Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Fall 2019

citizensmemorial.com 13 6} If your nose is broken and you see a doctor within one week, it may be possible to repair your nose immediately. Otherwise, you may have to wait several months before your nose can be surgically repaired and straightened. 7} Birth control pills, certain blood pressure medicines and erectile dysfunction medication can make your nose stuffy. 8}  The ability to smell often fades with age. But sometimes a diminished sense of smell can be an early sign of a serious health problem, such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. If your food doesn’t smell or taste the way you think it should, tell your doctor. 9}  As many as 20,000 liters of air pass through your nose every day. 10}   To use nasal spray correctly, spray it into the side of your nose, not into the center, so your nose won’t dry out. 11}   Ignoring nasal allergies increases your chances of getting asthma. And if you already have asthma, shrugging off allergies can make it worse. 12}   Your nose is divided by a wall called the nasal septum. In about 80% of people, it’s a little off center, although most never notice. But sometimes the septum is more dramatically off center. This is a deviated septum, and it can cause frequent sinus infections. Sources: American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery; Library of Congress; National Institutes of Health What is an ENT? ENT stands for ear, nose and throat. It refers to the doctors who specialize in treating people with a range of diseases and disorders that involve those three specific body parts. Formally, ENTs are known as otolaryngologists. Theirs is one of the oldest medical specialties in the U.S. In addition to ear, nose and throat issues, ENTs handle other problems related to the head and neck. Unlike many other medical specialists, ENTs are trained to provide surgical and medical treatments—not just one or the other. Why see an ENT? Among other things, ENTs offer expert, advanced care for: » » Problems with balance and hearing, ringing in the ears, and ear infections. » » Sinus troubles, allergies, nasal obstructions, sleep apnea and problems with the sense of smell. » » Voice and swallowing issues. » » Facial fractures. » » Head and neck cancer. ENTs can also perform reconstructive or cosmetic surgery of the face, head and neck. For example, they can repair a cleft palate or deviated septum and remove a polyp or tumor in the nasal area. Some ENTs specialize in treating children. That can include, for instance, a toddler with a repeat ear or tonsil infection. If you have a persistent condition involving the ears, nose or throat, ask your primary care doctor if you should see an ENT. Sources: American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery; American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Surgeons Matthew C. Ericksen, D.O., is board-certified in otorhinolaryngology and maxillofacial (head and neck) plastic surgery. He sees patients at: CMH ENT Clinic 1155W. Parkview St., Suite 2J Bolivar Call 417-328-7000 to make an appointment. Physicians who treat nose-related problems are known as ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors. If your nose needs an ENT, call Matthew C. Ericksen, D.O., with CMH ENT Clinic, at 417-328-7000 .