The removal of foreign objects from the ear is always a common medical procedure in the emergency department. In simple terms, foreign bodies may be defined as any object that finds its way into your ear but is not meant to be there and could potentially cause damage without immediate medical attention.

From my personal experience, and based on the patients that I have attended to, foreign objects in the ear usually stay either in the ear canal or in the ear lobe. Whereas some of these foreign objects are harmless, some of them can be extremely uncomfortable including sharp objects and insects and can quickly result in an infection requiring emergency treatment. It is also imperative to note that most foreign objects that usually get stuck in the ear are placed there the individuals themselves. Children, who are always curious about interesting objects and their body, are the group that experiences this problem the most.

 

The most common foreign objects that usually find their way in the ear include:

 

1. Obstructing earwax:

Earwax is naturally produced in the ear canal but can sometimes become a problem when excessively produced. Excess earwax usually clogs and blocks the ear canal and may cause pain, hearing loss among other things. Obstructing earwax occurs commonly among people with an existing ear injury, infection, structurally narrowed ear canal or those who are associated with water activities that lead to water being retained in the ear.

Among most earwax obstruction cases, I have personally observed that the overuse of cotton swabs such as the Q-tips to clean the ear usually pushes wax as well as dead skin cells or debris further into the ear canal, where they are ultimately packed against the eardrum to cause the unwanted symptoms.

2. Infamous insects:

Though this rarely occurs, it can be one of the most painful and uncomfortable experiences. On most occasions, an insect will enter into your ear when you are outdoors and asleep, such as when you are camping. Also, a flying insect may find its way into your ear canal while you are awake, typically when you are either running or working outside. From Singaporean’s point of view, commonly, the despicable cringing cockroach can find its way in your ear canal.

The cockroach may die while inside your ear. However, it is also possible that it can remain alive and try to burrow its way outside the ear canal. This experience can be extremely painful, worrisome, and quite irritating. What’s even more worrying is that you risk causing injury to your ear canal or eardrum as a result of the crawling insect. Always seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible, and the retrieval of the insect should only be conducted by an experienced and qualified professional.

3. Cotton bud:

Nearly everybody has used a cotton bud to clean their ear. It is a common practice. However, As a professional, I would strongly advise you to avoid this particular practice sooner than later. If you didn’t know, cotton buds have the potential to push the accumulated earwax further down the ear canal, leading to obstruction and subsequent injury to your ear canal. The movement of the sticking cotton bud can potentially injure or damage the ear canal lining, predisposing you to ear infections.

4. Be wary of those small-sized buttons, batteries:

Some of those small-sized batteries found in toys as well as hearing aids can also pose a threat to your ear. If these battery devices get stuck in your ear, they should be immediately eliminated because batteries are not only highly toxic but also contain electric currents that are harmful to both the eardrum and ear canal. Small-sized buttons, beads, baby toys are some of the most common foreign objects that are found in infant’s ears. Your Walkman or iPod earpieces can get dislodged in your ear canal as well.

5. Be wary of water:

Perhaps most people are aware of the fact that the water that they usually use for bathing purposes is not as safe as they may have thought. If you didn’t know, water for bathing contains either chemical soap or shampoo, which is a great medium for bacteria to thrive. And this only implies that when this water is retained in the ear, there is a chance that you’ll get an ear infection. This is why you would want to keep your ear as clean and as dry as possible. When bathing or swimming, you can consider using safe earplugs or cotton wool plugs with Vaseline or shower caps.

6. Earplugs:

Earplugs are excellent devices that are inserted in the ear canal to help protect your ears from water intrusion, loud noises, foreign bodies, or excessive wind. However, these earplugs do come with their fair share of potential side effects, especially if used more regularly. With time, earplugs can push earwax back into the ear canal, resulting in a buildup. What’s more, earplugs can get pushed further in your ear as far as they can get, and will require immediate and professional removal. As a precaution, you should insert your earplug just far enough to block the unwanted sound.

7. Beads:

Young children are highly likely to self-insert beads into their ears, and this usually results in unpleasant effects. The eardrum may be scratched, scraped or injured. You should take your child to a nearby ear clinic as soon as possible when this occurs. If possible, beads should be kept in a safe place and far from children’s reach.

 

Are you spending more hours at home than you did previously? – Very likely.

