Ear, Nose, & Throat

Laryngopharyngeal surgery, or LPS, is a surgical procedure that is used to treat a variety of issues in the throat and larynx. This type of surgery is minimally invasive, which means that it involves small incisions and causes less damage to the surrounding tissue.

Possible procedures include:

Salivary Gland Surgery may seem like a daunting procedure, but it can be incredibly beneficial for those suffering from salivary gland dysfunction.

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Treatments for sinus problems include:

Do you snore? Do you wake up feeling exhausted, even though you slept for eight hours? You might be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can impact your health and quality of life. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, preventing you from getting the oxygen you need. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, and other health issues. Luckily, there is a treatment available for sleep apnea: surgery. An ENT can perform several different surgeries to help treat snoring and sleep apnea. We will discuss the different surgeries an ENT can perform and how they help with snoring and sleep apnea.

Possible procedures include:

Thyroid and parathyroid surgery are minimally invasive procedures that can help treat a variety of thyroid and parathyroid conditions. If you are considering these procedures, it is important to understand what they entail and the risks involved.

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An ENT, or Otolaryngologist, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, as well as related structures in the head and neck.

If you are experiencing symptoms related to the ears, nose, or throat, such as ear pain, nasal congestion, or difficulty swallowing, you should consider seeing an ENT.

Yes, many ENTs specialize in pediatric otolaryngology and are specifically trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting children’s ears, noses, and throats.

Some common conditions treated by an ENT include allergies, sinusitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, hearing loss, voice disorders, sleep apnea, and head and neck cancer.

During your first visit, the ENT will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and may order additional tests or imaging studies to help diagnose your condition. They will then work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Not all conditions require surgery, and an ENT will explore non-surgical treatment options before recommending surgery. However, if surgery is necessary, an ENT has specialized training and expertise to perform a wide range of surgical procedures in the head and neck region.

Recovery time can vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual patient. Some procedures may only require a few days of recovery time, while others may require several weeks.

Have you ever heard a ringing, buzzing, or perhaps whooshing sound in your ears when there’s no actual sound around you? This is a condition called tinnitus. It is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world, regardless of age or gender.

Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound in the ears or head without the presence of an external source of sound. The sound can be heard as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or even roaring. Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic and can be caused by a variety of factors such as exposure to loud noises, ear infections, earwax buildup, high blood pressure, or certain medications.

If you or someone you know is experiencing tinnitus, it is important to understand that while there is often no known cure, there are ways to manage and alleviate the symptoms. Here are some tips to help manage tinnitus:

It is important to note that some people may require medical treatment for tinnitus. If your tinnitus is interfering with your daily life, talk to your ENT about possible treatment options. Some treatments may include:

Thyroid disease is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, but there is good news! With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with thyroid disease are able to manage their symptoms and lead a happy, healthy life.

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and energy levels in the body, and when it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms. However, there are many treatment options available, including medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery.

While surgery may seem daunting, it is an effective treatment option for many types of thyroid disease, including thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer. Additionally, with advancements in surgical techniques and technology, the procedure has become safer and more effective than ever before. In fact, many people who undergo thyroid surgery are able to resume their normal activities within just a few weeks of the procedure. For those who require lifelong medication, there are many options available that can help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

While thyroid disease may seem overwhelming, there are many treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Whether it’s through medication, surgery, or a combination of both, working closely with your doctor can help you find the best course of treatment for your individual needs. So don’t let thyroid disease hold you back—with the right care and management, you can live a happy, healthy life.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, resulting in disrupted sleep and a decrease in oxygen levels. The condition can have serious health consequences if left untreated, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications.

There are several treatment options available for OSA, ranging from lifestyle changes to surgical interventions. Lifestyle changes are often the first-line treatment for OSA, particularly for mild cases. These may include weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, sleeping on your side, and quitting smoking. Losing weight can be particularly effective as excess fat in the neck and throat can narrow the airway, making it more susceptible to collapse during sleep. Additionally, sleeping on your side can help prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is another common treatment option for OSA and is arguably the gold standard. It involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth during sleep, which is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air pressure to keep the airway open. While CPAP is generally effective in treating OSA, it does require consistent use and can be uncomfortable or inconvenient for some patients.

For patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP, oral appliances can be a viable alternative. These devices are custom-made to fit in the mouth and work by positioning the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open. While oral appliances can be effective in treating OSA, they are often less effective than CPAP and may need to be adjusted periodically to ensure proper fit and function.

For patients with more severe OSA or those who do not respond to other treatments, surgical interventions may be necessary. One common surgical procedure is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which involves removing excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway. Other surgical options include maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), which involves moving the upper and lower jaws forward to increase the space in the airway, and, depending on severity, tracheostomy, which involves creating a hole in the neck to bypass the upper airway obstruction.

While these treatments can be effective in treating OSA, they do come with risks and potential complications, particularly for surgical interventions. Additionally, not all patients are candidates for surgery or may prefer to explore less invasive options.

