Otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists go through rigorous training and practice to become certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Specialists must complete college, medical school and at least five years of specialty training. On top of that, they are required to pass an examination given by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Benefits to seeing an Otolaryngologist are that these physicians are trained in both medicine and surgery. The benefit with visiting our clinic is our ENT physicians will not have to refer you to a separate surgeon for any procedures you may need performed.
Pediatric ENT
Ear, nose and throat conditions can be scary and disorienting for children. These conditions can be especially frightening to young children when their communication skills are limited. Whether it’s hearing loss, complex sinus problems, airway problems, sleep apnea, voice problems or other concerns, treating children requires special care. Some common conditions seen in children include ear infections, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and tonsillitis.
Acute ear infections are common in young children and usually don’t last very long. An acute infection may include inflammation and pain in the middle ear, located directly behind the eardrum. In some rare instances, chronic ear infections can occur in children. These can be more serious and possibly require surgery.
Like adults, allergic rhinitis occurs in children when they are allergic to airborne contaminants, like pollen, animal dander, and dust, among others. While sinusitis mostly affects young and middle-aged adults, it can also occur in children. Treatment for children suffering from these conditions may be similar to that for adults, based on each individual patient.
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat on either side. Symptoms include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck. It was once very common to treat tonsillitis by removing the tonsils altogether, however physicians currently like to depend on surgery only when necessary. If tonsillitis doesn’t respond to other treatments, or is recurring, surgery may be the best option.
Our experienced physicians bring a wide array of diagnostic and surgical skills focused on pediatric conditions. Our entire staff understands the importance of being warm, friendly, calm and comforting when dealing with children.
Geriatric ENT
Older adults make up nearly a third of all ENT patients. Ear, nose and throat conditions can have more serious consequences in the elderly—which is why it’s important to diagnose these conditions as soon as possible.
Common conditions include hearing loss, which affects more than 28 million Americans in varying degrees. Some of these cases are treatable by surgical intervention. Other ailments that may affect older adults often include loss of voice, difficulty swallowing, sinusitis and sleep disorders.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our professionals to determine a treatment plan that's right for you.
Snoring and Sleep
Snoring isn’t just a nuisance for your partner. It could indicate a more serious health condition. Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the causing the irritating sound as you breathe. Sometimes, snoring is an indication of a larger problem called sleep apnea. This occurs when you are asleep and your breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
The solution could be as simple as avoiding alcohol close to bedtime or losing weight, but sometimes a medical device or surgery may be required. Our team is skilled at diagnosing the cause of your sleep disorder and will recommend the appropriate solution to improve your health and your sleep.
Voice Issues
Your voice is your connection to those around you—that’s why voice issues can be so frightening. The loss of your voice can be caused by something as simple as talking too much or as serious as polyps, a virus, or even cancer. The moment you experience a voice problem, let us know.
Most voice issues can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. Trust our specialists to determine the specific cause of your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Food Allergies
There are eight foods that account for 90 percent of food allergies. They are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. They affect up to 15 million people in the United States, including 1 in 13 children.
Food allergies can range from mild to severe, so it’s very important, especially with children to identify these early on to prevent any serious problems from occurring in the future. We’ll help you identify which foods you’re allergic to, educate you about what ingredients you should look for on food labels, and create a plan that helps you navigate your food allergy.
Blocked Breathing
Often occurring at night during times of snoring, blocked breathing can reduce blood oxygen levels causing the heart to pump harder. This condition may have a serious impact on your quality of life, work efficiency, and driving safety. Left untreated, it may also lead to hypertension, coronary artery disease, memory impairment, stroke, and adult onset diabetes.
We’ll determine the cause of your blocked breathing and develop a treatment to help you breathe easier and sleep better.