Things Your Ears Say About Your Health

1. Creases in your earlobes

image source: cureus.com

A crease or wrinkle in your earlobe can be slightly worrying. A diagonal crease in the middle of your earlobe is called 'Frank's sign' and studies have shown that this is a sign of coronary artery disease. Theories show that the crease is a breakdown of elastic tissue around the blood vessels.

2. Symptoms of cardiac issues

image source: insider

No need to panic though, Dr Nina Shapiro, professor of Neck and Head surgery at UCLA says: "It's just one marker and it should simply encourage one to incoroporate healthy habits, see one's doctor for regular checkups and be vigilant to any changes in your body that could be signs and symptoms of cardiac issues."

3. Hearing loss

image source: reddit

Hearing loss affects more than your hearing. It can contribute to both cognitive decline, memory loss, focus and dementia. When your brain is on overdrive trying to hear things that you're now missing it can strain your ears and result in social isolation if it continues for a long time.

4. A risk of developing Dementia

image source: harvardhealth

Researchers at John Hopkins University have found that people with moderate hearing loss were three times more likely to develop dementia compared to those without hearing loss. While this is still being studied, it makes sense when you think about it. Your body is working overtime while straining to hear.

5. Hearing loss in just one ear

image source: WGXA

Hearing loss can be due to trauma or infection, all sorts can contribute to hearing loss but in some rare cases it can be a tumor in your ear. 90% of patients who have acoustic neuromas, a benign growth on the nerve of the inner ear, have one-sided hearing loss and 80% experience ringing in the ear.

6. Earache

image source: everydayhealth

If you're getting an ache in the middle of your ear, it could be due to allergies or a cold. If it's the outer ear, it could be 'swimmers ear' or an infection due to water or impacted earwax. But pain in the ear can also be from 'referred pain' from elsewhere in the body.

7. "Referred pain"

image source: wikimediacommons

Referred pain could be coming from somewhere else in your body like if you're suffering with bad toothache, you might experience earache as well - this is very common. Cellulitis from an infected piercing, a tumor or a sore throat could also be causing the referred pain.

8. Wet, sticky earwax

image source: reddit

Wet, sticky earwax can be a sign that you're at risk of developing cancer. Japanese researchers have isolated a gene they call ABCC11 and a mutation of this gene can mean you're at risk of developing breast cancer. Earwax is a good thing so theres no need to panic, just like everything else on your body - keep an eye on things if they change.

9. Unusually shaped ears

image source: reddit

Studies have shown that structural abnormalities of the ear, or skin tags, small fleshy skin growths can be a sign of a potential kidney problem. If newborns exhibit any of these signs, pediatricians are likely to send them for an ultrasound or test them for any other kidney issues.

10. Tinnitus

image source: jamesmadisonuniversity

Ringing, hissing, roaring, whoosing and buzzing in your ears is basically tinnitus. Tinnitus may be a sign of underlying health issues like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, hormonal changes, Meniere's disease or tumors. It can also be a sign of stress, anxiety and insomnia.

11. Itchy ears

image source: reddit

Have you ever suffered with eczema or fungus? Well, itchy ears is a sign of these two things and if you're experiencing white discharge it's more likely to be fungus. Try not to scratch your ears as this can make the infection worse, just go and seek medical attention to get it sorted out as quickly as possible.

12. Red ears

image source: reddit

Red ears can be caused by a bit of sunburn or from embarrassment which will turn your ears a pinkish color. However, if you notice a sudden change, this could indicate hormonal changes associated with menopause or red ear syndrome, which is a condition that may cause migraines or cluster headaches.

13. Numbness

image source: reddit

One symptom of a stroke is numbness in the ears, especially if the face is drooping, limbs become weak and you're finding it difficult to speak. If the numbness in your ears is cause followed by vertigo, hearing loss or tinnitus you could be suffering from Meniere's disease.

14. Pale color

image source: reddit

If you find that your ears are a bit pale or looking a bit paler than normal, this could be an indication that you have a deficiency. A deficiency in vitamins like C or D can often cause you to have many different health issues and one indicator for this is pale ears.

