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What causes Candida esophagitis? | Candida esophagitis is caused by the yeast Candida. It occurs when the yeast spreads from the mouth down the esophagus. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Candida esophagitis ? | The condition is often a sign of a weakened immune system. The following raise your risk for Candida infections:
HIV/AIDS Chemotherapy Diabetes Leukemia or lymphoma Organ transplants Other conditions that suppress or weaken the immune system
If you have a weakened immune system, thrush in the mouth (oral thrush) makes you more likely to get Candida esophagitis. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Candida esophagitis ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of esophagitis, especially if you know that you are immunosuppressed. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Candida esophagitis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. The outcome depends on the immune system problem that makes the person develop the infection. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Cavernous sinus thrombosis? | Bulging eyeballs Cannot move the eye in a particular direction Drooping eyelids Headaches Vision loss | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Cavernous sinus thrombosis? | The cause of cavernous sinus thrombosis is usually a bacterial infection that has spread from the sinuses, teeth, ears, eyes, nose, or skin of the face. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Cavernous sinus thrombosis ? | Persons with conditions that cause an increased risk of blood clots may also develop cavernous sinus thrombosis. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Cavernous sinus thrombosis ? | Call your doctor right away if you have:
Bulging of your eyes Drooping eyelids Eye pain Inability to move your eye in any particular direction Vision loss | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Cavernous sinus thrombosis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Cavernous sinus thrombosis can be fatal. However, the death rate of this condition has improved tremendously since the introduction of antibiotics. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Choanal atresia? | Newborns generally prefer to breathe through their nose. Typically, infants only mouth breathe when they cry. Babies with choanal atresia have difficulty breathing unless they are crying.
Choanal atresia may affect one or both sides of the nasal airway. Choanal atresia blocking both sides (bilateral) of the nose causes acute breathing problems with cyanosis and breathing failure. Infants with bilateral choanal atresia may need resuscitation at delivery. More than half of infants have a blockage on only one side, which causes less severe problems.
Symptoms include:
Chest retracts unless the child is breathing through mouth or crying Difficulty breathing following birth, which may result in cyanosis (bluish discoloration), unless infant is crying Inability to nurse and breathe at same time Inability to pass a catheter through each side of the nose into the throat Persistent one-sided nasal blockage or discharge | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Choanal atresia? | The cause of choanal atresia is unknown. It is thought to occur when the thin tissue separating the nose and mouth area during fetal development remains after birth. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Choanal atresia ? | The condition is the most common nasal abnormality in newborn infants, affecting about 1 in 7,000 live births. Females get this condition about twice as often as males. More than half of affected infants also have other congenital problems.
Choanal atresia is generally diagnosed shortly after birth while the infant is still in the hospital. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Choanal atresia ? | Choanal atresia, especially when it affects both sides, is generally diagnosed shortly after birth while the infant is still in the hospital. One-sided atresia may not cause symptoms, and the infant may be sent home without a diagnosis.
If your infant has any of the problems listed here, consult your health care provider. The child may need to be checked by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Choanal atresia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Full recovery is expected. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Cholesteatoma? | Dizziness Drainage from the ear Hearing loss in one ear | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Cholesteatoma? | Poor function in the eustachian tube leads to negative pressure in the middle ear. This pulls a part of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) into the middle ear, creating a pocket or cyst that fills with old skin cells and other waste material. The cyst can become infected. The cyst may get bigger and break down some of the middle ear bones or other structures of the ear, affecting hearing, balance, and possibly function of the facial muscles. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Cholesteatoma ? | Cholesteatoma can be a birth defect (congenital), but it more commonly occurs as a complication of chronic ear infection. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Cholesteatoma ? | Call your health care provider if ear pain, drainage from the ear, or other symptoms occur or worsen, or if hearing loss occurs. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Cholesteatoma (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Cholesteatomas usually continue to grow if not removed. Surgery usually works, but you may occasionally need the ear cleaned by a health care provider. Additional surgery may be needed if the cholesteatoma comes back. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Cleft lip and palate? | A child may have one or more of these conditions at birth.
