Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common condition that has multiple possible causes. It results from either a decrease in the production of saliva or a change in saliva’s composition. Dry mouth is frequently associated with the use of certain medications and is common in patients undergoing radiation therapy. Individuals with Sjogren’s syndrome have chronic dry mouth that requires long-term care. Compounded treatments include a topical dry mouth spray that can…

Miracle mouthwash, also sometimes referred to as magic mouthwash, is a broad term used to describe a variety of oral rinses for treating stomatitis and oral thrush. These mouthwashes are frequently prescribed for patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.  A miracle mouthwash most often contains a combination of ingredients that can include an antihistamine, corticosteroid, antibiotic, antifungal, and anesthetic. Since there are no commercially available mouthwashes with each of these ingredients,…

Oral thrush, which is due to an accumulation of the fungus Candida albicans, is the most common type of oral fungal infection. Oral thrush occurs when the fungus Candida albicans over-accumulates in the mouth and causes a white coating on the tongue. This fungus is often present in a healthy mouth but can cause oral thrush if it is not managed by the body’s normal immune response.  It is especially…

Tetracaine is a potent ester used as a topical anesthetic for ENT procedures. Tetracaine is effective for anesthetizing accessible mucous membranes including the larynx, trachea, and esophagus. Onset is within 6-12 minutes and the effects can last up to two hours. Tetracaine has ten times the potency of procaine and has been shown to be a superior topical anesthetic for nasal procedures. It produces greater decreases in pain perception than…

An antifungal nasal spray is prescribed for topical treatment of infections in the nasal passages and sinuses. Fungal infections can lead to chronic sinusitis with nasal congestion, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.  Individuals with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to fungal infections that can progress to a serious condition. Those who have had to live in environments with mold sometimes develop biotoxin illness, which can require multiple treatment methods…

Spring is the time when people with seasonal allergies usually suffer the most. Seasonal allergies can vary depending on location, but high pollen counts in the Spring and Summer are the cause of many allergy-sufferers sinus symptoms. Allergens during these seasons can cause a condition called allergic rhinitis, which is another name for the familiar runny nose, sneezing, and itching associated with an allergic response. While some people will try…

What is Chronic Sinusitis? Chronic sinusitis is a common condition in which the sinuses become inflamed and swollen for at least 12 weeks, despite treatment attempts.  This condition interferes with drainage and causes mucus buildup.  Breathing through your nose might be difficult and the area around your face might feel swollen, causing pain.  Chronic sinusitis can be brought on by an infection, by growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or…