Child Snoring: Causes, Signs of Sleep Apnoea and When to See a Doctor
Snoring in toddlers and children: causes such as tonsils, adenoids and colds, signs of sleep apnoea, effects on behaviour and growth, and treatment.
MEDIBILBAO SALUD · HEALTH BLOG
ENT guides
Our ENT guides, written by the MediBilbao Salud team in Bilbao and reviewed by a medical doctor.
Constant Throat Clearing: Why It Happens and How to Stop
Constant throat clearing: common causes such as postnasal drip, reflux and habit, why it can make things worse, techniques to stop it and when to see a doctor.
Deviated Septum: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Deviated septum symptoms such as a blocked nostril, snoring and nosebleeds, how it is diagnosed, nasal sprays, when septoplasty helps and recovery.
Dry Nose: Causes, Treatment and Remedies for Dry Nostrils
Dry nose and dry nostrils: common causes such as dry air, nasal sprays and medicines, home remedies including saline and humidifiers, and when to see a doctor.
Ear Barotrauma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Ear barotrauma from flying, diving or altitude: ear pain and muffled hearing, how to equalise pressure, treatment, recovery time and warning signs.
Ear Infection in Babies: Signs, Treatment and When to See a Doctor
How to know if your baby has an ear infection: symptoms in infants and toddlers, causes, pain relief, when antibiotics are needed, prevention and red flags.
How to Get Rid of Phlegm in Your Throat and Chest
Ways to clear phlegm and mucus from your throat and chest: fluids, steam, saline, coughing techniques and medicines, what the colour means and when to worry.
How to Stop a Runny Nose: Remedies by Cause
What stops a runny nose: home remedies, saline, steam, antihistamines and ipratropium spray, and what works for colds, allergies, cold air and spicy food.
Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Ear: Is It Safe for Earwax?
Can you put hydrogen peroxide in your ear? How peroxide drops soften earwax, how to use them safely, side effects and who should avoid them.
Hyperacusis: Sensitivity to Sound, Causes and Treatment
Hyperacusis is reduced tolerance to everyday sounds: symptoms, types, causes such as noise and tinnitus, how it differs from misophonia, and treatment.
Itchy Ears: Causes, Itching Deep Inside and What Helps
Why your ears itch, including deep inside at night: dry skin, eczema, allergies, earwax and infections, safe relief, ear drops and when to see a doctor.
Laryngomalacia: Noisy Breathing in Babies Explained
Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of noisy breathing (stridor) in babies: symptoms, mild versus severe cases, feeding, outlook and when surgery is needed.
Muffled Hearing: Causes, Treatment and When to Act Fast
Muffled hearing in one or both ears: common causes such as earwax, colds and fluid, when sudden muffled hearing is an emergency, and what you can do.
Natural Remedies for Earache: Safe Home Care and What to Avoid
Natural remedies for earache: warm compresses, sleeping position and pain relief, what to avoid (oils, garlic, ear candles) and when to see a doctor.
Otosclerosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Otosclerosis is abnormal bone growth in the ear causing gradual hearing loss: symptoms, who it affects, diagnosis, hearing aids and stapes surgery.
Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion: Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment
Paradoxical vocal fold motion (vocal cord dysfunction, ILO): symptoms, triggers, how it differs from asthma, diagnosis and breathing techniques that help.
Perforated Eardrum: Symptoms, Healing Time and How to Care for It
A perforated (ruptured) eardrum: symptoms, causes, how long it takes to heal, how to protect the ear, sleeping position, swimming and when surgery is needed.
Salt Water Gargle: How to Do It, How Often and Does It Work?
How to make and use a salt water gargle for a sore throat, how much salt, how often, what the evidence says, who should avoid it and when to see a doctor.
The Best Way to Clean Your Ears Safely
The best way to clean your ears: why ears clean themselves, how to clean the outer ear, softening drops for wax, and why cotton buds and candles are risky.
Vocal Cord Damage: Causes, Symptoms and How to Help It Heal
Vocal cord damage: causes such as overuse, nodules, polyps and laryngitis, symptoms, how to help your voice heal naturally and when to see a doctor.
White Spots on Tonsils: Causes, Treatment and When to Worry
White spots on your tonsils can be tonsillitis, strep throat, tonsil stones, glandular fever or thrush: how to tell them apart, treatment and when to worry.