15. New spots, bumps, moles or scars

image source: reddit

If your ears are constantly exposed to sunlight and you're not covering them with sunscreen then they might develop little spots or moles which need to be checked out immediately if so. The moles can sometimes look like a little scar but its always important to get any skin changes checked on as most forms of skin cancers are highly treatable with early detection.

16. Fluid

image source: reddit

Clear or bloody fluid coming out from your ears can be a sign of ear infections like Otitis but it can also be an indication of a perforated eardrum. This can be caused by things like hearing a loud noise or changes in pressure. If this is happening to you then go and speak to your doctor to get it checked out.

17. Wrinkles or small holes in the ears

image source: reddit

Infants are often born with wrinkles or holes in their ears which indicate Beckwith-Wiedmann syndrome which can cause serious health problems. One side of the infants body may be larger than the other and they are more susceptible to develop certain tumors.

18. Low ears

image source: reddit

Two common conditions associated with low ears are Down syndrome and Turner syndromes. People with down syndromes have physical differences and other developmental problems.  Turner syndrome causes problems with the way the neck and head form.

19. An issue with your jaw

image source: congressdentalgroup

Pain in your ears can indicate issues with your jaw. A disorder with the  temporomandibular joint or TMJ, which connects your jaw to the bones that sit in front of each ear can be the reason why people feel pain in their ears. Continuous pain in the ears should be check out by an ENT.

20. You lose your balance frequently

image source: MSDmanuals

Your inner ear canals have a lot to do with your balance, they send signals to your brain to help maintain your balance so if your inner ear gets damaged (hearing loss), then it doesn't send signals to your brain properly. If you keep falling, or find yourself falling more go and get your ears checked at the doctors.

21. Preeclampsia

image source: reddit

Pregnant women can experience preeclampsia. If you're pregnant and you're experiencing tinnitus or strange sounds in your ears then this could be a sign of preeclampsia. Go to your doctor and ask for an audiogram (a hearing test) to check your ear function.

22. Could you have Psoriasis?

image source: reddit

Do you find that your ears are burning? Well, there could be a simple explanation to this...change your shampoo. However, if you notice cracks or bleeding skin on your outer ears you could have a form of psoriasis. This auto immune disease causes your skin to age quicker.

23. No earwax?

image source: insider

Earwax can be gross and annoying, but its a necessary gross and annoying. Medical News Today explains that annoying wax works as a shield to protect your ear canal and eardrum. But if you find that you don't have any, you could have keratosis obturans.

24. Bleeding ears

image source: reddit

Using earbuds to clean your ears can actually make your ears bleed if you use them too forcefully. But if you insert them way too far down, you could rupture your eardrum which takes about 10 weeks to heal. If it doesn't heal, then you might need surgery to avoid permanent hearing loss.

25. Pus in your ear

image source: reddit

Pus is never pleasant to deal with, but if you start to develop pus if the eardrum, it could start to push against the eardrum and leak into your ear canal. This could cause dizziness and vertigo if it gets infected and in rare cases, long term hearing loss can occur.

26. Crackling sounds in your ears

image source: reddit

Besides a cold and sinus infections, you may hear crackling in your ears due to polyps or tumors that develop in your nose and block the tubes that keep the pressure and fluid in your ears at a steady level. Not to scare anybody, because most cases are harmless, but its always better to get checked out.

27. Ears that feel stuffy

image source: NBCnews

When you experience a sudden change in air pressure, like when you're on a plane, your middle ear will be affected and can cause pain and a stuffy feeling in your ears. It is possible that the pain can turn into barotrauma (nothing serious) and usually, your hearing will return to normal within a couple of days.

28. Hearing loss & missed safety alerts

image source: reddit

Only around 20% of people actually seek attention when they're experiencing issues with their ears. But things can become more serious if they're left. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, people may start to miss things like car alarms, beeps or someone shouting them to look out from harms way.

29. One thick earlobe

image source: reddit

Thick earlobes can be a sign of infection, especially if the earlobe is red, warm or tender to touch. If you have any of these symptoms you may be suffering with allergies. Whether it be food or jewellery that you've been wearing, make sure to get this checked out.

