Pediatric hearing loss represents a problem that can lead to a long-term impact on a child’s development. It is estimated that between 2-6 babies have hearing loss for every 1000 babies born. There are many causes of hearing loss. While some are congenital (present at birth), others are hereditary (genetic), acquired (develop after birth) or […]
Lying to physicians tends to be a default reaction that patients have when they are embarrassed. Embarrassed about the disease or length of time it has happened or what was going on when the problem started. However, you came for an evaluation. This means that on some level you want us to help you, but you are […]
The processed food epidemic has become a daily task for parents to fight. We are constantly teased with new better, tasting processed foods while simultaneously encouraged to eat organic. Some people are successful at creating and serving extremely healthy, all natural foods to their kids; however, many of us struggle. Childhood obesity is real and overfeeding […]
Diagnosing food allergies can be a tricky thing to do! When your immune system overreacts to a special protein found in a food, you have a food allergy. Sometimes symptoms occur simply by touching, breathing or eating a tiny amount of the food. My previous post discussed how the immune system makes immunoglobulins as a response to […]
To my fellow physicians, I apologize for asking you to do one more job. But I must. It is for the sake of humanity. We are already overburdened with the administrative nightmare that hospitals and insurance companies heap upon us. The struggle to find pride and purpose in our daily life has become a full-time job. […]
Nasal mucus. There, I said it! These represent two words that no one likes to talk about. Sadly, mucus has a bad reputation for being a gross substance, but it is extremely useful and has vital functions. Being an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor, I must admit to being a bit biased toward nasal […]
Nasal salt water washes stand as an extremely useful method to improve symptoms cause by a runny, congested nose. My previous post detailed how the nasal salt water washes are beneficial. Regardless of the cause of nasal swelling and mucous production, cleansing with nasal salt water (saline) relieves symptoms and helps to prevent progression of the disease. Since […]
Nasal saline is a fancy word for salt water! Years ago, many physicians (myself included!) used to provide a “recipe” for parents to make their own salt water nasal mix. Now rows and rows of nasal saline solutions line store shelves everywhere. Most people understand the value to saline washes in infants who have trouble breathing. However, […]
IgE and allergies are words that often are discussed hand-in hand. “IgE allergy” is a specific disease process and is NOT an intolerance. My previous blog post discussed food allergies compared to food intolerances. When doctors evaluate allergies, they frequently measure IgE; however, people do not know what IgE is! Let’s start with some basics. “Ig” […]
False food allergy beliefs are extremely common. The word allergy refers to a specific reaction of the immune system and medical treatments are directed toward blocking this reaction. False food allergy beliefs drive many people to over treat and aggressively manage symptoms. This over-treatment occurs out of fear that a progressive food allergy reaction may happen. Food intolerances may mimic […]