Throat Archives - ENT Health https://www.enthealth.org/health_and_wellness_categories/health_and_wellness-throat/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:11:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 249128111 Button Battery Awareness https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/button-battery-awareness/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:43:47 +0000 https://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=2573 Over the last few decades there has been a notable increase in electronics, toys, holiday decorations, watches, hearing aids, and other devices that are powered by button batteries in nearly all households.

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Button Battery Awareness

Over the last few decades there has been a notable increase in electronics, toys, holiday decorations, watches, hearing aids, and other devices that are powered by button batteries in nearly all households. Due to this increase, there has also been a dramatic rise in button battery injuries by swallowing, the overwhelming majority occurring in children. Unfortunately, these small batteries, ones often smaller than 20mm (25mm = 1 inch) in diameter, can cause severe injury to the esophagus, trachea, or major vasculature (blood vessels or arrangement of blood vessels in an organ) in as little as two hours. That’s why it’s critical for parents and other caretakers to be knowledgeable and aware of the dangers of button batteries and take all precautions to prevent children from a potential ingesting them.

What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Injuries?

Given the severe complications that ingested button batteries can cause within a short period of time (two hours), preventative strategies cannot be stressed enough. Securing the battery compartment of the product is the single most important intervention required to prevent battery ingestion injuries. Another option would be to try and avoid obtaining products that require button batteries, if possible. Do not leave any loose or accessible button batteries out in the open or within children’s reach.

There has been a dramatic increase in the severity of cases with button battery ingestion over the past 15 years, especially with the use of 20mm lithium cells. Being knowledgeable about the devices and toys that require button batteries is also helpful, as well as what size and type of battery is required:

  • Hearing aid batteries are the most reported ingested batteries out of all devices. These batteries are usually smaller in diameter (7.9 or 5.8mm) and pose somewhat less risk when swallowed compared to larger 20mm lithium cells.
  • 20mm lithium cells are roughly the size of a penny, so the increased diameter allows these batteries to get stuck in the esophagus more often. 20mm batteries are commonly used for games and toys, watches and stopwatches, flameless candles, bathroom and kitchen scales, and key fobs.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery has recently released a Position Statement encouraging battery manufacturers and the battery industry to adopt new, safer button or coin cell battery technology that will not cause severe injury inside the body. You can read this Position Statement here.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Child Has Swallowed a Button Battery?

If a parent or caretaker does not witness the actual ingestion, it can be hard to diagnosis this problem because symptoms—drooling, vomiting, fever, decreased eating or drinking, difficulty swallowing, cough—can mimic other common disease processes in children, such as viral illnesses. But if you suspect that a child might have swallowed a button battery, even if you didn’t witness it, it is recommended to get immediate medical help in the emergency room. You can also reach the poison control hotline for guidance if someone swallows a button battery by calling 800-498-8666.

In addition to seeking immediate medical care, here are some other suggestions from the Poison Control Center that can be helpful:

  1. If available, provide the battery identification number, found on the packaging or from a matching battery.
  2. Do not induce vomiting. You can give two teaspoons of honey on the way to the emergency room, but only if the battery was likely swallowed in the last 12 hours. Otherwise, do not allow the child or patient to eat or drink until evaluated by an emergency care provider and x-rays have been taken to show where the battery is located.

Related Conditions

How to Find the Right Hearing Aid for You

Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Children

OTC Hearing Aids FAQs

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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]]> 2573 What You Should Know About Sinus Disease and Disorders https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/what-you-should-know-about-sinus-disease-and-disorders/ Mon, 13 Sep 2021 18:50:50 +0000 https://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=2275 Nasal congestion is a very common complaint and can have many different causes, including inflammation inside the nose due to allergies.

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What You Should Know About Sinus Disease and Disorders

Nasal congestion is a very common complaint and can have many different causes, including inflammation inside the nose due to allergies, or structural abnormalities such as a deviated nasal septum, turbinate blockage, or nasal polyps. Primary symptoms of rhinosinusitis, commonly known as sinusitis, may include:

  • Runny nose
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Nasal obstruction or blockage
  • Facial pressure or pain (usually not sharp)
  • Dental pain
  • Thick yellow/green mucus (colored mucus can be from many causes, including infection, acid reflux, environmental pollution, and dryness)
  • Loss of smell
  • Sinus headache (not as common)
  • Whole-body ache is less common in sinus disease, particularly for those suffering from chronic sinusitis

If nasal congestion is affecting your quality of life and you are not responding to typical medical management with saline and corticosteroid nasal sprays or allergy treatment, it is recommended that you see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.

