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February 2013 Health Bulletins

Ask The Doc
HPV Vaccine
Random Acts of Kindness Week
How do you show someone you care?
Submit Your Photos
Health and Wellness Events

	Ask the Doc Dr. Davis Smith answers questions submitted by our readers.

Q: How do I get rid of an ear infection?—Christian E., San Bernardino Valley College

A: Ear complaints are common among college students. Conditions include infections of the ear canal and middle ear, and fluid trapped in the middle ear (which can mimic some of the symptoms of middle ear infections). Allow me to elaborate, working from the inside, out.

Middle Ear Infections and Fluid Accumulations

The middle ear is supposed to be the same pressure as the outside world. To accomplish this, air moves up or down the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Your body is doing this when your ears “pop” on an elevator or in a plane.

A middle ear infection (otitis media or OM for short) is usually a complication of a viral infection such as a head cold, which causes the membranes lining the middle ear to swell and secrete fluid. The Eustachian tube swells, too, which leads to the walls of the tube being thicker and less flexible. This makes it harder for it to open and allow air or fluid to move.

Having fluid trapped in the middle ear can be uncomfortable, and irritates the adjacent balance mechanisms. This may be what causes that “out of it” feeling you get when sick with a cold.

If bacteria find their way to that fluid, it can cause an infection. Bacteria are thought to travel as a result of vigorous nose blowing, hence the advice to blow one nostril at a time. The typical symptom of an infection is continuous, sharp pain in the ear. Treatment of OM generally requires an oral antibiotic since drops can’t get through the ear drums (tympanic membranes) to the middle ear.

Sometimes the accumulated fluid can persist in the middle ear—causing alterations to hearing, a throbbing sensation, increased sensitivity to the sound of your heartbeat, or just a dull,
uncomfortable feeling and maybe a little dizziness. This is known as serous otitis, and when chronic, can be caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Serous otitis is not an infectious problem; it is more a mechanical one, sometimes with an inflammatory component. Unfortunately, there is no optimal treatment for it. I usually recommend frequent, gentle ear popping (30 to 50 times a day), sometimes by gum chewing. For some patients, a nasal steroid or nasal decongestant spray helps. (Nasal decongestants should only be used for 2–3 days or they will cause rebound congestion.) Serous otitis almost always gets better on its own within a few weeks. If it doesn’t, you may need to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

Ear Canal Infections

Ear canal infections, sometimes called “swimmer’s ear,” is known medically as otitis externa (or OE for short). They usually cause pain and itchiness, classically worse with manipulation of the tragus, that bumpy bit of cartilage that partly protects the canal.

A common antecedent of OE is trauma from cotton swab use. Thus the adage, “Never put anything in your ear but your elbow.” Ear wax is healthy and has antibacterial properties, so leave it alone!

Other causes of OE include retained water, especially in association with freshwater swimming. (Ponds are notorious.) OE can also be caused by bacterial or fungal infections, or sometimes by other kinds of inflammation. It is generally treated with drops, sometimes in conjunction with other medications, such as drying agents (e.g., alcohol drops). When it’s really bad, a wick sometimes needs to be inserted to get the medicine in.

Clearly, the way to get rid of an ear infection depends on the diagnosis. Go to your student health center or primary care provider and get a diagnosis and treatment plan. If the treatment doesn’t work in the proscribed time frame, speak up.

For more about ear infections, CLICK HERE.

HPV Vaccine

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus spread through sexual contact. Though most of the time HPV has no symptoms, certain strains of the virus can lead to cancer or genital warts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that both women and men be vaccinated prior to first sexual contact with another person, but if you weren’t vaccinated when you were younger, the vaccine is still recommended for all women through age 26, and all men through age 21. Vaccination consists of three shots, spread over the course of six months.

If you’re sexually active, consistent and correct use of condoms and other safer sex practices can lower the risk of HPV infection. It is also important to regularly get tested for sexually transmitted diseases and infections as part of a thorough physical examination. For more information about HPV and the vaccine, CLICK HERE.

Random Acts of Kindness Week

Have you ever been moved when someone helped you without expecting anything in return? Maybe you’ve done something selfless for another person, too. Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 11–17, organized by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation®. The Foundation encourages people to develop and engage in generous behavior in their community. Whether you help an elderly person get where they need to go, bring flowers to a sick friend, or pay for the coffee of the person standing behind you in line, there are lots of ways to be a do-gooder. For more information and inspiration, CLICK HERE.

How do you show someone you care?

There are many ways to say and demonstrate how we feel about other people. Whether it’s familial love, romance, or a close friendship, here’s how students show they care.

Listening, Supporting, and Spending Time Together
I show I care when I make sure that I look at their eyes, showing that I am listening, and interested in what they are saying and by offering help or support when needed. I try to make that person feel special and unique by telling them that they have their own talents and skills, as well as uniqueness. I show that I care when I spend time with them any way I can and that I am there for them. Lastly, I show that I care when I reach out to an individual who may have no friends, disabilities, or is not as athletic or famous as others.
-Anamaria C., North Iowa Area Community College

Giving Gifts to Others
My daughter, who is 11, came home in the afternoon on Christmas Eve and asked me if she could give some of her presents to her friend. Her friend's mom didn't have the money and told the little girl that maybe after Christmas she could get presents. So, instead of giving her my daughter's presents, we went out and got presents for the little girl, her brother, and the mom—nothing too expensive but I was so proud that my 11-year-old knows the true meaning of Christmas and would rather get less than see her friend go without.
-Jessica T., Algonquin College

Taking Care of Family and Home
I show I care by cooking for my whole family and helping to clean the house.
-Khine W., University of California-Los Angeles

Sharing Thoughtful Messages
During Labor Day break, I went to visit a friend from high school that currently attends Georgia Tech. She had a vase of roses that were dying, so instead of throwing them away she and a friend decided to make a message for the entire campus to see. We had a great time taking pictures with it and watching the reactions of other people who stumbled upon it! It made my day to show people they're loved, and I know it made other students happy too.
-Chloe B., Georgia College

Sending Cards and Notes
I send cards and notes to people to show that I care about what someone is going through. I try to let them know that I am thinking about them.
-Rebecca L., Towson University

Baking Cupcakes for Someone Special
I have been with my boyfriend for two years, and we have been living together for seven months. I care for his well-being, and we are always smiling when we are together. This past year for Valentine's Day, I made him cupcakes to show him that I care.
-Tyler M., The University of Central Arkansas

How will you make the most of your spring break?

Winter vacations may have just passed, but many students are already preparing for time off in spring. Whether volunteering, traveling, or working some extra hours, how will you enjoy your break?

To submit your photo, CLICK HERE.