Facts about the Ear, Nose, and Throat
What exactly is the ear?
The external or outer ear is made up of two parts:
The pinna and the auricle. This is the ear’s outermost portion.
External auditory canal, sometimes known as a tube. The tube that links the outside of the ear to the inside or center of the ear.
Thymine membrane (also called the eardrum). The tympanic membrane separates the exterior and middle ear.
The middle ear (tympanic cavity) is made up of:
Ossicles. These are the three tiny bones that attach to the inner ear and transmit sound waves. The bones are known as:
- Malleus
- Incus
- Stapes
Eustachian tube Malleus Incus Stapes. A tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. The Eustachian tube aids in the equalization of pressure in the middle ear. Having the same pressure enables proper sound wave transmission.
The Eustachian tube, like the interior of the nose and throat, is coated with mucus.
The inner ear is made up of the following parts:
- Cochlea is a type of hearing aid (contains the nerves for hearing)
- Vestibule is an abbreviation for Vestibule (contains receptors for balance)
- Canals that are semicircular in shape (contain receptors for balance)
What exactly is the nose?
The nose is a sensory organ that is part of the peripheral nervous system. The nose is made up of the following components:
External nose. In the middle of the face, a triangular protrusion.
Nostrils. The septum separates these two chambers.
Septum. This is largely comprised of cartilage and bone and is protected by mucous membranes. The cartilage also shapes and supports the outside of the nose.
Nasal passageways are Passages lined with mucous membranes and microscopic hairs (cilia) that aid in air filtering.
Sinuses. Four pairs of air-filled chambers with mucous membrane linings.
What exactly is the throat?
The throat is a muscular ring that serves as a conduit for air, food and drink. The throat also aids in the formation of speech. The neck is made up of the following parts:
Larynx. This contains the vocal cords and is necessary for speaking and breathing. The larynx also functions as a conduit to the trachea (windpipe to the lung).
Epiglottis. This organ is positioned above the larynx and collaborates with the larynx and voice cords to force food down the esophagus, preventing food from entering the windpipe.
Tonsils and adenoids are two types of adenoids. These are formed of lymph tissue and can be seen towards the rear and sides of the mouth. They defend against infection but serve little use after infancy.
Otolaryngologist
If you have an issue with your head or neck, your doctor may advise you to consult an otolaryngologist. Someone who addresses problems with your ears, nose, or throat, as well as associated regions in your head and neck. They’re abbreviated as ENTs.
Doctors discovered in the nineteenth century that the ears, nose, and throat are all connected by a network of tubes and passageways. They created unique instruments to take a closer look at certain regions and devised solutions to difficulties. There was the birth of a new medical specialty.
What are the conditions that otolaryngologists treat?
ENTs can perform surgery and treat a wide range of medical problems. You’d come across one if you had a difficulty involving:
- An ear problem, such as an infection, hearing loss, or balance issues
- Allergies, sinusitis, and nasal growths are examples of nose and nasal problems.
- Tonsillitis, trouble swallowing, and voice difficulties are all symptoms of throat disorders.
- Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, in which your airway narrows or becomes obstructed as you sleep, are examples of sleep problems.
- Infections or tumors (cancerous or non-cancerous) of the head or neck
Other types of physicians address certain parts of your head. Neurologists, for example, treat issues with your brain or nervous system, whereas ophthalmologists treat your eyes and eyesight.
How Are ENT Surgeons Trained?
Otolaryngologists attend medical school for four years. They then get at least five years of specialized instruction. Finally, they must pass a test administered by the American Board of Otolaryngology in order to be certified.
Some additionally receive 1 or 2 years of specialized training:
Allergy: These doctors use medication or a series of injections termed immunology to treat environmental allergies (such as pollen or pet dander). They can also assist you in determining whether or not you have a food allergy.
Facial and reconstructive surgery: These surgeons perform cosmetic procedures such as facelifts and nose jobs. They also assist those whose appearance has been altered due to an accident or who were born with problems that must be addressed.
Head and neck: This type of specialist can help you if you have a tumor in your nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, voice box, or upper esophagus.
Laryngology: These specialists treat disorders and accidents affecting your voice box (larynx) and vocal cords. They can also aid in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders.
Otology and Neurology: If you have an ear problem, these professionals can assist. They cure infections, hearing loss, dizziness, and ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus).
Pediatric ENT: Your kid may be unable to communicate with their doctor about what is hurting them. Pediatric ENTs are particularly educated to treat children, and their instruments and exam rooms are intended to make them feel at ease.
Ear infections, tonsillitis, asthma, and allergies are all common issues. Pediatric ENTs also treat children who were born with congenital abnormalities of the head and neck. They can also assist you in determining whether your child has a speech or language impairment.
Rhinology: These specialists specialize in the nose and sinuses. Sinusitis, nasal bleeding, loss of smell, stuffy nose, and odd growths are all treated.
Sleep medicine: Some ENTs specialize in sleep issues involving your breathing, such as snoring or sleep apnea. Sleep study may be ordered by your doctor if you have difficulty breathing at times during the night.