What Are Some Common Causes of Sinus Disease?

The average adult has two to three colds per year. They are most frequently caused by rhinovirus, and the common cold typically lasts for seven to 10 days. If cold symptoms last for more than seven to 10 days and/or symptoms worsen prior to seven days, there may be a bacterial infection often requiring antibiotics.

Acute sinus infections (symptoms lasting less than a month) are usually caused by viral upper respiratory infections (URI) and occasionally from bacterial infections. Chronic sinus disease (symptoms lasting an extended period of time) is a more complex inflammatory disorder that has multiple associated risk factors. These include asthma, aspirin sensitivity, environmental allergies, smoking, environmental or occupational irritants or pollutants, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiencies, systemic inflammatory diseases, dental infections, or anatomic abnormalities.

Having symptoms on only one side of your nose or face can be normal during an acute infection but should clear as the infection improves. If these one-sided symptoms last for longer than a normal cold, this could possibly indicate a structural abnormality of the nasal cavity such as septal deviation, nasal collapse, tumor, polyp, or dental infection. These and other severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, debilitating pain, swollen eyes, vision changes, high fever, severely stiff neck, and/or mental confusion should be treated by an ENT specialist.

What Types of Treatments Are Available for Non-COVID-19 Nasal Symptoms?

Many over the counter (OTC) treatments for sinus congestion and drainage are helpful and available, but not all OTC treatments are good to put inside the nose. Nasal steroid sprays, oral antihistamines and decongestants, saline rinses, and menthol vapor or steam can help with allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and/or itchy throat. Systemic steroids (oral or injected) might be given for patients with chronic sinusitis or severe allergic rhinitis. However, nasal decongestant sprays (Afrin®, Neosynephrine®) are temporary therapies that should be limited to less than one week of use, as they can become addictive and cause worsening nasal congestion.

Treatment options may vary depending on how long the symptoms have been present or how severe they are. Other conditions that can be confused with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), lasting three months or longer, can include:

For patients experiencing chronic symptoms of nasal obstruction and congestion, nasal drainage, facial pressure, and/or decreased smell that are not responding to medications or other treatments, a more thorough exam by an ENT specialist is recommended.

Related Conditions

Deviated Septum

Post-nasal Drip

Sinusitis

World Sinus Health Awareness Day Resources

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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]]> 2275 Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Management and Lifestyle Changes https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-management-and-lifestyle-changes/ Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:24:49 +0000 https://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=2118 Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when the liquid, food, and/or gas contents of the stomach leak back up through the esophagus into the voice box (larynx) and/or the back of throat (pharynx).

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Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Management and Lifestyle Changes

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when the liquid, food, and/or gas contents of the stomach leak back up through the esophagus into the voice box (larynx) and/or the back of throat (pharynx). When this happens often, the tissues of the throat and voice box can be irritated or damaged by acidic as well as non-acidic stomach content. This condition may also be called silent reflux, when damage occurs without symptoms, or atypical reflux, when symptoms like cough or throat clearing occur.

LPR is related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but it is not the same condition. People with GERD typically have heartburn as their main symptom. Many people with LPR may or may not have heartburn because the esophagus has natural protection against small amounts of acid reflux. However, the larynx and pharynx do not have this protection and can be easily damaged by reflux that backs into the throat.

How Can I Tell If I Might Have LPR?

There are several symptoms of LPR that you may wish to discuss with your doctor or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist, including:

  • Voice changes or hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Frequent coughing or choking
  • A feeling of something stuck in the throat
  • Excessive mucus
  • Postnasal drip
  • A bad or bitter taste in the mouth
  • Heartburn

Your doctor can diagnose LPR by evaluating your symptoms and examining your throat in the office. They may use a mirror, light, or a small camera to examine your throat. The tissue in your throat and voice box may look red, irritated, and swollen from the reflux damage. This may eventually go away with lifestyle changes and medicine (see below) but the healing may take several months. Sometimes, the throat can look normal even if LPR is present.

