Best Ent Specialists In Kolkata Share Useful Tips For Healthy Ears 

Ear health is often ignored by many people. Ears are important as they help us hear various sounds. Today, renowned ENT specialists from ILS Hospitals – Kolkata and Agartala will share some useful tips that will help you maintain good ear health.

Follow these below-mentioned tips by our ENT experts for good hearing health.

Use of earphones/headphones/earbuds at a lower volume

Nowadays, everyone uses earphones or headphones while listening to music and watching videos online. Earbuds have come into existence as well. We don’t want you to stop using them, but we would highly recommend you to use such devices at lower volumes. Also, clean your earbuds and headphones regularly.

Clean your ears the right way

Cleaning your ear should not be overlooked as the accumulation of ear wax can impair hearing. Do not clean your ears with Q – tips, instead soak a cotton ball into warm water and clean the outer part of your ears gently. Remember to not push the ear wax towards the ear canal. In case of earwax blockage, you should refer to an ENT specialist.

Use earplugs when exposed to loud noises

Long exposure to loud noises can cause hearing loss. Take precautions and wear noise-baring earplugs.

Don’t insert anything inside your ear

Don’t insert anything into your ear, not even your own finger to avoid injuries or infections in the ear canal.

Visit an ENT specialist every year 

If you want to ensure good ear health, visit an expert ENT specialist for your annual ear check-up. If you use a hearing aid then you should visit your ENT doctor more frequently. You can visit our hospital units in Kolkata and Agartala to get medical consultations from our ENT professionals

Eat healthy and do not stress as stress does no good to your ears. For any health-related advice, visit ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala.

Mouth Ulcer? Know The Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

What is a mouth ulcer? Mouth ulcers or informally known as canker sores are white or red bruises that occur on areas like- inside the mouth, cheek, gums, tongue and even lips. We all have witnessed canker sores at some point in our lives and know how annoying and painful they can get. Generally, mouth ulcers can be self-treated but if it prolongs for, say, three and a half weeks, then it’s a serious condition and you need to get medical supervision from the hospital at that immediate moment.

Let us now know the causes behind these unbearable mouth ulcers.

  • Brushing vigorously with a hard-bristled toothbrush

  • Using toothpaste and mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulphate or other harsh chemicals

  • Improper oral hygiene

  • Unintentional bites inside the tongue and cheeks

  • Being allergic to certain foods like eggs, coffee, nuts, citrus foods (such as lemons, apples, tomatoes, strawberries), chocolates and so on

  • Side effects of some medicines

  • Deficiency of iron, zinc, vitamin B-12 and folate

  • Incorrect dentures or new braces

  • Infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi

  • Constant stress and anxiety

  • Insomnia.

The symptoms associated with mouth sores are visual and include the following:

– Swelling and redness in the affected area

– Facing difficulties while brushing teeth

– Problems in eating spicy, sour and salty foods

– Poor appetite.

Mouth ulcers are common and can get self-healed but if you frequently get them, then it becomes a problem and you should seek medical help from a good hospital or clinic.

The diagnosis is a visual exam for mouth ulcers and in case of recurring and serious mouth ulcers, other diagnostic tests are prescribed by the concerned doctor.

Here are some ways to self-treat mouth ulcers. Let’s look at them below:

  • Drink plenty of cold fluids preferably through a reusable glass straw (because environment matters too)

  • Applying a cold compress to the sore area

  • Avoid eating spicy, sour and salty foods

  • Avoid drinking too hot or cold beverages

  • Do not chew any gum

  • Gargle with warm saltwater

  • Get medically-prescribed medicines.

If you get no respite from your mouth ulcer, then visit your dentist or an ENT specialist without any excuses.

There’s no sure-fire way to prevent mouth ulcers but we can always avoid them to some extent by

– Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild toothpaste

– Avoiding foods that trigger allergies

– Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet

– Getting regular dental check-ups from a clinic or hospital.

For getting medical assistance, contact ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala.

