Is oxytocin the key to treating tinnitus?

Image source: dailypioneer.com

Roughly 50 million Americans hear some form of ringing in their ears even in the absence of an external source of noise. The condition, called tinnitus, is often a temporary affliction, but for about 20 million Americans the perceived ringing, hissing, clicking, roaring, whining, or whooshing sound can be extremely bothersome. And for 2 million Americans, tinnitus can be extreme and debilitating.

Individuals suffering from chronic and severe tinnitus can consider several treatment options available. From hearing aids to sound therapies to medications, the goal of these treatments is to reduce the burden and impact of tinnitus. And for many people, many of the available treatments today are effective.

Recently, however, an initial study by Brazilian researchers noted the possibility of using oxytocin, more popularly known as the “love hormone” to bring relief to people suffering from chronic tinnitus. According to lead researcher Dr. Andreia Azevedo of the department of otolaryngology at the Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, for some patients, spraying oxytocin into the nose resulted in the disappearance of tinnitus and in some cases, reached a non-distress level.

Image source: pzimedia.com

Dr. Azevedo, however, noted that further research is needed to determine long-term effects of using oxytocin as a tinnitus treatment. Future studies can also look into the effects of increasing doses in relation to improving and lengthening relief.

For people suffering from chronic or severe tinnitus, a cure that will finally silence the disturbing sound from inside their head is what they long for. Perhaps oxytocin will be that cure; but until it has been medically proven and established, the quest for universal treatment continues.

Robert R. Beltran, M.D., specializes in otolaryngology and head and neck plastic surgery. For more discussions on the diseases that otolaryngologists like Dr. Beltran treat, visit this blog.

More Americans are now suffering from tinnitus

Image source: youtube.com

A study published in the JAMA Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery revealed that ten percent of Americans are suffering from tinnitus. The condition, characterized by the constant ringing in the ears, is intimately linked with eventual hearing loss. This finding has alarmed many medical professionals, as reported incidence is higher than initial estimates.

The dramatic increase is attributed to overexposure to noise in modern society. Constant loud noises produced by motor vehicles and construction machinery are common culprits.

More interestingly, headphones are also becoming a significant contributor to the incidence of tinnitus. More people are listening to sound through headphones, at higher volumes and for longer durations, and mostly to escape outside noise. While this allows them to block out irritating external sound, they place themselves at a higher risk of hearing loss because of the long hours they spend with this accessory. According to studies, listening to loud music for more than a few hours every day using headphones leads to poor hearing later on.

Image source: techtimes.com

Tinnitus can start off as a minor irritation. A third of the studied population reported constant but relatively minor symptoms. Nevertheless, treatment for these symptoms was not sought and prevention techniques were ignored or disregarded. Another third said that because they continued their unhealthy hearing and listening habits, their tinnitus condition worsened. These patients report a hearing problem that has been ongoing for an average of 15 years. The last third of respondents are on hearing aids.

Otolaryngologists encourage patients to immediately see them at the first signs of irritation or ringing. These cases are the easiest to treat.

Robert R. Beltran is an otolaryngologist passionate about educating the public about the different head and neck conditions that can affect them. To learn more, follow this Twitter account.

Research: Monitor sinusitis before taking antibiotics

Image source: consumerreports.org

Those who regularly suffer from sinusitis are often told to immediately begin treatment, usually with antibiotics. Recent research suggests that this may not be the best course of action. An inflamed sinus, otolaryngologists say, could heal itself over time.

Medical research has found that most cases of sinusitis are caused by a viral infection, which is usually resistant to antibiotics. These medications should only be used after a two-week period as the sinusitis could be indicative of another more serious condition. One study claimed that that 80 percent of people suffering from sinusitis were able to improve their condition within two weeks without any form of antibiotic.

