Protecting your Ear, Nose & Throat: Summertime Tips to Consider

Written by Donna Haupt

With summertime now in full swing, the sun & warmth are not the only things you should have on your mind when you’re outside enjoying activities. To best take care of your Ears, Nose & Throat, the following are some tips to consider the next time you’re outside enjoying seasonal fun.

Protect Your Ears
Summer means swimming, and for some, this means contracting a case of Swimmer’s Ear. This ailment occurs when water gets trapped in the outer ear canal and doesn’t flow out. Often, it’s because of impacted ear wax. Common symptoms of pain and swelling mean the canal has become infected. An ENT doctor can administer antibiotic ear drops along with a steroid drop to bring down swelling.

Be aware that swimmer’s ear is more likely to develop after swimming in non-treated lake or river water. To play it safe, make sure your ears are free of wax and keep your ears as dry as possible. Check with one of our ENTs about using ear-drying drops after swimming. Don’t put objects in the canal (including cotton-tip swabs, pencils, paper clips or keys). Don’t try to remove ear wax yourself. And above all, if you have ear pain, bleeding from the ear or a sudden loss of hearing, get to an ENT practitioner for fast assessment.

Grill Safely
Wire-bristle grilling brushes are used frequently for cleaning residue from grill grates, but loose bristles can fall off the brush during cleaning and end up in the grilled food. If consumed, wire bristles can lead to injuries of the mouth, throat and tonsils. If a bristle stays in the neck area, there is concern that it could migrate into the soft tissue and require surgery to remove.
Even though grill brush injuries are less common than swallowing a chicken or fish bone, or children swallowing a coin or battery, wire bristles tend to be sharp. There’s definitely a risk of them puncturing the digestive tract and causing an infection. To reduce the hazard, simply remember to wipe the grill down with a moist towel after scraping with a bristle brush. If you’re concerned that you have something stuck in your throat, don’t hesitate and head straight to the Emergency Room. It’s best to always play it safe when it comes to protecting your airway.

Allergy Symptoms Can Make You Miserable
Summer heat is proven to circulate mold spores and pollen, making seasonal allergies worse. These tiny particles and items can cause discomfort for a lot of people. When the air is warmer and more humid, it becomes easy for allergens to float from anywhere inside or outside your home. This includes common places like flower beds and lawns but also grasses, weeds, trees, and any plants nearby. As a result, many of us suffer uncontrollable allergies when the summer heat comes along.

Summer is also when microscopic insects called Dust Mites reach their peak. They thrive in warm, humid temperatures and nest in beds, fabric, and carpets. Their residue can get into the air and set off sneezes, wheezes, and runny noses. If you notice your allergies are becoming unmanageable and ruining your summer fun, it’s time to seek treatment. Our Specialists will thoroughly assess if your symptoms are from the common cold or allergies acting up and make thoughtful recommendations to get you feeling better fast.

Each season brings its own activities, vibes, and environmental changes for one to enjoy. Like anything else, though, it’s not without its risks. This summer while you’re out there soaking up the sun and partaking in festivities, remember to be mindful of your surroundings, but above all, have a good time. If you find yourself experiencing an issue with your Ear, Nose or Throat, book an appointment with an ENT Specialist at Advanced Specialty Care by calling (203) 830-4700 or visiting ASCDOCS.com

– Donna Haupt

Donna Haupt, PA-C has over 11 years of experience as an Ear, Nose & Throat Practitioner as well as 10 years of prior specialty care and internal medicine experience. She is accepting adult & pediatric patients at Advanced Specialty Care in Danbury and Norwalk, CT.

ADVANCED SPECIALTY CARE

Advanced Specialty Care ENT, Head & Neck Specialists are recognized as some of the region’s top ENT Physicians. Call (203) 830-4700 to schedule an appointment with a Specialist at any of our convenient offices in Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk and Ridgefield, CT.