Dr. Brocato Announces Retirement
After serving Northern Alabama for many years, Dr. Brocato retired on March 31, 2025. He appreciated caring for his patients and developing relationships with families, often seeing children and grandchildren as well. In his retirement, he looks forward to having more time for family, friends, and hobbies and hopes to continue seeing his patients around town….
Can Allergies Impact Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is ringing, buzzing or other sounds in one or both ears when no sound is actually present. It is typically associated with age-related hearing loss or exposure to loud noises, and roughly 10% of Americans have experienced it in the last year. If you also have allergies, you may notice your allergies and their…
Causes And Treatments of Allergic Wheezing
A whistling sound when you exhale as a symptomatic manifestation of any disease is called wheezing. During an allergic reaction, your airway may tighten, forcing you to work harder to breathe in enough air, which can cause a wheezing sound. It is most typical when exhaling. There are a few factors that can cause wheezing,…
Tips for Living with Severe Allergies
Allergic reactions are an immune system overreaction to an allergen that would normally be harmless. Life-threatening allergic reactions are called anaphylaxis and occur immediately upon exposure to the allergen. Most allergies are harmless and a little annoying, resulting in itchiness, runny nose or sneezing, and symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications from Probst Drugs….
Ways To Keep Your Voice Healthy
Whether giving a presentation at work, reading stories to your children, or enjoying a conversation with your spouse out to dinner at The Bottle, you use your voice all the time. In fact, it’s easy to take your voice for granted until you start having problems with yours. While most of us experience short-term hoarseness…
How Safe Is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
Sinusitis is a condition characterized by facial pain and pressure, nasal congestion, discolored nasal discharge and postnasal drip. These symptoms are usually due to a virus or exposure to allergens, like pollen at Big Spring Park. If these symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer, the sinusitis is considered chronic. Most cases of chronic sinusitis…
What Is Anosmia?
Anosmia has recently been in the news for its connection to COVID-19. But what is this mysterious condition? Loss of Smell Anosmia is the medical term for a complete loss of smell. Your sense of smell is a simple process. A substance, such as the scent of a flower, releases molecules, which travel up your…
Are You Burping Excessively?
Burping is a normal bodily function that occurs when your body needs to release excess air from your digestive system. While there is no specific definition of what constitutes excessive burping, if you feel like you are burping more than normal, you may want to seek relief. Below are the major causes of excessive burping….
Why Your Ear Itches
While a common and annoying problem, an itchy ear is not usually cause for alarm. Determining why you ear itches is crucial, as the cause dictates the treatment. Below are the most common reasons why your ear may be itchy Ear Infections An ear infection occurs when you have a virus or when bacteria becomes…
The Dangers of Ear Candling
Ear candling is an ancient technique some believe can draw out earwax and treat sinus infections. Not only is the process ineffective, it is also dangerous. What Is Ear Candling? Ear candling has been traced back to the spiritual healing beliefs of the Hopi Indians. The process involves placing the tapered end of a 10-inch…