Lawrence Chow / ENT Doctor
8 Other Ways to Manage Hay Fever
Sometimes, even if you regularly clean the house and remove all the possible triggers for your hay fever or allergic rhinitis, it will be more effective if you will also equip yourself with complete knowledge on what else might work and do wonders in making you say goodbye for now to your allergies.
Here are just some of the many ways you can manage hay fever:
Avoid Stressful Situations
Stress can weaken the immune system and it makes allergic rhinitis worse. When it is impossible to pluck yourself out from stressful situations, at least learn a few tricks how to manage it. Giving yourself a much needed alone time for self-care and meditation, and toning down your schedule by not overcommitting are basic stress management skills nowadays.
Consider Acupuncture
Acupuncture will not only relieve the acute symptoms of allergies. It will also address the underlying imbalances within the body, getting directly on the root problems that are contributing to the body’s reaction to allergens.
Get to Know Herbal Remedies
Quercetin, a nutrient found in onions, as well as apples and black tea have been known to block the release of histamines.
Butterbur, a European shrub has an herb that has shown potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms, acting similar to antihistamines.
These are just a few of the many herbs that can help relieve hay fever symptoms.
Know the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can boost the immune system, help break up mucus, and support lymphatic drainage.
Mixing one to two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and lemon juice three times a day can relieve allergy symptoms.
Visit a Chiropractor
Chiropractic care helps the immune system to function more effectively by releasing stress on the nervous system. It has been known that without stress, the nervous system can function more efficiently and help in fixing then wrong immune signals that cause allergic reactions.
Detox Regularly
When the liver works overtime metabolizing alcohol, medications and processed foods, allergies can flare up. Foods and herbs such as milk thistle, turmeric, artichoke, citrus fruits and nuts can help support the liver.
Also, eliminating fried foods, sugar, alcohol and other toxins from your diet can help lessen allergic symptoms because allergies are worsened by toxins within the body.
Take Probiotics
The presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut will reduce incidence of allergies because probiotics stimulate the production of immune enhancing substances, hinder growth of pathogenic elements further making the immune system stronger and this can help lessen allergies.
Relax with Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, basil, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils help detoxify the body and fight infections, bacteria, parasites, microorganisms and harmful toxins. They have been effective in fighting inflammation and boosting the immune system. Adding essential oils to a bath, cup of tea, massage oil, or an oil diffuser can do wonders in reducing allergy symptoms.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
5 Common Respiratory Ailments Associated With The Bronchus
A number of medical conditions can affect the bronchus. A bronchospasm for example occurs when the airways constrict, or narrow, causing wheezing and difficulty in breathing. It can be a symptom of many conditions that affect the airways, including asthma, seasonal allergies, and COPD.
The following are some of the medical conditions involving the bronchus:
Asthma
Asthma has a lot of triggers from smoke, dust, pet fur and other allergies and irritants, to intense emotions resulting in hyperventilation.
During an asthma attack, a bronchospasm occurs, the bronchi or airways constrict or narrows itself and it becomes extremely difficult to breath.
Bronchitis
When a viral infection that started in the nose or throat starts to affect the cells of the bronchi, it becomes swollen and causes a cough that sometimes coughs up phlegm, and it causes wheezing. This is called acute bronchitis.
Usually it is caused by the same virus that causes colds and the flu. You can also get acute bronchitis from bacteria in rare cases and from inhaling certain substances, such as smoke, dust, or other irritants.
As for chronic bronchitis, smoking is the number one culprit because cigarette smoke irritates the airways and causes mucus. This causes inflammation in the bronchioles, causing a heavy buildup of mucus in the lungs and unlike acute bronchitis which goes away easily on its own, this one will not stop. It will give a chronic cough and the sick person will be more susceptible to bacterial infections. Breathing becomes extremely difficult.
Apart from smoking and being exposed to irritants such as dust or chemical fumes, over a long period of time, having COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the same condition some people with emphysema also have, increases the probability that more likely, they have chronic bronchitis too.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
People who have COPD usually also have asthma or emphysema accompanied by chronic bronchitis. If left untreated, this can lead to lung cancer.
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis which is also associated with other illnesses, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and recurrent cases of pneumonia, happens when the walls of the bronchi become irreversibly scarred.
They become thick and this causes mucus to build up and become a breeding ground for bacteria. The lung will not be able to function well when this condition is prolonged.
Aspiration
Patients are instructed to fast prior to surgery because there is a risk they could vomit and aspirate some of the food or drink while they are unconscious under general anesthesia.
When these foreign objects are accidentally or involuntarily inhaled, they often become lodged in one of the bronchi.
These Inhaled substances can then attract bacteria, leading to aspiration and pneumonia.