A cleft lip may be just a small notch in the lip. It may also be a complete split in the lip that goes all the way to the base of the nose.
A cleft palate can be on one or both sides of the roof of the mouth. It may go the full length of the palate.
Other symptoms include:
Misaligned teeth Change in nose shape (amount of distortion varies)
Problems that may be present because of a cleft lip or palate are:
Failure to gain weight Feeding problems Flow of milk through nasal passages during feeding Misaligned teeth Poor growth Recurrent ear infections Speech difficulties | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Cleft lip and palate? | There are many causes for of cleft lip and palate. Problems with genes passed down from one or both parents, drugs, viruses, or other toxins can all cause such birth defects. Cleft lip and palate may occur along with other syndromes or birth defects.
A cleft lip and palate can affect the appearance of one's face, and may lead to problems with feeding and speech, as well as ear infections. Problems may range from a small notch in the lip to a complete groove that runs into the roof of the mouth and nose. These features may occur separately or together. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Cleft lip and palate ? | Risk factors include:
a family history of cleft lip or palate other birth defect
About 1 out of 2,500 people have a cleft palate. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Cleft lip and palate ? | Cleft lip and palate is usually diagnosed at birth. Follow the health care provider's recommendations for follow-up visits. Call if problems develop between visits. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Cleft lip and palate (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Although treatment may continue for several years and require several surgeries, most children with a cleft lip and palate can achieve normal appearance, speech, and eating. However, some people may have continued speech problems. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of CMV esophagitis? | Symptoms include:
Difficult and painful swallowing Low-grade fever Mouth sores (oral lesions) | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes CMV esophagitis? | CMV esophagitis is caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV). | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for CMV esophagitis ? | The condition is often a sign of a weakened immune system. The following conditions raise your risk for CMV infections:
HIV/AIDS Chemotherapy Diabetes Leukemia or lymphoma Organ transplants Other conditions that suppress or weaken your immune system | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have CMV esophagitis ? | Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of CMV esophagitis, especially if you have a suppressed immune system. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have CMV esophagitis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. The outcome depends on the immune system problem that makes the person more likely to get the infection. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Dental cavities? | There may be no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include:
Tooth pain or achy feeling, particularly after sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks Visible pits or holes in the teeth | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Dental cavities? | Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold.
Bacteria are normally present in the mouth. The bacteria convert all foods -- especially sugar and starch -- into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth. It is most prominent on the back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth mineralizes into tartar. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis.
Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish.
The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Dental cavities ? | It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.
Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than nonsticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Dental cavities ? | Call your dentist if you have a toothache.
Make an appointment with your dentist for a routine cleaning and examination if you have not had one in the last 6 months to 1 year. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Dental cavities (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Treatment often saves the tooth. Early treatment is less painful and less expensive than treatment of extensive decay.
You may need numbing medicine (lidocaine), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or other prescription medications to relieve pain during or after drilling or dental work.
Nitrous oxide with Novocaine may be preferred if you are afraid of dental treatments. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Drooling? | Drooling is generally caused by:
Problems keeping saliva in the mouth Problems with swallowing Too much saliva production
Some people with drooling problems are at increased risk of breathing saliva, food, or fluids into the lungs. This may cause harm if there is a problem with the body's normal reflexes (such as gagging and coughing).
Drooling caused by nervous system (neurologic) problems can often be managed with drugs that block the action of the chemical messenger acetylcholine (anticholinergic drugs). In severe cases, people can reduce drooling by injecting botulism toxin, getting high-energy x-rays (radiation) to the glands in the mouth that make saliva (salivary glands), and other methods. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Drooling? | Some drooling in infants and toddlers is normal and is not usually a sign of a disease or other problem. It may occur with teething. Drooling in infants and young children may get worse with upper respiratory infections and nasal allergies.
