Eustachian Tube Problems Center - Wilmington, NC
Wilmington Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor Doctors for Eustachian Tube ProblemsType of Physician: Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor What is a Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor? A certification by the Board of Otolaryngology; practitioners provide comprehensive medical and surgical care of patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems (nose, mouth and throat) and related structures. Specialty: Ear, Nose & Throat (Otolaryngology) Common Name: Ear, Nose, Throat Doctor Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor Doctors in Wilmington * Wilmington Health Associates ENT  Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA  Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA  Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA  Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA  Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA  Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA  Carolinas Ear Nose & Throat Center  Coastal Carolina Ear Nose & Throat  Coastal Carolina Ear Nose & Throat  Eastern ENT Sinus & Allergy Center PA  Eastern ENT Sinus & Allergy Center PA  Eastern ENT Sinus & Allergy Center PA  Kinston Head & Neck Physicians & Surgeons  Kinston Head & Neck Physicians & Surgeons  Kinston Head & Neck Physicians & Surgeons  Kinston Head & Neck Physicians & Surgeons  Kinston Head & Neck Physicians & Surgeons  Ear Nose & Throat Clinic  Greater Carolina Ear Nose & Throat PA  Ear Nose & Throat Clinic  Harnett Ear, Nose & Throat  East Carolina Ear Nose & Throat Wilmington, North CarolinaUpcoming Local Events2012-05-31
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Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears)Read the Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears) article » What is the Eustachian tube?The Eustachian tube is a tube that originates in the back of the nose, runs a slightly uphill course, and ends in the middle ear space. The middle ear space is the hollowed out portion of the skull bone that contains the hearing apparatus and is covered on one side by the eardrum. In adults, the Eustachian tube is approximately 35 mm long (1.3 inches) and approximately 3 mm in diameter (less than 1/10 inch). Cartilage provides the supporting structure for the first two-thirds of the Eustachian tube, with the last third (the part closest to the middle ear space) being made of bone. The tissue that lines the Eustachian tube is similar to that inside the nasal cavity and may respond the same way (swelling) when presented with similar stimuli. The Eustachian tube was named in honor of the 16th century Italian anatomiast Eustachius. Sources credit Almaceon of Sparta as the first to describe the structure in approximately 400 BC.
What are the functions of the Eustachian tube?The primary function of the Eustachian tube is to ventilate the middle ear space, ensuring that its pressure remains at near normal ambient air pressure. The secondary function of the Eustachian tube is to drain any accumulated secretions, infection, or debris from the middle ear space. Several small muscles located in the back of the throat and palate control the opening and closing of the tube. Swallowing and yawning cause contractions of these muscles and help to regulate Eustachian tube function. If it were not for the Eustachian tube, the middle ear cavity would be an isolated air pocket inside the head that would be vulnerable to every change in air pressure and lead to an unhealthy ear. Normally, the Eustachian tube is closed, which helps prevent the inadvertent contamination of the middle ear space by the normal secretions found in the back of the nose. A dysfunctional E... Read the Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears) article » Recommended Reading Related to Eustachian Tube Problems (Problems Clearing Your Ears)Allergy facts
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What does an allergy mean?An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these f... Other Related Eustachian Tube Problems ArticlesEmergency Contact for Wilmington
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