What is the relationship between the ear, nose, and throat?
The ear, nose, and throat are all interconnected parts of the body and control the functions of balance, smelling, speech, swallowing, and hearing. The ears are connected to the throat through a passageway called the Eustachian tubes, which balance air pressure and drain fluid internally from the ear. The nose is directly connected to the throat (referred to as the pharynx) to help with breathing. Conditions such as allergic rhinitis, tinnitus, vertigo, and throat infections can affect ear, nose, and throat health.
How could diet affect the ear, nose, and throat?
Anecdotally, some people have reported improvements in various conditions involving the ear, nose, and throat after dietary changes. Although there is some evidence to suggest there is an association between dietary interventions and a reduced risk of hearing problems[1] and allergic rhinitis,[2] further research is needed to determine specific dietary recommendations.
Which supplements are of interest for the ear, nose, and throat?
Notable supplements that may help with allergic rhinitis include probiotics,[3] pelargonium sidoides, and spirulina. vitamin c,[4] zinc,[5] and probiotics[6] may be helpful for treating or preventing upper respiratory infections. melatonin may provide benefits in the context of tinnitus.
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Frequently asked questions
The ear, nose, and throat are all interconnected parts of the body and control the functions of balance, smelling, speech, swallowing, and hearing. The ears are connected to the throat through a passageway called the Eustachian tubes, which balance air pressure and drain fluid internally from the ear. The nose is directly connected to the throat (referred to as the pharynx) to help with breathing. Conditions such as allergic rhinitis, tinnitus, vertigo, and throat infections can affect ear, nose, and throat health.
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance that protects and cleans the outer ear canal. It usually does not have to be removed, as it is excreted from the ear with the help of regular jaw movement. The accumulation of earwax is completely normal and does not indicate poor hygiene or ear health.
However, excessive earwax accumulation can cause problems, such as earwax impaction. In this case, wax builds up in the ear canal and hardens, sometimes completely blocking the ear canal. Causes of earwax impaction include anatomical differences (a narrow or curved ear canal), ear diseases, differences in earwax texture, or overproduction of earwax. People with earwax impaction may experience hearing loss, a feeling of "fullness” in the ear, dizziness, itchiness, or ear pain. Using cotton swabs to clean the ear canal is not advised, as it may push wax deeper into the ear canal rather than remove it. If a person is experiencing symptoms of earwax impaction, it is best to seek treatment from a healthcare provider.[7] [8]
Anecdotally, some people have reported improvements in various conditions involving the ear, nose, and throat after dietary changes. Although there is some evidence to suggest there is an association between dietary interventions and a reduced risk of hearing problems[1] and allergic rhinitis,[2] further research is needed to determine specific dietary recommendations.
Notable supplements that may help with allergic rhinitis include probiotics,[3] pelargonium sidoides, and spirulina. vitamin c,[4] zinc,[5] and probiotics[6] may be helpful for treating or preventing upper respiratory infections. melatonin may provide benefits in the context of tinnitus.