This is where the Inspire device comes in. The Inspire device is a newer treatment option for OSA that has shown promising results. It works by delivering mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the movement of the tongue and other muscles in the throat. This stimulation helps to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing the frequency and severity of OSA events. The device is controlled by a small handheld remote that the patient uses to turn the device on and off and adjust the stimulation settings. The device has a low risk of side effects and complications and can reduce sleep apnea severity by up to 90% in appropriately selected patients.

While obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition, there are many effective treatment options available. From lifestyle changes to surgical interventions, there is hope for those struggling with OSA. And for those who have tried other treatment options with little success, the Inspire device offers a promising solution that has already helped many people improve their symptoms and quality of life.

So if you or someone you know is dealing with OSA, talk to a healthcare professional and explore the different treatment options available. With the right approach, it’s possible to overcome this condition and enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep once again!

Nasal obstruction occurs when the nasal passages become blocked or narrowed, making it difficult to breathe through your nose. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as allergies, nasal polyps, deviated septum, or a cold. Nasal obstruction can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but there are treatments available to help you breathe.

One of the most common causes of nasal obstruction is allergies. Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander. The inflammation can cause the nasal passages to become congested or blocked. In addition to nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis can cause sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.

Nasal polyps are another cause of nasal obstruction. Nasal polyps are small, noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They can cause the nasal passages to become narrowed or blocked, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. Other symptoms of nasal polyps include runny nose, postnasal drip, and loss of sense of smell.

A deviated septum is a condition where the septum, the thin wall between the nostrils, is crooked or off-center. This can cause one nasal passage to be smaller than the other, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose. A deviated septum can be caused by injury, no matter how innocuous, or it can be a congenital condition.

A common cold or other upper respiratory infection can also cause nasal obstruction. During a cold, the nasal passages become inflamed and produce mucus. The excess mucus can cause congestion and block the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.

There are several treatments available to help relieve nasal obstruction. For mild cases, over-the-counter nasal decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline can be helpful. These medications work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling and congestion. However, these medications should not be used for more than three days in a row as they can cause rebound congestion and actually worsen obstruction.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays are another treatment option for nasal obstruction. These medications work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which can help relieve congestion. Nasal corticosteroid sprays are available over-the-counter or by prescription and need to be used consistently for best results and are best used as a preventative measure.

In addition to medical treatments, there are also some lifestyle changes that can help relieve nasal obstruction. For example, using a humidifier in your bedroom can help keep the air moist, which can reduce nasal irritation and congestion. Nasal saline rinses can also help clear the nasal passages and relieve congestion. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.

For more severe cases of nasal obstruction, surgery may be necessary. Surgery can be used to rapidly correct a deviated septum or remove nasal polyps. There are several types of surgery available, including septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and endoscopic sinus surgery- all of which are generally tolerated well with short recovery. An ENT can help determine the best course of treatment for your individual case.

Itchy/scratchy throat? Hoarse voice? Throat clearing or cough? These symptoms might not always be the result of a common cold or a respiratory illness. In some cases, they could be signs of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LPRD).

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease, also known as silent reflux, is a type of reflux irritation that affects the throat and voice box. Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where the acid refluxes into the esophagus, LPRD affects the structures in the back of the throat and possibly the lungs. This can cause a variety of symptoms such as chronic cough, hoarseness, throat clearing, postnasal drip, and difficulty swallowing.

LPRD occurs when stomach acid travels back up into the throat and voice box. This can happen when the muscle that separates the stomach and esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), fails to function properly. When the LES is weak, acid can flow into the esophagus and travel all the way up to the throat, causing irritation and inflammation. Some factors that can contribute to the development of LPRD include obesity, smoking, eating large meals, consuming acidic or spicy foods, and stress.

Diagnosing LPRD can be challenging because the symptoms are similar to those of other upper respiratory conditions and are generally vague. Often, LPRD can mimic the symptoms of throat or laryngeal cancer which leads to anxiety and worry in these patients. A healthcare provider will likely perform a thorough physical exam and may refer the patient to an otolaryngologist (ENT) for a more focused evaluation. The ENT may perform a laryngoscopy, a very short and easy procedure that involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the throat, to examine for signs of inflammation or damage and, just as crucially, to rule out masses or lesions which can lead to similar symptoms. The severity and location of these findings can help guide treatment and management of the condition.

Treatment for LPRD usually involves lifestyle modifications and medication. Lifestyle modifications may include avoiding acidic or spicy foods, losing weight, avoiding eating before bedtime, and quitting smoking. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids may be prescribed to reduce acid production and neutralize stomach acid. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to tighten the LES and prevent acid reflux.

While LPRD can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience persistent symptoms as these are not always signs of reflux disease. Left untreated, LPRD can lead to complications such as chronic laryngitis, vocal cord nodules, or polyps, and can mask the symptoms of other underlying problems. With the proper treatment and management, individuals with LPRD can live a healthy and comfortable life.