Drooling that occurs with fever or trouble swallowing may be a sign of a more serious disease, including:
Mononucleosis Peritonsillar abscess Retropharyngeal abscess Strep throat Tonsillitis
Sudden drooling may occur with poisoning (especially by pesticides) or a reaction to snake or insect venom.
Other things that can cause drooling:
Certain medications Nervous system (neurological) problems | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Drooling ? | Call your health care provider if:
The cause of the drooling has not been diagnosed. There is concern about aspiration. Your child has a fever, difficulty breathing, or holds his or her head in a strange position. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Drooling (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The doctor will do a physical examination and ask questions about the symptoms, including:
Is there a history of any other diseases? Has the person had a bite or sting? Has the person had an injury? What medications is the person taking? What other symptoms are present (such as fever, sore throat, facial droop)?
The tests performed depend on the symptoms that occur with the drooling. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Ear infection-acute? | In infants, the main sign is often irritability and inconsolable crying. Many infants and children with an acute ear infection have a fever or trouble sleeping. Tugging on the ear is not always a sign that the child has an ear infection.
Symptoms of an acute ear infection in older children or adults include:
Ear pain or earache Fullness in the ear Feeling of general illness Vomiting Diarrhea Hearing loss in the affected ear
The ear infection may start shortly after having a cold. Sudden drainage of yellow or green fluid from the ear may mean a ruptured eardrum.
All acute ear infections include fluid behind the eardrum. You can use an electronic ear monitor, such as EarCheck, to detect this fluid at home. The device is available at pharmacies, but you still need to see your doctor to confirm any possible ear infection. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Ear infection-acute? | The Eustachian tube runs from the middle of each ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains fluid normally made in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up. This can lead to infection.
Ear infections are common in infants and children, because the eustachian tubes become easily clogged.
Ear infections may also occur in adults, although they are less common than in children.
Anything that causes the eustachian tubes to become swollen or blocked causes more fluids to build up in the middle ear behind the eardrum. These causes include:
Allergies Colds and sinus infections Excess mucus and saliva produced during teething Infected or overgrown adenoids Tobacco smoke or other irritants
Ear infections are also more likely if a child spends a lot of time drinking from a sippy cup or bottle while lying on his or her back. However, getting water in the ears will not cause an acute ear infection, unless the eardrum has a hole from a previous episode.
Acute ear infections occur most often in the winter. You cannot catch an ear infection from someone else, but a cold may spread among children and cause some of them to get ear infections. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Ear infection-acute ? | Risk factors for acute ear infections include:
Attending daycare (especially those with more than 6 children) Changes in altitude or climate Cold climate Exposure to smoke Genetic factors (susceptibility to infection may run in families) Not being breastfed Pacifier use Recent ear infection Recent illness of any type (lowers resistance of the body to infection) | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Ear infection-acute ? | Call your child's doctor if:
Pain, fever, or irritability do not improve within 24 to 48 hours At the start, the child seems sicker than just an ear infection Your child has a high fever or severe pain Severe pain suddenly stops hurting -- this may indicate a ruptured eardrum Symptoms worsen New symptoms appear, especially severe headache, dizziness, swelling around the ear, or twitching of the face muscles
For a child younger than 6 months, let the doctor know right away if the child has a fever, even if no other symptoms are present. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Ear infection-acute (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Ear infections can be treated but may occur again in the future. They can be quite painful. If you or your child are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important to finish all your medication as instructed. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of an Ear infection-chronic? | A chronic, long-term infection in the ear may have less severe symptoms than an acute infection. It may go unnoticed and untreated for a long time.
