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Ramsay Hunt’s syndrome is an uncommon form of shingles called herpes zoster oticus. Shingles is caused by the chicken pox virus. Ramsay Hunt’s syndrome affects facial and auditory nerves. This may lead to facial paralysis on the involved side and to ringing of the ears, hearing disorders and dizziness. Blisters may occur on the external ear and eardrum during the acute phase. Some of the symptoms may persist after the acute reaction subsides.

Direct relief for congestion and irritation

It could be your first summer cold. Or maybe it’s the air conditioning, a recent visit from your neighbor’s pet or your freshly mown grass. Any of these irritants can cause mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses to become inflamed and swollen. The result: a stuffy or runny nose.

With a cold, the congestion usually goes away in a few days. But if you have allergies or another nasal problem, congestion can seem never-ending.

Cortisone shots, decongestants and antihistamines have been used to relieve congestion, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes for more than 40 years. Within the past 10 years, however, medicated nose sprays have proven just as effective. Because sprays deliver the medication directly to your nasal membranes, they also cause fewer side effects.

When a spray can help

A nose spray can help control symptoms caused by these conditions:

Allergic rhinitis-This response is an overreaction by your immune system to an otherwise harmless substance (allergen). Delicate tissues in your nose become inflamed and release histamine, an irritating chemical that can cause sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.
Allergens such as molds, house dust and tiny particles from an animal’s skin or hair can trigger symptoms year-round (perennial rhinitis). The effect of seasonal pollens varies by geographical location.

Nonallergic rhinitis-Sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose may develop for unknown reasons and persist year-round. Typically, temperature changes, air conditioning, fatigue, alcohol, fumes and dust trigger or worsen symptoms.
In nonallergic rhinitis, swollen nasal and sinus membranes may also secrete excess mucus to clear the irritation. Backward flow of mucus into your throat can lead to postnasal drip.

Polyps-Sometimes, a runny or stuffy nose is related to development of pea-size noncancerous nasal tumors. If polyps enlarge enough, they can block nasal passages and make breathing difficult.
Dry nose-Allergies, dry air or a cold can dry nasal tissues, causing irritation.
The best approach

The ideal way to manage allergies and other nasal problems is to avoid the source of your irritation. In addition, the table below shows the types of nose sprays available to help control your symptoms.

Nasal polyps usually occur in persons with a history of allergies including asthma and allergy to aspirin. They appear as pearl-like swellings inside the nostril that may obstruct breathing and may impair the sense of smell and taste. Continue reading →

Meniere’s disease is characterized by attacks of vertigo (dizziness and a sense of motion), tinnitus (noise in the ears) and hearing loss. Some people with Meniere’s also have a persisting sense of imbalance. In such circumstances, your son may find that his problem is made worse during a cruise. However, if he has not had any symptoms (dizziness with a change in position or other forms of travel) between attacks, then he may have no trouble taking the trip. Continue reading →

Usually one cannot hear sounds related to blood circulation except in situations of stress such as vigorous exercise or extreme heat. In such circumstances, the sounds (called pulsating tinnitus) disappear when the heart rate decreases. Changes in body position such as from reclining to sitting or standing may also contribute to such transient symptoms. Continue reading →

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe and recurrent pain in the back of the mouth and throat and middle ear. The pain frequently is of a burning or aching nature with brief jabs of severe, excruciating discomfort lasting seconds or minutes. This pain may be felt in the base of the tongue or area of the tonsils. Continue reading →

Air travel probably won’t make your cold worse. But landing with a cold can cause severe ear pain. The problem is air pressure. At high altitudes air pressure is low, but as you descend air pressure increases.

When you have a cold, the tiny tube (eustachian tube) that connects your throat and middle ear is often blocked. Normally, the eustachian tube equalizes air pressure in your middle ear with the increasing outside pressure. Blockage in the tube leaves a vacuum in your middle ear, leading to buildup of painful pressure on your eardrum. Your body’s attempt to fill the vacuum causes fluid and sometimes blood to enter the middle ear. Continue reading →