Foods to Eat for Healthy Ears
Healthy eating is the first step in living a healthy lifestyle. The food you eat impacts how well your organs and body work. Having said that, each organ in your body requires a unique set of supplements, minerals, and vitamins in order to function properly and avoid illness. This is why dieticians and physicians emphasize the need for a well-balanced diet.
The sensory system, which includes the eyes, nose, tongue, skin, and ears, also needs a diet to work properly. Few people are aware of the ideal diet for ears since we always priorities the health of the eyes and skin above the health of the sensory system. Probably the only precaution we take to protect our ears is to keep them away from loud noises.
While keeping our ears away from sounds is vital, including the following items in your daily diet is also essential for good ear health. Here is the healthiest diet for you to follow if you want to avoid hearing loss and other ear health concerns in the long run.
Bananas:
The magnesium-rich fruit is all your ears require on a daily basis. According to research, a shortage of magnesium promotes shrinking in the blood vessels of the inner ear, reducing oxygen flow. Bananas’ magnesium content widens blood vessels in the inner ear, allowing for easier blood circulation and oxygen delivery. It also aids in the management of glutamate, which is the primary cause of hearing loss in many elderly people.
Fish
Such as salmon and tuna, are high in Omega 3 and Vitamin D. Few studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids not only help you avoid cardiovascular illness, but they also help you prevent hearing loss by dramatically increasing brain-to-ear synchronization. Fish is also high in Vitamin D, which helps to build bones. Vitamin D increases the health of the bones in the inner ears by ingesting fish on a regular basis.
Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate is a great treat for the senses. It is high in zinc, which is necessary for immune system health. Eating dark chocolate will protect your ears from common ear infections while also promoting cell development. However, before incorporating it into your diet, check your doctor since dark chocolate in your normal diet is not recommended in the presence of a few health conditions.
Oranges
Oranges and other citrus fruits fight free radicals, which cause a variety of age-related health problems, including hearing loss and ear infections. Vitamins C and E, which are found in oranges, are excellent supplements for preventing hearing loss. Furthermore, the presence of Glutathione in oranges protects cells from infections and acts as a natural antioxidant.
Milk Products
It is high in vitamins and minerals. Milk contains vitamins A, B (B1 through B6), D, E, and K, which aid in the rate of metabolism and oxygen transfer in the body. They also serve as antioxidants. Milk also includes minerals like magnesium and potassium, as well as selenium and zinc, which aid in the maintenance and regulation of fluids in the body and cells. They are also necessary for the preservation of the sensitive fluid in the inner ear.
Green Leafy Vegetables:
Broccoli, cabbage, and spinach are high in folic acid, vitamin K and C, potassium, and magnesium. Broccoli’s vitamins will aid in the regulation of free radicals, which may harm the delicate tissue in the inner ears. Folic acid and other minerals improve blood circulation to the brain.
It is important to eat properly in order to hear correctly! Customize your diet depending on your health preferences, and only incorporate these supplements in your diet after speaking with an ENT Dietician. Simple dietary and lifestyle modifications are what keeps you healthy and fit.
Foods that Promote Ear Health
It may seem weird to believe that eating the correct foods may benefit your ears, but certain vitamins and minerals can help prevent or delay hearing loss. For optimum effects, the healthy-diet items on this list should be combined with lots of mental and physical activity.
Antioxidant-rich foods including broccoli, almonds, spinach, and asparagus may help reduce the risk of hearing loss by up to 20%. Antioxidants limit the number of free radicals in your body, which are harmful tiny organisms that can damage the inner ear tissue.
Magnesium may assist to protect against noise-induced hearing loss, but it is not a substitute for protecting your ears from prolonged exposure to loud noises. Magnesium may be found in a variety of foods, including bananas, broccoli, and potatoes.
Omega-3 fatty acids may assist to strengthen the blood vesicles in your ears, which may help to prevent age-related hearing loss.
A healthy lifestyle begins with eating a well-balanced diet. A healthy lifestyle, in general, will assist to keep your ears healthy and your hearing good for many years to come. Contact us if you want to learn more about how to enhance your hearing naturally or with a hearing aid.
FOODS FOR NOSE, THROAT, AND EAR
People of all ages in Portland are bothered by sore throats. They are frequently the first symptom of a cold or upper respiratory infection, and they can leave you feeling awful and unable to eat—but it is critical to nourish your body while you are sick in order to speed up the healing process.
Cold and Infection Nutrient-Dense Foods
Even though your appetite isn’t great while you’re ill, try to eat as many nutrients as you can. We’ve all heard the expression “feed a cold, starve a fever.” While no meal will cure a sore throat, there are several foods that can help relieve inflammation and swelling while also aiding recovery.
When you have a sore throat, your Portland ear, nose, and throat doctor suggests the following foods.