Image source: netdoctor.co.uk

The first step in treating sinusitis is soothing the symptoms. Typically, sinusitis is an allergic reaction to a stimulus. Symptoms are similar to that of a cold. Most sinusitis sufferers report an impaired sense of smell, pressure in the ears, headaches, or fatigue. Treating specific symptoms usually alleviates the sinusitis. Thus, patients should consider using nasal rinses, decongestants, or even pain relievers.

It is only considered serious when the condition lasts for more than two weeks with progressively worsening symptoms. Again, it could be an indication of another condition of which sinusitis is the symptom and not the cause. For these cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed.

It must be noted though that current evidence suggests that antibiotics share the same efficacy rate as a placebo pill for treating bacterial sinusitis.

Robert R Beltran, M.D., is a recognized otolaryngologist in Irvine, California. For more information about his practice, visit this Facebook page.

The otolaryngological dangers of cleaning grills with steel bristles

Image source: cbsnews.com

Almost everyone is a fan of a good barbecue, especially when it’s prepared on a holiday or weekend with the family. Everyone gets together, drinks beer, and has a good time. However, there are health risks that come with eating meat off a grill that has been cleaned with a steel-wire brush. Researchers have found out that the bristles of a wired brush can fall off onto the grill during the process of cleaning it. This leads to the food being contaminated with bristles. Once the food is ready for consumption, the bristles could become lodged in the mouth, tonsils, or throat, thereby potentially damaging the soft tissues in these areas. There have been over 1,600 reported injuries related to wire-bristle grill brushes since 2002.

Apart from damaging the upper alimentary tract, steel bristles could also lead to a more serious internal problem. There have even been cases where surgery was required so that the bristles could be removed. Awareness among doctors is also encouraged because they could order the wrong tests or be unable to grasp the proper patient history for a right diagnosis.

Image source: smchealth.org

In order to prevent this situation, consumers are advised to carefully inspect their grills after cleaning them with wire-bristled brushes. When bristles on the brushes have become loose, the item must be discarded immediately. Lastly, consumers should also check their grilled meat thoroughly and remove any material that could lodge into their digestive tract.

Based in Irvine, California, Robert R. Beltran, MD is a specialist in otolaryngology and plastic surgery within the head and neck. Follow him on LinkedIn for more updates.

Ways plastic surgery improves the quality of life

Image source: i.ytimg.com

When plastic surgery is mentioned, people often conjure images of Hollywood celebrities who, in an effort to keep aging at a standstill, become unrecognizable. There is, however, a much more positive side to facial and body reconstruction. It has been proven countless times that people who have suffered traumatic facial or body injuries now enjoy a better life because of plastic surgery. Here’s why.

Usually, people with burn injuries have plastic or reconstructive surgery done to the affected areas. Patients, especially those with extensive skin damage experience suffer not only physical but psychological damage as well. When their appearance has been drastically altered, burn victims turn to isolation, not wanting the rest of the world to see the deformities caused by the injuries. And the feeling of isolation is not only seen in burn victims. People who figure in horrific vehicular accidents suffer the same psychological trauma due to disfigurement. For many burn and car crash victims, undergoing plastic surgery brings back some sense of normalcy, allowing them to look in the mirror and see the people they once were.

Image source: myintercon.com

Studies have also revealed that overweight and obese people who go through body-contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty and breast reduction exhibited significant improvements in their quality of life. They can perform daily tasks better. They feel more accepted socially. They report improved sexual relationships. They are more comfortable with themselves. Overall, they are psychologically healthier.

Dr. Robert R. Beltran is an Irvine-based specialist in otolaryngology and plastic surgery within the head and neck. For more articles on otolaryngology and plastic surgery, subscribe to this site.

Swallowed a fish bone? Home remedies to try before going to the doctor

Image source: throathurtswheniswallow.net

Many people have experienced accidentally swallowing fish bones. Many types of fish have very small bones that can go unnoticed by unwary diners.

