Author: Tiphaine Marilyn

When flu season arrives, most people focus on avoiding fever and body aches. Yet the influenza virus poses a special threat to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) system the very gateway through which it enters and wreaks havoc. Protecting yourself from the flu is essential for safeguarding your hearing, your voice, and your respiratory health. Influenza viruses enter the body through the nose and mouth, attaching to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This explains why flu symptoms so frequently include sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough. But the damage does not always stop there. The inflammation caused by…

It begins as a simple cold a runny nose, a slight cough, perhaps a mild fever. Parents comfort their child, assuming the illness will pass. But for millions of children worldwide, this familiar scenario escalates into something far more serious: otitis media, an inflammation of the middle ear that stands as the most common childhood illness after the common cold and the leading cause of preventable hearing loss in low-resource settings. Otitis media refers to infection or inflammation of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum containing the tiny bones essential for hearing. Acute otitis media presents with rapid…

A recent clinical case published in Healio underscores a vital message: a seemingly mild, flu-like illness in a pregnant woman can pose a significant risk to her unborn child, particularly regarding ear, nose, and throat (ENT) health. The case details a 25-year-old pregnant mother who presented with worsening symptoms including fever, severe sore throat, and enlarged cervical lymph nodes classic ENT manifestations of an acute viral infection. While her symptoms initially suggested mononucleosis, a negative test raised suspicion for Cytomegalovirus (CMV). The most likely source? Her four-year-old child, who had a mild illness after likely picking up the virus at preschool. For…

For Sore Throat and LaryngitisThis kitchen-made hack soothes a raw, painful throat and helps calm laryngitis by coating irritated tissues. Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons raw honey (natural antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (available at pharmacies, adds soothing thickness) – Pinch of ground turmeric (anti-inflammatory) – Pinch of ground gingerMethod: Mix all ingredients in a small jar until smooth. Take one teaspoon as needed, letting it slowly coat your throat before swallowing. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The honey fights bacteria, glycerin provides a protective coating, and turmeric reduces inflammation. ENT Benefit: Reduces throat pain, suppresses…

By Dr. Agyemang Boateng, Essence Clinic and Medical lab.Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) health plays a critical yet often underestimated role in the well-being of individuals and families. ENT medicine focuses on disorders affecting the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck areas essential for hearing, speech, breathing, sleep, and communication. When these systems are compromised, the effects go far beyond physical discomfort, influencing learning, productivity, emotional health, and overall quality of life. Among families, especially those with young children, ENT-related conditions are common. In pediatric practice, acute tonsillitis, ear infections such as acute otitis media,…

Groundbreaking research links Chlamydia pneumoniae found in the retina to Alzheimer’s severity opening a new frontier in detection and treatmentA common bacteria responsible for sinus infections and pneumonia may be silently lurking in the eye for years and potentially fuelling the development of Alzheimer’s disease. That is the striking finding of a new study published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, which could fundamentally reshape how scientists detect and treat one of the world’s most devastating neurological conditions.Alzheimer’s disease currently affects approximately 32 million people globally, and early detection remains one of the greatest challenges in managing its progression. Scientists have…

WHO verification marks a landmark moment in the global fight against one of humanity’s oldest and most stigmatised diseasesIn a landmark public health achievement, Chile has become the first country in the Americas and only the second in the world to be officially verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the elimination of leprosy. The announcement, made on March 4, 2026, marks the culmination of more than three decades of sustained commitment, vigilant surveillance, and inclusive healthcare delivery. Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, was historically recorded in Chile in the late 19th century, primarily on Rapa Nui (Easter…

This delicious, nutrient-packed smoothie is designed to strengthen teeth, fight cavity-causing bacteria, and promote healthy gums all while tasting like a treat! Why It Works for Your Teeth: – Calcium & Vitamin D: Builds and strengthens tooth enamel – Probiotics: Helps crowd out harmful bacteria in the mouth – Strawberries :Contain malic acid, a natural enamel whitener – Vitamin C: Supports healthy gums and collagen production Ingredients: – 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened) – high in calcium and probiotics – ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries – natural enamel whitener – ½ cup chopped mango – rich in vitamin…

When we think about health and wellness, we often focus on diet, exercise, and mental well-being. Yet one of the most critical components of overall wellness is frequently overlooked: oral health. The mouth is not an isolated part of the body it is a gateway that reflects and influences your entire physical condition. Scientific research has established strong connections between gum disease (periodontitis) and several serious health conditions. The inflammation caused by untreated gum disease does not stay confined to the mouth. It can enter the bloodstream and contribute to systemic inflammation throughout the body.Studies show that individuals with periodontal…

When people think about dental health, cavities often come to mind first. However, another common and potentially more serious condition lurks quietly in the mouths of millions: periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. This chronic inflammatory condition affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other serious health problems throughout the body. Periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily during brushing. At this stage, the condition is still reversible with proper…