Why Is My Nose Always Runny? Causes of a Constant Runny Nose
Why your nose keeps running: allergies, non-allergic rhinitis, colds, cold air, spicy food, medicines and sprays, rare causes and what helps.
Yellow Snot: What Yellow or Green Mucus Means and What to Do
What yellow or green snot and mucus from the nose mean, colds versus sinus infections, how long it lasts, home remedies and when to see a doctor.
Acid Reflux Sore Throat: Immediate Relief and Long-Term Fixes
Acid reflux can cause a sore, burning throat, hoarseness and a lump sensation. Immediate relief, foods and habits that help, medicines and when to see a doctor.
Antibiotics for Sore Throat: When You Need Them and When You Don’t
Most sore throats are viral and do not need antibiotics. When they are needed (strep throat, abscess), which antibiotics are used, how long and what to avoid.
Blocked Nose at Night: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Blocked nose at night: why congestion gets worse lying down, common causes (allergy, cold, rhinitis, septum, reflux), bedtime remedies and when to see an ENT.
Blood When Blowing Your Nose: Causes and When to Worry
Blood or blood-streaked mucus when blowing your nose is usually from dry, irritated nasal lining. Causes, home care, prevention and when to see a doctor.
Burning Throat: Causes, Remedies and When to Worry
Burning sensation in the throat: causes from reflux and infection to allergy and irritants, what soothes it, when it is chest-related and when to see a doctor.
Buzzing in Ear: Causes, Treatment and When to Worry
Buzzing, humming or ringing in one or both ears: common causes (tinnitus, earwax, noise, medications), what helps, when it is urgent and when to see an ENT.
Can You Swim With an Ear Infection? What Doctors Advise
Can you swim with an ear infection? It depends on the type: outer ear, middle ear or grommets. When to stay out of water and how to return safely.
Central Sleep Apnea: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Central sleep apnea causes breathing pauses because the brain does not signal breathing. Causes, symptoms, difference from obstructive apnea, treatment.
Chronic Rhinitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment That Works
Chronic rhinitis is a runny, blocked or itchy nose lasting weeks or months. Allergic and non-allergic causes, triggers, treatment and when to see an ENT.
Crackling or Popping in the Ear: Causes and What Helps
Crackling, popping or clicking sounds in the ear: Eustachian tube dysfunction, earwax, fluid, jaw problems and muscle spasm. What helps and when to see an ENT.
Dizziness and Headache: Causes, Remedies and Warning Signs
Dizziness with a headache is often migraine, tension, dehydration or low blood pressure, but sometimes needs urgent care. Causes, self-care and red flags.
Dizzy When Lying Down: Causes, Remedies and Red Flags
Feeling dizzy when you lie down is often BPPV, an inner-ear problem. Causes, how to recognise it, home care, the Epley manoeuvre and warning signs.
Dry Cough at Night: Causes, Remedies and When to Worry
A dry cough at night is often caused by postnasal drip, reflux, asthma or dry air. Causes, home remedies, sleeping tips and when to see a doctor.
Dry Throat: Causes, Remedies and When to See a Doctor
Dry throat and dry mouth: causes (dehydration, mouth breathing, dry air, allergy, reflux, medicines, Sjögren’s), remedies and when to see a doctor.
Ear Feels Clogged But Doesn’t Hurt: Causes and Fixes
A clogged ear without pain is usually earwax, Eustachian tube blockage or fluid. Causes, home fixes, when muffled hearing needs a hearing test and red flags.
Ear Fullness: Causes, Home Remedies and When to Worry
Ear fullness (aural fullness): pressure or blockage in one or both ears. Causes from wax to Meniere’s, remedies, and when it is urgent.
Ear Pain When Swallowing: Causes, Relief and Red Flags
Ear pain when swallowing is usually referred pain from the throat, tonsils, jaw or teeth. Causes, home care and warning signs that need a doctor.
Ear Pressure Relief: Decongestants, Home Remedies and When to Worry
Ear pressure relief: what helps (steam, saline, nasal steroids, decongestants), medicines to avoid, causes (cold, allergy, flying) and when to see a doctor.
Ear Wax Removal at Home: Safe Methods and What to Avoid
How to remove ear wax at home safely: softening drops, gentle irrigation, what to avoid (cotton buds, candles) and when to see a doctor for earwax removal.
Ear Won’t Pop? Safe Ways to Unblock Your Ears
Ear won’t pop: safe ways to unblock ears (swallowing, yawning, Valsalva, Toynbee, steam, nasal sprays), what to avoid, causes and when to see a doctor.
