Ear, nose, and throat Archive

Sudden bursts of sneezing in bright light can seem like an odd "sun allergy." Explore what's happening in the nerves that link your eyes and nose.

Tongue swelling can stem from drug reactions, infections, vitamin deficits, thyroid issues, or rare disorders. Learn which clues help sort out the cause.

A constant drip in the back of your throat isn’t always from a cold. Saline rinses, humid air, and cautious decongestant use may all help put an end to postnasal drip.

A fading sense of smell is common with age but can signal other problems. Learn when to seek testing and which treatable issues may be involved.

Diminished flavor can stem from aging, nasal issues, infections, or certain blood pressure drugs. Small medication tweaks and habits may help restore it.

Motion sickness is tricky to treat. Gadgets such as wristbands and special glasses may help, but their reported benefits may be due to the placebo effect. Several drugs, including a new one that curbs vomiting, are available.

A 2025 analysis found hearing loss in 41% to 72% of people with diabetes, which was, on average, more than four times as often as in people without diabetes. People whose diabetes was less well controlled had greater hearing loss. Diabetes lasting 10 years or more doubled the risk.

The term ototoxicity describes inner ear damage from drugs that can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and affect hearing and sometimes balance. Medications more likely to cause ototoxicity include aspirin; the antibiotics azithromycin and clarithromycin; certain chemotherapy drugs; loop diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix); and some biologics. These drugs can damage hearing by injuring hairlike projections in the inner ear. People taking ototoxic drugs should get their hearing tested before, during, and after using the drug.