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General ENT Department
Nose & Sinus
Nose
Rhinitis
Common symptoms of sinonasal problems include congestion or nasal stuffiness, mucous drainage, headaches and pressure in the cheeks, forehead or around the eyes. Nasal inflammation can result from both allergic and non-allergic causes, resulting in chronic nasal congestion and drainage. Diagnosis requires a thorough head and neck examination. Several treatment options are available.
Nasal Obstruction
Nasal congestion or difficulty breathing out of the nose is a very common problem. This can be caused by nasal inflammation from allergic or non-allergic causes, barometric pressure changes or structural blockage from nasal polyps, septal deviation or turbinate gland enlargement. For nasal inflammation, several medication options are available. When nasal obstruction is persistent, particularly if unilateral, evaluation for structural blockage should be performed. Normal nasal breathing should be free and unrestricted and when structural blockage is present, breathing can frequently be improved with surgery.
Sinus
Sinonasal Symptoms
Common symptoms of sinonasal problems include congestion or nasal stuffiness, mucous drainage, headaches and pressure in the cheeks, forehead or around the eyes. Nasal inflammation can result from both allergic and non-allergic causes resulting in chronic nasal congestion and drainage. Diagnosis requires a thorough head and neck examination. Several treatment options are available.
Sinus Surgery
Common symptoms of sinonasal problems include congestion or nasal stuffiness, mucous drainage, headaches and pressure in the cheeks, forehead or around the eyes. These symptoms can result from chronic sinus infection, nasal inflammation and allergies. A thorough examination including Fiberoptic Nasal Endoscopy assists with appropriate diagnosis and to select the best treatment options. Additional tests including cultures and CT scanning may be necessary. A variety of medical and surgical treatments are available depending on the nature and severity of the disease. Sinus surgery can be a highly effective alternative when medical therapy alone is unsuccessful. Procedures are generally performed as an outpatient and done endoscopically with no external incisions. In most cases, uncomfortable nasal packing can be avoided. Stereotactic image guided surgery is also utilized for appropriate complex or revision surgery cases.
Perforations of the ear drum usually result from infection or trauma. The most common traumatic injuries causing a perforation are a slap on the ear or trauma from water skiing or diving. Perforations due to chronic infection may not heal and can be associated with some degree of hearing loss. Surgical procedures may be required repair the ear drum (tympanoplasty) and may include surgery on the mastoid bone around the ear (tympanomastoidectomy).
Ear Trauma
Trauma to the outside of the ear can cause lacerations that may require surgical repair. Complex repairs may require staged procedures. Blunt trauma can cause a blood clot to form under the skin of the ear, which can affect the blood supply to the ear cartilage causing distortion and deformity (Wrestler's ear or Cauliflower ear). It is important that this is diagnosed and treated quickly to prevent permanent deformity of the ear.
Ear Pain
Ear pain is a common complaint and can result from infection, poor Eustachian tube function or temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). TMJ is a frequent cause of pain in the ear area and is often misdiagnosed. Treatment can include anti-inflammatory medication and a dental splint.
Serous Otitis Media (Middle Ear Fluid)
Serous Otitis Media, or fluid behind the eardrum, can have multiple causes.
Symptoms of Serous Otitis Media can include:
Hearing loss
Blocked sensation
Vertigo
Treatment: Your doctor will properly diagnose this condition and recommend a course of treatment.
Tympanotomy
This test detects disorders of the middle ear. Your doctor will first examine your ear canal to make sure there is a clear path to your ear drum. A device is placed into your ear to change the air pressure while the tympanogram records the results. You will hear a series of loud tones as the measurements are being recorded. The measurements will show your doctor your ear’s response to the varying pressures and identify problems needing medical attention.
Right Middle Ear Effusion (Fluid Behind the Ear Drum)
View of Left Ear Canal and Ear Drum (Tympanic Membrane)
View of Right Ear Canal and Ear Drum (Tympanic Membrane)
Dizziness
Dizziness or "vertigo" is a very common problem and can occur in children, adults and the elderly. It is most accurately described as a sensation of motion or spinning when there is no movement, but may also include a sense of unsteadiness or imbalance. Dizziness is not a specific disease and can be caused by a variety of disorders. A thorough head and neck examination including the ears, along with testing of the hearing, are the first steps in discovering the cause of dizziness. When indicated, specialized balance testing may also be performed to further evaluate and treat dizziness.
Vertigo
Vertigo creates a sensation of movement in those afflicted with the disease. Vertigo sufferers may also experience a feeling of nausea, sweating, abnormal eye movements and difficulty speaking. Most cases of vertigo are harmless however patients experiencing double vision, headaches, weakness, difficulty speaking or walking or an altered level of consciousness should consult their ENT physician as soon as possible. In most cases there is no medical treatment for Vertigo but some patients may be prescribed antibiotics.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s Disease is a disorder of the inner ear for which the cause is unknown. People suffering from this disease experience a combination of episodic rotational vertigo, Tinnitus, hearing loss and ear fullness. Once you have been diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease your ENT physician will recommend a course of treatment to help relieve your symptoms.
Head & Neck
Sore Throat
The majority of sore throats, or pharyngitis, are viral in nature and resolve with supportive care. However strep throat is a bacterial infection and may require antibiotic therapy. Chronic sore throat can also be caused by a variety of disorders including rhinitis, allergy, sinusitis, postnasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux disease. If your sore throat does not improve within seven to 10 days you should be evaluated to rule out a serious medical condition.
The thyroid gland makes a hormone that regulates the body's metabolism. The gland is located in front of the neck below the voice box (Adam's apple). Lumps in the thyroid gland require thorough head and neck examination. Additional tests such as blood tests, ultrasound or CT scanning may also be needed.
Salivary Glands
Salivary glands include the parotid glands, submandibular glands and minor salivary glands. Disorders of the salivary glands can include chronic infection, stones and autoimmune diseases. Lumps or bumps in the salivary glands, while frequently benign, should be evaluated with a head and neck examination to determine if further testing is indicated.
Voice & Swallowing
A variety of conditions cause disorders of the voice, most typically manifested as hoarseness. Abuse or misuse of the voice can cause nodules or bumps on the vocal cords. Medical conditions such as chronic acid reflux or thyroid disorders can also affect the vocal cords. Smoking or aging can also cause changes to occur in the vocal cords. Lack of movement or poor or improper function of the vocal cords can be associated with serious medical conditions, including cancer. Benign or malignant growths can also occur on the vocal cords. A thorough head and neck examination including a Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy in the office is the initial step in evaluating voice disorders.
A lump in the neck most often represents a benign lymph node caused by inflammation or infection. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, as well as in the head and neck, and serve as filters. Cysts, usually congenital, also occur in the head and neck and may not manifest until adulthood. Any unresolving neck mass needs to be evaluated for more serious conditions such as cancer. Cancers of the head and neck are frequently associated with smoking and alcohol use. Early diagnosis and evaluation is important to maximize treatment options and a positive outcome. Additional testing may include lab tests, CT or MRI scanning and needle biopsy. Evaluation by an oncology specialists may also be necessary.
Dizziness or "vertigo" is a very common problem and can occur in children, adults and the elderly. It is most accurately described as a sensation of motion or spinning when there is no movement, but may also include a sense of unsteadiness or imbalance. Dizziness is not a specific disease and can be caused by a variety of disorders. A thorough head and neck examination including the ears, along with testing of the hearing, are the first steps in discovering the cause of dizziness. When indicated, specialized balance testing may also be performed to further evaluate and treat dizziness.