Important Signs Of Ear Infections You Should Watch Out For

Are you feeling pain or fullness in your ears for some time? Not sure if it is serious enough for you to seek a doctor yet? It is sometimes difficult to diagnose the symptoms of ear infection. Infections mostly occur in the middle and inner ear and accordingly their symptoms may differ.

Today, we will list out some most common signs of ear infection.

1. Pain Or Discomfort In The Ears

Mild pain or discomfort inside the ear that can either stay persistent or happen from time to time.

2. Fullness In-Ear

Having a feeling that the ears are filled with some fluid that causes irritation or blockage

3. Hearing Loss

Reduced ability to hear properly is a warning sign of severe ear conditions, that requires immediate medical attention.

4. Persistent Pressure In The Ear

Having constant pressure inside the ear, (like you experience during a flight) that may or may not cause pain.

5. Pus Drainage From The Ears

Having fluid discharge from the ears that may or may not contain residue of blood. It may also be accompanied by swelling and redness in the ears.

6. Bulging Of The Ear Drum

Puffed up eardrums must be addressed at the earliest as it may indicate severe infection. It may also imply having ear perforation or collapse.

7. Dizziness Or Spinning Sensation

Feeling dizzy or experiencing vertigo without any other probable cause such as traveling in a hilly region etc.

8. Loss Of Balance

Having imbalanced while standing up and walking, without reasons such as dizziness or weakness.

9. Ringing In Ears

Hearing a ringing sound in the ears that might either be persistent or periodic.

10. Nausea and Vomiting

Feeling nauseated or throwing up without any other relevant cause that keeps on happening again and again.

11. Irritation And Fuzziness In Young Children

In case the young children are having an ear infection, you can see them crying, fuzzing and touching their ears again and again.

Please take note that these symptoms might affect either one or both ears. Ear infections are quite easy to treat with over-the-counter medicines and ear drops. But, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications in the future like loss of hearing. So, in case you come across any of these above-mentioned symptoms for more than 1-2 weeks, it is best to get it checked from an ENT specialist. Visit us to know more about it.

4 Types Of Hearing Loss In Brief

We have 2 ears and 1 mouth, that is why we should hear twice as much as we speak’.

It is often said by elders to the youngsters demonstrating the value of listening before acting regarding anything. Indeed it is crucial to have a sound hearing to understand everything around us. It is often mistakenly assumed that hearing loss occurs only for much older people or those who suffer any kind of injury directly over their ears or those who love to listen to loud music over earphone for long hours. However, there are several types of hearing loss. Let’s study them in brief.

1. Conductive Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss arises due to some damage or blockage in the outer or middle ear. In this case, the sound signal does not pass from the ear canal to the eardrum or from eardrum to the inner ear. It can either be due to clogged earwax, built up fluid of ear glue, persistent infection, abnormal ear bone growth, a perforated eardrum or severe allergies.

It is most common among young children and can be easily treated with over the counter drugs, ear drops or simple ear cleaning procedures.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss arises due to the malfunction or damage in the cells of cochlear. It requires immediate and extensive treatment as an unresolved condition can lead to permanent hearing loss. Often it requires assisting implants to control the situation.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss is triggered by the presence of the previous two causes together. Out of these, often the sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and the conductive hearing loss is either temporary or permanent.

4. Auditory Neuropathy Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss arises from a damaged or malfunctioning auditory nerve transmission between the cochlear and the brain. It triggers due to the cut off the oxygen supply, or some other neurological issue. The degree of hearing loss can fluctuate anywhere between normal to a profound and distinguishing speech from background noise is particularly challenging for such people.

Usually, the mild or temporary hearing loss can be effectively corrected with mild medication. However, several hearing implants and bone anchored hearing aids are also used on patients with high severity or total hearing loss. At ILS Hospitals, our ENT specialists offer advanced forms of audial assisted technique including cochlear implants and other forms of extensive treatment.

An Insight of Surgeries Carried Out in ILS Hospitals

In this era, we have advanced technology for most of the things around us. However, even the best medication cannot resolve every illness. Thankfully, we have surgical treatment to address, resolve and cure such illnesses. With the help of the state-of-the-art technology such as the laparoscopic surgery, the remedy is now most effective than ever. Today, we bring insights of surgeries that we carry out in the ILS Hospitals.

