Doctor Column
THE PROS AND CONS OF THE ‘NETI POT’ — IS WASHING YOUR SINUSES SAFE?
February 15, 2016
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
In 2011, two Louisiana residents died after using a neti pot and tap water. Their deaths were caused by the “brain eating” amoeba N. fowleri. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels to the brain and this bacterial infection is almost always fatal. These residents had symptoms similar to meningitis but within a week both were dead.
Five different coughs and what they mean
February 8, 2016
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
A cough is a protective reflex that works to clear mucus and foreign matter from the back of the throat, the voice box, windpipe and lungs. Although the cough reflex is there to help us — and often the cough is benign — the sound of a cough can be frightening and for good reason.
“Cough” — when should You worry?
January 31, 2016
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Most coughs are minor and do not need the assistance of a physician. However, any cough with blood is a red flag. Consider Bob, a 47 y/o bus driver who has been a smoker since he was a teenager.
Ten Home Remedies for Cough
January 24, 2016
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Some home remedies have proven to be less costly and work better than medications for that nagging cough. A cough that lingers is an annoyance to you and can be to those around you — “Why doesn’t he do something about that cough?”
Cough in Children
December 30, 2015
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Whether it’s 2’o’clock in the afternoon or 2 in the morning, parents will worry, “Why is my child coughing?” Can I ignore the cough? Does he need medication? Is it necessary for my child to be examined by a doctor?
‘COUGHING’ — IN ADULTS
December 12, 2015
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
In the year 2010, there were one billion physician office visits in the United States. The most common reason for visiting the doctor was not headache, arthritis or diabetes. It wasn’t hypertension, sinusitis or the flu. It was “coughing.”
The Cough Reflex — “Gatekeeper” of the lungs
December 6, 2015
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Coughing is a common, somewhat perplexing complaint with a variety of causes. It’s a symptom — not a disease. Coughing can be a reaction to “cold air” or it can make the clinician suspicious of cancer. It can appear to be the only presenting symptom or in association with illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.
Hearing Loss and Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
November 21, 2015
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Have you ever notice people in the theater or in some other venue lining up to rent a listening device to improve their hearing? Some are wearing hearing aids, others are not. What are these listening devices? Why do people with hearing aids need them?
Hearing Aids in Children and Adults
November 14, 2015
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Individuals at times complain: “People mumble all the time. They don’t speak up.” Or they might say, “I can hear you, but I can’t get a grip on the words.” Adults can voice their disappointments but small children are dependent on alert parents and physicians to recognize their loss of hearing.
Sore throat ‘Strep’ throat — when Gargling salt water is not enough
September 28, 2015
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
A sore throat can be more than a throat that hurts. It can vary from mild to severe, from viral to bacterial and the consequences range from insignificant to life changing. Testing for strep can make all the difference.