The gold standard diagnostic tool for LPR and/or GERD is a specialized test that examines the presence of acid in the esophagus. The best test to look for LPR is called a 24-hour dual probe pH-impedance study. This test looks for the presence of acidic and non-acidic reflux content in both the esophagus and the throat. Another common test uses a small probe during a scope of the esophagus (also called endoscopy). The probe attaches to the wall of the esophagus and records measurements for 24 hours before releasing and passing through the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract.

How Can I Reduce LPR?

There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your chances of experiencing LPR, including:

  • Limiting or eliminating tobacco
  • Limiting or eliminating alcohol
  • Controlling your weight
  • Reducing stress
  • Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses (64 ounces) of water daily
  • Eating smaller meals at least three hours before bedtime
  • Not lying down or exercising after eating
  • Elevating your head four to six inches in bed
  • Trying not to wear tight clothing
  • Reducing carbonated, caffeinated and/or citrus-based beverages
  • Limiting foods containing a high amount of fat, grease, and spices
  • Limiting tomato-based products, citrus fruit, chocolate, licorice, and mint

What Medical Treatments Are Available?

Your doctor may suggest one or more medications for your condition. Be sure to take them as directed by your doctor. It is important to pay attention to the timing of some medications for LPR. These may work best if taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. There are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications your doctor may consider based on your needs, including:

  • Histamine blockers that reduce acid production, such as famotidine (Pepcid®) and cimetidine (Tagamet®)
  • Proton pump inhibitors that stop stomach acid from forming, such as rabeprazole (Aciphex®), esomeprazole (Nexium®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), omeprazole (Prilosec®), and pantatoprazole (Protonix®)
  • Alginates derived from kelp that physically block the reflux of stomach content into the esophagus without having to absorb a medication, such as sodium alginate (Reflux Gourmet®), sodium alginate (Gaviscon Advance®), and sodium alginate, aloe vera (Esophageal Guardian®)

Some of these medications are also available by prescription at a higher dose, which may be more effective if results are not adequate with OTC options.

Finally, certain medications may increase the acid levels in your stomach and aggravate LPR symptoms. It is important to review all your medications with your doctor, including OTC medications and dietary supplements. Do not stop any medications without speaking with the doctor who prescribed them.

Related Conditions

Aspiration

Cricopharyngeal Muscle Dysfunction

GERD and LPR

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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]]> 2118 Vaping Is Not a Safe Alternative to Smoking https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/vaping-is-not-a-safe-alternative-to-smoking/ Sun, 18 Oct 2020 15:38:16 +0000 https://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=2087 Vaping, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), has increased in recent years compared to the use of traditional cigarettes.

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Vaping Is Not a Safe Alternative to Smoking

Vaping, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), has increased in recent years compared to the use of traditional cigarettes. Like traditional cigarettes, vaping has multiple harmful effects, including special concerns for young people. Despite recent regulations by the FDA, loopholes still exist that allow the sale of flavored ENDS devices to youth.

ENDS are battery-fueled devices that heat and vaporize liquid chemicals for inhalation. They are not combustion activated like regular cigarettes, but explosions and burn injuries have occurred from the lithium batteries that power the ENDS heating element. The enclosure around the battery, improper charging in the USB port, and expanding gas within the case are believed to be the most common triggers for explosions that can result in severe injuries including substantial facial burns, fractures, and/or loss of vision.

A September 2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study reported, “During September 2014–May 2020, e-cigarette sales increased by 122.2%. Sales of prefilled cartridges increased during September 2014–August 2019; since then, sales of disposable products have increased. Prefilled mint cartridge e-cigarette sales increased from September 2014 to August 2019, then decreased, as menthol sales increased during August 2019–May 2020.”

What Are the Health Risks of E-cigarettes and Vaping?

Poisoning has occurred in children from ingesting the highly concentrated nicotine found in the ENDS chamber and refill containers. These products are often marketed with colorful, attractive packaging and flavors (e.g., fruit, candy, and mint), which can be tempting to children. Nicotine poisoning in young people can result in coma, seizures, heart attack, cancer, and death.

The “e-liquids” in ENDS, even in absence of nicotine, have been shown to harm middle ear function, and e-cigarette use increases the risk of asthma attacks in youth. Furthermore, the recent (2020) use of e-cigarettes is associated with a five-fold higher risk of COVID-19 infection in a survey of adolescents and young adults, possibly due to respiratory poisoning and frequent hand-to-face touching in users.

