Ear, Nose & Throat
Topics in this category cover the most common ailments of the ear, nose & throat.
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CHILDREN’S COLDS AND FLU
Colds and flu are caused by infection with a virus in the nose, throat and chest. Viruses spread through the air when you talk, sneeze or cough, and from touch e.g. hand contact or sharing drinking cups. Common symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and coughing. General aches, pains and chills may also be present with the flu.
COUGHS
The common cold, allergy and cigarette smoke are common causes of coughing, but can be a symptom of a serious illness or a side effect of a medicine. How a cough is treated depends on its cause.
DRY MOUTH
Having a dry mouth is a common problem, with a number of different causes. It is often a side effect of medicines or a result of medical treatment. A continual dry mouth can result in altered taste and an increase in tooth decay. There are simple treatments that give relief from dry-mouth problems.
EAR PROBLEMS
Common problems such as inflammation, infection or a build-up of wax can affect the ears. The treatment of these problems is generally straightforward with the right diagnosis. The diagnosis of more serious ear problems is best made by a doctor who can examine the ear with a special
instrument. Talk to a pharmacist about what treatments are best for you and when it is advisable to see a doctor.
HAYFEVER
Hayfever is the common name for an allergic reaction of the lining of the nose and sinuses. It is mostly triggered (set off) by breathing in pollens of certain grasses, weeds and trees. High pollen levels usually occur in spring and early summer. Some people have allergy symptoms the whole year round. This is usually due to an allergy to animal dander, moulds or house-dust mite.
SINUS PROBLEMS
Sinus problems occur when the sinuses (the air-filled spaces in the bones behind the nose and above the eyes) become inflamed, swollen and blocked. Causes of sinus problems include allergy, infection, nasal irritation, changes in atmospheric pressure and sinus obstruction. Sinus problems are most common in people over the age of 20 years, when the sinuses become
fully developed.
