Self Help & F.A.Q.
Disclaimer: The following are helpful hints, and may or may not be ultimate solutions. They are NOT intended as a subsititute for a medical checkup.

Help Notes
FACIAL PAIN:
Sinusitis usually presents itself more as facial pain than a true headache. It many times begins as an upper respiratory infection or common cold and is followed by thick mucous drainage. There may be associated pain over the teeth and can be associated with or without a fever. For self help ideas, click here.

EAR PAIN:
If your child awakens in the middle of the night with an earache, there are several measures that you can take until the next morning. Drop several drops of warm olive oil in the affected ear. Oil should be warmed to body temperature. Give Tylenol® or Motrin®, apply a hot moist towel to the affected side, and call us in the morning. Click here for more self help ideas.

EAR PAIN:
Summertime! Great for outdoors and particularly great for swimming. Did you know that you can avoid the pain and discomfort of swimmer's ear by using rubbing alcohol each time you get water in your ear. The drying effect can help prevent swimmer's ear. Avoid using alcohol if there is a perforation or a tube in your ear, as this could result in pain, although not damage, to the ear. Click here for more self help ideas.

PAIN IN EAR?
Pain in the ear that won't go away? Have you tried antibiotics that haven't worked? The problem may be the jaw joint. If you grit your teeth, chew gum, have worn braces on your teeth, or have had recent dental work, these can all contribute to ear pain. We provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for all types of ear pain. Remember, not all that glitters is gold, and not all "ear pain" is in the ear. Click here for more self help ideas.

EAR WAX:
Save a visit to the doctor - clean out your own ears. Q-tips are applicators, not ear cleaners. A Cerumenex or Debrox kit, available at your pharmacy, softens ear wax over a day or two. Then, wash out your ears with the bulb syringe provided. Be sure to warm the solution before washing your ears or it will make you dizzy. If you would like more information, or would prefer that we clean your ears for you, let us know. Click here for more self help ideas.

FLYING AND EUSTACHIAN TUBE DYSFUNCTION
1. Use Afrin nasal spray before you fly, 2 puffs in each nostril.
2. Take two Sudafed 30 mg tablets one hour before the plane will land (if you do not have a history of high blood pressure).
3. Chew gum beginning an hour before the plane will land.
4. Yawn and move the jaw around to help the eustachian tube open.
5. Hold your nose and slowly force air into the ear on either side just until pressure is relieved. If one ear comes open and it becomes painful to continue to force air into that ear, place your finger on the open ear so that the pressure will continue against the nonopen ear until it opens.
6. If the ear begins to close again as pressure continues, repeat efforts to get it open.

BE SEEN TODAY!
Many of our patients have discovered that the secret is to be seen today at NorthEast Ear, Nose & Throat Center. Whether your needs include allergy evaluation, help with chronic sinus trouble, or hearing problems, our doctors can provide a thorough evaluation, order tests or treatments, and prescribe any necessary medications.

ALLERGIES:
Does this allergy season have you sneezing and congested? Whether is is allergies or other causes, this year has been a banner year for nasal congestion. When nasal congestion gets you down and over-the-counter medications cease to work, see us. Our doctors can evaluate your problem and provide solutions to keep you comfortable and breathing. Click here for more self help ideas.

NOSE SPRAY:
Got the nose spray habit? Let us help you get rid of the problem. We can help you avoid late night dashes to the 24-hour store for more spray so you can rest. There are easy and sometimes more complex ways to help you resolve this problem. Give us a chance to help you resolve this expensive habit by checking our treatment for common problems page. Click here for more self help ideas.

ALLERGY TESTING:
We use the RAST and intradermal methods of allergy testing. Treatment involves blood testing or skin testing for diagnosis. Weekly injections are prepared to desensitize and control your allergies. Our highly skilled technicians prepare each allergy vaccine according to your test results for optimum benefit. Ask us for more information. Click here for more self help ideas.

HEARING:
"My husband doesn't listen to me. My son is ignoring me. I want to know whether there is a hearing problem; what can I do?" First try this: get their attention before speaking. Males, according to brain studies, have a marvelous ability to concentrate on what they are doing, whether it's reading the paper, watching TV, fixing a bicycle, or playing in the sand. Touch them. Throw a ball at them! Get their attention, and they will probably hear you well. If this doesn't work, they need a hearing evaluation. Good Luck!

