Articles

The parathyroid glands are four (sometimes five) tiny glands in the neck that regulate the level of calcium in the blood, helping to strike a balance between the calcium levels in the blood and in the bones. Primary hyperparathyroidism may occur when one or more of the glands becomes enlarged and produces

Reflux, Care: Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) describes acid which may flow from the stomach into the esophagus. GERD most often causes heartburn and burping, among a multitude of other symptoms. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to the flow of acid from the stomach, via the esophagus, into the

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer originating from the pigment-producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. Though not as common as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is more deadly because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas can have various appearances.

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear in which the tiny membranous (soft) channel that holds fluid in the inner ear swells abnormally, resulting in hearing loss (typically fluctuating but may be permanent), vertigo, the sensation of ear fullness, and tinnitus (ringing of the ear, typically

Nasal polyps are typically benign and consist of severely inflamed and overgrown nasal membranes (lining of the nasal cavity). Allergy may play a role in their development. A small percentage may be caused by papillomas (a type of wart) or may be premalignant or malignant (rare). Nasal polyps may be

Nasal valve collapse is defined as weakness of the cartilage of the nose responsible for keeping the nostrils open while breathing in. This may occur due to congenital reasons or as a result of surgery which can weaken the cartilage and / or structure of the nose. Care may include conservative measures

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. It is most commonly infectious, although it can be caused by inflammation or dermatitis (allergic reaction of the skin). Infections are most commonly bacterial, but may be fungal. Infections may be caused or worsened by water exposure,

Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear - the usually air-filled space between the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and the bone of the inner ear. Most infections will resolve without treatment or with oral antibiotics, while a small percentage will not improve with conservative treatment and

Otosclerosis is a disorder of the bone around the stapes, the third of the ossicles - the hearing bones of the middle ear. The bone around the base of the stapes becomes hardened and fixed, preventing the normal motion of the stapes in response to sound waves, resulting in a conductive hearing loss.

Postnasal drip refers to mucus draining from the nose back into the throat. This may be caused by allergies, infections, or other inflammatory conditions of the nose. It is usually treated medically, with nasal sprays or oral allergy medications (or antibiotics when an infection is found to be the cause).

Commonly referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure for your nose. A rhinoplasty can change the shape of your nose, or it can improve its function that can get impeded due to injury or the presence of certain nasal and sinus conditions. According to the American Society of Plastic

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing the patient to stop breathing for brief periods of time. Sleep apnea may lead to poor sleep and fatigue and over time may contribute to heart and lung failure and even death, if severe and left untreated.

Snoring is a condition in which the airway becomes blocked or may vibrate during sleep, causing the patient to produce sound. Snoring may be associated with sleep apnea which may lead to poor sleep and fatigue and over time may contribute to heart and lung failure and even death, if severe and left untreated.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most commonly occurring type of skin cancer. It appears most frequently in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight such as the face, nose, ears, lips, neck, and back of the hands. Squamous cell carcinomas can present as rough, scaly, red patches; wart or horn-like

Throat pain may come from a number of different problems - viral, fungal, or bacterial infection, allergies. acid reflux, postnasal drainage or other sinus or allergy problems, or tumors, among many others. Establishing a diagnosis, usually based on history and exam, which may include looking in the