http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.entcentral.co.nz en-us Thu, 05 Nov 2026 20:00:21 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172257/rhinoplasty-breathing-better-looking-natural/ Rhinoplasty is surgery to change the shape or function of the nose. Many people think of it as purely cosmetic, but it often improves breathing too.Functional rhinoplastyThis corrects structural problems that block airflow, such as a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves or the effects of a broken nose.Cosmetic rhinoplastyThis changes the appearance of the nose, for example a dorsal hump, a wide or drooping tip, or asymmetry, to suit the rest of the face.Why combine them?An ENT facial plastic ... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:31:02 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172257 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172256/swelling-under-the-jaw-when-eating-salivary-stones-explained/ Painful swelling under the jaw or in front of the ear that appears when you eat is a classic sign of a blocked salivary gland.What causes it?Saliva flows from the glands into the mouth through small ducts. A stone (sialolith), narrowing or kink in a duct can block flow, so the gland swells when it is stimulated by food.SymptomsSwelling and pain at mealtimesA bad taste in the mouthRepeated gland infectionsDry mouthDiagnosisAn ENT specialist will examine the glands and may arrange an ultrasound or... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:29:40 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172256 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172255/hoarse-voice-for-more-than-three-weeks-dont-ignore-it/ A croaky voice after a cold is normal. A hoarse voice that lasts longer than three weeks should be checked by a specialist.Common causesVoice overuse, common in teachers, singers and call centre workersReflux affecting the throatVocal cord nodules, polyps or cystsVocal cord weakness or paralysisSmoking-related changesLess commonly, laryngeal cancerHow it is assessedAn ENT specialist looks at your vocal cords using a thin camera passed through the nose. It is quick, done in the clinic and gives a... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:28:47 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172255 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172253/a-lump-in-the-neck-when-should-you-get-it-checked/ Finding a lump in your neck can be worrying. Most are swollen lymph glands from a recent infection and settle within a few weeks. But some need a specialist assessment.See your GP or an ENT specialist if a lump:Lasts longer than three weeksIs growingIs hard or fixed in placeComes with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, ear pain on one side or unexplained weight lossAppears in a smoker or regular drinkerPossible causesReactive lymph nodes after infectionCysts present from birthSalivary gland cond... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:28:10 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172253 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172252/found-a-thyroid-nodule-what-happens-next/ Thyroid nodules are very common, and many are found by chance on a scan. The good news is that the large majority are benign. Still, every nodule deserves a proper assessment.What is a thyroid nodule?It is a lump within the thyroid gland, at the front of the neck. Nodules can be solid or fluid-filled, single or multiple.SymptomsMost cause no symptoms. Larger nodules can cause a visible lump, pressure, difficulty swallowing or voice change. Some nodules produce too much thyroid hormone.How nodule... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:27:17 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172252 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172251/tonsillectomy-when-is-it-recommended-for-children-and-adults/ Tonsils help fight infection in early childhood, but for some people they cause more problems than they solve.When is tonsillectomy considered?Frequent tonsillitis, for example several episodes a yearEnlarged tonsils causing snoring or sleep apnoea, especially in childrenPeritonsillar abscess (quinsy)Tonsil stones or persistent bad breath not helped by other measuresA tonsil that looks unusual and needs checkingCoblation tonsillectomyCoblation uses radiofrequency energy at a lower temperature th... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:26:40 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172251 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172250/glue-ear-and-grommets-a-guide-for-parents/ Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is very common in young children. Fluid builds up behind the eardrum and muffles hearing, often without pain.Signs to look out forNot responding when called, or turning the TV upSpeech delay or unclear speechFrequent ear infectionsBehaviour changes or poor concentration at kindergarten or schoolBalance problems or clumsinessDoes glue ear always need treatment?Many cases clear up on their own within three months, so a period of monitoring is common. If it per... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:25:47 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172250 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172249/chronic-sinusitis-when-sprays-arent-enough/ Most sinus infections clear up in a week or two. When symptoms last more than 12 weeks, it is called chronic rhinosinusitis, and it may need specialist care.Common symptomsBlocked or congested noseThick discharge or post-nasal dripFacial pressure or painReduced sense of smellOngoing tirednessNasal polypsSome people develop nasal polyps, soft swellings inside the nose and sinuses that block drainage and smell.How it is diagnosedAn ENT specialist will examine the nose with an endoscope and may arr... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:25:09 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172249 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172248/always-blocked-nose-deviated-septum-and-enlarged-turbinates-explained/ A nose that always feels blocked, often worse on one side, affects sleep, exercise and quality of life. Two of the most common structural causes are a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates.What is a deviated septum?The septum is the wall dividing the two sides of the nose. If it is bent, through growth or an old injury, it can narrow one or both airways.What are enlarged turbinates?Turbinates are structures inside the nose that warm and humidify air. Allergies or irritation can make them swell... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:24:17 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172248 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/post/172247/snoring-or-sleep-apnoea-when-to-see-an-ent-specialist/ Snoring is common, but it is not always harmless. For some people it is a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition where the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep.Warning signs of sleep apnoeaLoud snoring most nightsPauses in breathing, choking or gasping noticed by a partnerWaking unrefreshed or with headachesDaytime sleepiness, poor concentration or irritabilityHigh blood pressureWhy it mattersUntreated sleep apnoea is linked with high blood pressure, heart problems, low ... Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:23:40 +1300 http://www.entcentral.co.nz/blog/#post172247