Hearing problems can result from a number of causes, some serious and some not. It may an easily resolvable problem, like wax, or may be surgically treatable. New programmable hearing aids are a marvelous resolution for significant hearing problems. Correct your hearing loss before you begin to withdraw from society and say, like a ninety-five year old nearly deaf patient said: "Doc, I've heard about all I want to hear!" Click here for more self help ideas.

HEARING AIDS:
Many people who suffer from a hearing loss never do anything about it because they think hearing aids will make them look older or draw attention to their problem. As part of our commitment to satisfying your needs, we proudly dispense a full line of hearing aids, including the Rexton Natural Line. Its sleek style and camouflaged appearance follows the natural shape and color of the ear. We also dispense the new digitally programmable hearing aids. Digitally programmable technology offers a number of advantages over conventional hearing aids. The hearing aid settings are "fine tuned" while in your ear. Digitally programmable hearing aids are quieter and less likely to create annoying circuit "noises". Our licensed audiologist will be delighted to assist you with all of your hearing needs. Click here for more self help ideas.

CLICK HERE For more information about our Hearing Aid options.

SNORING:
Does your spouse keep you awake at night snoring? Does he or she stop breathing at night? Do you find yourself too sleepy to enjoy your favorite activities? The problem may be sleep apnea. Medical evaluation is individual to each patient, and solutions include things as simple as elevating the head of your bed or losing weight. If you think you or a loved one may be a sleep apnea sufferer, let us help you with this problem. Click here for more self help ideas.

SNORING:
What does head of bed elevation do to help you rest and feel healthier? Three bricks or three 2 X 4's under each side of the headboard of the bed or 2 blankets rolled tightly and placed at the head of the bed between the mattress and box springs can help to eliminate snoring and sleep apnea. This procedure also keeps acid where it belongs -- in your stomach. Click here for more self help ideas.

SERVICES OFFERED:
We provide a full range of ear, nose, and throat services for the entire family, including sinus surgery, ear surgery, skin care, allergy care, audiology, and much more. We'll be happy to discuss our services and answer any of your questions, at any time.

We aim to provide you with the safest and highest quality healthcare. You can help us by bringing a current list of your medications, and please remember your insurance card. For new patients, arriving 15 minutes early will allow us to process your paperwork efficiently and keep you on time for your office visit. We thank you for your promptness! If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please give us 24 hours notice.

NEEDLES:
Are you a coward? Are you afraid of needles? Research has shown the smaller the diameter of the needle, the less pain on entry, and the slower the injection, the less pain. We are experienced with small needles and slow injections, and offer comfortable, convenient in-office removal of lesions from the face, head, or neck.

LUMP IN THROAT:
Got a lump in your throat? Feel as if you're choking all the time? This is a common problem all of us experience at one time or another. Ask us about the five causes of this uncomfortable feeling; four of these causes are treatable with minor adjustments in medications. Click here for more self help ideas.

CHOKING:
Wake up at 2:30 in the morning and can't get your breath? Get up out of bed -- it's no better? Walk outside -- finally get a squeaky breath through and some relief. You have just experienced laryngospasm. This is caused by acid reflux from your stomach to the back of your throat. The acid spills through the vocal cord and causes the spasm that closes your airway. Solution: Don't eat late at night. Take some antacid at bedtime and elevate the head of your bed. If this does not help, call us. Click here for more self help ideas.

RECURRENT EAR INFECTIONS:
Children pulling at their ears? Doctor says it's an ear infection and will give you antibiotics. Two weeks later --- continued infection and more antibiotics. Two weeks later -- more antibiotics. Child continues to pull on ear, be off balance and does not seem to hear well? It's time for a specialist who deals with children's ear problems. Tubes for ears are not the answer for all children with ear problems, but they can provide a welcome relief for the child with chronic fluid behind the eardrum. P. S. Relief for mom and dad as well. Click here for more self help ideas.

TRAUMA TO THE HEAD, FACE, OR NECK: Any trauma situation tends to excite people. We recommend staying as calm as possible. Apply ice to the area to prevent swelling which makes the examination easier. Come into our office as soon as possible. If we are not open, go to the closest Emergency Room. Click here for more self help ideas.