Symptoms may include:
Ear pain or discomfort that is usually mild and feels like pressure in the ear Fever, usually low-grade Fussiness in young infants Pus-like drainage from the ear Hearing loss
Note: Symptoms may persists or come and go, and may occur in one or both ears. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes an Ear infection-chronic? | The eustachian tube runs from the middle of each ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains fluid normally made in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up. When this happens, infection can occur. See: Acute ear infection
A chronic ear infection occurs when fluid or an infection behind the eardrum does not go away. A chronic ear infection may be caused by:
An acute ear infection that does not clear completely Repeated ear infections
"Suppurative chronic otitis" is a phrase doctors use to describe an eardrum that keeps rupturing, draining, or swelling in the middle ear or mastoid area and does not go away. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Ear infection-chronic ? | Ear infections are more common in children because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than in adults. Chronic ear infections are much less common than acute ear infections. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Ear infection-chronic ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
You or your child has signs of a chronic ear infection An ear infection does not respond to treatment New symptoms develop during or after treatment | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Ear infection-chronic (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Chronic ear infections usually respond to treatment. However, your child may need to keep taking medicines for several months.
Chronic ear infections are not life threatening, but they can be uncomfortable and may result in hearing loss and other serious complications. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Otalgia? | The symptoms of an ear infection may include:
Ear pain Fever Fussiness Increased crying Irritability
Many children will have temporary and minor hearing loss during, and right after, an ear infection. Permanent hearing loss is rare, but the risk increases with the number of infections. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Otalgia? | The eustachian tube runs from the middle part of each ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains fluid that is normally made in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up. This may lead to pressure behind the eardrum or an ear infection.
Ear pain in adults is less likely to be from an ear infection. What you think is ear pain may actually be coming from another location, such as your temporomandibular joint, your teeth, throat, or other location. This is called "referred" pain.
Causes of ear pain may include:
Arthritis of the jaw Acute ear infection Chronic ear infection Ear injury from pressure changes (from high altitudes and other causes) Object stuck in the ear or severely impacted ear wax Ruptured or perforated eardrum Sinus infection Sore throat with referred pain to the ears Temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) Tooth infection
Ear pain in a child or infant may be due to infection, or the following causes:
Ear canal irritation from cotton-tipped swabs Soap or shampoo staying in the ear | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Earache ? | Call your doctor if:
Your child has a high fever or severe pain or seems sicker than is usual for an ear infection. New symptoms appear, especially: Dizziness Severe headache Swelling around the ear Weakness of the face muscles
Severe pain suddenly stops; this may be a sign of a ruptured eardrum.
Symptoms (pain, fever, or irritability) get worse or do not improve within 24 - 48 hours. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Earache (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The doctor will do a physical examination, and examine the ear, nose, and throat areas.
Pain, tenderness, or redness of the mastoid bone behind the ear on the skull is often a sign of a serious infection. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Gum disease? | Bleeding gums (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth) Bright red or red-purple appearance to gums Gums that are tender when touched, but otherwise painless Mouth sores Swollen gums Shiny appearance to gums | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Gum disease? | Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets (alveolar bone).
Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that develops on the exposed parts of the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth decay. If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender.
Injury to the gums from any cause, including overly vigorous brushing or flossing of the teeth, can cause gingivitis.
The following raise your risk for developing gingivitis:
General illness Poor dental hygiene Pregnancy (hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the gums) Uncontrolled diabetes
Misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns) can irritate the gums and increase the risk of gingivitis.
Medications such as phenytoin and birth control pills, and heavy metals such as lead and bismuth are also associated with gingivitis. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Gingivitis ? | Many people have gingivitis to a varying degree. It usually develops during puberty or early adulthood due to hormonal changes and may persist or recur frequently, depending on the health of your teeth and gums. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Gingivitis ? | Call your dentist if symptoms of gingivitis are present, especially if you have not had a routine cleaning and examination in the last 6 months.
Call your health care provider if the dentist recommends medical treatment of underlying conditions that contribute to the development of gingivitis. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Gingivitis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The removal of plaque from inflamed gums may be uncomfortable. Bleeding and tenderness of the gums should lessen within 1 or 2 weeks after professional cleaning and careful oral hygiene. Warm salt water or antibacterial rinses can reduce the puffiness. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications will ease any discomfort from a rigorous cleaning.