30. Hearing loss & diabetes

image source: reddit

"We don't know exactly what the link is between hearing loss and diabetes, but it probably has to do with blood supply to the inner ear,"

says Seth Schwartz, MD. Metabolic changes can be toxic to the inner ear, especially when the disease isn't dealt with properly.

31. And Now.. Things Your Face Says About Your Health! Yellowish Eyes/Skin? It Could Be Jaundice

image source: reddit.com

If your skin, or the whites of your eyes, have turned yellow in color, this is a sign that there are issues with your liver - and it's very often jaundice. Jaundice comes as a result of too much of the waste product used when your body breaks down red blood cells.

32. You Have Moles

image source: reddit.com

Moles are very much associated with cancer, which is why you should always get them checked out, but there are also lots of moles that can be nothing more than skin tags. The key things to look for are whether your moles stay looking the same, or if they get any bigger/change color.

33. Sores Around Your Mouth

image source: reddit.com

It's very likely that sores around your lips will be a cold sore. The pesky thing about cold sores is that if you're prone to them, they can happen all the time. Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus - which can actually affect you as a child through saliva, rather than through sexual contact as an adult!

34. Cracked Lips

image source: reddit.com

When you're not battling with a cold sore, you might instead have painful and dry cracked lips. This can often come from cold weather and a change in temperature. But cracked lips, if you're certain it's not the cold causing it, can also be a sign of dehydration or allergies.

35. You Have A Butterfly Rash

image source: reddit.com

This rash is very unique, and it's an important one to look out for. Its name comes from the spreading across the cheeks like the wings of a butterfly, with the mid point on the nose. This rash can actually be a sign of lupus, an immune system disease, so speak to your doctor if you have this rash.

36. Hair Growing Where You Don't Want It

image source: reddit.com

For men, this isn't too much of an issue - though too much nose and ear hair can of course be a pain. For a woman, it can be a cause for concern when you're suddenly sprouting those pesky moustache or beard hairs. Normally, a few hairs are nothing to worry about - but if you're getting a lot, it can be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome.

37. Your Eyelids Are Drooping

image source: reddit.com

We don't mean because you're tired - if you have one eyelid (or both) that's drooping, it can often be a sign of issues with the brain or nerves, which is often harmless. If you suddenly have a drooping eyelid out of nowhere though - rather than something you've always had - get emergency help.

38. You Can't Move One Side Of Your Face

image source: reddit.com

You should always get medical attention if you can't move a part of your body. But if you can't move one side of your face, and this is the only symptom you have without any other changes, it can be a sign of something called Bell's Palsy, which can make the face muscles weak.

39. Or You Have Face Paralysis With Other Symptoms

image source: facialpalsyuk.com

This is when we're moving into potential stroke territory. This happens when blood flow is cut off to part of your brain. This can result in one side of your face drooping or paralyzed, and is then accompanied by slurred speech, weakness in arms or leg and dizziness.

40. Yellow Spots On Your Eyelids

image source: reddit.com

If you've noticed little yellow-white bumps on your eyelids, either your upper or lower, this could be xanthelasmata, which isn't a dangerous health condition, but can be a sign of other issues, so it's always worth checking out. The small spots are made of cholesterol.

41. Your Eyes Are Puffy

image source: reddit.com

Everybody gets puffy eyes every once in a while, because we know how tough it is to sleep these days. But if you have chronic puffy eyes, caused by fluid pooling under your eyes, it can be caused by a few different things (including lack of sleep): hormone changes, salty foods and hot weather.

42. Grey-Brown Patches Of Skin

image source: reddit.com

Grey-brown patches of skin on your face is known as melasma, and it can be triggered by a few different things. Pregnancy hormones could trigger it, while birth control pills can also have an effect. It can therefore be short-term, and facial treatments can help to ease it.

43. Facial Hair Loss

image source: reddit.com

If you're losing hair on your face, such as eyebrow hair or eyelashes, it can be a symptom of alopecia - this is when your immune system messes up and starts attacking your hair follicles, causing hair loss. To tackle this, your doctor should be able to prescribe things to help.