The pandemic has forced many employers to adapt, reorganizing their operations to facilitate work from home arrangements. As such air quality has come into sharp focus. Air quality has always been essential for optimal health. However, since you are spending a large amount of your time at home, improving the air quality indoors should be prioritized. An air purifier could be the perfect solution.

Why is air quality important?

If you have respiratory issues or allergies, you should certainly prioritize your home’s air quality. We know that your family’s health is uppermost in your mind during this pandemic and air quality is a good place to start. Good air quality can be categorized as follows:

• Contaminant containment
• Good ventilation – adequate air circulation
• Optimal temperature – temperatures that promote good air quality

Modern homes and indoor air quality

Air quality can be affected by several factors that arise in your home. As a result, your health can be compromised. What affects air quality can be divided into three groups:

1) Indoor environmental concerns

These issues affect your home environment:
Humidity – This factor affects your general wellness in two significant ways. If there is excessive moisture in the air (high humidity), you may notice an increase in your asthmatic episodes. If there is little moisture (low humidity), you may notice an upsurge of respiratory tract infections.

Inadequate air circulation – This is essentially when there is little to no airflow in the rooms of your house. This often occurs when there are not enough windows. This may happen if you live in a neighbourhood where it is impractical to leave doors open.

Temperature irregularities – Elevated temperatures can increase the risk of contamination in your home. The breathability of your air may be seriously affected.

Ventilation system problems – If your HVAC system has not been serviced in a while; your home’s air quality can be adversely affected. Additionally, the HVAC system may have unevenly distributed the air throughout the house. Another common issue is insufficient exhaust ventilation. Contemporary homes are particularly susceptible to this kind of problem.

2) Common indoor air contaminants

There are several air contaminants that can potentially affect your home. Below is a comprehensive list of air contaminants that directly affect healthy breathing.

– Aerial contaminants – perfume and tobacco smoke.
– Construction materials – formaldehyde, dust, fibreglass, asbestos and dust.
– Odours/Vapours – disinfectants, pesticides, cleaners, glue fumes, solvents, furniture, carpets, and paint fumes.
– Dust mites – certain fabrics, carpets, and foam cushions.
– Microbial contaminants – moulds, fungi and bacteria.

Now you have a pretty good idea about what may be affecting the breathability of the air in your home.

3) Inadequate outdoor air intake

There should always be a regular flow of air coming from the outdoors. Stagnant air increases the risk of allergens and contaminants.

Top 10 reasons to get an air purifier

We know that there are countless reasons why an air purifier would be a good investment for your home. However, these are our top picks.

1. Allergies
Allergy sufferers know how overwhelming an allergy attack can be. It cannot be ignored. Aeroallergens usually cause the following symptoms in patients:
– Runny nose
– Sneezing
– Coughing
– Itchy nose
– Itchy eyes
– Itchy throat
– Postnasal drip
– Nasal congestion
– Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes)
– Weepy/watery eyes
– Allergic salute (upward rubbing of the nose)
– Conjunctivitis/Pinkeye (Inflammation that causes crusty eyelids and puffy eyes.)

An air purifier will help ease your symptoms if you choose to get one. Air purifiers are a great investment for hypersensitive allergy sufferers since it offers added protection against brutal allergy attacks. Air purifiers are highly effective at removing harmful allergens from the air.

2. Pets
If you have allergies, you know that having a pet is sometimes extremely challenging. An air purifier makes having a pet possible. It cleans the air from dander. Dander, the term given to the dead cells from skin and hair) tends to accumulate in your home exacerbating allergy symptoms.

3. Respiratory problems
An air purifier is an excellent idea for those who suffer from conditions like asthma that reduces lung capacity. Attacks are often unpredictable. As such keeping the air filtered can minimize attacks and make the air significantly more breathable.

Microbes and various particulates tend to aggravate asthma and other respiratory complaints. As such installing air purifiers are highly recommended.

4. Newly constructed house
You should buy an air purifier if you move into a brand-new home. It will remove paint fumes and formaldehyde from the air allowing you to breathe with ease.

5. Smoker at home
If you have allergies and someone in the house smokes, it can be difficult. However, an air purifier can allow you and your loved one to exist in the same environment.

