Ear infections often result from bacteria or viruses entering the ear canal or middle ear, typically due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections. Symptoms include pain, hearing loss, and drainage from the ear.
Earwax buildup can block the ear canal, leading to discomfort, hearing loss, and even dizziness. It’s best not to insert objects in the ear. Over-the-counter drops or professional removal can help.
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears, often caused by prolonged exposure to loud sounds, ear infections, or other underlying health issues.
You should consult a doctor if:
Hearing tests, like audiograms, evaluate how well you hear different sounds and frequencies. These tests help diagnose hearing loss and guide treatment options.
Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull that help with breathing and producing mucus. Inflammation or infection can lead to sinusitis, causing discomfort, congestion, and pressure.
Nosebleeds occur due to the fragile blood vessels inside the nostrils. Common causes include dry air, allergies, or injury. Anterior nosebleeds are more common and can be managed with basic first aid.
To stop a nosebleed:
A runny nose is often caused by viral infections (like colds), allergies, or irritants like smoke. The nose produces extra mucus to flush out these irritants.
A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage between the nostrils is off-center, leading to difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, or frequent sinus infections.
Symptoms include facial pain, nasal congestion, headache, thick nasal discharge, and a reduced sense of smell. If symptoms persist for more than 10 days, consult a doctor.
Visit a doctor if:
Lumps in the neck can be caused by infections, swollen lymph nodes, thyroid issues, or more serious conditions like cancer. A doctor can help determine the cause.
Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box (larynx), often caused by overuse, infection, or irritation. It leads to hoarseness or loss of voice.
Avoid straining your voice, stay hydrated, and avoid smoking or exposure to irritants. Rest your voice if it feels strained.
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, often due to infection. Symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. It’s common in children.
Tonsils may need removal if they cause frequent infections, difficulty breathing, or swallowing, or if they develop abscesses.
Symptoms can include persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and a lump in the neck. Early detection is key.
Thyroid problems are diagnosed through blood tests that check hormone levels to see if the thyroid is overactive or underactive.
A thyroid lump may indicate a benign condition or, in rare cases, thyroid cancer. Your doctor will perform tests to determine the cause.
An audiologist is a trained professional with a degree in speech and hearing, often with a master's degree. They diagnose and treat hearing loss.
Only certified audiologists, registered with the Indian Speech & Hearing Association or holding a relevant degree, can dispense hearing aids.
Signs you may need a hearing aid include:
For adults:
Signs of hearing loss in children include:
The cost varies depending on the type of hearing loss and daily needs. A basic fitting can range from ₹50,000 or more.
Several brands offer advanced technology. An audiologist will recommend the best brand based on your hearing needs.
Common speech and language disorders in children include:
Yes, strong communication skills are crucial for learning. Children with speech and language disorders may struggle with reading, writing, listening, and speaking, impacting their academic success.
Children with communication disorders may struggle to perform at grade level. This can affect reading, comprehension, social interactions, and test-taking abilities. Poor language skills also hinder thinking, reasoning, and academic performance.
If you notice signs of a speech disorder, it’s crucial to have your child assessed. Speech Tails offers free assessments and a treatment plan. If therapy is needed, we also provide online speech therapy, which is convenient and effective.
Parents and teachers should refer any child showing signs of a speech disorder to the school child study team. Collaboration between parents, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), teachers, and other professionals ensures comprehensive support for the child. SLPs assess and treat the disorder in both individual and group settings, working with teachers to integrate speech goals with academic performance.
A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is blocked or reduced, causing brain cells to die. This can impair speech, motor skills, and other cognitive functions. Prompt treatment is essential to minimize brain damage.
A TIA is a temporary, stroke-like event that resolves quickly but still requires medical attention. Symptoms include:
Yes, alcohol can impair brain function, leading to slurred speech, poor judgment, and confusion. Severe alcohol poisoning can also cause vomiting, dehydration, and mental disturbances.
Seizures can be triggered by anything that disrupts nerve connections in the brain, such as:
Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder affecting muscle movement. Symptoms include:
Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining postural balance by supporting the brain's motor function processes.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Symptoms can vary widely, but typically include difficulty with social cues, repetitive behaviors, and focused interests.
Common signs in young children may include:
The exact cause of autism is not known, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that certain genes may affect brain development, and environmental influences may play a role in triggering or amplifying autism symptoms.
Yes, autism can be diagnosed in early childhood, sometimes as young as 18 months. Early intervention can significantly improve developmental outcomes. Parents who notice developmental delays or concerns should consult with a pediatrician or specialist.
Autism diagnosis typically involves:
There is no cure for autism, but early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve social, communication, and behavioral skills. Therapies like behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy are commonly used.
Many children with autism grow up to lead independent and successful lives, especially with early intervention and appropriate support. The degree of support required depends on the severity of the condition, but many can excel in areas like academics, art, and technology.
There is no cure for vestibular disorders, but symptoms can often be managed with medications and vestibular rehabilitation exercises (VRT).
Vestibular disorders affect your balance and can cause disorientation. Common causes include inner ear issues, infections, medications, or traumatic brain injuries. These disorders can occur at any age but are more common in older adults.
To calm your vestibular system, try these gentle activities:
VRT exercises can help improve balance and reduce dizziness. Some common exercises include:
Dysphagia is a medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can make it hard to swallow food, liquids, or even saliva, and may lead to choking or discomfort.
Dysphagia can be caused by a variety of factors including muscle or nerve problems, neurological conditions (like stroke or Parkinson’s disease), structural issues in the throat, or even esophageal problems like acid reflux.
Symptoms include:
Your doctor may start with a physical exam and medical history review. To confirm the diagnosis, tests such as a barium swallow, endoscopy, or a swallowing study may be performed to see how well you swallow and identify any blockages or issues in the throat.
Treatment depends on the cause of dysphagia and may include:
Childhood dysphagia occurs when children have difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by birth defects, neurological issues, or feeding difficulties. Treatment may include speech therapy, feeding exercises, or dietary adjustments to help improve swallowing.
Preventing dysphagia may involve managing conditions that affect swallowing, like gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or practicing good eating habits, such as eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and avoiding distractions while eating.
Dysphagia can lead to complications like malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration pneumonia (if food or liquid enters the lungs). If you experience swallowing difficulties, it’s important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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