Earwax Blockage: Symptoms, Safe Removal and What to Avoid
Earwax blockage: symptoms, why wax builds up, safe home treatment with softening drops, what to avoid (cotton buds, candles) and when to see an ENT.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Eustachian tube dysfunction: blocked, popping or full ears, causes (colds, allergy, flying), treatment, balloon dilation and when to see an ENT.
Fluid in the Ear: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in Adults and Children
Fluid in the ear (middle ear effusion) causes muffled hearing and fullness. Causes, symptoms, how long it lasts, treatment, grommets and when to see a doctor.
Hearing Aids for Tinnitus: Do They Help?
Hearing aids for tinnitus: how amplification and built-in sound therapy reduce ringing, who benefits, what to expect and when to see an ENT.
Heartbeat in the Ear: Pulsatile Tinnitus Causes and Treatment
Hearing your heartbeat in your ear is called pulsatile tinnitus. Common causes (blocked ear, high blood pressure, anaemia), when it is serious and treatment.
High-Pitched Ringing in the Ears: Causes and What to Do
High-pitched ringing or whistling in the ears: causes (noise, hearing loss, earwax, medicines), when it is temporary, tests, what helps and when to see an ENT.
Hoarseness: Causes, Home Remedies and When to See a Doctor
Hoarseness or a croaky voice is usually caused by laryngitis, reflux or voice strain. Causes, remedies, how long it lasts and when to see an ENT.
Home Remedies for a Sinus Infection That Actually Help
Home remedies for a sinus infection: saline rinses, steam, fluids, compresses, pain relief, what to skip and when you need a doctor or antibiotics.
Home Remedies for Bad Breath: What Works and Common Causes
Home remedies for bad breath: tongue cleaning, flossing, hydration, diet changes and treating tonsil stones, sinus drip or reflux. When to see a dentist.
Home Remedies for Laryngitis: Get Your Voice Back Faster
Home remedies for laryngitis: voice rest, hydration, humid air, honey, avoiding irritants and what not to do. How long it lasts and when to see a doctor.
Home Remedies for Post Nasal Drip: What Really Helps
Home remedies for post nasal drip, including constant drip without a runny nose: saline rinses, hydration, steam, raising the head, allergy and reflux control.
Home Remedies for Strep Throat: What Helps (and What Doesn’t)
Home remedies for strep throat ease pain but do not replace antibiotics. What helps (fluids, honey, gargles, rest), what to avoid and when to see a doctor.
How to Remove Tonsil Stones Safely at Home (and What to Avoid)
How to remove tonsil stones safely: salt-water gargles, cough, cotton swab or irrigator with caution, what not to do and when an ENT should remove them.
How to Stop a Nosebleed: Step-by-Step First Aid
How to stop a nosebleed: lean forward, pinch the soft part of the nose for 10–15 minutes. What not to do, when it will not stop and when to go to the ER.
Itchy Throat: Causes, Remedies and When to See a Doctor
Itchy or scratchy throat: allergies, postnasal drip, reflux, dry air and infection. Remedies that work, what to avoid, and when to see a doctor or an ENT.
Jaw Clicking or Popping When Chewing: Causes and Treatment
Jaw clicking or popping when chewing is usually a TMJ disc or muscle problem. Causes, when it is harmless, jaw exercises, bite splints and when to see a doctor.
Laryngitis: Causes, Treatment and How Long It Lasts
Laryngitis (lost or hoarse voice): causes, how long it lasts, voice rest, home care, when antibiotics or steroids are used and when to see an ENT.
Loss of Smell (Anosmia): Causes, Treatment and Recovery
Loss of smell (anosmia): causes after colds, Covid-19, sinus disease, head injury and ageing. Smell training, treatments, safety tips and when to see an ENT.
Lump in Throat Feeling: Causes, Relief and Red Flags
A lump in the throat feeling (globus) is usually harmless. Causes (reflux, tension, postnasal drip), what helps, and warning signs that need a doctor.
Ménière’s Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Ménière’s disease: vertigo attacks with ringing, ear fullness and hearing loss. Symptoms, diagnosis, diet, medicines, procedures and when to see an ENT.
Mouth Breathing: Causes, Effects and How to Stop It
Mouth breathing: causes (blocked nose, adenoids, allergies, deviated septum), effects on teeth, sleep and facial growth, and how to switch to nasal breathing.
