Don’t Choke – Get Help for Your Swallowing Disorder
Swallowing is something we usually don’t even think about. But when something goes wrong, it can be a serious, even life-threatening, problem. Some 15 million Americans suffer from swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia. While gulping something down seems like a simple process, in fact our bodies go through three stages in moving food and liquids from…
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation of movement, even when neither you nor your surroundings are moving. As a child you may have voluntarily induced vertigo by turning around and around in a circle until you fell down giggling. For vertigo patients, though, the sensation is no fun. They can sometimes have trouble walking and feel nauseated…
Frequent Nosebleeds? Signs You Should See A Doctor
Most people, at some point in their lives, will experience a nosebleed. Whether your nosebleed is caused by an injury or happens spontaneously, it’s important for patients to know that this medical phenomenon is usually nothing to worry about. Still, it is possible for people to experience occasional nosebleeds. In these instances, we encourage patients…
What Is “Silent” Acid Reflux?
If you’ve ever watched a Tums, Rolaids, or Pepto-Bismol commercial before, you’re probably familiar with the term “acid reflux” or “heartburn.” If you don’t experience acid reflux, consider yourself lucky! If you do, then you know all about the burning chest pain, nausea, belching, and regurgitation symptoms acid reflux disease can cause. While most people will experience…
Signs Your Newborn Is Tongue-Tied
Occasionally, you’ll hear someone say they’re tongue-tied when they can’t find the right words to say or they have a brief lapse in speech. While these moments are harmless for adults, being tongue-tied as a newborn can inhibit vital activities, such as breastfeeding. For those unfamiliar with this condition, tongue-tie is a congenital anomaly that…
Signs Your Thyroid Is Off
Are you feeling “off” lately? Like your mood is off, you’re tired all the time, and your appetite has changed? There are a number of conditions that can lead to these symptoms and other signs of irregularity, but often times when patients have gone through the ringer with their health, there’s one particular problem that…
What Are Sinuses? (Sinus Anatomy)
You’ve probably heard the term “sinuses” before, and you’re probably aware of their location, as well as some of their basic functions. Nevertheless, the team at AOC Physicians wants to take this opportunity to go over the anatomy and purpose of a person’s sinuses. Especially since many patients have come into our offices complaining of…
What is nasal sinus irrigation, and will it help my allergies?
Pouring water into your nose may seem like a strange thing to do, but it just might help with your allergies. Nasal sinus irrigation has been practiced since ancient times in India. And modern research shows that it is indeed safe and effective, if done correctly. How does sinus irrigation work? Nasal sinus irrigation is basically…
Fast Facts About a Deviated Septum
Who: Anyone can have a deviated septum! In fact, about 80% of the population has some degree of this condition. What: A septum is the little piece of cartilage that divides the two nostrils. When the septum deviates, it moves slightly off-center, causing the nose to appear crooked. When: Because the condition is so common,…
Vertigo vs. Dizziness
The otolaryngologists at AOC Physicians often see patients come in suffering from dizziness and signs of vertigo. These two symptoms can be caused by a number of ear conditions, including diseases of the inner ear, viral infections, and more. However, by defining the symptom, a physician can better diagnose the underlying condition. Vertigo is similar…