These can also happen to people who have trouble chewing and swallowing. Patients are also prone to aspiration after a stroke
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
5 Things You Should Do if Someone in Your Home Has Asthma
Asthma cannot be completely eradicated but there are simple ways to manage and avoid this illness especially if people are aware of things that should be done when they live with someone who has asthma.
Quit Smoking
When you live in the same roof with a loved one who has asthma, it is impossible for the patient to not inhale second hand smoke. Second hand smoke or smoke produced by a smoker and breathed in by another person can trigger an asthma attack. Make sure your home is a cigarette and tobacco smoke free zone. Instead of just designating a smoking area or trying one’s best to not smoke near the person with asthma, inside the home or inside the car, it would be in the best interest of every member of the family to just quit smoking.
Leave No Room for Dust Mites
Dust mites can trigger an asthma attack if the person who has asthma is allergic to dust and most likely, they are. Make sure these microscopic bugs are eradicated from your home.
Here’s a list of things you can do to prevent dust mites:
- Use a humidifier to keep relative humidity levels at around 30- 50% which is not suitable for dust mites.
- Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and floors
- Make sure you wash your bedding and dry it completely once a week
- Allergen-proof mattress and pillowcase covers make a good barrier from dust mites so make sure you use them
- Never use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters.
Make Sure The Person with Asthma Stays Away from Air Pollution
Smoke from burning wood and dried leaves can trigger an asthma attack because they are producing harmful gases and particles that can be inhaled in large amounts and cause an asthma flare up.
Air pollution from factories and cars are even more harmful. Make sure you live in a place away from all of these if you have a loved one with asthma and make sure you check air quality forecasts on the internet before you plan your activities to make sure there is no air pollution when you go out.
Keep the Person Away from Pets that Is Causing Asthma Attacks
If the furbaby can’t be rehomed, just make sure the person’s exposure is lessened by keeping the pet away from the bedroom and always keeping the pet clean. Using air cleaners with HEPA filters and allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers may help prevent asthma attacks.
Keep the Person Away from All Possible Triggers
Molds, harmful disinfectants, poor ventilation, flu, colds, respiratory syncytial virus, sinus infections and pollen must be kept away from the person with asthma.
Acid reflux, excessive physical activity, bad weather such as thunderstorms and high humidity can also trigger asthma attacks.
It is also important to take note of food, medicine, food additives and fragrances which may be the person with asthma is allergic to so it can be avoided.
Most importantly, try your best not to upset the person with asthma because intense emotions can lead to very fast breathing or hyperventilation which is also a trigger of asthma attack.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
7 Things You Should Do When You Have Tonsillitis
Our tonsils, the two masses of tissue at the back of our throat act as filters and they trap germs that could enter our airways and cause infection. They also make antibodies to fight infection.
When there’s too much risk factors, they get overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses. When they get swollen and inflamed, this condition is called tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis usually goes away on its own, lasting only two to four days and the worse, two weeks or more and recurrent especially if we will not follow the following list of advice on how to treat tonsillitis:
Take a Pain Reliever
Tonsillitis is usually accompanied by fever and pain. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are over the counter pain relievers which you can take to help manage these while you are at it.
Rest
If you can’t afford a total bed rest, at least refrain from doing anything strenuous and avoid aggravating your condition by staying up late. You should do the opposite – oversleep if you can. You won’t be able to work effectively when you are in pain. One of the possible reasons why you got sick in the first place is because you overworked and did not rest. Your immune system was affected and this is why you caught tonsillitis. The best thing to do is to correct this by getting enough rest and keep that habit even when you no longer have tonsillitis.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy has been known to cure mild to moderate sore throat accompanied by headache and fever in less than twenty four hours. The same is true with tonsillitis. Drinking warm or very cold drinks will not only help with throat pain but flush off toxins that weakens your immunity. Once your body’s ability to fight off disease is restored, your tonsillitis will be gone in no time.
Eat Comfort Food and Beverage
Flavored gelatins, ice cream and applesauce are known as “smooth foods” that can give comfort to your tonsillitis
Broth soup, caffeine-free tea and warm water with honey can soothe the pain as well as cold treats like ice pops which can also soothe sore throat.
Humidify the Air
A cool-mist vaporizer or a cool-air humidifier in your room can eliminate dry air that may further irritate a sore throat. Sitting inside a steamy bathroom for several minutes is also effective.
Gargle with Warm Saltwater
Children are the ones most prone to tonsillitis. It had been proven that saltwater gargle of 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of table salt to 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of warm water can help soothe a child’s sore throat.
Anyone who has tonsillitis should gargle the solution and then spit it.
Have your child gargle the solution and then spit it out.
Take Lozenges
Lozenges with benzocaine and other medications that can numb the throat can be effective in managing tonsillitis while waiting for recovery.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
6 Bad Habits that Increases the Chance of Getting Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis, which is most commonly referred to as “sore throat” usually occurs during the colder months of the year. It can cause scratchiness in the throat and difficulty swallowing.
