Doctor Column

TONSIL STONES AND BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS)

Peggy, a 29 year old wife of a Veterinarian saw her physician because of “pus pockets” on her tonsils and “my breath stinks.” At times, white stuff pops out of the tonsil with an awful smell and taste.” It had worsened over the previous eight months in spite of the use of over the counter medications and home remedies. Now her husband is complaining about her bad breath. It has had a terrible effect on how she feels about herself.

The Risk of Stroke with Atrial Fibrillation I

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently encountered cardiac arrhythmia. The degree of patient awareness varies widely, from highly symptomatic patients experiencing chest pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness to those who are completely oblivious. The perceived presence or absence of AF does does not lessen the risk of stroke.

Loss of Hearing in Adults

“I can hear you Doc, but I can’t get a grip on the words”
“Doc, people mumble all the time, they don’t speak up.”
Another patient put it this way: “Have you ever driven on the highway and listened to the same radio station for 40 or 50 miles and then the reception breaks up? Well, that’s how I hear people. When I hear people talk, I don’t have the clarity that I once had.”

NOSEBLEED (Epistaxis in Children)

Nosebleeds (“epistaxis”) have been a bloody nuisance from the time of Hippocrates to the present. It’s a common problem that can occur at any time, in any place and in any season. It’s most common in children from two to ten years of age and more frequent during the winter months. A blood vessel ruptures, the nose bleeds, parents are rightfully concerned and ready to rush the child to the emergency room.

An Update on New Blood Pressure Targets

For years physicians have struggled to identify the optimal blood pressure for a given patient population. The group of experts collectively known as the JNC (Joint National Commission) has been historically tasked to address the use of antihypertensive agents. Every few years, the JNC publishes recommendations on various topics as they relate to hypertension.

PART 2: A PARENT’S CHECKLIST GUIDE TO HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss is the most common birth defect in the US. Parents are encouraged to be proactive about a child’s hearing, speech and language development. These are some of the steps a parent can take to tract your child’s development. The following checklist is provided as a ‘guide’ by the American Academy of Otolaryngology to determine if your child has a loss of hearing. Check only those factors that apply to you, your family or your child.