Use of e-cigarettes in pregnancy can have multiple harmful effects on the fetus, and the harm may occur before the mother knows she is pregnant. Smoking of all types increases the risk of congenital heart defects. Nicotine exposure in utero can increase the risk of childhood and adult high blood pressure, impair the development of normal brain circuits, and is associated with pre-term births and still births.

Nicotine in e-cigarettes may affect the maturing brains of adolescents, leading to emotional disorders and increasing impulsive reactions. Nicotine is an addictive drug and may lead to addiction to other “hard” drugs.

Additional Resources

https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/knowtherisks.html

https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm

Related Conditions

50 Facts about Oral, Head and Neck Cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Mouth Sores FAQs

Secondhand Smoke and Children

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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]]> 2087 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Voice https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/tips-for-maintaining-a-healthy-voice/ Thu, 14 May 2020 17:57:12 +0000 https://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=2044 Maintaining a healthy voice is important for establishing and preserving relationships and communicating adequately with others.

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Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Voice

Maintaining a healthy voice is important for establishing and preserving relationships and communicating adequately with others. Your voice is invaluable for social interaction and essential for many occupations. You can take easy yet effective steps to prevent or reduce problems associated with hoarseness and protect your voice for life.

Follow this list to assess the health of your voice:

  • Has your voice become hoarse or raspy?
  • Does your throat often feel raw, sore, or strained?
  • Has it become difficult to speak?
  • Do you repeatedly clear your throat?
  • Do people regularly ask you if you have a cold when in fact you do not?
  • Have you lost your ability to hit some high notes when singing?

Voice problems arise from a variety of reasons including voice overuse or misuse, infection, injury, or sometimes cancer. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy voice:

Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water (six to eight glasses) each day is essential for many health benefits. Your vocal cords vibrate extremely fast even when producing the simplest sound; staying hydrated with water helps your throat produce plenty of mucous, which lubricates your vocal cords. You should avoid or moderate substances that cause dehydration, such as alcohol and caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda). Sweetened or carbonated beverages also do not hydrate the body as well as water. Be sure to drink extra water while exercising.

Do Not Smoke

It is well known that smoking can lead to lung or voice box (laryngeal) cancer. When you or someone you know breathes in primary or secondhand smoke, it passes by the vocal cords and can cause significant irritation and swelling. This can permanently change the quality, nature, and capability of your voice.

Do Not Abuse or Misuse Your Voice

Your voice is not indestructible. In everyday communication, be sure to avoid habitual yelling or screaming. Be aware of background noise; you may naturally be tempted to raise your voice in loud environments, but this can harm your voice over time. If you feel like your throat is dry, tired, or your voice is becoming hoarse, stop talking and take a break.

To reduce or minimize voice abuse or misuse, use non-verbal or visual cues to attract attention especially with children. Obtain a voice amplifier if you routinely need to use a louder-than-normal voice in certain settings. And try to always speak in a normal vocal range or pitch; using an extremely low or high pitch can damage your vocal cords.

Minimize Throat Clearing

Clearing your throat is like slapping or slamming your vocal cords together. That is why excessive or repetitive throat clearing can injure your vocal cords and cause hoarseness. Instead, try taking small sips of water or simply swallowing to clear any secretions or blockage from your throat. If you experience a frequent need to clear your throat you may have an untreated medical condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, laryngopharyngeal reflux, sinusitis, or certain allergies.

Use Your Voice Sparingly When You Are Sick

Limit the use of your voice as much as possible when your voice is hoarse due to excessive use or an upper respiratory infection (cold). Singers and professional speakers should be cautious when their voice becomes hoarse or they have a serious sore throat, so they don’t cause permanent damage to their vocal cords.

Listen to what your voice is telling you and learn more about your voice. Proper care and use of your voice will give you the best chance for having a healthy voice for your entire lifetime.

If you have hoarseness or other voice problems that do not go away with proper rest and care, contact an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist, for medical advice and consultation.

World Voice Day Video

Members of the AAO-HNS Voice Committee answer patient questions about voice-related conditions.

Related Conditions

Dysphagia

Hoarseness

Sore Throats

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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]]> 2044 Learn More about Your Voice https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/learn-more-about-your-voice/ Thu, 14 May 2020 17:24:26 +0000 https://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=2042 Voice is the sound that is made when your vocal cords vibrate together as air passes through the larynx (your voice box).

