Sneezing is a normal reflex that occurs in response to irritation in the nasal passages. In most cases it is acute, lasting anywhere between a few minutes to several days often caused by airborne irritants like smoke or acute upper respiratory tract infection like the common cold. If it persists and occurs frequently, >> Read More ...
The nasal passages are lined with a mucus secreting epithelium that keeps the passages moist and helps to trap airborne dust and microbes. Apart from keeping the nasal epithelium healthy, the moisture also humidifies air that travels down to the lungs. If dry air constantly enters the airways and lungs, it will lead to >> Read More ...
Pertussis (whooping cough) closely resembles many other upper and lower respiratory tract infections and a proper diagnosis is essential in order to commence with the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Many cases of pertussis are initially misdiagnosed for more common respiratory tract infections. It is only upon >> Read More ...
What is dysphonia? Dysphonia is the medical term for a speech disturbance (phonation), usually resulting in a hoarse voice or whispering voice, due to problems with the larynx (voice box). Spasmodic dysphonia is a form of dystonia where there is involuntary spasms of the vocal cords. This causes interruptions in speech , >> Read More ...
Location of the Larynx The larynx is the short tube that connects the pharynx (throat) to the trachea (wind pipe). It runs at the front of the throat at the level of C3 to C6 vertebrae and lies anterior to the esophagus. Function of the Larynx It allows air to be directed into the respiratory organs for gas exchange. The >> Read More ...
What is the Pharynx and Tonsils? The pharynx is the uppermost part of the alimentary tract and commonly referred to as the throat. It directs the passage of air and food between the mouth and nose into esophagus and larynx. The tonsils are collections of lymphoid tissue that lie in the >> Read More ...
Ear pain, often referred to as an earache, is one of the more common ear problems. The intensity can vary from mild discomfort o a dull ache or even severe pain. Common causes of earache usually result in acute pain although there are may causes of recurrent or persistent pain. An earache may be insiduous – it may >> Read More ...
The ear (inner, middle and outer) is responsible both for the sense of hearing and for equilibrium. The outer and middle ear transfers sound waves to the inner ear. The vestibulocochlear organ in the inner ear is involved with reception of sound as well as maintaining balance (equilibrium). Therefore, conditions affecting >> Read More ...
The throat (pharynx) is the conduit for air, food and drinks to pass between the environment and the respiratory or gastrointestinal system. Problems in the throat may give rise to a number of signs or symptoms. In addition, given its close interaction with neighboring structures – the mouth, nasal cavity, larynx and >> Read More ...
The nose plays a significant role in respiration (breathing) and the nasal cavity contain the sensory organs for smell. Any disorder affecting the nose can affect both smell and breathing, although the latter may not be significantly impaired as air can pass through the mouth. Most nose problems will present with one or >> Read More ...
