Neti Pot Deaths Linked to Brain-Eating Amoeba in Tap Water Just a reminder that improper use of a simple home sinus remedy can have deadly consequences. Understand that this complication is extremely rare and unlikely to occur in most areas of the country. Groundwater contamination of the water supply likely lead to these unfortunate events. This organism generally only causes severe sinus problems when water is forced high into the nose when diving in contaminated water. I cared for a very sick teen with a similar infection while in training. It took several sinus operations and brain surgery to remove infectious cysts and he was fortunate to survive. Scary stuff. On a more practical note, regular cleaning/disinfection of your neti pot or flush bottle is vital for safe nasal irrigation. A recent study showed high rates of pseudomonas contamination of neti pots over several weeks time without regular cleanings. It is my professional opinion, however, that sinus irrigations have prevented more lie-threatening infections than they have caused!

Your Stuffy Nose:Humidity and Temperature

Can taking a walk in the cool dry fall and winter air relieve your stuffy nose? A stuffy nose afflicts about 33 million people annually and accounts for an estimated 5.8 billion in healthcare costs each year. A recent study by the Monell Center sheds light on the role of temperature and humidity as it relates to the feeling of a stuffy nose. Scientists at the leading smell and taste research center showed that a stuffy nose is not just a resultt of allergies or physical obstruction.(like a deviated septum or turbinate enlargement) Researchers found that decreased temperature and lower humidity in the air were both correlated with a decreased sense of nasal blockage. This result should open up new lines of research and treatment; and provides some common sense approaches to relieve a stuffy nose.

Adenoidectomy shown on Daytime TV: The Doctors

Dr. Nina Shapiro discusses the adenoids and adenoidectomy on The Doctors

New Sinus Treatment, Balloon Sinus Procedure

I'm back. After a prolonged absence from the blogosphere I have recommitted to ENT4Me and all things ear, nose, and throat. So many new things to talk about. We recently introduced Balloon Sinus Dilation procedures to our practice. Cool procedure that can be as effective as surgery in properly selected patients. Kind of analogous to getting balloon treatment for heart vessel blockage instead of bypass. It can prevent the need for full-bown surgery in some patients, but it still leaves open that option for the future. The balloon can be used as a local procedure in the office, avoiding the risks of general anesthesia and costs of hospital care. If a person can tolerate a dental procedure, they can handle balloon sinus procedure. Not everyone is a candidate, but its an exciting development in our specialty. Will discuss pro's and con's with next post.

Go to http://upotolaryngology.com/UP_Otolaryngology/Balloon_Sinus.html to watch an animation of the procedure

Snoring,Sleep Apnea, and Throat Problem Q&A

This thread is open for discussion and questions regarding snoring, sleep apnea, and throat problems.  I will do my best to offer a physicians perspective when possible.  Always keep in mind that I cannot give medical advice in this setting.  This can never be a substitute for the advice and care of your own healthcare providers.

GREAT RESOURCE FOR ALL THINGS EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT

The following link will take you to what I believe to be the definitive source of patient related education.  The info source is the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.  

http://www.entnet.org/healthinformation/

Vertigo,Tinnitus,Hearing Loss,Ear infection Q&A

This thread is open for discussion of ear problems.   Vertigo,Meniere's disease,tinnitus,chronic otitis media, hearing loss are all fair game.  Once again, I must emphasize that my comments can never replace the advice and care of your own healthcare provider.