6. Construction being done in the neighbourhood
It is expected that there will be a lot of dust near construction sites in Singapore. Construction involves the use of heavy tools that constantly disturb the soil. Dust can aggravate sinus issues and cause watery eyes. These minuscule dust particles emanating from nearby construction sites can cause emphysema disease and other pulmonary complications.

Additionally, sand particles can cause physical damage to the lungs and respiratory mucus membranes if the exposure continues over a prolonged period of time. This type of injury can lead to infections and breathing difficulty. However, an air purifier will rid the air of these harmful particles once filters are replaced regularly and the device is maintained.

7. Water damage
Water damage in structures built with untreated wood and stone may be a haven for the growth of mould. Black mould also known as Stachybotrys is particularly harmful when inhaled. The spores can trigger severe allergic reactions. Additionally, this mould can also cause nausea.

The mould often grows in hard to detect places like inside walls and floorboards. From their hidden breeding ground, they release spored that infiltrate your home through the ventilation system. Your air purifier will remove mould spores from the air.

8. Babies and small children
If you have little ones, an air purifier should be on your priority list. Children do not have well developed immune systems as yet. An air purifier in your home can help protect your children from airborne diseases that may cause respiratory complications.

9. Home office
Working from home has become way more prevalent in Singapore as the pandemic continues to sweep the globe. What many people do not notice is that the fans in laptops and desktops produce fumes and dust. An air purifier will keep your air clean as you work, allowing you to focus on being productive.

10. Pregnancy
All expectant parents want to give their unborn child the best chance to develop in a healthy environment. While it is important for an expectant mom to get optimal nutrition and supplements, it is imperative that she breathe clean air. Studies have shown that fetal growth can be affected by air pollution, namely second-hand smoke, cooking fumes and Pm 2.5 particles. If you are unfamiliar with Pm 2.5 particles, they are very small particles that are typically found in smoke. They are small enough to be inhaled into the lungs. If you use an air purifier, these particles will be removed, leaving you with healthy air that is beneficial to you and your unborn baby.

On an even more serious note, microbes such as Toxoplasma gondii have been known to cause developmental issues.

If you are pregnant, you should try to protect yourself from air pollutants as much as possible and an air purifier can be instrumental in this endeavour.

A suitable air purifier

When choosing an air purifier, you should be aware that portable air cleaners do have a cost attached. There is the initial purchase price and the maintenance cost to consider. Air purifiers need a constant supply of electricity. Severe allergy sufferers typically use their air purifiers constantly. As such it can be a bit expensive. Unfortunately, these expenses may put air purifiers out of the reach of some.

Air purifiers may not perform optimally in temporary or poorly built structures that have high air exchange. They may also be less effective in warmer climates where windows are generally kept open.

As such, while air purifier may be effective on a household level, it cannot protect an entire community where air pollution is prevalent. Especially, if there are vulnerable members among them. As such air pollution should be tackled at a national level and strategies put in place to reduce exposure across the board.

Nevertheless, air purifiers can offer relief on a personal level, especially if you can manipulate your home environment for optimal results.

 

As we all learn to navigate this new normal and the hours at home have increased, we urge you to pay attention to your indoor air quality. An air purifier is the perfect solution during these uncertain times. We encourage you to continue to take charge of your health and make the necessary adjustments as needed. We wish all to be healthy on the other side of the pandemic.

 

Dust is one of the most common allergens that allergy suffers have to manage on a daily basis. In an extensive study of 8000 participants in Singapore, it was revealed that 80% were allergic to dust mites. So, as you can tell dust allergies are a common complaint. The symptoms are often frustrating and inconvenient. An episode can prove quite debilitating at times. I would like to offer you some simple advice to help you obtain some much-needed relief. Here we will focus on the proactive steps that you can take to manage and minimize the effects of dust allergies.

What can I do to prevent Dust-mite allergic reactions?

Thankfully, there are quite a few things you can do to help prevent a flare. So, the first thing that you should know is that you cannot totally eliminate dust mites in your home. You can clean every inch of your home and you will still have some of these pesky dust mites along. The good news is that you can take steps to reduce their numbers. As such this reduction will no doubt have a positive impact on your allergies.

Use Zippered Dust-Proof Covers

Since the majority of dust mites are found in bedrooms, we encourage you to invest in zippered dust-proof covers for your pillows and mattresses. These covers are specially designed to keep dust mites and their waste products out. They are made of materials that are allergen-impermeable. These dust-proof covers can be bought in most bedding stores in Singapore or if you want a wider variety to choose from you can purchase online.