Soup with chicken
Your grandmother was correct—chicken soup does help combat colds and infections. Scientists observed that heated fluids enhance the flow of nasal mucus while inhibiting the migration of neutrophils, white blood cells that protect against illness. Furthermore, the broth keeps you hydrated, and the salt helps your tissues retain fluid. It’s also tasty.
Honey
Honey is another item that is getting a lot of attention (pun intended) for its therapeutic properties. It has been demonstrated in studies to be beneficial in preventing bacterial and viral infections. However, restrict your consumption because the high sugar level might impair the immune system’s ability to function properly. Due to the risk of botulism, children under the age of one should not be given honey.
Yogurt
Yogurt is high in protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It’s high in probiotic bacteria, which assist to support the immune system. Furthermore, its cold, soft texture makes it an excellent source of nutrition while you’re unwell.
Potatoes mashed
When you’re unwell, soft meals are always a smart choice, and mashed potatoes suit the bill nicely. Leave the skin on while mashing since it contains essential magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants, all of which build a healthy immune system. Just make sure to allow them to cool before eating to avoid any throat discomfort.
Eggs
Eggs include enough amounts of vitamins D and B12, as well as minerals such as zinc, iron, and selenium, all of which aid in the battle against illness. When you’re ill, serving them scrambled makes them simpler to consume.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is high in fiber and contains substances such as magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants, making it a great food for detoxification. When you have a sore throat, its smooth texture makes it simple to swallow.
Ginger
This Chinese root is effective in reducing pain and inflammation, as well as acting as an antioxidant to help prevent bacterial development. Its anti-nausea effects are well-established. According to research, mixing ginger with honey improves the efficacy of either component alone.
Jell-O
When you’re ill, watch it wriggle and bounce and you might be feeling better in no time. Although Jell-O does not have any particular therapeutic characteristics and the sugar content may depress the immune system, its smooth texture makes it an easy-to-swallow meal when your throat is sore.
It’s ice cream
Ice cream, for example, can help relieve sore throats and decrease inflammation. Again, limit yourself to a single scoop because too much sugar might impair the immune system’s function.
Smoothies
Smoothies prepared with low-sugar, high-antioxidant components like berries, kale, or celery soothe the throat and strengthen the immune system. Add fruits like oranges or tangerines to boost your Vitamin C levels and speed up your recuperation.
Tea
Warm teas might help a person suffering from a sore throat feel better. According to one, gargling a green tea solution relieved sore throat following surgery. Green tea, according to scientists, is a safe and natural chemical with anti-inflammatory effects. Despite the absence of scientific proof, people may find certain herbal drinks beneficial.
Sage
For ages, people have used sage to cure themselves, and it may be beneficial for sore throats. Tip: Place a tablespoon of dried sage in a cup of boiling water and let it steep.
Turmeric
This spice is used as a tea or in milk-based herbal mixes. It may have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic effects. Learn more about turmeric tea by clicking here.
Fruit-based sherbet and popsicles
as well as simple ice chips, can help soothe an irritated throat.
Pomegranate juice
According to a reliable source, the nutrients in pomegranate juice may help to prevent infection and inflammation.
Foods and beverages to avoid
There are a number of foods and beverages to avoid when a sore throat makes swallowing difficult and uncomfortable.
These are some examples:
Crunchy, hard foods: Foods with a lot of sharp edges, such as crackers, dry bread, nuts, or raw vegetables, might aggravate a sore throat.
Citrus fruits and juices: When suffering from a cold, many individuals turn to orange juice as a source of vitamin C. Citrus juices, on the other hand, can aggravate sore throats owing to their acidity. As a result, they may irritate the already sensitive skin of the neck. Furthermore, there is no evidence that taking vitamin C will help heal a cold or sore throat.
Sour, pickled, or brined foods: Pickles, which are made with vinegar or salt, might worsen sore throat discomfort.
Tomato juice and sauces: Because tomatoes are acidic, they are not recommended for those who have a sore throat.
Irritating spices: While some spices and spicy foods, such as chilies, hot sauces, and nutmeg, might help soothe a sore throat, others, such as chilies, hot sauces, and nutmeg, can worsen the inflammation.
Alcohol: Alcohol-containing drinks and mouthwashes may create a stinging sensation in a sore throat. Alcohol is also dehydrating, which is not good for someone who has a sore throat.
When a person has a sore throat, they should also avoid smoking, especially secondhand smoke.
Natural cures
Other treatments that can help relieve the symptoms of a sore throat are as follows:
Maintaining hydration: When the throat becomes dry, it can cause greater pain. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends drinking plenty of fluids or sucking on lozenges to keep a sore throat wet.
Humidity: Dry air can aggravate sore throats. Keeping the air wet with a humidifier might give some comfort.
Gargling: Gargling with warm salt water might help decrease inflammation. Individuals should mix salt into warm water in the proportion that works best for them.
Cough medicines and even hard candies may give comfort to sore throats.
Keeping cool: To minimize further throat discomfort, people should avoid excessively hot meals and drinks.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can help alleviate symptoms. Children under the age of 18 should not use aspirin due to the danger of Reye’s syndrome.
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