Obviously, your exam will be tailored to your symptoms; however, you should be prepared to share a detailed medical history and a very thorough examination of the different areas of your ears, nose, and throat. An otoscope may be used to illuminate your eardrum, for example, so your surgeon can better understand your ears and ear pathology. Tuning forks and microscopes may also be used. To see the insides of your nasal cavities more clearly, an endoscope may be used. For better visualization of the back of your nose or your voicebox, an otolaryngologist may use a flexible, fiberoptic nasendoscope.

Our immune system is designed to protect us from foreign substances that enter our body. Anyone who suffers from allergies will have an overactive immune system that is trying to push out allergens that could be considered harmless. The body with release histamine to push the allergens out. The exit points are the eyes, nose, and mouth.

For many allergy sufferers, common triggers include mold, pollen, dust, and animal dander.

Detailed questions from your ENT will provide an excellent overview as well as a physical exam. Your doctor can recommend either a skin test or a blood test. A skin test will prick your skin with small amounts of allergens. If you are allergic you’ll skin will break out into hives. A blood test measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your blood.

Allergies and cold symptoms can be quite similar. So if you’re asking yourself if you have a cold, sinus infection or allergies, pay close attention to how long you’ve been sneezing or experiencing that runny nose. Colds typically last for 7-10 days while allergies can linger much longer. Furthermore, nasal discharge tends to be clear and watery with allergies and may be thick, cloudy, or yellowish with a cold.

Sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull that are interconnected. There are four cavities: one behind the cheekbones, one on the center of the forehead, one between the eyes, and one behind the nasal cavity. They link to the nasal passage. Their primary function is to humidify the air we breathe and improve our voices.

A sinus infection is when the mucus lining gets inflamed. The inflammation causes the channels to block.

A few different things can cause a sinus infection. The most common would be a virus such as the common cold, but allergies and irritants can cause a sinus infection as well.

• Congestion
• Thick drainage either through the nose or down the back of the throat
• Facial pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
• Reduced sense of smell/taste.
• Coughing
• A sore throat
• Fatigue

Chronic sinusitis refers to the sinuses being inflamed for an extended period of time even with the introduction of medication and other attempts at treatment.

There are many ways, but the most common include a nasal endoscopy which requires a thin flexible tube with a camera to be inserted into the sinuses to allow the doctor to see inside. There is also a CT scan which takes images of your sinus and nasal area.

Treatment plans vary based on the person and their condition. It’s hard to identify what you will need without scheduling an appointment.

Ear care involves maintenance and preventative steps to protect your ears from internal and auditory damage.

Ear care is designed to help prevent excessive earwax build-up, ear infections, tinnitus and hearing loss.

Earwax is produced to self-clean your ears. Excess build-up can cause hearing issues.

Proper health is important. You can start by:

• Keeping a healthy diet
• Dry your ears with a towel after a shower or swimming
• Keep loud noises to a minimum