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Learn More about Your Voice

Voice is the sound that is made when your vocal cords vibrate together as air passes through the larynx (your voice box). As the most common form of communication, your voice is an extremely valuable function. Proper care and use of it will improve the likelihood that you will enjoy a healthy voice for your entire lifetime.

How Do I Know If I Have A Voice Problem?

Voice problems occur with a change in the quality of your voice, which can make it sound hoarse, rough, or raspy. People with voice problems often complain about or notice changes in pitch, loss of voice, breaks in voice, loss of endurance, and sometimes a sharp or dull pain when speaking. Other voice problems may accompany a change in singing ability that is most notable in the upper singing range. You may have a more serious problem if you are spitting up blood, notice blood in your mucus, or experience shortness of breath. If this is happening, you should seek immediate attention by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist.

What Is the Most Common Cause of a Change in Your Voice?

Changes in your voice can follow an upper respiratory infection (common cold) or bronchitis lasting up to two weeks. A cold can cause your vocal cords to swell, reducing their ability to vibrate and making the voice sound abnormal. Other common causes include behaviors that are traumatic to the vocal cords, such as yelling or severe coughing/throat clearing. Resting your voice and limiting its use often helps.

If your voice does not return to normal within seven to 10 days, a medical evaluation by an ENT specialist is recommended especially if you smoke. A change in voice is one of the first and most important symptoms of throat or voice box (laryngeal) cancer. Early detection significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment.

Learn some tips for maintaining a healthy voice here.

World voice day video

Members of the AAO-HNS Voice Committee answer patient questions about voice-related conditions.

Related Conditions

Dysphagia

Hoarseness

Sore Throats

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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]]> 2042 What You Should Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/what-you-should-know-about-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/ Thu, 05 Mar 2020 20:30:39 +0000 https://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=2012 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel, or new, respiratory disease that was first detected in China in 2019 and has since spread around the world

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What You Should Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that has spread around the world. Events and information regarding COVID-19 are changing rapidly; stay up to date with the latest developments from Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) official website.

You can also learn about the CDC’s latest information on COVID-19 vaccines here.

What Can I Do to Prevent Exposure to COVID-19?

To help prevent exposure to COVID-19, CDC recommends that you:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

You can read more CDC recommendations, including the use of face masks, for protecting your health and the health of your loved ones here.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Read more about COVID-19 symptoms, including when you should seek emergency medical attention if someone is showing any of these signs, from the CDC here.

Dr. Duane J. Taylor gives an overview of how ENT practices have adapted to provide treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Spencer C. Payne provides an overview of proper testing techniques for COVID-19. 

Related Conditions

Dysgeusia

Hearing Loss with the Use of Protective Face Masks

Hyposmia and Anosmia

Smell Retraining Therapy

Telemedicine Best Practices

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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]]> 2012 Tips for Safer Grilling with Wire-bristle Grill Brushes https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/tips-for-safer-grilling-with-wire-bristle-grill-brushes/ Thu, 05 Sep 2019 20:17:46 +0000 http://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=1872 ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists, or otolaryngologists, caution grillers to be aware of the dangers of wire-bristle grill brushes.

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Tips for Safer Grilling with Wire-bristle Grill Brushes

There’s nothing like a tasty, fragrant backyard barbeque to celebrate the warm days of summer. No matter your preference—burgers, hot dogs, fish, chicken, steak, corn, or vegetable kabobs—nearly everything tastes just a little better when it’s grilled. And summer barbeques create lasting, fond memories with family and friends.

However, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists, or otolaryngologists, caution grillers to be aware of the dangers of wire-bristle grill brushes. Cleaning baked-on food from your grill using a wire brush may cause bristles to become stuck to the grates. And the next time you use your grill, these loose bristles can become lodged in your favorite foods.

If consumed, wire bristles can injure your mouth, throat, tonsils, or esophagus. They can even damage the stomach and intestine area if they are passed through and become stuck or tear tissue.

Some tips for safer summer (or anytime) grilling include:

  • Examine your wire grill brush closely before each use
  • Discard any loose or dangling wire bristles
  • Inspect your grill’s grates before placing food on them
  • Inspect your food closely after grilling for any potentially harmful particles

Alternatives to wire brushes include stone cleaning blocks, wooden scrapers, nylon-fiber brushes, scrapers with a single, rounded tip to clean rod-shaped grates, or even balled-up tin foil.