44. Dark Panda Eyes

image source: allure.com

Dark circles under the eyes are always a pain, especially when you're making sure you get enough sleep. For the most part, dark circles can be harmless and sometimes a condition passed down through genes - but in some cases, dark eye circles could be a sign of chronic kidney problems.

45. A Sudden Loss Of Vision

image source: reddit.com

Obviously this one shouldn't be taken lightly, unless you've poked yourself in the eye or ducked your head in the swimming pool! At best it could be a very bad migraine - at worst, it can be a sign of an impending stroke, or other issues to do with the brain not getting blood flow.

46. Bulging Eyes

image source: reddit.com

If you've noticed that your eyes are swollen to the point that they're actually bulging outward, this could be a symptom of a health condition called Grave's disease. As well as bulging eyes protruding out of the socket, they may also feel dry, red and itchy as a result.

47. A Ring In Your Eyes

image source: myopticoptometry.com

If you've noticed a grey-white ring around the pupil of your eye - and you're under 40 years old - this can be a symptom that you have high cholesterol. The ring is caused by fat deposits which create the ring in the eye as result. You might have a complete ring, or a partial ring.

48. Or Your Eyes Are Twitching Like Crazy

image source: wbkr.com

Eye twitches are usually completely harmless - we all get them from time to time, right? A lot of the time, eye twitches can be caused by stress, or excess caffeine consumption. But in rare cases, the twitches might be your body telling you there's an issue with your nervous system.

49. Spots Along Your Jawline

image source: reddit.com

Acne is always a pain, no matter where it is on the face, but did you know that position of spots can actually indicate how your health is doing? If you have a lot of spots along your jawline specifically, this could be a sign of changes in hormones, or a hormone imbalance.

50. Receding Chin

image source: reddit.com

If there's anything people don't want to hear when they get older, it's 'receding'. If you've noticed a receding chin, along with thick neck and small jaw, this could be a sign that you have sleep apnoea. This is when you stop breathing when you sleep for a short time, resulting in snoring and other health problems.

51. Now let's discuss what your mouth says about your health! Bleeding gums needs addressing......

Image source: Reddit

Bleeding gums may indicate gum disease or a vitamin deficiency. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene can help deal wit this issue and improve your overall gum health.  It's not advisable to wait for your next dental examination with the dentist.

52. Your gums are swollen

Image source: Reddit

Swelling may suggest inflammation or infection. Consult a dentist to identify the cause and determine an appropriate treatment plan for addressing the underlying issue.  The sooner it gets treated, the quicker your gums can revert back to being healthy.

53. A gap between the top of your tooth and your gum

Image source: Reddit

The diagnosis of this symptom is almost certainly a case of receding gums and this may have resulted from gum disease or aggressive brushing. Gentle oral care practices and professional dental care can help manage and prevent further recession of the gums.

54. There's white patches on your tongue

Image source: Reddit

White patches on the tongue or also sometimes on the insides of your cheeks may indicate leukoplakia or other oral conditions. The patches resemble folds or ridges.  Regular dental examinations are essential for early detection and proper management.

55. Tender, red gums are sore to the touch

Image source: Reddit

Redness and soreness may signal gingivitis or infection. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices and seeking professional dental care can help alleviate these symptoms. Without doing so, you can run the risk of your teeth loosening.  Initially, plaque and tartar build up cause the symptoms.

56. Embarrassing bad breath

Image source: Reddit

Chronic bad breath may be linked to poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or underlying health issues.  Whilst halitosis (the medical name for bad breath) is often caused by poor oral hygiene, it may be associated with other medical problems, particularly the stomach.

57. The color of your tongue has changed

Image source: Reddit

Changes in tongue color may indicate nutritional deficiencies or health conditions. Consultation with a healthcare professional can help identify and address potential issues. It may surprise you that a red tip of the tongue can signify mental or emotional stress.