Pharyngitis may be caused by bacterial or viral infections and is very easy to catch if people are stubborn enough not to avoid these bad habits:
1。Not Getting Enough Water, Rest and Sleep
Pharyngitis is often accompanied by headache, fever and pain, all of which can be easily prevented if only people will keep their immunity functioning at its best when they get a complete eight hour sleep and keep themselves hydrated.
Water therapy is often used to treat common colds and sore throats and dehydration worsens it.
Anything which is bad for the immune system or the body’s ability to fight off infections can contribute to the spread of diseases that cause pharyngitis. So it is very important to keep hydrated and get enough sleep.
2。Sharing Food, Drinks and Eating Utensils.
When people avoid sharing food, drinks and eating utensils, they also avoid the most common viral and bacterial causes of pharyngitis other than pharyngitis itself. Some of these highly contagious diseases are: measles, adenovirus, chickenpox, croup and group A streptococcus.
Viral infections such as common cold, influenza, or mononucleosis, as well as the less prevalent bacterial infection, strep throat can cause pharyngitis.
In some rare cases, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and corynebacterium can also cause bacterial pharyngitis and everyone knows how easy virus and bacteria can spread when people share cups and spoons so it will be best not to do it even with people very close to us to prevent spreading diseases.
3。Going to Crowded Places
Again, avoiding close contact with anyone who may be carrying bacteria or viral infection in them may help prevent acquiring anything which may cause pharyngitis. Some infectious and contagious diseases are airborne and people working in healthcare are constantly exposed so it is best to avoid crowded places altogether unless one’s job calls for it. If that is the case, the person must always protect himself by avoiding close contact and eating immune boosting food.
4。Having Poor Hygiene
People who are unable to make it a habit to wash their hands often before eating and after coughing or sneezing can be a contributor in the spread of disease. They can also get it easily by not washing after exposing themselves or touching infected areas.
5。Not Using Disinfectants
Simply keeping themselves and their surroundings clean may not be enough in preventing infection completely. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren’t available is highly recommended to keep the usual culprits of throat infections away.
6。Exposing Oneself to Smoke
Exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of getting pharyngitis so one should avoid inhaling second hand smoke and avoid smoking too. Again, anything which is bad for the overall immunity can cause pharyngitis and this is especially true when people smoke.
If you have been experiencing symptoms such as voice changes, constant coughing, pain when swallowing, ear pain and sore throat that has not disappeared for more than two weeks, get yourself checked by a qualified doctor. It could be nothing but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
6 Risk Factors of Chronic Laryngitis
Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx or voice box which contains the vocal cords, causing it to be irritated and swollen.
When the vocal cords are swollen, the sound produced by the air passing through them becomes distorted. The sound of the voice becomes hoarse as a result and in some cases, the voice can even become undetectable.
It can be caused either by a respiratory infection, such as a cold, bronchitis or sinusitis; exposure to irritating substances – cigarette smoke, alcohol, stomach acid or harmful chemicals; and excessive singing, shouting and talking.
Laryngitis is preventable if every person knows how to take care of their voices. Keeping oneself healthy to fight off viral infections that cause colds, sinusitis and bacterial infections as well as not overusing one’s voice by constant yelling and not engaging in activities that cause vocal strain, can all contribute to the prevention of acute laryngitis that usually leads to chronic laryngitis.
Being aware of the risk factors will also help you stay away from bad habits that lead to this disease.
1.All Kinds of Smoke
Smoking can cause irritation of the vocal cords. Cigarette and tobacco smoke are the common culprits but all kinds of smoke must be avoided, especially second hand smoke or burning leaves. Inhaled irritants, like chemical fumes and allergens can cause chronic laryngitis.
2.Dehydration
Excessive alcohol use can drain the body of water causing the throat to be dry. Caffeine can also make you lose more body water than usual.
Both can lessen the amount of total body water. It is advisable to drink plenty of liquid as fluids keep the mucus in the throat thin and easy to clear.
3.Stomach Acid
Stomach acid can go into the throat and esophagus and cause acid reflux, heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Spicy food is one of the number one culprits of this. Stomach acid is one of the causes of chronic laryngitis.
4.Unhealthy Diet
Not including a variety of healthy foods in their daily intake can make people prone to chronic laryngitis. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains have very useful vitamins such as vitamins A,E and C. These vitamins are very important for overall health and they keep mucous membranes in the throat healthier.
5.Clearing the Throat
Clearing the throat does more harm than good. It causes the throat to secrete more mucus and it becomes more irritated. Doing it will only make the person want to clear his throat again. This also causes an abnormal vibration on the vocal cords and the strain can increase swelling.
