Ear, Nose and Throat Health Concerns

When it comes to ear, nose and throat issues the first answer should not be calling the doctor. Many times it is a simple infection that will clear up on it's own, given some time, or an at home remedy to come to the aid of the sufferer. General issues can be allergies, earaches, sinus problems, asthma, and throat infections. Some problems definitely need a doctors touch and prescribed medications, but not all of them. Evaluate the situation first, before calling up the family doctor. You can not only save yourself some money, but you can leave that wasted time with the doctor open for someone who may have a more serious medical issues.

Starting with the ears. In a child an earache can seem like a severe thing, but in adults it is a short lived pain that rarely sees a doctors scrutiny. If I child has regular earaches or extreme pain then it is very important to take them to a physician. However, if the earache goes away in a day, whether in a child or an adult, it usually is not a sign of anything serious. A natural remedy that is great help with earaches is sweet oil (which is olive oil). Just a couple of drops will help soothe the discomfort.

Runny noses sometimes mean allergies, sometimes they mean colds. Sometimes a runny nose can come with a sinus infection, which is usually accompanied my neck pain and/or a centralized headache. Sinus issues, if persistent, should be taken to a doctor, as an infection can be very painful. Sneezing generally accompanies seasonal allergies or a cold. Colds just need some liquids and rest and they will clear up. Allergies only need a doctor if they are severe or seem to lead to asthma symptoms. If the symptoms are accompanied by a fever that is over 102 degrees or persists for more than a day then it is time for the doctor or even the emergency rooms. Fevers are not something to mess with. The best trick to try to reduce a fever prior to a doctor visit is to soak in a cool bath of water.

Throat pain hurts and it is annoying. If it is just scratchy usually a cup of tea with some honey and lemon (a natural antiseptic) will do the trick, or gargling with some lukewarm salt water. If the sore throat is accompanied by red or white blotches it is best to visit the doctor, immediately, as this could be strep throat and is contagious. Strep needs antibiotics to combat it.

Our ears, noses and throats are important and any illnesses within them should not be taken lightly, but not every little sneeze or sniffle should have us running to the doctor either. If you just simply evaluate the severity of the situation you can amply determine if an appointment is what is needed or just some TLC and a nap.

Resources:

"The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide", Random House, 1987

"The Allergy Bible", Linda Gamlin, 2001"Better Health Through Natural Healing", Ross Trattler, 2001