Ears, Nose and Throat Archives - Healthhype

Anatomy and Function of the Uvula

Dr. Chris — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:31:52 +0000

The uvula is the elongated hanging structure visible at the back of the throat. It is sometimes called the hanging ball in the throat and is suspended above the tongue. Anatomy The roof of the mouth is divided into two sections – the hard palate at the front and the soft palate at the back. The uvula hangs from the middle of the soft palate and lies a short distance above the back of the tongue. It is composed of mucus membranes, connective tissue and muscle and it is flexible to ensure that it can fulfil its functions. Sometimes, the uvula may be naturally elongated, short (stump) or divided into two lobes (bifid or cleft uvula). Functions The uvula has two main functions : It blocks the passage into the nasal cavity when swallowing. This ensures that foods or fluids do not enter the nasal passages. It plays a role in articulation – assisting with the speech The uvula also plays a part in snoring although this is not an intended function. It vibrates vigorously in those that snore and is partly responsible for the rough sound during snoring.

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Nasal Sprays – Steroid, Anthistamine, Saline, Decongestant

Dr. Greg — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:44:47 +0000

Drugs Available as Nasal Sprays A variety of drugs are used in the form of a nasal spray. It is also increasingly being explored as a route of administration for several other drugs. The currently available nasal sprays include Antihistamines Corticosteroids Topical decongestants Saline Others Antihistamine Nasal Sprays Azelastin and olopatadine are the only antihistamines that are available as nasal sprays. Antihistamine nasal sprays have been used to treat allergic rhinitis. Antihistamine nasal sprays are available only as prescription medicines, unlike several oral antihistamines which are available over-the-counter. The intranasal antihistamines, unlike oral antihistamines, have decongestant actions and are also useful in non-allergic forms of rhinitis. The intranasal spray does not significantly change the time taken for the onset of action of the drug compared to the oral formulation. Read more about antihistamine side effects. Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays Intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective treatment currently available for allergic rhinitis. It is considered as the treatment of choice for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. Several corticosteroid nasal sprays are currently available which include : fluticasone triamcinolone flunisolide budesonide mometasone It is useful for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial rhinitis and relieves symptoms like nasal congestion, nasal discharge and [...]

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Blurry Vision and Cloudy or Hazy Vision

Dr. Chris — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:15:16 +0000

The sense of vision is enabled by several components in the human eye and close to it – the visual apparatus of the eye, the nerves that carry signals to the brain and brain centers that decipher these impulses. Light has to enter the eye unobstructed, be refracted (bent) by the cornea and lens at the optimal angles to strike the most sensitive area of the retina and be perceived as a sharp and clear image. If there is any disruption in the process, there may be visual disturbances. Most diseases that causes visual disturbances like blurred vision or cloudy vision involves the cornea and/or lens. Sometimes the disorder is not limited to cornea or lens but involves the sensory parts, namely the retina and/or optic nerve, or even the visual centers in the brain itself. This can cause a number of visual disturbance beyond blurred, cloudy or hazy vision. It is more likely to lead to partial or complete loss of vision (blindness). Visual Disturbances Blurred vision and cloudy or hazy vision are among the more common visual disturbances. When sharpness of vision (visual acuity) is disrupted then there is blurred vision. If the clarity, contrast and brightness is [...]

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Post-Nasal Drip (Mucus, Phlegm, Pus Draining Back of Throat)

Dr. Chris — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:33:18 +0000

The mucosal epithelium lining the nasal passages ensures that a constant supply of mucus maintains the health of upper respiratory tract. The movement of air has a drying effect so the mucus keeps the area moistened. Dust and airborne microbes are trapped in the mucus and not allowed to travel deeper into the respiratory tract. The action of the mucus is aided by the large nose hairs that can be clearly seen in the nasal cavity. Very small hair-like projections known as cilia which are invisible to the naked eye help ‘push’ the mucus along in order to drain out the nasal cavity. The nasal lining produces small amounts of mucus, some of which dries when close to the opening of the nose, passes out through the front of the nose or slowly drips into the back of the throat. The lining of the sinus cavities also contribute to the mucus in the nasal cavity. The mucus drainage occurs so slowly throughout the day that most people swallow it without being aware, although it can sometimes be spat out through the mouth. However, if the mucus secretion increases excessively then the drainage through the back of the throat, just as [...]

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Inner Ear Infection, Inflammation (Labyrinthitis, Otitis Interna)

Dr. Chris — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:40:21 +0000

The inner ear has several structures that are responsible for the sense of hearing and balance. It has a passage known as the labyrinth which can be divided into the a bony part which lies in the temporal bone of the skull and a membranous part that runs within the bony labyrinth. These two parts of the labyrinth are separated by a fluid (perilymph) and the membranous labyrinth also contains a fluid known as the endolymph. The other main parts of the labyrinth are the semi-circular canals and cochlea. The vestibular system comprising the semi-circular canals and vestibule are involved in balance while the cochlea is responsible for the sense of hearing. These are a series of other ducts that allow various parts of the labyrinth to communicate with each other. It is important to note that the inner ear is surrounded by the middle ear, mastoid and subarachnoid space. Therefore any pathology within this ear can impact on these other areas, and vice versa. What is Labyrinthitis? Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the labyrinth and its structures within the inner ear due to infectious or non-infectious causes. Since the labyrinth makes up the inner ear, labyrinthitis can also be [...]

