Otitis Media

Breastfeeding has not yet reached optimal prevalence in many countries, including Ireland [2, 5]. With a formula feeding rate of 43.1% in 2016, Ireland is a fertile population in which to study associated effects of infant feeding types on infant morbidity. The objective of this paper was to investigate the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding for at least 90 days and the incidence of infant illness while controlling for a broad range of potential confounders in an Irish cohort. We find that infants who were EBF for 90+ days were significantly less likely to be admitted to hospital, spent less nights in hospital, and were less likely to develop respiratory diseases including asthma, snuffles/common colds, chest infections, eczema, ear infections, wheezing and asthma, skin problems, vomiting, and colic indicating a protective effect of breastfeeding. Further outcomes such as current health of the infant at time of interview, feeding problems and sleeping problems were also stati...

Though ear infection is a common term, there are several types of ear infections, each of which have different causes and symptoms. An outer ear infection (otitis externa) happens when the natural skin flora is disrupted or invades into an otherwise sterile environment in your ears, says Ana Kim, M.D., an otolaryngologist and associate professor of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. Ear infections can be bacterial, fungal or viral and can affect one or both ears. A middle ear infection (otitis media) may occur when fluid isn't draining properly from behind the eardrum, located in the middle ear, which commonly happens during an upper respiratory infection, says Dr. Goudy. Swelling and congestion at the back of the nose can lead to a blockage of the eustachian tube, which drains fluid from behind the ear drum into the back of the nose. A middle ear infection can also be caused by bacterial or viral overgrowth be...

The symptoms of mixed hearing loss are often similar to those associated with other types of hearing loss. "Patients with mixed hearing loss will experience decreased hearing, as will those with general hearing losses. Some may also experience ear fullness, fluctuations in hearing and popping sounds in their ear," explains Patricia Lake, Au.D., an audiologist at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in Connecticut. With that said, there are several additional common mixed hearing loss symptoms to watch for, per Dr. Lake: An inability to hear phones ringing, soft noises or other everyday sounds Constantly having to ask people if they can repeat what they just said Needing to stare at people when they talk to understand what they're saying Avoiding crowded environments because it's difficult to hear conversations when there's a lot of background noise How much these symptoms affect your everyday life depends on the severity of your hearing loss. For some, hea...

In researching this article, I stumbled on certain tidbits that will shock Nigerians. I look at the oil and gas industry, for instance. I wonder if it is the same oil and gas that Norway, UAE and Saudi Arabia are selling that Nigeria is selling; if it is, then Nigeria must either be fictional or tragicomedy. We will need the services of the best cosmonauts and deep-sea divers to help explore the space and underwater, in search of the missing oil-rich Nigeria. Politically, it is a season of 'choice' again, seven years ago, the choice was between the devil and the deep-blue sea, but today, the 'choice' is between two confirmed EVILS! If you raised one tiger, hyena, leopard, jaguar, lion, cheetah, cougar (1 each big cat species) together from birth, would they coexist productively in the same restricted, fenced territory? No. Because they all have distinct social needs and inborn 'pack' dynamics. Each cat comes with a unique edge: tiger's powerful legs...

Underwear can help protect delicate genital skin, but you may not always need to wear it.  Going commando may help prevent common concerns like yeast infections, UTIs, or jock itch. When you do wear underwear, stick with cotton, avoid a tight fit, and change it daily, experts say. Historians hold differing opinions as to why humans started wearing underwear in the first place — but most likely, they wanted a barrier to protect their private parts from the elements.  Today, you have pants to do the job instead of loincloths, so that extra layer might seem a little bit unnecessary — and plenty of people agree.  In fact, according to a survey from Vanity Fair, 25% of participants said they go commando, or skip wearing underwear, at least occasionally.  It's not totally clear where the term "going co...

A severe form of tinnitus that is accompanied by reduced hearing can significantly affect the patient's quality of life. According to a recent study–conducted by the Mario Negri Institute in collaboration with experts from the British University of Nottingham, the University of Regensburg in Germany, and Watt University in Malaysia–one in seven Europeans, about 65 million people, suffer from tinnitus, and the prediction for the next decade is for a substantial increase. What is tinnitus Tinnitus or tinnitus is a hearing disorder that manifests itself in the form of buzzing, whistling, buzzing, and rustling sounds that are not generated by an actual external acoustic source. Basically, it is a "phantom" noise, weak or loud, continuous or intermittent, which can be perceived by one ear only (unilateral tinnitus) from both ears (bilateral tinnitus) or be localized in the center of the head. This acoustic phenomenon, which each patient can perceive a...