Zippered dust-proof covers can be made of a variety of materials. They can be made out of vinyl, plastic, or fabric usually cotton. The reason why dust-proof covers are effective is that the pores in the materials are so small that dust mites cannot make their way through.

Plastic and vinyl dust-proof covers are the most affordable. However, many people opt for fabric allergen-impermeable covers. However, when choosing a fabric dust-proof cover there are some factors that you should be aware of. You should choose cotton or synthetic fiber fabric that is woven together in a bi or tri-axial pattern. Also, pay attention to the thread count. In order to keep dust mites out, the thread count of your dust-proof cover should be more than 246 per square inch.

Wash your blankets in hot water

This is a really effective method to help get rid of dust mites. You should always wash your sheets and blankets every week in water that is 70 degrees Celsius or more. The hot water will kill dust mites in your bed linens, leaving you with an improvement of your symptoms! We can further stress on the fact that cold water is ineffective against dust mites.

Get rid of all dust-mite friendly fabrics

All fabrics that have a high porosity will be a haven for dust mites. If they can be easily washed, you can wash them in hot water as instructed above and kill the dust mites. However, where possible get rid of the following:

Carpets: If you have carpets in your house, you have created a lovely home for dust mites. Wall to wall carpeting should be avoided at all cost. Once you can afford it, we recommend wood, linoleum, or tile floors. You will certainly notice the difference.

Curtains: While curtains certainly add to your décor but they can exacerbate your dust allergy. We recommend roll-type shades or maybe have your windows tinted which will keep out some sunlight and give you privacy.

Upholstered Furniture: This type of furniture is usually hard to clean and traps an insane amount of dust particles. The problem with this type of furniture is that dust mites are provided with an environment in which they can borrow deeply and reproduce. As such surface shampoos are ineffective. We recommend furniture with washable cushion covers be used instead.

Down covers and pillows: Even though down pillows and covers are extremely comfortable, they are not a good choice if you have a dust allergy. They are a perfect breeding ground for dust mites. The best pillows for dust allergy sufferers are natural latex, cotton, or wool. If you have down pillows and covers, you should replace them as soon as possible.

Ask for help

Cleaning a dusty environment may be too much for you. So ask someone who does not have a dust allergy to clean your bedroom for you. If that’s not feasible, wear a dust/filtering mask when cleaning, especially if you are vacuuming or dusting. These tasks stir up the dust, so be sure to stay out of your bedroom for a while afterward to allow the dust to settle.

While your bedroom is the priority, you need to remove dust mites from your entire home as well. So little by little, with or without help, clean your house room by room.

Use a Certified filter vacuum cleaner

These vacuum cleaners help remove dust mites and mite waste from your home and trap them, preventing them from getting back into the air. With a certified HEPA vacuum cleaner, you have better air quality in your home. We encourage you to vacuum regularly to keep those unwanted dust mites at bay.

Use washable rugs

By now, you know that hot water kills dust mites. As such always wash your rugs or bathroom mats in hot soapy water. You can also dry clean your rug to get rid of dust mites.

Low Humidity

We recommend that the humidity of your home be less than 50%. A dehumidifier or your air-conditioner can effectively remove moisture from your home.

Filters for your air-conditioning unit

The certified filters in your air conditioner should help trap dust mites. We prefer these filters to the freestanding air cleaners since they only filter a limited area and are less effective. You should also avoid any device that treats the air with ozone, electrostatic ions, or heat.

We certainly hope these tips offered above help you manage your dust allergy more effectively and you experience relief.

In order to understand to truly get your mould allergy under control, let us look more in depth into about mould and how it can impacts on us!

Firstly, you should know that Mould is a fungus and as such they produce spores. These reproductive spores make their way into the air if they are disturbed. Some mould spread when the weather is dry and windy outside. Other types of mould may be spread when there is dew or fog. Since it is so easy to come in contact with mould, we have come up with a suggested list of measures that you can take to prevent a mould allergy reaction.

Reduce exposure to mould spores when outdoors

This is a fundamental tip. If you know that mould counts are high, you should limit your outdoor activities until it improves. As such you will inhale fewer spores and your mould allergy will be milder or not be triggered at all if you are lucky. Of course, life does not stop just because you have a mould allergy, so we recommend that you wear a dust mask if you are going to do yard work like picking up leaves, potting around your plants or cutting grass. This will provide protection from a full-blown mould spore onslaught.