At ILS Hospitals, at least 50 percent of the operations we carry out are related to the gastrointestinal tract. Most of our patient had a history of chronic indigestion, constipation and another digestive issue for a significant period of time. Indeed, the occurrence of digestive complication is on a constant rise since the introduction and commercialization of the fast food industry. It is often associated along with general surgery, which involves invasive correction of soft tissue and solid organs.

Laparoscopic Surgery

The figure is shortly followed by gynaecologic and obstetrician surgeries. Apart from childbirth surgical procedure, women also seek a surgical cure and care for family planning, and other gynaecological conditions. We also provide treatment and care for women suffering miscarriage or carrying risk pregnancy.

We handle and address significant numbers of orthopaedic surgeries throughout the year. It includes both prescheduled procedures such as total and partial knee replacement, hip joint, etc and emergency procedures such as accidental injury or trauma. Our 24/7 ambulance and ICU contributes a lot towards saving these lives.

As compared to other multispecialty hospitals, we have significant numbers of ENT, dental and eye surgery in our hospitals. In fact, we had carried out a cochlear implant in ILS Agartala unit, one of the rare and leading surgeries carried out in northeast India.

laparoscopic surgery

Cardiac surgery is on a constant rise, not only in ILS Hospitals but at hospitals in every corner of the world. However, we specialize in handling both preschedules heart surgeries and emergency cardiac surgeries. Our patients receive enormous support and care from the expert doctors.

Apart from these, we handle an enormous amount of species in miscellaneous specialties. At ILS Hospitals, we also have several patients seeking a surgical cure for their various urological conditions. We have many patients who chose us for offering laparoscopic surgery for the same. We, at ILS Hospitals, being the pioneer of laparoscopic surgery, offer mostly keyhole operation to our patients. Needless to say, our skilled nurses and staffs stay on guard, round the clock. In case, you or your loved ones need any consultation or surgery, book an appointment with us and secure your health.

Throat Cancer: Types and Causes

What is a Throat Cancer?

Throat cancer is cancer that appears in the throat region. It usually occurs in the pharynx which is a tube that starts from your nose to your neck. A throat cancer might also occur in larynx which commonly known as the voice box. The third common is the tonsil cancer that affects the tonsils which is located at the back of the throat. As per ENT Specialists, ‘ many a times, these harmless sounding issues can turn out be life-threatening if not treated on time’.

Throat Cancer

There are several types of throat cancer which have their own reasons to occur. The different types of throat cancer are mentioned below:

Nasopharyngeal cancer: Doctors haven’t found out the actual cause of this cancer yet but they say it is strongly linked to a common virus called Epstein – Barr virus (EBV). Although, it need not be necessary to be prone to NPC if you have EBV. In India, it is rarely found in the states of Northeast region such that, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

Oropharyngeal cancer: Oropharyngeal cancer or oral cancer is the most common and cancer related-death of men in India. The main cause of this cancer in world-wide is mostly due to HPV that spreads through unprotected intimation and/or oral intimation. Although in India the main reason behind this cancer is excessive consumption of Weeds, tobacco, smoking, and alcohol.

Hypopharyngeal cancer: It is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the hypopharynx. Use of tobacco products and heavy drinking can affect the risk of developing Hypopharyngeal cancer.

Laryngeal cancer: This cancer affects the larynx and it is commonly known as the Vocal Cord. The main causes of this cancer are the genetic mutation of uncontrollable cell growth in the region to form tumors. This is usually forms due to long-term smoking or alcohol and sometimes HPV or exposure to toxins such as asbestos. Laryngeal Cancer comprises of three different cancers such as Glottic, Supraglottic and Subglottic Cancer. They begin at the around, upper and lower region of the vocal cord.

Throat Cancer

Irrespective of the type of throat cancer, they are common in one thing, smoking, and alcohol, which is the main cause of most of these throat cancers. These cancers if remained untreated for long period, can cost the life. If you are prone to any symptoms of throat cancer, come in and get yourself checked by certified ENT specialists with proper guidance, consultation, and health tips.