Ear, Nose & Throat

Common in children, chronic ear infections are caused by fluid, swelling or an infection behind the eardrum that won’t resolve or continues to return. Commonly, it involves a hole in the eardrum that won’t heal. Untreated, it can cause long-term or permanent damage to the ear.

Equally affecting adults and children, chronic sinusitis flares when the sinuses, the spaces inside the nose and head, are swollen and inflamed for at least three months notwithstanding treatment. It renders breathing through the nose difficult and often the face around the eyes feels swollen and tender Chronic sinusitis can be brought on by an infection, by growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Also called chronic rhinosinusitis, the condition can affect both adults and children.

Mutations in skin cells that cause them to grow out of control cause facial skin cancer. The biggest risk factor is ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and tanning beds. It affects people of all skin colors, but those with fair skin, a history of sunburns and excessive sun exposure, moles or a family history of skin cancer are at most risk. Treatment depends on the type, size and location of the cancer, as well as overall health.

Hearing loss can occur when any part of the auditory system is not functioning in the usual way. The auditory system comprises the outer, middle and inner ear and there are four types of hearing loss. The degree of hearing loss can range from minor to profound. There are many advanced treatment options.

There are many different kinds of mouth sores and issues caused by a variety of conditions. They can range from acutely painful to completely symptomless. Some mouth sores can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but others should be treated by an ear, nose and throat specialist - especially if mouth sores develop that don’t heal and tobacco products are used. A potentially serious precancerous or cancerous lesion may exist. People should also see an ENT specialist if any of the following occur: a mouth sore that doesn’t heal within 14 days; hoarseness when speaking lasting more than 2 weeks; difficulty talking or swallowing; feeling a mass or lump in the neck or mouth; and/or a sensation of numbness in the face or mouth.

The treatment of Otolaryngic allergies may benefit from an interface between an ENT and an allergy / immunology specialist. The tendency of allergy to produce recurring symptoms from repeated exposure to a trigger plays a role in sinus disease.

The salivary glands are key to the lubrication of the mouth, help with swallowing, protect teeth against bacteria, and facilitate digestion. The three primary salivary glands are parotid glands on the insides of the cheeks; submandibular glands at the floor of the mouth; and, sublingual glands under the tongue. There are a host of problems that can trouble the function of the salivary glands or block the ducts so they can't function to drain saliva.

A sleep disorder, apnea causes breathing to be repeatedly interrupted – episodes typically last between 10- to-20 seconds at a rate of from five to over 100 times an hour. The lack of oxygen during an episode shocks the body awake, but usually so fleetingly, it is not remembered. However, the result is disruption to the natural sleep rhythm increasing time spent in light sleep and less in the important deep, restorative sleep essential to energy and sharp mental focus.

A butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, the thyroid has important roles regulating many metabolic processes across the body. Different types of thyroid disorders may affect either the organ’s structure or function, which is regulated by the brain. The thyroid can impact the body’s functioning in a myriad of important ways.

Tonsils are two small lumps of tissues one on either side of the back of the throat. Most tonsil infections (tonsillitis) are caused by viruses or bacteria, and usually are contagious by direct person-to-person contact. Common symptoms may include red, white or yellow swollen tonsils, swollen glands in the neck, fever, trouble swallowing, and unpleasant breath.

Voice is the sound produced by vibration of the vocal cords in the larynx. A voice disorder occurs when the vocal cords do not function well enough to produce a clear sound. Some symptoms are loss of voice, pitch too high or low, hoarseness, breathiness, raspiness, and strain.