Taking a look at your larynx - What is a Laryngoscopy?

If you don’t know what your larynx is, it is your voice box! It is located at the very top of your windpipe or trachea and it contains your vocal chords. Air passing through the larynx and over the vocal folds causes them to vibrate and produce sound – this is how we speak.

A laryngoscopy is an exam that gives doctors a close up view of the larynx and throat. Doctors place a small mirror into the throat, or insert a rigid or flexible viewing tube called a laryngoscope in your mouth. Sometimes, if necessary, they will do both.

Supply Doctor is a reliable online medical store with a broad range of laryngoscopes to choose from, take a look now and place your order!

Why would I need a laryngoscopy? Well, a laryngoscopy is used to learn more about various conditions or problems in the throat, including:

- Persistent cough, bloody cough, hoarseness, throat pain, or bad breath

- Difficulty swallowing

- Persistent earache

- Mass or growth in the throat

A laryngoscope can also be used to remove a foreign object

How does a laryngoscopy work? Preparation for the test can include:

- Physical exam

- Chest X-Ray or CT scan

- Barium swallow

Laryngoscopy’s usually last between five and 45 minutes. There are two types or laryngoscopy tests: direct and indirect.

An indirect laryngoscopy is when the patient will sit up straight in a high-back chair and numbing medicine is sprayed into the throat. The doctor will cover the tongue with gauze and hold it from blocking the view, and then the doctor will stick a mirror into the throat and explore the area. A patient might be asked to make a certain sound to make the larynx move. If you have a foreign object or obstruction in your throat, the doctor will remove it at this point.

The direct method can happen in the hospital or the doctor’s office, and usually the patient is completely sedated under expert supervision. A special tube goes into the nose or mouth and then down the throat. The doctor will be able to look through the tube to get a close view of the larynx. The doctor can collect samples and remove growths or objects.

Have you had a laryngoscopy before? Tell us more about your experience!

Seven different uses for a pill box

What is a pill box? Well, it is a little container that you keep and organise your daily pills in. however, there are many possible uses for these boxes besides the obvious medications and vitamins.

Visit Supply Doctor today and take a look through the wide array of medicine dropper and pill boxes…

1. When travelling, you can use a seven day pill box to pack your jewelry for each day. Most earrings, necklaces and rings can easily fit into the compartments. This also helps to prevent tangling of necklaces and searching for matching earrings.

2. If you enjoy sewing, you can re-purpose your pill box to contain bobbins, needles and pins for your sewing machine. This will work best when you have a pill box with larger compartments.

3. For kids, create a pill box with different types of beads in each section. Pack string in one of the compartments so you have all the supplies to create a pretty necklace or bracelet. So, now you have an easy arts and crafts project for a rainy day!

4. Rather than sorting your medication day by day, rather fill each section with a different over the counter medication to heal common sickness. This way whenever you get sick you have a mini drug store on the go.

5. Do you travel a lot for work? Create a tiny mobile office supply kit using a pill box. Fill each compartment with different office essentials, such as paper clips, rubber bands, mini post its, binder clips and an eraser.

6. Going camping for the weekend? Why not sort out your herbs and spices a head of time? Fill each section in your pill box with the different herbs you plan to cook with on your trip.

7. Store your little bits and bobs in each compartment, like earring butterfly fastenings, drawing pins, beads, small scraps etc.

Regardless of which idea you decide to try, it is a good idea to label your pill  box with whatever is inside. Get inspired, and use your pill box for something beyond the obvious!

How a walking stick can ease chronic pain

There is a solution for the pain – a walking stick! If you are someone who uses one, try not to call it a cane, rather call it a walking stick which evokes a more positive image of youth and vigor.

This handy object can assist you in easing many types of pain, from the lower back down to the feet. It can even reduce stress and strain that comes with everyday activities or a walk in the park.

Researchers recently discovered that by using a walking stick, you can reduce the load on the knee by about 10%. By reducing knee joint stress, the pain, swelling and stiffness is less likely to become something worse.

Ever seen someone use two walking sticks? Probably not in public, but most avid hikers use two walking sticks to help support their bodies over uneven terrain. Not only does this reduce the load on all parts of your body, but it also helps conserve energy.

 Improved balance is also one of the reasons walking sticks help to relieve back pain. When you walk, your back muscles are involved in maintaining your balance, so that is why most people who suffer from back pain feel discomfort when they climb hills, step off curbs or walk over bumpy ground. Just by having that simple stick in hand can make most tasks easier and safer. Sometimes a simple assistance device like a walking stick is all we need to keep moving.

Many types of assistance devices exist and they really do assist in making life easier. Supply Doctor is a reliable online medical store where you can find a wide variety of walkers, shoppers, crutches and walking sticks, and many other assisted living products.

Always remember; by regaining control, pain is less likely to cause suffering. Just pick up your stick and keep moving.

All you need to know about face masks

Face masks are one tool utilized by medical professionals and regular people to prevent the spread of disease and germs. You may have heard them being called surgical, medical or procedure masks, whatever the name they are loose-fitting masks that cover the nose and mouth, with ear loops or ties at the back of the head.

Supply Doctor is your one stop online medical supply store. If you're looking for face masks, visit the website and take a look.

So, what is a face mask used for? Face masks help limit the spread of germs. When someone talks, coughs or sneezes they release tiny droplets into the air that can infect others. If someone is sick, they can wear a face mask to reduce the risk of infecting others, plus people around them can wear one to protect themselves from becoming sick. When doctors or nurses wear face masks, it protects them from any diseases or bodily fluids.

If a face mask is disposable is should be used once and then thrown away. Here are some easy steps to follow to help you to put on your face mask properly.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before you touch the mask.

2. Check the mask for no obvious tears and holes.

3. The side of the mask that has a stiff bendable end is the top and is meant to mold to the shape of your nose.

4. The coloured side of the mask is usually the front and should face away from you, while the white side touches your face.

5. Face mask with ear loops: Hold the mask by the ear loops and place a loop around each ear.

Face mask with ties: Bring the mask to nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head and secure with a bow.

Face mask with bands: Hold the mask in your hand with the top of the mask at your fingertips, bring it to your nose level and pull the top strap over your head. Pull the bottom strap over your head so it rests at the nape of your neck.

6. Mold or pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose.

7. Lastly, pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.

Always consider wearing a face mask when you are sick and coughing, it will protect you and others around you.