Healthy gums are pink and firm in appearance. Strict oral hygiene must be maintained for your whole life or gingivitis will recur. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Glossopharyngeal neuralgia? | Symptoms include severe pain in areas connected to the ninth cranial nerve:
Back of the nose and throat (nasopharynx) Back of the tongue Ear Throat Tonsil area Voice box (larynx)
The pain occurs in episodes and may be severe. It is usually on one side, and feels jabbing. The episodes can occur many times each day, and awaken the person from sleep.
It can sometimes be triggered by:
Chewing Coughing Laughing Speaking Swallowing | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Glossopharyngeal neuralgia? | Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is believed to be caused by irritation of the ninth cranial nerve, called the glossopharyngeal nerve.
In most cases, the source of irritation is never found. Some possible causes for this type of nerve pain (neuralgia) are:
Blood vessels pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve Growths at the base of the skull pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve Tumors or infections of the throat and mouth pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Glossopharyngeal neuralgia ? | Symptoms usually begin in people over age 40. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Glossopharyngeal neuralgia ? | Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia. See a pain specialist if the pain is severe to be sure that you are aware of all your options for controlling pain. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | How well you do depends on the cause of the problem and the effectiveness of the first treatment. Surgery is considered effective for people who do not benefit from medications. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Gum disease? | Bleeding gums (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth) Bright red or red-purple appearance to gums Gums that are tender when touched, but otherwise painless Mouth sores Swollen gums Shiny appearance to gums | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Gum disease? | Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets (alveolar bone).
Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that develops on the exposed parts of the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth decay. If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender.
Injury to the gums from any cause, including overly vigorous brushing or flossing of the teeth, can cause gingivitis.
The following raise your risk for developing gingivitis:
General illness Poor dental hygiene Pregnancy (hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the gums) Uncontrolled diabetes
Misaligned teeth, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns) can irritate the gums and increase the risk of gingivitis.
Medications such as phenytoin and birth control pills, and heavy metals such as lead and bismuth are also associated with gingivitis. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Gum disease ? | Many people have gingivitis to a varying degree. It usually develops during puberty or early adulthood due to hormonal changes and may persist or recur frequently, depending on the health of your teeth and gums. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Gum disease ? | Call your dentist if symptoms of gingivitis are present, especially if you have not had a routine cleaning and examination in the last 6 months.
Call your health care provider if the dentist recommends medical treatment of underlying conditions that contribute to the development of gingivitis. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Gum disease (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The removal of plaque from inflamed gums may be uncomfortable. Bleeding and tenderness of the gums should lessen within 1 or 2 weeks after professional cleaning and careful oral hygiene. Warm salt water or antibacterial rinses can reduce the puffiness. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications will ease any discomfort from a rigorous cleaning.
Healthy gums are pink and firm in appearance. Strict oral hygiene must be maintained for your whole life or gingivitis will recur. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the causes of Halitosis? | If previously normal breath turns into halitosis, causes could include:
Abscessed tooth Alcoholism Cavities Dentures Drugs Paraldehyde Triamterene and inhaled anesthetics Insulin - injection Food or beverages consumed (such as cabbage, garlic, raw onions, or coffee) Foreign body in the nose (usually in children) Often (but not always) there is a white, yellowish, or bloody discharge from one nostril Gum disease (gingivitis, gingivostomatitis) Impacted tooth Lung infection Poor dental hygiene Sinusitis Throat infection Tobacco smoking Vitamin supplements (especially in large doses) | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Halitosis ? | Smokers Alcoholics | Answer this question truthfully |
How to know you have Halitosis? | The air you breathe out has an unpleasant odor. Bad breath is frequently diagnosed by people in close proximity to you. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Hearing loss in infants? | Signs of hearing loss in infants vary by age. For example:
A newborn baby with hearing loss may not startle when a loud noise sounds nearby. Older infants, who should be responding to familiar voices, may show no reaction when spoken to. Children should be using single words by 15 months, and simple 2-word sentences by age 2. If they do not reach these milestones, hearing loss since infancy may be the cause.
