Imagine allergy relief with no needles required. For millions of Americans, immunotherapy eliminates problems with year-round allergies. It’s sometimes referred to as “allergy shots.” But did you know that there is an allergy treatment that doesn’t require shots? Whether you dislike needles yourself or are the parent of a child who is uncomfortable with needles, this treatment […]
Did a runny nose keep you from going on that weekend hike? Perhaps a scratchy throat or watery eyes put a damper on your vacation. Seasonal allergies are not only an inconvenience, but they also keep you from enjoying the activities you love. Often, relief means spending the rest of your life relying on over-the-counter medications. If […]
Spring sneezes may be the last thing on your mind during the winter, but it’s important to have a health care treatment plan in place before allergy season starts. In many cases, a few preventative measures can help you avoid infections. Following are the top ten questions you should ask your ENT before spring flowers start blooming. Get […]
Health insurance can be confusing, and no one wants to be stuck with an unexpected bill or unplanned expenses. Words like “coinsurance,” “copay,” “deductible” and “premium” don’t make things any clearer. You may have noticed the recent trends of higher health insurance premiums, higher deductibles, and decreasing coverage of services/medications. At Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, and […]
There are times over the winter holidays when you expect to hear ringing: jingle bells on “Santa’s “reindeer, hand bell choirs preforming traditional carols, or the Salvation Army’s bell ringers. However, there’s an extreme difference between the ringing of outside noises and the constant, annoying buzz or high-pitched squeal associated with tinnitus. For millions of Americans, tinnitus […]
Ear infections are common and painful. They seem to happen over and over, particularly in children. In fact, ear infections are the second most common childhood illness in the United States. These infections (“otitis media”) are caused when fluid behind the eardrum is unable to drain, trapping bacteria and viruses. Most children will have at least one ear […]
Otolaryngologist. The word is a mouthful and not one you want to run into during a spelling bee: An otolaryngologist (pronounced: Oh-toe-lair-in-gol-o-gist) is more commonly called an ENT, or ear, nose and throat doctor. SO, WHAT’S AN ENT AND HOW CAN ONE HELP YOU? Otolaryngology is the medical specialty focused on treating diseases of the ear, […]
“Mom, my throat hurts.” This is a very common complaint among school-age children. Parents may wonder, is it time for antibiotics, or is this a virus that has to “run its course”? It’s difficult to determine the cause of a sore throat: It could be the result of anything from allergies to heartburn. However, two of the […]
Supermarket tabloids are filled with before and after pictures of celebrities who have had “nose jobs” or some other type of cosmetic surgery. It may surprise you to know that “nose jobs” (rhinoplasty) are not only done to improve appearance. Often, improving the shape of the nose can help support drooping cartilage and open nasal passages, allowing […]
Hearing Loss It’s one of the most common health challenges in America: An estimated 48 million Americans have difficulty hearing. Among those 65 years old and older, 1 in 3 has some type of hearing loss. And while age is a common cause, hearing loss may be experienced by anyone of any age. An estimated 3 out of […]