While painful and uncomfortable, swallowing a fish bone rarely constitutes a medical emergency. If the fish bone swallowed is small, it often gets dislodged on its own. To speed up the process, individuals who have accidentally swallowed a small fish bone can try the following home remedies:

• Take a large bite out of a banana but do not chew it. Moisten it thoroughly with saliva before swallowing. The banana chunk should be slippery enough to move through the throat, hopefully taking the fish bone along with it.

• Chew a mouthful of marshmallows until they're sticky and soft enough to be swallowed. The marshmallows should be able to push the fish bone down the throat and through the digestive tract.

• Spread nut butter, such as peanut or almond, on a small piece of bread. Place the piece of bread in the mouth and moisten it with saliva before swallowing. The sticky nut butter combined with the soft, smooth texture of the bread should be enough to dislodge the fish bone.

Image source: straitstimes.com

When trying any of the aforementioned home remedies, drink sips of water in between attempts to prevent choking. Meanwhile,

Hard foods, such as nuts and candy, should be avoided, as they might only embed the fish bone deeper into the throat.

If the home remedies don't work, and the fish bone remains stuck, or if symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, vomiting, or hematuria (blood in the stool) occur, it's best to visit a doctor for proper treatment.

Robert R. Beltran, M.D., is an otolaryngologist with a practice in Irvine, California. For more discussions on home remedies for swallowed fish bones, follow this Twitter account.

Voice problems: When hoarseness lingers

Image source: everydayhealth.com

Waking up with a raspy voice after cheering for your favorite football team or singing your heart out at an all-night karaoke party with your coworkers is quite common. Throat soreness can also occur when one is down with the flu. But if hoarseness, or an abnormal change in the voice characterized by breathy, strained, rough, or raspy sound, persists for weeks, then it is pertinent to visit an otolaryngologist who’ll perform a thorough examination and assessment of the condition.

If the hoarseness is not the result of a cold or flu or is accompanied by difficulty in swallowing or pain when speaking, immediate medical attention is also needed. Moreover, evaluation by a physician is recommended if the hoarseness comes with a lump in the throat or difficulty in breathing.

Image source: livestrong.com

As a guide, below are three of the most common causes of hoarseness:

Acute laryngitis: This condition occurs when there is swelling of the vocal folds during a common cold, upper respiratory virus, or from vocal strain.

Benign vocal cord lesions: Prolonged hoarseness can lead to nodules, polyps, and cysts. Among those who are at risk of developing nodules, or callus-like growths on the vocal folds, are vocal performers such as singers. Vocal fold polyps and cysts meanwhile occur in those who gravely misuse or abuse their voice.

Vocal hemorrhage: A ruptured blood vessel results in blood leaking into the vocal fold. An indication of this condition is severe hoarseness or sudden loss of voice due to forceful, aggressive, or incorrect voice use. It is considered a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.

Robert R. Beltran, M.D., specializes in head and neck plastic surgery and otolaryngology. For more on his medical practice, click here.

Solving bloody mysteries: Why people get occasional nosebleeds

Nosebleeds may be a common thing, but their causes are often unclear. These nosebleeds can also be managed and treated easily at home.

Do not be scared if you get a nosebleed for no reason. Here are reasons you get occasional, bloody instances:

Image source: healthcare-online.org

Mucous membrane inflammation. If you have allergies or upper respiratory problems, they could result in nosebleed.

You may have experienced trauma. Nosebleeds are normal after injuries, such as a blow to the head or another part of the body.

The air is dry. Dry air from indoor or outdoor settings can dry the lining of your nose—leading it to bleed.

You frequently pick or scratch your nose. Your blood vessels or the thin lining on the inside of your nose could be injured due to frequent picking.

Image source: rd.com

The next time you get a nosebleed, do not panic. To stop your nose from bleeding, apply pressure by pinching your nose closed just below its tip for about ten minutes. Insert cotton and apply ice to the bridge of your nose. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, too, blowing your nose can help stop the bleeding.

Robert R Beltran MD is an otolaryngologist based in Irvine, California. To read more about health and medical issues, visit this blog.