When to visit an otolaryngologist

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Otolaryngologists are physicians who specialize in diseases and conditions concerning the ears, nose, and throat. They are more commonly known as ENT physicians and are trained in the medical and surgical management of illnesses in the head and neck. This specialization is considered the oldest by the medical community in the United States. Many visit their ENT doctor several times a year to treat a variety of conditions, such as the ones listed below:

Ear: Hearing impairment, ear infections, tinnitus, pain, congenital ear disorders

Nose: Problems affecting smell, breathing, and physical appearance (rhinoplasty may be considered)

Throat: Conditions that affect speech, singing, eating, swallowing, and digestion

Others: Diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, neck, and face

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Many otolaryngologists are also trained to perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in these areas. ENT specialists also help manage and treat nerve problems in the head and neck that could affect sight, hearing, and facial movements.

Most of the human body’s functions depend on the ability to hear, smell, or taste. These senses are interdependent of each other, with co-morbidity between conditions being extremely high. Treatment plans typically involve addressing several symptoms at once. Patients are recommended to visit their local otolaryngologist once they begin to experience difficulty, or are suffering from any degree of pain in any of these areas. Pain is a great indicator of a problem and is often considered the first sign of an illness.

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Dr. Robert R. Beltran is a reputable and experienced otolaryngologist. Find out more about this field of medicine by visiting this Google+ page.

Asthma and rhinoplasty: What you should know

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Rhinoplasty is a procedure that involves the reconstruction of nasal bones, often changing the shape and angle of the nose. While there are some cosmetic benefits to rhinoplasty, most patients undergo the surgery to correct impaired breathing caused by birth defects or injury. The entire process, including recovery, takes around 10 to 14 days, with the end result being a more proportionate face and better breathing.

Rhinoplasty is often considered as the final option for breathing conditions or disorders as this is a major and traumatic event for the body. It should only be considered if no other treatment option provides relief to the symptoms.

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This treatment option is sometimes considered for people suffering from asthma, only this is generally not recommended. Many otolaryngologists suggest other methods of managing asthma as the condition will not be treated properly with a rhinoplastic plan. The surgery only addresses mechanical obstruction through the nasal passages. These may or may not improve the asthmatic condition.

Asthma is a respiratory condition, with the cause normally found within the lungs. Difficulty in breathing occurs due to an allergic reaction or some sort of hypersensitivity (such as stress). Rhinoplasty may improve the condition partially with a bigger nasal passage, but again, this would only address a small part of the condition and would otherwise prove ineffective as a total treatment plan.

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Learn more about rhinoplasty and other news on otolaryngology by visiting Dr. Robert R. Beltran, M.D.’s LinkedIn page.

Breathe deep: How to avoid pollen

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Nasal allergies that are seasonal, meaning the sneezing comes during the spring, late summer, or fall, are most likely caused by pollens. Pollens are the male reproductive cells of seed plants that can be found virtually anywhere. Although it may seem impossible to escape them, there are ways a person can avoid exposure to these allergy-inducing pollens.

Monitoring your area’s pollen count can help you plan your activities when pollen in the atmosphere is small. Pollen count is particularly high in the mornings and on warm, dry, and windy days. The best times for outdoor activities are after 10AM, or after a rainfall.

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Pollen sticks to any material, particularly on the clothing and hair. Do not hang your clothes out to dry during times with high pollen count. Make sure to change clothes and wash your hair after coming from the outside, as pollens may be transferred to your pillow cases and bed sheets. Minimizing contact with objects that have frequent contact with pollen (like pets and people who are outdoors most of the time) can also lessen allergy attacks.

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It’s also best to visit a doctor to know which kind of pollen you are allergic to and what medication to get in case of an allergy attack. Following these tips will ensure you that allergies will not take control of your life, even with pollens.

Robert R. Beltran, M.D., is a California-based otolaryngologist specializing in allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. Learn more about how to avoid and manage allergies by visiting this Facebook page.

Nonallergic rhinitis: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

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Nonallergic rhinitis is a condition that has all the symptoms of an allergy – chronic sneezing, congested and drippy nose – with no apparent cause. The inside of the nose is inflamed, and the blood vessels expand which causes the lining of the nose to swell. The mucus glands are then stimulated, resulting in congestion. Nonallergic rhinitis usually occurs in adulthood, with symptoms that last year round.

One of the most common causes of nonallergic rhinitis is the environment. Irritants that float in the air, such as car exhaust, cigarette smoke, strong cleaning agents, smog, perfume, or wood dust can trigger an attack. Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, contraceptives, and antidepressants can also cause a reaction. Other causes are spicy food, alcoholic beverages, weather changes, illegal drugs, hormonal changes, and stress.

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Diagnosis and treatment of this condition are usually given when allergic rhinitis has been ruled out. A skin test is usually administered to determine if the allergens cause the symptoms. Once it has been determined, treatment is then administered depending on the severity of the condition. Medications can range from nasal sprays (saline, corticosteroid, antihistamine, anti-drip anticholinergic, and decongestant) and oral decongestants. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be performed.

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Nonallergic rhinitis may not be harmful, but it can be very annoying and can make a person miserable. The correct treatment can give a person with nonallergic rhinitis relief without the risk of any side effects. Consult with your doctor to make sure you are diagnosed and medicated properly.

California-based doctor Robert R. Beltran specializes in treating chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Follow this Twitter account for the latest medical news and updates.

Bless you: A primer on allergic rhinitis

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Allergic rhinitis occurs when a person is introduced to a particular type of allergen. These allergens can range from dust to grass to anything that may potentially irritate the nose and throat. Often referred to as hay fever, allergic rhinitis affects millions of individuals nationwide. This seasonal disorder, while not detrimental or life-threatening, can be irritating and possibly embarrassing.

Allergens cause the body to release histamine, which is a chemical used to defend the body. However, histamine also has several side effects such as runny or clogged nose, excessive sneezing, and sore eyes. A person may also experience difficulty in breathing. Hay fever usually runs in families. If both parents are susceptible to seasonal allergy, chances are high that their children will develop hay fever as well. Symptoms occur immediately after contact with the substance, and they could worsen over time. It is highly recommended to visit an otolaryngologist, such as Robert R. Beltran, M.D., when the individual is already suffering from clogged ears, a decreased sense of smell, sore throat, or is fatigued and irritable. Preventing and treating the condition early on will reduce the risk of the illness developing into a more severe disorder.

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Mild allergic rhinitis can be treated with a nasal wash that removes mucus from the nose. More intense forms of the allergy are treated with the following types of medicine:

- Antihistamines
- Corticosteroids
- Decongestants
- Leukotriene inhibitors
- Allergy shots
- Sublingual immunotherapy treatment

It is important to note that the last three treatment options are meant for more severe types of the allergy and should only be done upon the recommendation of a trusted medical health professional.

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Robert R, Beltran, M.D., is a trusted California-based otolaryngologist. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he assists patients with ear, nose, or throat problems. For more information, please like this Facebook page .