Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Glomus Tympanicum Surgery: Advanced Solutions for Pulsatile Tinnitus Hearing a rhythmic thumping, swooshing, or heartbeat-like sound in one ear can be deeply unsettling. Known clinically as pulsatile tinnitus , this symptom often leads patients across East London and Essex on a complex diagnostic journey through general practice, cardiology, and neurology before they are referred to a specialist otologist. When an ENT specialist inspects the ear canal, they occasionally spot a distinct red or purple vascular mass glowing behind an intact eardrum. In many cases, this is a Glomus Tympanicum (a tympanic paraganglioma). While hearing the word "tumour" can cause immediate panic, glomus tympanicum tumours are benign (non-cancerous) and highly vascular growths. Historically, removing these tumours required large incisions behind the ear and extensive mastoid bone removal. Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to remove them usi...
Is It Hay Fever or a Constant Cold? A Parent’s Guide to Allergic Rhinitis in Children Some children seem to have a cold that never fully goes away. They wake up sneezing, rub their nose, sniff constantly, breathe through their mouth, cough at night, or have a blocked nose for weeks. Parents often ask: “Is this just another cold, or could it be hay fever or allergy?” This is an important question. Viral colds are common in children, especially at nursery and school. But if symptoms keep returning, last for weeks, follow a seasonal pattern, or include itchy eyes and sneezing, allergic rhinitis may be part of the problem. Allergic rhinitis is inflammation and irritation inside the nose caused by something the child is allergic to, such as pollen, house dust mites, mould or animal skin flakes. NHS lists symptoms including sneezing, blocked or runny nose, itchy nose and reduced sense of smell. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon , assesses children with nose, ear, throat and paed...