Ear cartilage meatoplasty (conchal cartilage reduction) for external ear canal stenosis — an operation to widen the entrance (outer/cartilaginous part) of the ear canal by reshaping/removing the obstructing conchal cartilage and associated soft tissue, so the canal stays open and can ventilate, drain, and be cleaned. Why is this being recommended? Your ear canal is narrowed because the conchal cartilage (the bowl-shaped cartilage at the ear opening) is bulky or positioned in a way that crowds the canal entrance. This can lead to a cycle of wax trapping, recurrent otitis externa/inflammation, discharge, blocked hearing, difficulty examining the eardrum , and repeated need for microsuction. Meatoplasty aims to restore a stable, self-cleaning canal opening and reduce recurrent problems. What benefit can you reasonably expect? The intended benefits are: easier ear toilet/cleaning, fewer blockages and infections, improved access for drops and examination, and (i...
Nasal decongestants are used by people when they get nasal allergies like catarrh and sinusitis. They are also used in common colds, hay fever and flu. A nasal decongestant aims to shrink the swollen blood vessels, the leading cause of congestion. Specific problems can arise from their consistent use. Some most commonly used nasal decongestants are • Oxymetazoline (Sinex, Vicks) • Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) • Pseudoephedrine Addiction is defined as the compulsive physiological need for a particular substance. Those substances develop tolerance, and their withdrawal results in apparent symptoms. But when we talk about nasal decongestants, they are not considered genuinely addictive because they do not cause physiological cravings to the person using them. Why Do People Get Addicted To Nasal Decongestants? Here are some reasons why people think they are getting addicted to nasal decongestants: • Rebound effect...