Rosales ENT Care Clinic

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

Perforated Eardrum: Causes, Signs & Management

A perforated eardrum, or tympanic membrane perforation, is a hole or tear in the thin membrane separating the ear canal from the middle ear. Many small perforations heal on their own, but some need specialist treatment.

🟣 Common Causes

➟ Middle-ear infection causing pressure and rupture of the eardrum

➟ Sudden pressure changes from flying, diving, or explosions

➟ Direct injury from cotton buds, hairpins, or other objects placed in the ear

➟ Head or ear trauma

➟ Very loud noise or blast injury

🟣 Common Signs and Symptoms

➟ Sudden ear pain, which may improve after the eardrum ruptures

➟ Reduced or muffled hearing

➟ Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus

➟ Fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear

➟ Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

➟ Dizziness or vertigo may occur

🟣 Signs Suggesting Infection

➟ Fever

➟ Ear discharge that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling

➟ Increasing ear pain

➟ Reduced hearing

➟ Persistent infection may delay healing

🟣 Management

➟ Keep the ear dry while it heals

➟ Avoid swimming unless cleared by a healthcare professional

➟ Use petroleum-coated cotton at the outer ear during showering if advised

➟ Do not put cotton buds, oils, or unprescribed drops into the ear

➟ Pain-relieving medicines may be used when appropriate

➟ Antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is present

🟣 Healing

➟ Many small perforations heal naturally within several weeks

➟ Hearing often improves as the eardrum closes

➟ Persistent perforations may require an eardrum patch or tympanoplasty surgery

➟ Hearing testing may be needed if hearing loss continues

🟣 Important Precautions

➟ Do not blow the nose forcefully

➟ Avoid pressure changes such as diving until the eardrum has healed

➟ Do not use ear drops unless they are confirmed safe for a perforated eardrum

➟ Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal

🟣 When to Seek Medical Help

➟ Ear discharge continues for more than a few days

➟ Hearing remains reduced

➟ Ear pain or infection keeps returning

➟ The perforation followed significant trauma

➟ Symptoms do not improve within several weeks

🟣 When Urgent Assessment Is Needed

➟ Severe or persistent vertigo

➟ Sudden major hearing loss

➟ Facial weakness

➟ Heavy bleeding from the ear

➟ Clear watery fluid draining after a significant head injury

➟ Severe headache, confusion, or other neurological symptoms after trauma

Medical disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Persistent hearing loss, ear discharge, severe dizziness, or a perforation after significant injury should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional or ENT specialist.

23/08/2026

The tonsils are two small masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat. They form part of the body's first line of immune defense by trapping bacteria, viruses, and other germs that enter through the mouth or nose. Inside the tonsils, immune cells recognize these invading microorganisms and help produce antibodies and activate white blood cells, allowing the immune system to respond more quickly if the same germs are encountered again.

Although tonsils are important, they can sometimes become a source of repeated illness. Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils that cause obstructive sleep apnea, abscesses, certain cancers, or severe complications may require surgical removal. Today, doctors usually try medications and other treatments first because many throat infections improve without surgery, and unnecessary tonsil removal offers little benefit for most people.

People can live healthy lives without their tonsils because other lymphoid tissues throughout the body continue protecting against infection. However, preserving the tonsils whenever possible allows the immune system to retain one of its natural protective barriers, especially during childhood when these organs are most active in recognizing new germs.

22/08/2026

Nasal Inhalers: Helpful or Harmful?

Nasal inhalers can provide temporary relief from a stuffy nose, but not all inhalers are meant for frequent or prolonged use.
Some decongestant nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion when overused, making your nose feel even more blocked.

Before using a nasal inhaler:
✔️ Know what’s in it
✔️ Follow the recommended directions
✔️ Avoid prolonged use of decongestant sprays
✔️ Consult an ENT specialist if nasal congestion keeps coming back

Treat the cause, not just the congestion.

This is the official public service page of the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (PSO-HNS).