Understanding Smell Disorders
Your sense of smell allows you to enjoy the aromas of nature and your favorite foods. It can also serve as a warning system, alerting you to spoiled food, a gas leak or smoke from a fire. If you have a smell disorder, it can disrupt your quality of life. It is estimated that one…
Understanding Salivary Gland Problems
Saliva has the important roles of lubricating the mouth, assisting with swallowing, protecting teeth against bacteria and aiding with digestion of food. Saliva is produced by salivary glands; the three major pairs are the parotid glands inside the cheeks, submandibular glands at the floor of the mouth and sublingual glands under the tongue. There are…
How to Clean Your Ears
Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is a naturally-occurring substance that plays an important role in ear health. It lubricates the ear canal to keep the skin from becoming dry and itchy and also traps bacteria and debris to prevent infection. The ears are self-cleaning in that earwax typically works its way out of the ears…
Side Effects of Hearing Loss
The biggest and most common symptom of hearing loss is an inability to hear. But there are a number of additional side effects that may surprise you. Mental Health Problems Hearing loss can lead to isolation, as many find it easier to simply stay home instead of trying to communicate in large groups. With social…
Cellphone Use Linked to Increased Injury
A recently published study found that there has been a steep increase in cellphone-related injury to the head and neck over the past 20 years. While most instances have been mild, some involved facial lacerations and traumatic brain injuries, leading to long-term consequences for many cellphone users. About the Study The study was published in…
Do You Have a Cold, Sinus Infection or the Flu?
This time of year, it may be difficult to detect the cause of your cold-weather sniffles. Colds, sinus infections and the flu all share many symptoms, making it difficult to figure out which treatment route to take. Understanding the underlying cause of your symptoms is key to finding relief. How Common Are These Conditions? According…
What Is Duel Sensory Impairment?
As we age, it’s not uncommon to experience decline in both hearing and vision abilities. In fact, studies show that 10-20 percent of people over the age of 70 have a condition called dual sensory hearing loss – a condition characterized by both hearing and vision loss. This condition can be caused by genetic factors…
Early Hearing Loss Linked to Dementia
A number of studies over the past decade have confirmed that people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia. However, new research from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons has shown that even the earliest stages of hearing loss—levels that are still considered normal hearing—are also tied with cognitive decline….
Treating Ear Infections Naturally: Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work?
Apple cider vinegar is a household staple in Portland, but its uses extend far beyond cooking. People use it as a deodorizer, cleaner and facial toner; as bait for fruit flies, a weed-killer and wart remover; and, yes, it serves as a great base for a vinaigrette. With so many widespread uses, would you really…
A New Non-Surgical Test for Thyroid Cancer May Soon Be Available
Thyroid cancer affects some 52,070 people every year. Unfortunately, many individuals in Portland end up undergoing an unnecessary surgical procedure because the standard test for thyroid cancer is often inconclusive. Researchers have developed a new test that promises to reduce the number of surgeries once it is cleared for widespread use. The Downside of Fine…
