Tag: Cold Symptoms | Blog | Ashford ENT Clinic

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Ashford Clinic Blog | Cold Symptoms

Everything You Need to Know about the Common Cold

They call it the common cold for a reason. Many people suffer from cold symptoms at various points in the year, including the early spring months. With over 100 viruses that can cause a cold, there are vast opportunities for exposure, so prevention is key. There are also a number of options for cold treatment. Here is everything you need to know about the dreaded common cold

Common Types of Ear Infections

Infections of the ear are no one’s favorite topic, especially parents of young children. We will briefly cover two of the most frequent types of infection in this blog.

3 Causes of Nasal Obstruction

Do you sometimes have trouble breathing through your nose? It’s not an uncommon problem, as this issue affects people of all ages  from toddlers to adults. It is important that the mechanisms behind breathing through your nose work flawlessly most of the time, as the nose serves to filter, clean, humidify, and warm the air we breathe. Here are the three most common causes of nasal obstruction.

Why Do I Keep Getting Sinus Infections?

Do you keep getting sinus infections over and over again? You’re not alone. Many people suffer from what seems like a cold or allergy attack that just wouldn’t go away. While these symptoms may seem like allergies or a cold, it is very likely that the root cause is actually sinusitis. Sinusitis is one of the most common health conditions in the US - over 37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis each year, and even that number does not include the countless cases in which people suffering from these symptoms never seek proper medical help. In many instances, people will experience frequent sinusitis with symptoms lasting up to three months or more. If this sounds like what you are experiencing, you may be suffering from chronic sinus infections, or chronic sinusitis. Let’s explore why this happens and how you can get relief.

5 Ways To Stay Healthy Over The Holidays

The holiday season is upon us once again. This time of year can be lots of fun, but it also creates several opportunities for illness. The travel, family gatherings, meals, shopping and other festivities can take a toll on your health if you are not careful. From elevated stress levels to colds and viruses, there is a lot to be mindful of over the next month or so. Here are 5 ways to stay healthy so you can enjoy this festive season.

6 Ways to Stay Healthy During Flu Season

Flu season has been particularly bad this winter, and it's impacting everyone - from the very young to the very old.

Back to School Health Tips

Can you believe it's already time for most kids to head back to school? With this exciting (for the parents, at least) transition comes a whole host of new changes not only in terms of scheduling and environment, but also the germs and illnesses that children are exposed to. With that said, there are some things you can do preventatively to help keep your family healthy this school year.

Do I Have a Cold or Allergies?

Now that the seasons are finally thinking about changing - although, here in Georgia we may have highs in the 70's through Christmas - we're already seeing several instances of everyone's favorite game of self-diagnosis: Is It a Cold or Allergies? The symptoms can be very similar, but the root causes are very different. Knowing the difference in the two can help you to get the right treatment and feel better sooner.

How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose

Nasal congestion is miserable, no doubt. If you are suffering you might want to try one or more of these tips to find relief. No matter the cause of your stuffy nose – allergies, viral colds, environmental irritants – it would be nice to open up the blocked passages and turn off the mucous faucet. Here are some potential remedies ranging from simple to surgical that can help.

What Causes Nasal Congestion?

Whether it is temporary or persistent, a stuffy nose is always a drag. What are the causes of nasal congestion? Read on to find out. You would think that breathing through your nose would be easy. But this is not always the case. And for those congested among us, not many problems are as annoying and disruptive as nasal blockage.

Breathing right can boost your immune system

Did you know there are ways to improve your health and bolster your immune system through proper, mindful breathing? The action of the immune system in defending the body from disease is a recent discovery. While ancient practitioners in Greece noticed the actions of immunity from disease, even earlier, yogis evolved ways to influence health and immunity through proper, mindful breathing.

Are my breathing habits hurting my health?

Look around at your fellow humans and you’re likely to observe that an impressive percentage of the population breathes incorrectly. Some of the most common features of inadequate breathing are taking shallow breaths; making audible sound while breathing, even at rest; and drawing breath with the muscles of the upper chest instead of using the diaphragm. Worst of all, and maybe the most common, is the habit of mouth breathing.

Why Is My Nose Stuffy?