Remember: If you or a family member or friend think they may have swallowed a wire bristle and begin to experience unusual pain, seek immediate attention from a physician or emergency room.

Playing it safe will help you and your loved ones have a happier grilling experience!

Reference

Baugh, T. P., Hadley, J. B., & Chang, C. W. D. (2016). Epidemiology of Wire-Bristle Grill Brush Injury in the United States, 2002-2014. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 154(4), 645–649. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599815627794

Related Conditions

Do I Have a Swallowing Problem?

GERD and LPR

Hoarseness

Zenker’s Diverticulum

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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]]> 1872 Seven Tips to Help You Prevent a Sore Throat https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/seven-tips-to-help-you-prevent-a-sore-throat/ Thu, 27 Sep 2018 14:50:55 +0000 http://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=1193 Want to do all you can to avoid developing a sore throat? Try these seven tips.

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Seven Tips to Help You Prevent a Sore Throat

Want to do all you can to avoid developing a sore throat? Try these seven tips:

  1. Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Tobacco smoke, whether primary or secondary, contains hundreds of toxic chemicals that can irritate the throat lining.
  2. If you have seasonal allergies or ongoing allergic reactions to dust, molds, or pet dander, you’re more likely to develop a sore throat than people who don’t have allergies. Treatment of seasonal or environmental allergies can decrease this risk.
  3. Avoid exposure to chemical irritants. Particles in the air from the burning of fossil fuels, as well as common household chemicals, can cause throat irritation. Wearing a mask may be helpful to decrease exposure, in certain situations.
  4. If you experience frequent sinus infections or have chronic post nasal drip, drainage from your nose or sinuses can cause throat irritation as well. Rinsing the nose with salt water may help decrease this drainage.
  5. If you live or work in close quarters such as a child care center, classroom, office, dormitory, prison, or military installation, you may be at greater risk of sore throat because viral and bacterial infections spread easily in environments where people are in close proximity. Minimizing contact with persons who are, or may be, sick and washing your hands frequently can help prevent the spread of infection.
  6. Maintain good hygiene. Do not share napkins, towels, and utensils with an infected person. Wash your hands regularly with soap or a sanitizing gel for at least 10 – 15 seconds.
  7. If you have reduced immunity (from HIV or diabetes, steroid treatment or chemotherapy, a poor diet, or extreme fatigue, for examples), you may be more susceptible to infections in general.

Related Conditions

Sore Throats

Hoarseness

GERD and LPR

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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]]> 1193 Do I Have A Swallowing Problem? https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/do-i-have-a-swallowing-problem/ Thu, 27 Sep 2018 13:34:15 +0000 http://www.enthealth.org/?post_type=be_ent_smart&p=1183 Do you have trouble swallowing or feel like food gets stuck in your throat? Do you sometimes choke or cough when eating or drinking? Take this quiz.

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Do I Have A Swallowing Problem?

Do you have trouble swallowing or feel like food gets stuck in your throat? Do you sometimes choke or cough when eating or drinking? If you answered yes, or have concerns about your swallowing, take this 10-question quiz.

How bad are these problems when you eat or drink? Jot down an answer between 0 and 4 for each question, where 0 = no problem, and 4 = severe problems.

  1. My swallowing problem has caused me to lose weight.
  2. My swallowing problem interferes with my ability to go out for meals.
  3. Swallowing liquids takes extra effort.
  4. Swallowing solid food takes extra effort.
  5. Swallowing pills takes extra effort.
  6. Swallowing is painful.
  7. The pleasure of eating is affected by my swallowing difficulty.
  8. When I swallow, food sticks in my throat.
  9. I cough when I eat.
  10. Swallowing is stressful.

Add up the scores of your answers to the test statements. If your total is three (3) or greater, you should bring up your swallowing-related issues with your primary care physician. There are many common problems like acid reflux or medication side effects that can lead to some of these symptoms, but there could also be more serious causes such as esophageal cancer. If your swallowing difficulties do not improve, you may want to consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist.

Reference

Belafsky PC, Mouadeb DA, Rees CJ, Pryor JC, Postma GN, Allen J, Leonard RJ. Validity and Reliability of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2008 Dec;117(12):919-24.

Related Conditions

Aging and Swallowing

Aspiration

Dysphagia

The information on ENThealth.org is provided solely for educational purposes and does not represent medical advice, nor is it a substitute for seeking professional medical care.

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