Mouth Guards for Snoring: Mandibular Advancement Devices
Mouth guards for snoring and sleep apnoea: how mandibular advancement devices work, who benefits, custom versus over-the-counter and side effects.
Nasal Polyps: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Nasal polyps: soft swellings in the nose and sinuses causing blockage and loss of smell. Causes, diagnosis, steroid sprays, biologics, surgery and recurrence.
Natural Remedies for Tinnitus: What Helps and What Doesn’t
Natural remedies for tinnitus: sound therapy, stress reduction, sleep, triggers and what the evidence says about ginkgo, zinc and other supplements.
Neti Pot and Sinus Rinse: How to Use Them Safely
Neti pot and saline sinus rinse: benefits, which water to use, step-by-step method, how often, cleaning, side effects and who should avoid nasal irrigation.
Newborn Nasal Congestion: Safe Relief and When to Worry
Newborn and baby nasal congestion: why babies sound stuffy, safe saline drops and suction, humid air, sleep safety, what to avoid and when to call the doctor.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Causes, Types and Treatment
Non-allergic rhinitis causes congestion and a runny nose without an allergy. Types (vasomotor, medicine, hormonal), triggers, tests and treatment.
Nosebleeds: Causes, How to Stop One and When to See a Doctor
Nosebleeds (epistaxis): why they happen, how to stop one safely, frequent nosebleeds in children and adults, medications and when to see a doctor or ENT.
One Nostril Always Blocked: Causes, Remedies and When to Worry
A nostril that is always blocked is often a deviated septum, swollen turbinate or polyp, but can be the nasal cycle. Causes, remedies, treatment and red flags.
Pain Behind the Ear: Causes, Treatment and When to Worry
Pain behind the ear can come from ear infections, swollen lymph nodes, jaw or neck problems, nerves or mastoiditis. Causes, home care and red flags.
Pharyngitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Pharyngitis (inflamed throat): viral, bacterial and non-infectious causes, symptoms, how long it lasts, treatment, home remedies and when to see a doctor.
Popping Sound in Ear: Causes, Bubble Noises and Relief
A popping or bubble-popping sound in the ear is usually Eustachian tube movement, fluid, earwax or jaw problems. Causes, home relief and when to see an ENT.
Post Nasal Drip Sore Throat: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Post nasal drip can cause a sore, scratchy throat, cough and constant throat clearing. Causes, remedies, nasal rinses, sprays and when to see a doctor.
Postnasal Drip: Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies
Postnasal drip: mucus trickling down the throat. Causes (allergy, cold, sinusitis, reflux), cough, throat clearing, treatments that work and when to see an ENT.
Sinus and Ear Pressure: Why It Happens and How to Relieve It
Sinus and ear pressure often go together through a blocked Eustachian tube. Causes (colds, allergies, sinus infection), relief and red flags.
Sinus Headache at the Back of the Head: Is It Really Sinuses?
Pain at the back of the head is rarely a sinus headache. Common causes (tension, neck, migraine), when sinuses contribute, what helps and red flags.
Sinus Headache: Is It Really Sinuses? Causes and Relief
Sinus headache: true sinusitis versus migraine and tension headache, symptoms that point to sinuses, treatment, home relief and when to see a doctor or ENT.
Sinus Infection Symptoms: Signs, Viral vs Bacterial, Treatment
Signs of a sinus infection: facial pain, congestion, thick discharge, reduced smell. How to tell viral from bacterial sinusitis, treatment and red flags.
Sinus Pressure Relief: What Works and When to See a Doctor
Sinus pressure relief: causes (cold, allergy, sinusitis), saline rinses, steam, decongestants, pain relief, when antibiotics help and when to see an ENT.
Snoring Remedies: What Works, What Doesn’t and When to Worry
Snoring remedies: lifestyle changes, side sleeping, nasal strips, mouth devices and surgery, what the evidence says, and how to tell snoring from sleep apnoea.
Snoring With Your Mouth Closed: Causes and How to Stop It
Snoring with the mouth closed usually comes from the tongue or soft palate. Causes, simple fixes (side sleeping, exercises) and when to check for apnea.
Sore Throat and Cough: Causes, Remedies and When to Worry
Sore throat and cough usually mean a viral infection. Causes, home remedies, what helps a dry or wet cough, how long it lasts and warning signs.