What parts of your nose get stuffed up, why, and what to do. It’s more than just annoying and inconvenient when you can’t breathe properly through your nose. Medical experts, athletic trainers and yogis all agree that nose breathing is beneficial. When your nose is congested, because of cold or seasonal allergy or a malformation of the nasal passage, it’s more difficult to exercise, to sleep, and to concentrate on work or school.

Clear Your Head this Fall... Rinse Out Your Nasal Passages!

This time of year, it seems like everyone is dealing with some form of sinus infection, cold, or seasonal allergies. So, what better time than now to repost Dr. Alex Ashford's demonstration of a saltwater Nasal Irrigation technique for keeping your sinuses clear.

4 Mind (or Nose) Blowing Sneezing Facts

Everyone sneezes. Some people sneeze more loudly or forcefully than others, but it's something that everybody does. In a way, it's one of the few things that we all have in common. While sneezing is common to everyone on Earth, there are some really interesting things about sneezes and sneezing that most people don't realize.

10 Sore Throat Solutions

This time of year, it seems like everyone gets a sore throat for one reason or another. While some instances are more of a cause for concern than others, there are some things you can do to relieve your sore throat...

Get Rid of Your Stuffy Nose

Nasal congestion is miserable, no doubt. With the wild temperature swings associated with this time of year, we thought it would be good to reintrouduce this post from last year. If you are suffering you might want to try one or more of these tips to find relief.

Allergies and Nosebleeds

If you regularly struggle with allergy symptoms, you may notice that your nose bleeds. This may occur only occasionally, or it might be a frequent issue. The good news is that this is common among people who deal with allergies and while they are certainly a nuisance, they are rarely life-threatening. Let's dive a little deeper into what casues them.

The How's and Why's of Nasal Congestion

Now that the holidays have come and gone and life starts to drift back to normal, many of us start to wonder the same thing - "where did this nasal congestion come from?" This kind of congestion in incredibly common this time of year, and it can be an annoying and disruptive hinderance in our lives. Here's what causes nasal congestion and how it's treated...

10 Tips for Staying Healthy in Winter

It can be disheartening to start January with so much motivation and enthusiasm only to be hit with a nasty cold that takes weeks to fully get over. While there is no way to guarantee that you completely avoid illness during the winter months, there are some practical things you can do to help you stay healthy this time of year.

Hand Washing 101

Everyone wants to stay healthy, especially at times when there is a lot of illness going around. So, how can you protect yourself when it seems like everyone around you is getting sick? While there is no way to fully guarantee you will avoid any and all sickness, one of the most effective ways to prevent illness for you and your family is actually very simple - wash your hands.

Is it "Just Allergies?" Know the Difference.

"It's just my allergies." That's what many people tell themselves, and others, any time they experience a sore throat or runny nose. With Spring in full bloom and pollen covering everything, it's entirely possible that what many of us are experiencing are allergy symptoms. With that said, it's important now more than ever to know the difference between allergy symptoms and those of a cold or other respiratory issues. The symptoms can be very similar, but the root causes are very different. Knowing the difference between the two can help you to get the right treatment and feel better sooner.

Why Do My Throat and Ears Hurt?

Experiencing shart pains in the throat and/or ears can be incredibly unpleasant, and very concerning if it persists. While the most common cause of a sore throat is the common cold, there can be other underlying causes. In most cases, a sore throat will subside in a few days. If it doesn't, it's probably time to consult your doctor or even see your ENT.

Post-Nasal Drip 101

Post-Nasal Drip. You've probably heard the term before, most likely from a vague listing of symptoms in a medical commercial of some sort. What exactly is Post-Nasal Drip? Do you have it? How do you treat it? Let's take a look...

Is That My Nose Whistling?

Some of us are more musically inclined than others but rarely does musical talent apply to our noses. Everyone experiences some "nose whistling" at some point or another, but persistent musicality from your nose may be due to an underlying issue. Nose whistling usually clears up on its own and is normally not a serious condition, but if your nose just won't stay quiet, you might need to see a doctor. So, why do our noses whistle and how do we get rid of it? Let's find out...

Soothing Itchy Ears and Throats

As with most upper respiratory issues, itching in the ears and throat is primarily caused by irritation. That irritation can lead to interrelated sinus issues like congestion and postnasal drip. Causes of the irritation can range from environmental to mild illnesses. Let's take a look at what causes these issues and how to soothe them.