Some children may not be diagnosed until they are in school. This is true even if they were born with hearing loss. Inattention and falling behind in class work may be the result of an undiagnosed hearing loss problem. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Hearing loss in infants? | Hearing loss can develop in children who had normal hearing as infants. The loss can occur in one or both ears, and may be mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Profound hearing loss is what most people call deafness.
Some cases of hearing loss are progressive (they get worse over time). Other cases of hearing loss stay stable and do not get worse.
There are four types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss (CHL) Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) Mixed hearing loss Central hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss results from a problem in the outer or middle ear, such as wax buildup, rupture of the eardrum, or repeated infections. It is usually possible to treat conductive hearing loss with medication or surgery.
Causes of conductive hearing loss in infants include:
Abnormalities in the structure of the ear canal or middle ear Buildup of ear wax Ear infections (especially repeated infections) Foreign objects in the ear Injury Rupture of the eardrum Tumors
Sensorineural hearing loss results from a problem with the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for sending signals to the auditory (hearing) nerve. There is no cure for sensorineural hearing loss. People with this type of hearing loss may benefit from hearing aids or a cochlear implant.
Causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:
Exposure to certain toxic chemicals or medications while in the womb or after birth Genetic changes or conditions, such as Down syndrome Infection before birth, including cytomegalovirus infection, or infection with German measles during the early stages of pregnancy Infections after birth, such as bacterial meningitis Problems with the structure of the inner ear
Mixed hearing loss is hearing loss that results from a combination of conductive and sensorineural problems. Causes of mixed hearing loss can include any combination of the above SNHL and CHL causes.
Central hearing loss results from damage to the auditory nerve itself, or the brain pathways that lead to the nerve. Central hearing loss is rare in infants and children.
Causes of central hearing loss include:
Diseases that affect the protective coating (myelin sheath) around nerve cells Tumors | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Hearing loss in infants ? | Risk factors for infant hearing loss include:
Family history of hearing loss Infection with some viruses and bacteria Low birth weight Problems with the structure of the skull bones
About 2 - 3 infants out of every 1,000 live births will have some degree of hearing loss at birth. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Hearing loss in infants ? | Call your health care provider if your baby or young child displays signs of hearing loss, such as not reacting to loud noises, not making or mimicking noises, or not speaking at the expected age.
If your child has a cochlear implant, call your health care provider immediately if your child develops a fever, stiff neck, headache, or an ear infection. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Hearing loss in infants (Outlook/Prognosis)? | How well your baby does depends on the cause and severity of the hearing loss. Advances in hearing aid technology and speech therapy allow many children to develop normal language skills at the same age as their peers with normal hearing. Even infants with profound hearing loss will do well with the right combination of treatments.
If the baby has a disorder that affects more than hearing, the prognosis depends on the particular disorder and what other effects it has on the body. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Herpangina? | Fever Headache Loss of appetite Sore throat, or painful swallowing Ulcers in the mouth and throat, and similar sores on the feet, hands, and buttocks
The ulcers usually have a white to whitish-gray base and a red border. They may be very painful. Generally, there are only a few sores. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Herpangina? | Herpangina is typically caused by Coxsackie group A viruses. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Herpangina ? | The number of cases of herpangina is unknown, but it is a common childhood infection. It is most often seen in children ages 3 - 10, but it can occur in any age group. Cases of herpangina at school or in the neighborhood increase the chances that your child will develop the illness. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Herpangina ? | Call your health care provider if:
Fever, sore throat, or mouth sores last for more than 5 days Your child is having trouble drinking liquids or looks dehydrated Fever becomes very high or does not go away | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Herpangina (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The illness normally clears up within a week. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of an Impacted tooth? | Bad breath Difficulty opening the mouth (occasionally) Pain or tenderness of the gums (gingiva) or jaw bone Prolonged headache or jaw ache Redness and swelling of the gums around the impacted tooth Swollen lymph nodes of the neck (occasionally) Unpleasant taste when biting down on or near the area Visible gap where a tooth did not emerge | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes an Impacted tooth? | Teeth start to pass through the gums (emerge) during infancy, and again when the primary (baby) teeth are replaced by the permanent teeth. If a tooth fails to emerge, or emerges only partially, it is considered to be impacted.