Sore Throat and Headache Without Fever: Causes and Care
A sore throat with headache but no fever is usually a mild virus, allergy, stress or dehydration. Causes (with body aches or stuffy nose), remedies, red flags.
Sore Throat From Allergies: Signs, Treatment and Prevention
Sore throat from allergies: how to tell it from a cold or strep, why postnasal drip irritates the throat, treatments that help and when to see a doctor.
Sore Throat on One Side: Causes, Remedies and Red Flags
A sore throat on one side is often a tonsil problem, infection or irritation, but can signal an abscess or, rarely, a tumour. Causes, care and red flags.
Sore Throat Remedies: What Works and What Doesn’t
Sore throat remedies backed by evidence: pain relievers, salt gargles, honey, lozenges, steroids, and which popular remedies to skip. When to see a doctor.
Sore Throat Without Fever: Causes, Remedies and When to Worry
A sore throat without fever is usually viral, allergic or caused by irritants or reflux. Causes, home remedies, how long it lasts and when to see a doctor.
Strep Throat: Symptoms, Testing, Antibiotics and Recovery
Strep throat (group A streptococcus): symptoms, how it is tested, antibiotic treatment, how long you are contagious, complications and when to see a doctor.
Stuffy Nose: Causes, Remedies and When to See a Doctor
Stuffy or blocked nose: why it happens, what helps (saline, steam, nasal steroids, decongestants), mistakes to avoid and when to see a doctor or ENT.
Sudden Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms and Urgent Treatment
Sudden hearing loss (sudden sensorineural hearing loss) is an emergency. Symptoms, causes, why treatment within days matters, steroids and what to do.
Swimmer’s Ear: Symptoms, Treatment, Home Care and Prevention
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an outer ear canal infection. Symptoms, ear drops and treatment, what to do at home, how long it lasts and how to prevent it.
Swollen Tonsils: Causes, Treatment and When to See an ENT
Swollen tonsils in adults and children: tonsillitis, tonsil stones, glandular fever and snoring. Treatment, home care and when to consider tonsillectomy.
Throat Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, Antibiotics
Throat infection (pharyngitis, tonsillitis): viral versus bacterial, symptoms, how long it lasts, home treatment, when antibiotics are needed and complications.
Tinnitus Treatment: What Actually Helps
Tinnitus treatment and relief: CBT, sound therapy, hearing aids, sleep tips and what to avoid. Evidence-based options and when to see an ENT.
Tonsil Stones: What They Are, Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
Tonsil stones are small white lumps in the tonsil crypts that cause bad breath and throat irritation. Causes, symptoms, prevention and when to see an ENT.
Tonsillitis Treatment: Home Care, Antibiotics and Surgery
Tonsillitis treatment for adults and children: pain relief, fluids, when antibiotics are needed, how long it lasts, complications and when to consider surgery.
Vasomotor Rhinitis: Triggers, Symptoms and How to Treat It
Vasomotor rhinitis causes a runny or blocked nose without allergy, triggered by temperature, smells, spicy food or alcohol. Symptoms, treatment and self-care.
Vertigo Exercises: Epley, Brandt-Daroff and Balance Training
Vertigo exercises for BPPV and vestibular problems: Epley manoeuvre, Brandt-Daroff, gaze stabilisation and balance training, with safety tips.
Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and When to Worry
Vertigo: why the room spins. Causes (BPPV, vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s, migraine), symptoms, treatment, the Epley manoeuvre, and when it is an emergency.
Vestibular Migraine: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Vestibular migraine: recurrent vertigo or dizziness with or without headache. Symptoms, diagnostic criteria, triggers, treatment and when to see a doctor.
Vocal Cord Paralysis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Vocal cord paralysis causes a weak, breathy voice and swallowing problems. Causes, diagnosis by laryngoscopy, voice therapy, injections, surgery and outlook.
Water in Ear Treatment: How to Get It Out Safely
Water in the ear: safe ways to get it out (tilt, tug, gentle drying), what to avoid, when it signals swimmer’s ear and when to see a doctor.
Clogged Ears: Causes, Home Remedies and When to Worry
Clogged or blocked ears: why it happens after a cold, sinus infection or flying, what helps at home, what to avoid and when to see an ENT doctor.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR): Symptoms, Diet and Treatment
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (silent reflux): symptoms like hoarseness and throat clearing, causes, diagnosis, diet, treatment and when to see an ENT doctor.