Balance disorders and vertigo Archive

A lump under the chin that is getting larger should be checked. Find out what doctors look for and which tests may identify the cause.

A persistent metallic or smoky odor can have several explanations. Explore the possibilities and when changes in smell deserve medical attention.

Wearing earplugs helps protect the inner ears from loud sounds that can damage hearing. It should be safe to wear earplugs frequently—as long as they are clean and inserted properly, they aren’t causing earwax buildup or pain, and they aren’t used to avoid non-threatening everyday noise.

Stuffy nose and sneezing caused by allergies can narrow airways and disrupt sleep, sometimes fueling snoring and even sleep apnea. Targeted treatment may help.

People who lose their sense of smell due to a virus or another cause are advised to begin smell retraining therapy as soon as possible. The therapy involves sniffing a wide variety of odor-generating elements, such as lemons or oranges, flowery perfumes, peanut butter, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, pine, peppermint, or cloves. Each material should be sniffed once or twice a day, for 30 seconds to two minutes. While sniffing, it helps to think about the scent and recall moments of smelling it in the past. This process helps trigger odor particle recognition, which is deeply seated in the brain and must be stimulated to re-establish function.

When you have a cold, it's normal to feel mucus sitting at the back of your throat, and to have the urge to clear it. Typically this sensation lasts just a few days, but what happens if it lingers for weeks or months?

Most nosebleeds can be controlled without a hospital visit. Learn the key at-home step that helps stop bleeding fast and when to seek care.

Sudden bursts of sneezing in bright light can seem like an odd "sun allergy." Explore what's happening in the nerves that link your eyes and nose.

A stubborn "lump in the throat" feeling can stem from postnasal drip, reflux, irritation, or even a small pouch in the esophagus. Explore possible causes.