An impacted tooth remains stuck in gum tissue or bone for various reasons. It may be that the area is just overcrowded and there's no room for the teeth to emerge. For example, the jaw may be too small to fit the wisdom teeth. Teeth may also become twisted, tilted, or displaced as they try to emerge, resulting in impacted teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth are very common. They are often painless and cause no apparent trouble. However, some professionals believe an impacted tooth pushes on the next tooth, which pushes the next tooth, eventually causing a misalignment of the bite. A partially emerged tooth can trap food, plaque, and other debris in the soft tissue around it, leading to inflammation and tenderness of the gums and unpleasant mouth odor. This is called pericoronitis. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Impacted tooth ? | The most common teeth to become impacted are the wisdom teeth (the third set of molars). They are the last teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 21. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Impacted tooth ? | Call your dentist if there is an unemerged tooth (or partially emerged tooth) and pain in the gums or other symptoms have developed. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Impacted tooth (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Impacted teeth may cause no problems for some people and may never require treatment. Treatment is usually successful when it does cause symptoms.
It is often preferable to have wisdom teeth removed before age 30 due to the flexibility of bone, which will allow an easier removal and better healing. As a person ages, the bone becomes more rigid and complications can develop. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Labyrinthitis? | Abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo) Difficulty focusing the eyes because of involuntary eye movements Dizziness Hearing loss in one ear Loss of balance, such as falling toward one side Nausea and vomiting Ringing or other noises in the ears (tinnitus) | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Labyrinthitis? | During labyrinthitis, the parts of the inner ear become irritated and inflamed. This interferes with their function, which includes the ability to keep your balance.
The following raise your risk for labyrinthitis:
Drinking large amounts of alcohol Fatigue History of allergies Recent viral illness, respiratory infection, or ear infection Smoking Stress Use of certain prescription or nonprescription drugs (especially aspirin) | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Labyrinthitis ? | The are likely many causes of labyrinthitis. It commonly occurs after an ear infection (otitis media) or an upper respiratory infection. It may also occur after an allergy, cholesteatoma, or taking certain drugs that are dangerous to the inner ear. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Labyrinthitis ? | Call your health care provider if dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, or other symptoms of labyrinthitis are present. Also call if hearing loss occurs.
Urgent or emergency symptoms include double vision, weakness or paralysis, slurring of speech, convulsions, fainting, persistent vomiting, or vertigo accompanied by fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Labyrinthitis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | If you have severe vomiting, you may be admitted to the hospital.
Severe symptoms usually go away within a week. Most patients are completely better within 2 to 3 months. Continued dizziness is more likely to last in older patients.
Hearing usually returns to normal. In some cases, hearing loss may be permanent. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Leukoplakia? | Sores usually develop on the tongue, but they may also appear on the insides of the cheek, or on the outer femal genitals. The most common symptoms of hairy leukoplakia are painless, fuzzy white patches on the side of the tongue.
The sores are:
Usually white or gray Sometimes red (called erythroplakia, a condition that can lead to cancer) Thick and slightly raised with a hard surface that can't be easily scraped off | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Leukoplakia? | Leukoplakia mainly affects the mucus membranes of the mouth. It is thought to be caused by irritation, but the causes is not always known.