Reduce exposure to mould spores when indoors

So, we know that mould spores can make there way into our homes from the outdoors. However, mould can grow in your home as well. Mould can grow in wallpaper, insulation, drywall, fabric, carpet and upholstered furniture. We recommend that you install central air conditioning with a HEPA filter. All the mould spores in your house will be trapped by the HEPA filter. This type of filter is more effective than freestanding air cleaners since they only address a limited area. Devices that treat the air with ozone or heat electrostatic ions are also ineffective for a mould allergy.

Lower the humidity in your home

This is a crucial measure that will definitely help you eliminate mould spores in your home. Air cleaners will only be partly effective if there is excess moisture in the air. Humidity should be below 45 percent in your home, but lower than 35 percent is even more effective when it comes to a mould allergy. You can also monitor humidity in your home with a hygrometer.

Clean your Humidifier and service your air conditioners regularly

If you use a humidifier, it needs to be maintained religiously. The fluid reservoir can be a breathing ground for mould. Always remember to clean the collection bucket and the condensation coils. You should keep your service appointments for your air conditioners. Your AC technician will clean your entire air conditioner including your filters removing any mould that is present in the system.

Use a room by room approach to reduce mould growth

In order to really minimize mould in your home, you may need to take different actions depending on the room that you are in. Firstly, we will start with an overview, i.e. the steps you should take regarding your home generally.

Entire house/ apartment – In order to discourage mould growth, you should make sure that your house has a good airflow through it. In order to facilitate this, you should open up doors and windows. Fans also help to circulate the air in your home. Moving your furniture away from the wall also deters the growth of mould.

Another area that may need attention is the roof. Leaks in the roof and gutters could lead to mouldy ceiling tiles. It is also a good idea to remove all leaves and other debris that may have accumulated in your gutters. Always be on the lookout for moisture in your home, especially the bathroom, laundry room and basement.

Bathroom – If you have carpeting/rugs in your bathroom, make sure that they are not in an area where they are constantly being soaked. We recommend tiles in your bathroom to avoid this.

In order to prevent moisture accumulation in your bathroom, you should open a window or use the exhaust fan when you are having a bath or a shower.

Mould can start growing on your tiles and grout in your shower, bathtub or around your sink if you don’t not fastidiously clean at least once a month. If you can clean it more often even better. There are also bathroom cleaners that are specially formulated to repel mould. We recommend that you use one to help keep your mould allergy at bay. You should also repair any plumbing leaks that crop as soon as possible.

Kitchen – To minimize moisture and by extension mould in your kitchen, you should always use your exhaust fan when cooking or washing dishes. Your garbage pails should be cleaned regularly. You may have noticed mould accumulation on your refrigerator door gaskets. They need to be wiped at least once a week. The drip pan under your refrigerator can often be forgotten. Don’t forget to wash it out regularly. Any leaks that occur should be repaired as soon as possible.

Laundry room – To deter the growth of mould in your laundry room, you might consider:
Always remove clothes from your washing machine and transfer them to your dryer or your clotheslines in a timely manner.

If you own a front-load washing machine, water can accumulate along the rubber seal. Depending on how often you use your washing machine, you may need to make cleaning the rubber seal a weekly routine. Leave your washing machine open when you are not using it so that it air dries. It will also help if your laundry room is well ventilated.

Bedroom – Your bed is a primary target for mould, so be sure a waterproof mattress cover. In addition, you might want to consider a mattress that is hypoallergenic.

Don’t keep clutter in your bedroom, get rid of old books, newspapers and old sheets. Also, check your windows for condensation. You should also open your windows in your bedroom when the Singapore weather permits. If your closets tend to have a buildup of moisture, leave the doors open.

Basement – For those of you whom lives overseas and have a basement in your home, do note that this area of the house is particularly suspectable to mould. To prevent damp conditions in your basement, design your drainage in such a way that water is pulled away from your house. Also, remove any leaves that have accumulated around your house’s foundation. If there are any leaks in your basement, they should be addressed swiftly.

We hope that these tips help you prevent any future mould allergy reactions. However, if symptoms persist do not hesitate to discuss further with us.