6.Exposure to People with Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections and colds are highly contagious and with any illness, its the throat that manifests symptoms of infection first.
It is safe to stay away from crowded places and it is advisable to wash hands often.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
4 Ways to Remedy Post-Nasal Drip
Some of us wake up with a dry throat and all it takes is one glass of water. For the unfortunate ones, it’s a trip straight to the bathroom sink and an ensuing session of hacking throat noises every morning. In this article, we’re going to show you some of the most common remedies to help ease the post-nasal drip and how to avoid it in the future.
Drinking water.
If you suffer from post nasal drip, your instinct to grab a glass of water is well founded. Most of the time, post nasal drip occurs because there’s a lack of moisture in your throat and nasal cavities and the body compensates by producing mucus. Mucus is naturally thick and drinking healthy amounts of water helps it thin down, making it easier for you to clear your throat.
Drinking water also helps stimulate little hairs in your windpipe called cilia that push secretions up and out from your lungs. Drinking water and the cilia work together to clear your nasopharyngeal tract of mucosal remains.
Sleeping with more pillows.
It’s not just for the neck and back pain – sleeping with pillows propped up help support your airway and prevent mucus from accumulating at the back of your throat. This will also promote proper and unobstructed breathing.
Aside from helping avoid post nasal drip, this reduces your risk for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea and post nasal drip can be a bad combination for people with existing heart problems, so making sure you sleep right (and semi-upright) also contributes to a longer lifespan, in addition to a clearer airway.
Pop that Benadryl.
This is very useful for people with allergic rhinitis. Postnasal drip is one of the problems people with rhinitis have to deal with, in concurrence with endless episodes of sneezing. Allergic rhinitis occurs in response to dust, pollen, and certain chemicals. During allergic rhinitis, the body fights back by producing more mucus to trap the allergens.
To help your body tone down the overreaction, you can take antihistamines. Benadryl, Allegra, or Claritin reduce the activity of the immune system and eventually minimize the production of mucus. This should help you breathe easy in the mornings.
Using humidifiers.
If you prefer dealing with post nasal drips with the least effort possible, investing in a good humidifier at home can help. Post nasal drips become cling to the back of your throat better in dry weather.
It’s the same concept as drinking water, except the application is external rather than a process started by the body. Some manufacturers also include essential oils for you to mix in the humidifier. Aim for the warm setting in a humidifier if you have thick mucus, or if you have a sore throat, use the cool setting.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
3 Best Cures for Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
When you’re sneezing non stop after a dusting session at home, or you find yourself with an itchy and runny nose after visiting the pet shop, chances are, you have allergic rhinitis. It’s a very common disease and it affects 20% of the human population.
Medical experts can only explain how it happens but they don’t have an idea what causes it in the first place. There are several remedies, and thanks to medical advances, rhinitis is just one antihistamine pill away. If you opt for homeopathic remedies, some ingredients are readily available at a supermarket. Read more to find out.
Avoiding your allergens.
We’ll start off with preventive measures because “prevention is the best cure.” The very first step to not suffer allergies is to find out which allergen your body reacts to. Thankfully, you can go to a clinic for some tests but if you’d like a fancier experience, you can visit an immunologist and allergy expert.
They will conduct several tests so you can find out which allergen you’re most averse to. We’ll give you a heads up – the most common cause for allergic rhinitis are either of the following: dust, pollen, and dander. The first allergen can be avoided by keeping your home clean, the second one – by staying indoors, and the last one by opting for short haired or hairless breeds, or other pet alternatives (if you still want to keep a pet, that is)
Antihistamines.
Over-the-counter brands for antihistamines include Claritin, Benadryl, and Allegra. Most of these histamines work the same way – they reduce the activity of histamine receptors that are the primary cause for the sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes and throat.
Because they limit the production of an immune response, that means an absence of defensive barriers like mucus. You’ll probably need to drink water or use a humidifier in addition to taking the medications because your nasal passages and your throat will dry out. As with any other medication, always consult your physician prior to taking these drugs.
Corticosteroids.
If the antihistamines only acted on receptors, corticosteroids are medications that act on the hormones associated with producing histamines. This means that you won’t suffer the symptoms of rhinitis and the added benefit of not having to experience dryness in your mucous membranes.
The only downside to this is that it has to be taken as a preventive medication. It means that once the allergies have started, taking corticosteroids will reduce the severity of existing symptoms but at this point, taking an antihistamine is the better option.
Some popular corticosteroids for allergies include dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone under the brand names Dilacort, Pevanti, Decadron, or Dexpak.
These are just some of the few medications to the symptomatic treatment of allergies. There are homeopathic remedies too, but be careful as some of these all natural remedies still remain untested and may not be medically approved.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of the ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
http://www.hkentspecialist.hk
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