What are the symptoms of earwax blockage? Many people will have excess earwax at one point or another. Earwax is a natural substance that protects the ear canals by trapping dirt, and normally it falls out of the ear on its own. However, sometimes excess earwax becomes compacted in the ear, causing a blockage. When an earwax blockage occurs, it can cause some uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms, and sometimes leads to more serious health complications. One of the main symptoms of earwax build-up is hearing loss, which can have long-lasting consequences if left untreated. While at-home treatment options for excess earwax exist, it's important to consult your GP if you have any of the following symptoms of earwax blockage: Your GP will be able to examine your ears and confirm if excess earwax is the cause of your symptoms. It is possible that these signs could be indicative of another medical condition, and self-treating at home without consulting a doctor can mean missi...

health Updated on Jan 11, 2023 11:06 AM IST Popping ears is one of the most frequent ear disorders in the winter. Here are its causes, tips to relieve popping ears, prevention tips and treatment options Ear popping in winters: Causes, tips to relieve it, prevention, treatment options (Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash) By Zarafshan Shiraz , Delhi The arrival of the winter months can put a strain on your ears and affect hearing due to the reduction in temperature. Popping ears is one of the most frequent ear disorders in the winter which is caused by pressure or air pocket between the outer and middle ear as the ear cavity tries to equalise the pressure on the other side of the eardrum. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Yogesh Patil (ENT) at Patil ENT Clinic in Pune, explained, "The Eustachian tube, which connects your nose to your middle ear, is intended to equalise any pressure in your ears. This is where the pres...

Ever experience feeling dizzy and off balance, as if everything around you is spinning? If so, you're not alone. Nearly 40% of Americans experience vertigo at least once during their lifetime. Country music singer Wynonna Judd , 58,   was scheduled to sing with Kelsea Ballerini at this year's 2022 New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash , but suffered a bout of vertigo, which prevented her from performing. Judd wrote in a post on social media, "I was looking so forward to singing with my dear @kelseaballerini tonight. Instead, I am on the bus struggling with an extreme bout of vertigo and am unable to perform. Nashville, I am absolutely heartbroken and so sorry to have let you all down tonight. Kelsea, I look forward to stepping onstage with you in February, better than ever!!!!" Contents What Is Vertigo? Vertigo is a feeling of spinning. It is usually caused by irritation of the inner ear. While it can be very distressing and uncomfortable, most ca...

The symptoms of mixed hearing loss are often similar to those associated with other types of hearing loss. "Patients with mixed hearing loss will experience decreased hearing, as will those with general hearing losses. Some may also experience ear fullness, fluctuations in hearing and popping sounds in their ear," explains Patricia Lake, Au.D., an audiologist at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in Connecticut. With that said, there are several additional common mixed hearing loss symptoms to watch for, per Dr. Lake: An inability to hear phones ringing, soft noises or other everyday sounds Constantly having to ask people if they can repeat what they just said Needing to stare at people when they talk to understand what they're saying Avoiding crowded environments because it's difficult to hear conversations when there's a lot of background noise How much these symptoms affect your everyday life depends on the severity of your hearing loss. For some, hea...

Many essential oils (EOs) have antifungal properties. Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is a fungal condition often treated with antifungal medications, but some people use essential oils to treat it. Athlete's foot often occurs after exposure to the fungus in the damp places where it lives, such as locker room floors, showers, and pools. When you have athlete's foot, your affected foot may be red, itchy, have blisters, and peel, This article explains which essential oils could be options for treating athlete's foot, their benefits, side effects, and how to use them. Svitlana Romadina / Getty Images The Best Essential Oils for Athlete's Foot Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal treatments for athlete's foot are standard care for the condition. Some home remedies, such as essential oils, may help with mild infections. Tea tree oil is frequently used for fungal infections, but several others may help, too. ...