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Congested Sinuses , Sinus Inflammation and Infection (Sinusitis)

Dr. Chris — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:05:19 +0000

The paranasal sinuses are hollow air-filled cavities in the skull. There are four pairs of paranasal sinuses known as the frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid and maxillary sinuses. These cavities are lined with a mucous membrane and its secretions usually drain through small openings (ostia) into the nasal cavity. Since the sinuses are essentially continuous with the nasal cavities, it is prone to the same disease that affect the nasal lining. Its narrow openings, however, maintain a sterile environment within the paranasal sinuses and ensures that secretions constantly drain out without any backward flow from the nasal cavity. What is sinusitis? Sinusitis is the term for inflammation of the paranasal sinus. The inflamed sinus becomes congested with mucus as well as with pus in infectious cases of sinusitis. Inflammation of the nasal cavity (rhinitis) often precedes and exists along with sinusitis and it is therefore jointly referred to as rhinosinusitis. How does sinusitis occur? Sinusitis may occur through one of three mechanisms and are most likely due to a combination of factors. Inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses, and at its opening, causes it to swell. The drainage of mucus from the paranasal sinuses are therefore hampered and collects within the [...]

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Sinus Cavities (Paranasal Sinuses) Location, Anatomy, Pictures

Dr. Chris — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:39:02 +0000

The sinus cavities, proper term paranasal sinuses, are hollow air-filled cavities in the skull located around the nasal cavity. These rather unassuming pockets in the skull bone may have several important functions and are also prone to diseases that affect the nasal cavity. All the paranasal sinuses are connected to each other because it communicates with a common cavity – the nasal cavity. Anatomy of the Paranasal Sinuses There are four paranasal sinuses in humans, named according to the part of the skull where it is predominantly located. The paranasal sinuses do, however, extend to neighboring bones of the skull. From top to bottom, the four paranasal sinuses are the frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid and maxillary sinuses. It exists in pairs on both the right and left sides of the skull. The inside of the sinuses are lined with a thin mucous membrane which secretes small amounts of mucus. The rest of the sinus cavity is empty and filled with air. Frontal Sinus These are two large sinuses located on either side of the anterior part of the frontal bone (the front of the frontal bone) just above the orbits. The left and right frontal sinuses which usually differ in size [...]

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Dripping Nose – Clear Watery, Blood, Thick White and Green

Dr. Chris — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:37:32 +0000

Why does the nose drip mucus? Nasal problems typically present with a runny nose or nasal congestion. The mucous membrane lining the inside of the nasal cavity produces mucus throughout the day to keep the membrane moist. The constant movement of air through the nasal cavity with breathing can quickly dry up the membranes were it not for the mucus production. Normally this mucus drains into the back of the throat in small amounts. However, any irritation to the nasal mucosa (mucous membrane) can cause it to secrete profuse amounts of mucus which congest the nasal cavity and exit through the nose. This presents as dripping nose, also known as a leaky nose or runny nose. Medically the term is rhinorrhea. Colors of Nasal Mucus Normally the mucus in the nose is clear, slightly sticky and thin and is known as a serous discharge. Acute and chronic irritation of the nose without an infection causes a thicker and slightly white discharge known as a mucoid discharge. Infections can lead to a thick white to yellow-green mucus similar to a mucoid discharge and is known as a mucopurulent discharge or purulent discharge. Acute infections tend to cause a white discharge while [...]

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Quinsy (Peritonsillar Abscess) Throat Tonsil Abscess

Dr. Chris — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:52:18 +0000

What is a quinsy? A quinsy is another term for a peritonsillar abscess (PTA). It is a collection of pus in the throat (pharynx) region specifically between the tonsil tissue and the capsule surrounding it. A quinsy progresses from a tonsillitis to cellulitis and eventually an abscess forms. It is a more common infection of the head and throat seen in children and young adults. The abscess is almost always unilateral meaning that is occurs on one side only. Although a quinsy can be treated with antibiotics, surgical procedures for drainage or even a tonsillectomy may be necessary. A quinsy is a serious condition that can have life threatening complications when left untreated. In recent years, it has been more frequently seen in older patients although it still remains an uncommon infection after early adulthood. Drug resistance has contributed to abscesses that have a longer course with more severe symptoms. How does a quinsy form? Quinsy Location The tonsils are lymphoid tissue that lie in the side walls (lateral walls) of the first part of the throat (oropharynx) that connects to the mouth. It is known as the palantine tonsils. Behind these tonsils are the throat muscles like the superior [...]

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Zenker Diverticulum

Dr. Chris — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 21:47:23 +0000

What is Zenker diverticulum? Zenker diverticulum is an outpouching of the wall of the upper esophagus (gullet). It is rare and almost only seen in the elderly. Outpouchings are protrusions of the wall of a hollow cavity. It can occur in any part of the gut and a more common type is seen in the large intestine. Zenker diverticula (singular ~ diverticulum) need to be repaired surgically. When left untreated it can lead to complications, some of which are severe like pneumonia. A Zenker diverticulum or Zenker’s diverticulum is named after by Professor Frederich Albert von Zenker who described this type of diverticulum in 1877. Zenker Diverticulum Location Anatomy of the Esophagus The esophagus is a long hollow tube that runs from the pharynx (throat) to the stomach. It has a thick wall with strong muscles that push food down to the stomach. The esophagus runs from the neck, down through the chest cavity and into the abdomen. There are two sphincters in the esophagus : Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) which allows food to pass from the throat into the esophagus. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which controls the movement of food into the stomach. Both these sphincters are under involuntary [...]

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