Air Travel and Sinus Infections

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to fly with a sinus infection, you’re not alone. While sinus infections are painful enough on their own, changes in air pressure can make sinus pressure even more uncomfortable. While this can make the infection worse if you’re not careful, there are steps that you can take to avoid changing or canceling your travel plans.

How to Deal with Sinus Pain Related to Cold Weather

Colder weather can evoke visions of warm fires and cozy sweaters. For many, it can also mean sinus pain. Some of this discomfort is caused by changes in barometric pressure as cold fronts push into the area, but there are other factors as well.

Spotting a Sinus Infection Early

You feel congested, your energy is gone, you’re coughing, and you might even have a fever. Is it a sinus infection though, or just a common cold? While colds and sinus infections do share some of the same symptoms, they don’t share ALL of them.

Can Sinus Infections Cause Fever?

Is it typical to run a fever when you have a sinus infection? Yes. When you’re feeling ill, it’s normal to run through your symptoms in an attempt to identify why you’re sick. Sinus infections very often come with fevers, but there are different types of sinus infections. Fevers can indicate which type of sinus infection that you have.

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

You wake up with a headache, sinus pressure, coughing, a sore throat, and you’re exhausted. Is it a sinus infection? Maybe you have an important appointment, but are you contagious? These are all questions likely going through your mind as you try to determine the best course of action so you can get better and keep those around you from getting sick.

How To Deal With Sinus Symptoms Caused by Pet Allergies

For many of us, pets are family members. They bring joy, companionship, and comfort to our lives, so why wouldn’t we want to keep them inside where it’s comfortable? Sometimes though, their presence can trigger allergies leading to sinus issues. If you suspect that your precious pet is causing your sinus symptoms, there are steps you can take to create a better situation for everyone involved.

How to Breathe Easier with a Stuffy Nose

A stuffy nose is tiring, distracting, and makes sleeping oh so difficult. At the very least it’s certainly uncomfortable. Still, while you can’t actually suffocate from a stuffy nose it certainly feels harder to breathe when you’re all stuffed up.

Do I have Allergies, a Sinus Infection, or a Summer Cold?

It could be a stuffy feeling, congestion, or even a sneeze that triggers that first question... “Am I sick, or are these allergies?” It’s certainly not unreasonable to wonder - so many symptoms can overlap when it comes to allergies and illnesses. How can you tell these conditions apart? Most of the time, you can probably go through your symptoms and rule out one or the other.

Why Am I Coughing in the Summer?

Summer isn’t the season that springs to mind when you think of coughing, and many people tend to get a break from allergies and colds. However, there are conditions that can lead to respiratory issues for some.

Runny Nose, Stuffy Nose - What's the Difference?

A runny, stuffy nose is often a hallmark of the common cold and symptoms of many respiratory illnesses. While these symptoms often show up together, they’re still two different symptoms.

What Kind of Cough Do I Have?

At times, it might feel like a cough is a cause for alarm. Coughing is one of your body’s ways of clearing irritants, so a cough could just mean that you inhaled some dust or other irritant. It’s a defensive reflex after all! Coughing can also be a symptom of illness or allergies, so it’s helpful to recognize when the cough is just a cough and when it’s an indicator of something else.

Is Fall Worse for Sinus Infections?

It’s the season of all things pumpkin, the sky is often clear and blue, and the trees are showing off their new colors. While fall is full of things to enjoy, it’s also prime season for sinusitis, otherwise known as a sinus infection.

Everyone's Favorite Fall Game: Do I have a Sinus Infection or a Cold?

Fall is a beautiful time of year, but as the weather gets cooler many of us find ourselves spending more and more time indoors. This means that it’s easier to catch Colds or a nasty Sinus Infection. If you do get a Cold or Sinus Infection, do you know how to tell one from the other?

We're Thankful for You! Our Commitment to Our Patients

The holiday season is a time to reflect on the many joys and blessings in our lives, whether they are a smile from a friendly face or the generosity of a dear loved one. At the Ashford Clinic, we are so thankful to have such wonderful patients, and we want to provide each and every one of you with the highest level of care possible.

Start 2022 Healthy! Winter Sinus Tips

Winter might be known for colds, flu, and sinus issues, but there are ways that you can stay healthy this winter. Here are our top tips for keeping your sinuses healthy as we start a new year.