Frequently Asked Questions
of Dr. Montgomery's Patients
Please note: This is general information only. It does not take the place of your own doctor's examination and treatment!
How do I stop a nose bleed?
1). Relax. This lowers your blood pressure.
2). Sit up and lean forward.
3). Spit blood out if it runs down into your throat.
4). Squeeze both nostrils shut and hold closed for 5 minutes.
If this does not stop the bleeding:
A) Spray the side that is bleeding with Afrin. Do this several times.
B) Saturate cotton balls with cold water and form a strip which is inserted into the
nostril.
If these things do not work, it is time to consult your local Ear, Nose and Throat doctor.
I have trouble with my ears and sinuses while flying.
If you have trouble with your ears or sinuses blocking while flying, this can be prevented by doing two things:
1) Take a tablet containing pseudofed and cholorotrimaton. This can be obtained at a
local drug store. At the CVS, they are called, "Allergy and Nasal Deconsgestant
Tablets". These should be taken just before your flight. If you flight is more than
four hours, you may wish to repeat this in three or four hours.
2) Spray your nose on both sides with Afrin. After this takes effect, do it again in about
five minutes. This should hold you for any length of flight.
Is there a cure for the common cold?
There is no cure for the cold, but you can relieve symptoms.
1) Get plenty of rest. If the cold is severe, stay in bed.
2) Drink plenty of liquids.
3) Nasal allergy and decongestant tablets are helpful in relieving the symptoms. These
should be taken every four hours. They consist of pseudofed and cholorotrimaton. Do not
take antibiotics unless your cold is involved with secondary infection.
What can I do for my allergies?
Antihistamine tablets such as chlorotrimeton or Benedryl. If you add pseudofed 30-60 mg. tablets to this it will prevent drowsiness. Steroid nasal sprays are effective, but usually cannot be obtained without a doctor's prescription. If the allergy involves skin erruptions, 1-2% hydrocortisone cream.
What's the best thing to use on a sore throat?
Look in your throat using a mirror and flashlight. If there is no redness, it is most
likely not an infection.
In such cases, warm gargles of a teaspoon of salt and/or baking soda in warm water will
relieve symptoms.
If there is a redness, ulcerations or white spots, you may have strep throat and you
should consult your
Ear, Nose and Throat doctor who will give you antibiotics. The use of commercial
irritating gargles and
so-called anesthesia gargles are not recommended for an acute sore throat. It may give
some temporary relief,
but tends to cause further irritation.
I have bouts of dizziness. What causes this?
Dizziness is very complex. If your dizziness is an episode accompanied by nausea,
vomiting and hearing loss
in one ear, plus ringing in the ear (tinnitus), you may have a condition known as
Meniere's disease.
You should consult and Ear Specialist for this.
Another type of dizziness is that which comes on with a change in position especially
with movement of your head.
This type of dizziness is often self-limiting and will subside more rapidly if you make an
attempt to avoid the
movements which result in dizziness.
How can I avoid seasickness?
Seasickness is an insult to your inner ear which results in nausea and vomiting. If you
had seasickness,
you will always remember it for it is most uncomfortable. It can be avoided by taking
Dramamine tablets
which can be obtained from your pharmacist or Scopalamine patches which you must obtain
from your
family physician. Never say, "I never get seasick!" for we are all susceptible.
My mouth is always dry.
Dry mouth can occursspontaneously or following radiation therapy. There is no magic
cure.
Carry around a water bottle with you and drink water constantly. Sucking on barley candy
(either lime or lemon) is helpful in some cases. There are medications also which your
doctor can prescribe.
What can I do for my headaches?
Aspirin is an excellent treatment for headache providing you are not aspirin sensitive.
It can reduce your
platelet count and result in bleeding. The first manifestation of this may be black and
blue spots from
minimal trauma. Non-aspirin anelgesics are useful such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) are
useful.
Frequent episodical headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting may indicate migraine
headache.
There are many treatments for migraine headaches depending on its cause. You should see an
Ear, Nose
and Throat doctor, a Neurologist or an Internist for treatment of this type of headache.
What causes sinus headache?
Most types of sinus headaches are not due to sinus trouble. It may take a CAT scan to
prove it.
As a test, however, nasal allergy and decongestant tablets along with aspirin should be
tried.