58. You have a persistent dry mouth

Image source: Reddit

A persistent dry mouth may result from certain medications you are taking, prescribed or otherwise, or indicate underlying health problems. Staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, and consulting your dentist or hygienist can help manage this condition.

59. Canker sores at the base of your gums

Image source: Reddit

Canker sores are shallow, small lesions which develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums.  

Stress, immune system issues, or nutritional deficiencies may contribute to canker sores. Adequate rest, stress management, and a balanced diet can help prevent and manage these sores.

60. Unsightly yellow teeth are affecting your smile

Image source: Reddit

Yellowing of teeth can result from various things such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, or dietary factors. Professional teeth cleaning and maintaining good oral habits can improve teeth color.  The color of your teeth is sometimes hereditary so a professional teeth whitening program may be the answer, in such a case.

61. Sounds awful but a black, hairy tongue is the problem

Image source: Reddit

Bacterial overgrowth, poor oral hygiene, or certain medications can cause a black hairy tongue.  Good oral care with a high quality toothbrush, manual or electric, can help manage and prevent this condition.  Regular professional hygiene appointments should also be adhered to.

62.  Ouch - cracked lips

Image source: Reddit

Dehydration or vitamin deficiencies may lead to cracked lips. Adequate hydration, lip balm use, and maintaining a nutritious diet can help alleviate this issue.  During the summer months, always use a sun protection stick on your lips and petroleum jelly in the winter.

63. Oral thrush is an actual thing

Image source: Reddit

Oral thrush may indicate an overgrowth of yeast. Antifungal medications, good oral hygiene, and addressing underlying health conditions can help manage this oral infection.  It's imperative to deal with this straight away as you can spread it to a person you have kissed.

64. Creating too much saliva

Image source: Reddit

Hypersalivation is the medical term for when your salivary glands produce more saliva than usual. Excessive saliva production may be due to salivary gland issues or other health conditions.  Your doctor or dentist will be able to confirm the actual cause and prescribe the relevant treatment.

65. Pain or discomfort in the mouth which won't go away

Image source: Reddit

Don't start googling possible reasons for discomfort, intermittent aching and/or pain in the mouth.  Leave it to the professionals to diagnose what's going on.  There's a chance it may require medical attention so a proper diagnosis and treatment can be administered.

66. A metallic taste in your mouth

Image source: Verywell Health

Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antipsychotics, can cause a metallic taste as a side effect.  Also, dental problems, like amalgam dental fillings or metal crowns, may contribute to a metallic taste. Poor oral hygiene leading to metal-related bacterial activity can also be a factor.

67. Changes in bite alignment

Image source: Reddit

Changes in bite alignment may suggest dental issues or jaw problems. Consulting with an orthodontist or dentist can help identify and address any orthodontic concerns.  You may also experience a dull  pain in the jaw when your bite is out of alignment.

68. You drive your partner mad with your teeth grinding at night!

Image source: Reddit

Teeth grinding can lead to dental problems and may be related to stress. Wearing a mouthguard at night, obtaining stress management, and seeking professional advice can help address the grinding, professionally referred to as bruxism.  Individuals often find the mouthguard works wonders.

69. Jaw pain is always there

Image source: Reddit

Jaw pain may indicate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or other issues. Consultation with a dentist or oral health professional can help diagnose and manage jaw pain effectively.  In a few cases, rheumatoid arthritis could be the reason for the pain.

70. Your jaw clicks but doesn't hurt

Image source: Reddit

A clicking or popping jaw, that's embarrassing when those around you notice it, could be due to an injury to your jaw, grinding or clenching your teeth, illnesses or conditions, like arthritis or inflammation in the muscles around your jaw.  It could also be a case of your jaw not lining up the way it should do.

71.

Excessive tartar build up if you aren't brushing thoroughly

Image source: Reddit

If you have an inadequate oral hygiene routine, this allows plaque to harden into tartar, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.  It's easily preventable.  Simply make sure you get into the routine of regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings can prevent tartar build up.

72. Unsightly black lines on your teeth

Image source: Reddit

Black lines on your teeth indicate decay or if you are a smoker, caused by tobacco staining.  Certain foods which contain highly colored spices can result in these lines.  Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco, and seeking dental care can address the issue.