Peroxide Wash for Ears
 1) Tilt your head to one side and fill the ear canal with hydrogen peroxide.
 2) Let sit in ear canal and fizzle for 5-10 minutes.
 3) Tilt head over and let fluid run out.
 4) Following the peroxide wash, put a few drops of alcohol into each ear to help dry ear canal.
 5) Repeat on other ear.
 6) Use peroxide ear wash once a month to help soften wax.
 7) Never use Q-tips inside ear.
 8) Take a damp wash cloth and wipe around the outside of the ear only.
Back to ear care
Salt water rinse for the nose (buffered hypertonic saline nasal irrigation)
The Benefits
When you rinse your nose with this salt water and baking soda mixture, it washes crusts and other debris from your nose. Salty water pulls fluid out of the swollen membranes of your nose. This decongests the nose and improves air flow. Not only does this make breathing easier, it also helps open the sinus passages. Studies show that this mixture of concentrated salt water and baking soda (bicarbonate) helps the nose work better and moves mucous out of the nose faster.

The Recipe
  • Carefully clean and rinse a 1-quart glass jar. Fill the clean jar with tap water or bottled water. You do not have to boil the water.

  • Add 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of "pickling/canning" salt. Do not use table salt, which has unwanted additives. You can ask for pickling/canning salt at the grocery store. Add 1 rounded teaspoon of baking soda (pure bicarbonate). Stir or shake before each use. Store at room temperature. After a week, pour out any mixture that is left over and make a new recipe. If the mixture seems too strong, use less salt--try 1½ to 2 teaspoons of salt. For children, it is best to start with a weaker salt water mixture. Then gradually increase to using 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of salt, or whatever the child will accept.

    The Instructions
  • Plan to rinse the nose with the salt water mixture 2 to 3 times each day. Make the salt water and baking soda mixture according to the recipe. You will need a bulb/ear syringe, a large medical syringe (30 mL), or a Waterpik. Pour some salt water mixture into a clean bowl. Many people like to warm the salt water in a microwave oven to about body temperature. Be sure that the salt water is not hot. Fill the syringe with salt water from the bowl. Do not put your used syringe back into the jar, because that will contaminate your salt water. Stand over the sink or in the shower and squirt the salt water into each side of your nose. Aim the stream toward the back of your head, not the top of your head. This lets you spit some of the salt water out of your mouth. It will not hurt if you swallow a little. Most people notice a mild burning feeling the first few times they use the salt water mixture. This usually goes away in a few days. Please call our office if you have any problems or questions.

    For Young Children
  • You can put the salt water into a small commercial spray container, like a nasal steroid spray bottle. Squirt it many times into each side of the nose. Do not force your child to lie down. This rinse is easier and safer to do when sitting or standing.

