Throat

What affects tonsils and adenoids

The most common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids are recurrent infections (throat or ear) and significant enlargement or obstruction that causes breathing, swallowing, and sleep problems.
Abscesses around the tonsils, chronic tonsillitis, and infections of small pockets within the tonsils that produce foul-smelling, cheese-like formations can also affect the tonsils and adenoids, making them sore and swollen. Tumors are rare, but can grow on the tonsils.

Larynx- voice problems

The larynx commonly called the voice box is an organ in the neck of humans involved in breathing, sound production, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. It manipulates pitch and volume. The larynx houses the vocal folds (commonly but improperly termed the "vocal cords"), which are essential for phonation. The vocal folds are situated just below where the tract of the pharynx splits into the trachea (air pipe) and the esophagus (food pipe).

• Causes of voice hoarseness

• Treatment of voice hoarseness

GERD

Chronic sore throats- a case of GERD.. Acid Refluxing

GERD is Gastro Esophgeal Reflux Disorder....

When the gastric secretion is more than what can be handled by the stomach or can be neutralised by the food we eat, it tends to overflow into the food pipe (Esophagus). When this happens, various symptoms may be felt- heart burn, burning sensation in the throat, sour taste in the mouth or bitter, foul breath, sensitivity of teeth and even tooth decay. Some people also feel bloated and as if something is stuck in their throat. Though simple antacids will work fine to control the 'acid excess' part of the syndrome, (Syndrome is a combination of features we would expect in a given condition), these do not prevent the overflow (Reflux) part. For that you would need a medication that can control or modify the muscle tone of the food pipe, the stomach and the valve between the two.

Some life-style changes help to keep both the acid and the reflux down. Eat something bland every three to four hours. Do not go empty stomach for long periods. The purpose of the acid is to digest the food. When the food is not there, the acid cannot be neutralised.

Do not lie down immediately after eating. This loosens the sphincter between the stomach and the food pipe. It is preferable to move around a bit- a walk at night is ideal before bed. In some other cases when it still does not work satisfactorily (very rare), we would recommend raising the head end of the bed a few inches- a few bricks under the feet of the bed not just more pillows. If you need any more information, let me know! It is interesting to note that spicy food often is not the reason for increased acidity. It is usually a Type A personality, compulsive and workaholic, perfectionist. The spices CAN and DO aggravate the problem but do not cause it!

• Relationship between throat infection and acid reflux

Snoring

• One Major ENT health concern that growing drastically in last 10 years?

Please note: This piece is only educational. You must consult your ENT Doctor and follow only prescribed medication and therapy.