73. Loss of taste with certain foods

Image source: Quora

Linked to medications, certain medical conditions (like respiratory infections or neurological issues), or aging, can result in loss of taste.  Addressing the underlying cause, adjusting medications if possible, and maintaining oral health can help this matter.

74. Painful gum boils are getting you down

Image source: Reddit

Painful swellings on the gums may result from an infection or abscess, often due to advanced gum disease.  Prevention and treatment include proper oral hygiene, professional dental care and antibiotics.  Prescribed medication may be necessary to resolve gum boils.

75. Difficulty opening your mouth  (TMJ disorders)

Image source: Reddit

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders is a distressing one for those that suffer with it. It can lead to jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and clicking sounds. Conservative measures, like jaw exercises and avoiding triggers, or medical interventions based on the severity of TMJ issues could be the answer.

76. Your voice sounds hoarse

Image source: Reddit

Hoarseness can result from various factors, including throat infections, vocal cord nodules, or acid reflux.  A medical practitioner may advise you to rest the voice, stay hydrated, and address underlying causes, such as GERD or infections.  Don't ignore it.

77. Puffy or swollen salivary glands

Image source: Reddit

Puffiness and swelling of the salivary glands may indicate an infection, blockage, or salivary gland stones.  Treatment to alleviate the symptoms includes hydration, massaging the gland, warm compresses, and seeking medical attention for infections or stones.

78.  You have a chronic cough that won't go away

Image source: Reddit

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can cause stomach acid to reach the throat, leading to a chronic cough condition.  Managing GERD through lifestyle changes, medication can help, as can elevating the head when you go to bed at night.  Persistent coughs should always be referred to a professional.

79. Annoying mouth ulcers are appearing

Image source: Reddit

Stress, immune system issues, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medical conditions can contribute to mouth ulcers.  Stress management, maintaining a healthy balanced diet with lots of vitamins, and addressing underlying health issues can help prevent mouth ulcers.

80. 

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Image source: Reddit

Hormonal changes, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medications may contribute to a burning sensation in the mouth  Identifying and managing underlying causes, maintaining oral health, and sometimes medications for symptom relief are all treatments to bear in mind.

81. You've had your tongue pierced

Image source: Reddit

If you are determined to get your tongue pierced, beware of the risks involved after you've had it done. Increased risk of oral infections, gum damage, and tooth fractures are all symptoms which could occur.  Proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and being aware of potential complications are an absolute must.

82. Your tongue has changed color

Image source: Reddit

Color changes may suggest nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or vitamin B12 deficiencies. Addressing nutritional deficiencies through dietary changes or supplements and maintaining overall health can bring the color back to it's normal, healthy pink hue.

83. You have wisdom teeth problems

Image source: Reddit

Impacted or improperly aligned wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection.  They can  be painful on and off, particularly when they are growing. Regular dental check-ups, monitoring wisdom teeth development, and, if necessary, extraction are the treatments that are recommended.

84. You're suffering with dental trauma

Image source: Reddit

If you've had an injury or accident, resulting in fractures, displacement, or loss of teeth, you may be suffering from dental trauma. Wearing protective gear during activities, seeking prompt dental care in case of trauma, and restorative dental procedures are all relevant treatments.

85. You've noticed enamel erosion

Image source: Reddit

Enamel erosion can be caused by acidic foods, beverages, or conditions such as acid reflux.  If you have this issue, you should limit acidic foods, maintain good oral hygiene, and make sure you address underlying issues.  These can all help prevent enamel erosion.

86.  How nasal issues can affect your health - congestion

Image source: Reddit

Allergies, cold, or sinus infections are all symptoms of nasal congestion.  These can all cause temporary respiratory issues. Allergies trigger an immune response, causing nasal congestion. Colds and sinus infections result in inflamed nasal passages, leading to temporary blockage.

