Tag Archives: studies
The Long-Term Effects of Seasonal Allergies
Here’s an interesting set of findings: Researchers have discovered that long-term allergy exposure in mice causes measurable changes in the brain. The observed effect was twofold: an increase in new neuron production in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory; and a decrease in brain activity in the microglia, which regulates immune response: “It was … Continue reading The Long-Term Effects of Seasonal Allergies
View More >>Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Injuries
Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by injury, obesity, or something else. Whatever its cause, the result is exhaustion: limited focus, depressed mood, and a telltale lack of energy for tackling new tasks. Obstructive sleep apnea also places a great strain on the heart because of the long periods of interrupted breathing, which require hard … Continue reading Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Injuries
View More >>The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a complex disorder which can have many causes, both proximal and distal. Anatomy plays a role, but so can allergies, body weight, lifestyle and genetics. Teasing apart the influence of these various factors can be difficult, which is why we still don’t have a perfect preventive regimen to avoid sinusitis altogether. Researchers are … Continue reading The Connection Between Nasal Polyps and Sinusitis
View More >>Can You Feel a Sinus Infection?
The science of ENT medicine is always growing, with innovative new studies appearing year. Some of these are focused on surgical devices, while others explore promising new medical treatments. And then there are studies like this one, which seek to understand sinus disease by studying how the air you breathe diffuses through the face: Not … Continue reading Can You Feel a Sinus Infection?
View More >>Strong Outcomes from Propel Sinus Stent Study
Intersect, the folks behind the new Propel sinus stent, recently presented some findings about the device. The numbers were exceptionally strong across the board, suggesting that implants such as these – and the steroids they use to promote healing – have a positive effect on patient outcomes. Of the list of presented cases, this section … Continue reading Strong Outcomes from Propel Sinus Stent Study
View More >>Sinus Surgery for Persistent Asthma
I have mentioned before the surprising study which demonstrated that sinus surgery could also prevent asthma. Now the Cleveland Clinic has taken up the cause, writing recently about this tantalizing link, and expounding on its possible biological origins: Now it appears early sinus surgery also may prevent development of asthma for some people. We recently … Continue reading Sinus Surgery for Persistent Asthma
View More >>Abysmal Rate of Best Practices for Sinusitis
We have been here before: discussing the broad overprescription of antibiotics “just in case” within America’s urgent care clinics, primary care practices, and yes, even among ENTs. It’s not getting much better. The latest discouraging data comes from this study, which found that less than a third of patient visits resulted in conservative, evidence-based care: … Continue reading Abysmal Rate of Best Practices for Sinusitis
View More >>Sleep Apnea and the Hazards of Driving
Many cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be resolved with sinus surgery such as septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery. But when sleep apnea goes unchecked, the results can be dangerous for everybody involved – even other drivers on the road with you. A new study in the journal Sleep found that drivers are 2.5 times … Continue reading Sleep Apnea and the Hazards of Driving
View More >>Can Sleepless Nights Make You Fat?
It has long been known that sleep apnea can lead to a number of collateral health problems beyond basic fatigue. Mood swings, cognitive impairment, even dementia have all made the shortlist of the waking disorder’s side effects. Now one of the most commonly cited – weight gain – seems to have gathered some scientific grounding. … Continue reading Can Sleepless Nights Make You Fat?
View More >>Nose Blowing: Are You Really Doing It Wrong?
Several news stories have recently taken up an age-old question: is there a right way to blow your nose? Hot on the heels of one study suggesting that one nostril at a time is the only way to go, comes a new study which suggests that too much pressure can be hazardous to your health: … Continue reading Nose Blowing: Are You Really Doing It Wrong?
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