Irritation in the mouth may be caused by:
Rough teeth Rough places on dentures, fillings, and crowns Smoking or other tobacco use (smoker's keratosis), especially pipes Holding chewing tobacco or snuff in your mouth for a long period of time
"Hairy" leukoplakia of the mouth is a different disorder that is seen mostly in HIV-positive people. It may be one of the first signs of HIV infection. It can also appear in other people whose immune system is not working well, such as after a bone marrow transplant. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, but is not harmful by itself. The most common symptoms of hairy leukoplakia are painless, fuzzy white patches on the side of the tongue. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Leukoplakia ? | The disorder is most common in elderly persons. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Leukoplakia ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any lesions resembling leukoplakia or hairy leukoplakia. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Leukoplakia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Leukoplakia is usually harmless. Lesions often clear up in a few weeks or months after the source of irritation is removed.
Rarely, it may become cancer. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Mouth sores? | Most mouth sores are cold sores (also called fever blisters), canker sores, or other irritation caused by:
A sharp or broken tooth or poorly fitting dentures Biting your cheek, tongue, or lip Burning your mouth from hot food or drinks Braces Chewing tobacco
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are very contagious. Usually, you will have tenderness, tingling, or burning before the actual sore appears. Cold sores usually begin as blisters and then crust over.
The herpes virus can live in your body for years. It only appears as a mouth sore when something triggers it, such as:
Another illness, especially if there is a fever Hormone changes (such as menstruation) Stress Sun exposure
Canker sores are NOT contagious. They can appear as a single pale or yellow ulcer with a red outer ring, or as a cluster of these sores. The cause of canker sores is not clear, but may be related to:
A virus A temporary weakness in your immune system (for example, from the cold or flu) Hormone changes Irritation Stress Low levels of vitamin B12 or folate
Less commonly, mouth sores can be a sign of an illness, tumor, or reaction to a medication. Such illnesses can be grouped into several broad categories:
Autoimmune disorders (including systemic lupus erythematosus) Bleeding disorders Cancer Infection (such as hand-foot-mouth disease) Weakened immune system -- for example, if you have AIDS or are taking medication after a transplant
Drugs that may cause mouth sores include:
Aspirin Barbiturates (used for insomnia) Chemotherapy drugs for cancer Gold (used for rheumatoid arthritis) Penicillin Phenytoin (used for seizures) Streptomycin Sulfonamides | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Mouth sores ? | For unknown reasons, women seem to get canker sores more often than men. This may be related to hormone changes. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Mouth sores ? | Call your doctor if:
The sore begins soon after you start a new medication You have large white patches on the roof of your mouth or your tongue (this may be thrush or another type of infection) Your mouth sore lasts longer than 2 weeks You have a weakened immune system (for example, from HIV or cancer) You have other symptoms like fever, skin rash, drooling, or difficulty swallowing | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Mouth sores (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Your doctor will perform a physical examination, focusing on your mouth and tongue. Medical history questions may include the following:
Are the sores on your lips, gums, tongue, lining of your cheeks, or elsewhere? Are the sores open ulcers? Are there large, white patches on the roof of the mouth or on your tongue? How long have you had the mouth sores? More than 2 weeks? Have you ever had sores of this type before? What medications do you take? Do you have other symptoms like fever, sore throat, or breath odor?
Treatment may depend on the cause of the mouth sore.
A topical anesthetic (applied to the skin) such as lidocaine or xylocaine may be used to relieve pain (but should be avoided in children). An antifungal medication may be prescribed for oral thrush (a yeast infection). An antiviral medication may be prescribed for herpes sores (although some experts don't believe medication will make the sores go away sooner) Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed for severe or persistent canker sores. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Mouth ulcers? | Symptoms vary and depend on the specific cause of the mouth ulcer. In general, symptoms may include:
Open sores in the mouth Pain or discomfort in the mouth | Answer this question truthfully |