87. Your nose is always running

Image source: Reddit

If your nose is always running, it could be down to allergies, viral infections, or chronic sinusitis. It could also be an ongoing respiratory or allergic condition. Allergic reactions or chronic sinus inflammation can cause a continuous release of mucus, leading to a persistent runny nose.

88.  Nasal discharge is a different color

Image source: Reddit

If the discharge from your nose is green or yellow, this isn't normal and may indicate an infection, either bacterial or viral.  A color change in nasal discharge suggests the presence of white blood cells, indicating an immune response to infection.  You should see your pharmacist or doctor in this case.

89. Yes, there is such a thing as a dry nose!

Image source: Reddit

Dry air, dehydration, or certain medications can cause a dry nose. Dry nasal passages can cause ongoing discomfort.  Environmental factors like dry air, dehydration, or medications that reduce mucus production can result in nasal dryness.  You may be prescribed a nasal spray in this case.

90. You keep getting nose bleeds

Image source: Reddit

Nose bleeds are so annoying as they tend to occur without any warning.  They can be caused by dry air, nasal trauma, or underlying health conditions.  They are quite common in the elderly. Dry air and nasal trauma can lead to the thinning of blood vessels in the nasal passages, increasing the risk of nose bleeds.

91. You're experiencing loss of smell

Image source: NBC News

A loss of smell can be very inconvenient as well as annoying.  You can't enjoy your food and you don't look forward to eating it.  This condition can be due to a viral infection, affecting the olfactory nerve, while nasal polyps or neurological issues can directly impact the sense of smell.

92. Sinus pain and/or pressure

Image source: Reddit

Sinusitis or sinus congestion is a common condition where the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed. It’s caused by a viral infection and often improves within a couple of weeks. The sinuses are small, air-filled cavities that lie behind your cheekbones and your forehead.

93. What causes the big "S" (snoring) - alcohol and sedatives

Image source: Reddit

Alcohol and sedatives can be reasons why you snore.  Consuming alcoholic drinks close to bed time is not a good idea.  If you are a regular snorer, this will be worse when there's alcohol in your system.  Sleeping pills can give the same effect, so you could get a good night's sleep but your partner won't!

94. Obesity or high BMI

Image source: Reddit

Being overweight does not always cause snoring but carrying excess weight around the neck can make it difficult for you to breathe properly when you’re lying down. It compresses your airways and leads to snoring. Fat around your middle can also compress your upper airway, push your diaphragm up.

95. Are you a smoker?

Image source: Reddit

The inhalation of tobacco smoke irritates and inflames the respiratory tract.  Swelling and inflammation will impede smooth airflow and results in snoring.  Pipe tobacco is not as common these days as it was back in the 1960s and '70s but those that still partake are likely to snore.

96. You may have sleep apnea

Image source: Reddit

Sleep apnea is when the airway collapses partially or fully when you are asleep, leading to breathing interruptions.  Snoring is a common indicator of your struggle to breathe during sleep, often seen in obstructive sleep apnea.  May people have no idea they suffer from sleep apnea and only find out when they are monitored.

97. A side effect of pregnancy

Image source: Reddit

Besides the elation of growing a baby inside you, pregnancy brings with it a whole host of symptoms due to hormonal changes and weight gain. Altered hormonal levels and increased weight may impact the airway, contributing to snoring during your pregnancy.

98. It could be in the genes

Image source: Reddit

Did you know that snoring could be in the genes!  Inherited anatomical traits, such as a narrow airway or enlarged structures, can contribute towards snoring.  The best you can do is look at ways to alleviate it.  You may wish to try nasal strips which are widely available.

99.  What's your sleep position

Image source: Forum

Supine sleeping (that is sleeping on your back to you and me) allows gravity to pull the tongue and soft palate backward. The relaxed tongue and palate partially block the airway, creating turbulence during breathing and causing snoring.  Try and sleep on your side!

100. It may be down to your age

Image source: Reddit

The natural aging processes result in muscle tone reduction throughout the body. Weakened throat muscles are more prone to collapsing during sleep, contributing to snoring sounds.  By the time you are "mature", you are more concerned with getting a good night's sleep rather than the noise you make in doing so!