallowing
• Rejection to eat food
• Abnormal meticulousness

When to call up an ENT specialist

It’s significant to get the right kind of treatment and care for your kid if he/she shows the symptoms of tonsillitis. Call your medical professional if your loved one is encountering:

• A tender throat that doesn’t go away in 24 hours
• Swallowing becomes difficult
• Weakness, fatigue or tiredness 

What causes tonsillitis?

Besides common viruses, bacteria are also responsible for causing tonsillitis. The most common one is Streptococcus pyogenes. It causes the throat to strep.

Tonsils are immune system’s first line of defense against relentless viruses and bacteria. They form a shield to restrict the entry of such viruses. This may make tonsils vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Conversely, the fighting capabilities of tonsils reduce greatly as we age- a factor that accounts for lesser adults suffering from this disease. 

Liabilities associated with tonsillitis

Tonsillitis may include the following risk factors:

• Tonsillitis is common amongst younger age group such as small and younger children.
• Tonsillitis is a communicable disease. It can easily spread, especially when children come in contact with each other. Once exposed to viruses or bacteria, they become prone to tonsillitis. 

Complexities of tonsillitis

Inflammation of tonsils from regular tonsillitis can make way for following complications:

• Inability to breathe freely
• Sleep may be interrupted due to breathlessness
• Infection may spread deeper if not treated timely
• Possibility of formation of puss behind a tonsil

Preparing to meet ENT specialist

If your kid is experiencing a tender throat, difficulty swallowing or other symptoms related to tonsillitis, you may consult an ENT specialist at the earliest. He/she may be interested in knowing the evaluation of the disease, symptoms in detail and more.