    If You Use a Nasal Steroid
    You should always use the salt water mixture first, then use your nasal steroid spray (like Flonase, Vancenase, Beconase, Nasacort, Nasonex). The steroid works better when it is sprayed onto nasal membranes that have been cleaned and decongested by the salt water. Then the steroid medicine will reach deeper into the nose and sinuses.
    Back to nasal care
    • Fullness in throat in throat and acid reflux symptoms
    1) Elevate the head of your bed, 4" to 6".
     2) Have nothing to eat 2 hours before bedtime.
     3) Take Mylanta®, Gelusil®, Maalox®, or other over the counter antacid (one ounce at bedtime) or a prescription medication such as Prevacid, Prilosic or Aciphex.
     4) Use mucous thinning agents such as guaifenesin® as prescribed.
     5) If symptoms persist, you may need a barium swallow x-ray.
     6) If negative, you may need muscle relaxants as prescribed.
     7) If you have a problem with heartburn or reflux, avoid caffeine, alcohol, wine, tobacco products, high fat foods, chocolate and mints.
    Back to choking
    Treatment of Sinusitis
    1) Elevate the head of your bed, 4" to 6".
     2) Use a salt water nasal spray (mix ¼ teaspoon table salt with one cup warm water).
     3) Use a vaporizer of humidifier at bedside.
     4) Drink six glasses of water daily.
     5) Use a decongestant and/or antihistamine.
     6) Take an antibiotic (if prescribed).
    Back to sinusitis
    Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (Jaw Joint Pain)
    1) Maintain a soft diet.
     2) Avoid chewing gum.
     3) Apply moist heat to joint: 15 minutes, four times a day.
     4) Take Ibuprofen (800 mg.) three times a day with food; or another anti-inflammatory as prescribed (Relafen, Celebex).
     5) Have a dental evaluation.
     6) Injection of the TM joint may be considered if no improvement.
    Back to TMJ
    Swimmer's Ear Prevention
    1) Avoid water in the ears.
    2) If water gets into the ear while swimming or bathing:
  • Use rubbing alcohol in the ear to dry the ear canal, or
  • Use a solution of 2 parts water to 1 part white vinegar in the ears, or
  • Use a commercial otic preparation in the ears.
  • Use a hair dryer to the ear.
    Back to ear care
    • Otitis Media and Serous Otitis (Fluid Buildup Behind the Eardrum)
    1) Chew gum.
     2) Blow up balloons.
     3) Hold your nose and blow toward your ears, try to make your ears pop.
     4) Yawn.
     5) Take Sudafed®, Entex LA®, or other decongestant or decongestant antihistamine, as prescribed. 6) Blow Horns.
     7) Take an antibiotic as prescribed.
    Back to ear infection help
    Rhinitis Medicamentosa (Nasal Spray Abuse)
    1) Do not use any over the counter medicated nasal spray.
     2) Use salt water nasal spray (mix ¼ teaspoon of table salt to one cup warm water) to cleanse the nose.
     3) A steroid medication, such as Medrol® or Decadron® Dosepak may be prescribed.
     4) Take an antihistamine decongestant as prescribed.
     5) Elevate the head of your bed, 4" to 6".
     6) If infection is present, you may be prescribed an antibiotic.
    Back to nasal spray help
    Snoring Self-help Remedies
    1) Exercise to develop good muscle tone.
     2) Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistimines before bedtime.
     3) Avoid alcohol for at least 4 hours and heavy meals or snacks for 3 hours before retiring.
     4) Establish regular sleeping patterns.
     5) Sleep on your side rather than back. Use a tennis ball in the back of your night shirt to prevent sleeping on your back.
     6) Tilt the head of your bed upwards 4" - 6". (Insert picture of bed on this brochure also)
    7) Lose weight.
    Back to snoring help
    Trauma to the Nose
    1) Apply Ice Pack for 24 hours.
     2) X-ray is not necessary.
     3) Office appointment 5-7 days after the injury.
     4) If bleeding, come to the office during office hours or to the Emergency Room after hours.
     5) If nose breathes well and looks good, no treatment is required.
     6) If nose looks bad or does not breathe well, treatment may be required.
    Back to trauma
    Epistaxis
     1) Be Calm.
    2) Ice pack to nose.
    3) Hold head lowered.
    4) Place pressure on the nose below the bony area by pinching both sides between the thumb and forefinger, pressing against the bony area for 5 minutes.
    5) If nose continues to bleed, fill the bleeding side with tissue or cotton and place pressure on this packing for 5 minutes.
    6) If still bleeding after all measures have been taken, come to our office during office hours or to the Emergency Room after office hours.
    Back to trauma
    Home Help for Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
     1) Avoid things you are allergic to if at all possible.
     2) Use over the counter medication measures
  • Saline spray to clear nose
  • Nasochromium Sodium spray to nose before exposure to allergens, i.e., perfume, dust, trees, molds, grasses, weeds.
  • Benadryl for age (may cause drowsiness)
  • Chlortrimeton 4mg or 8mg (may cause drowsiness)
  • Sudafed (may cause urinary retention, hyperactivity, or loss of sleep) All decongestants may cause this.
  • Combinations such as Chlortrimeton Decongestant or Dimetapp Decongestant.
    3) See your MD for prescription medications.
    4) Consider allergy evaluation and immuno-therapy.
    Back to Allergies
    • Eight things to ask before purchasing a hearing aid
    1) Are hearing aids dispensed by an Audiologist?
     2) Is a physician available for otological examinations?
     3) Have you received a discrimination test?
     4) Are the hearing aids programmable or repairable in the office?
     5) Is the trial period 60 days?
     6) What is the service during trial period?
     7) What is the availability of hearing aid dispenser after purchase?
     8) How long is the warranty?
    Back to hearing aids