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Throat & Neck Disorders

Conditions We Evaluate

Treatment & Procedures

  • Adenoidectomy
  • Head & Neck Cancer Surgery
  • In-office endoscopic evaluation
  • Parotidectomy
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Tonsillectomy

Enlarged Adenoids

Adenoids are lymph tissue located in the back of your nose. The adenoids can become enlarged or infected. When infected, they can lead to a chronic sore throat, ear infections, or sinus infections.

If enlarged, they can also cause problems breathing through the nose, which can also lead to snoring or sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder, in which breathing during sleep repeatedly becomes too shallow, or stops altogether.

Adenoids

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, also known as the voice box. Inside the larynx are your vocal cords, two folds that open and close, forming sounds through their movement and vibration. Laryngitis occurs when the vocal cords become inflamed or irritated due to overuse, irritation, or infection. This swelling causes distortion of the sounds produced by air passing over them. As a result, your voice sounds hoarse. Most cases of Laryngitis are not serious and heal within a few days on their own.

Laryngeal Reflux

There are two sphincter muscles located in the esophagus, the tube which food passes through as it travels from your mouth to your stomach. If the upper and lower esophageal sphincters do not function properly, acid that has flowed into the esophagus is allowed into the throat and voice box. When this occurs, it’s called Laryngeal Reflux, or LPR.

Snoring

Snoring is a common problem experienced by many. While we sleep, the muscles in our body relax, including those in and around the throat.

As we breathe, air flows past tissues in the nose and throat, causing them to vibrate. The sound of this vibration is what we refer to as snoring. In its earliest stages, snoring may only cause minimal disruption to sleep. Chronic snoring can interrupt, and reduce the quality of sleep for someone, as well as those around them.

People who sleep next to a chronic snorer can lose on average one hour of sleep each night. Losing sleep can cause irritability, high blood pressure, difficulty concentrating and fatigue, which can be extremely dangerous while driving or operating machinery. Many couples cope with snoring by sleeping in separate rooms. This often puts strain on a relationship and contributes to a loss of intimacy.

There are ways to address factors that contribute to snoring. Losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol prior to sleeping, or sleeping on your side can all help reduce snoring. For more severe cases, medical devices and surgery are available that may reduce disruptive snoring. If you or someone you know is living with a snoring problem, speak with your doctor and ask about which options may be appropriate for you.

Anatomy of Woman While Normal Sleeping and Have Snoring

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis causes the tonsils to become swollen and painful. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. This procedure is typically performed to treat recurring or serious tonsil infections. A tonsillectomy may also be needed to treat patients with other issues caused by enlarged tonsils, such as sleep apnea. Tonsillectomies are usually done on an outpatient basis, which means you, or your child, should be able to go home the same day of the surgery.

Tonsillectomy

Tonsillitis causes the tonsils to become swollen and painful. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. This procedure is typically performed to treat recurring or serious tonsil infections. A tonsillectomy may also be needed to treat patients with other issues caused by enlarged tonsils, such as sleep apnea. Tonsillectomies are usually done on an outpatient basis, which means you, or your child, should be able to go home the same day of the surgery.

Patient Education & Resources

Thyroid Disorders & Surgery: http://www.entnet.org/?q=node/1467

Tonsils & Adenoids: http://www.entnet.org/?q=node/1432

Head and Neck Cancer: http://www.entnet.org/?q=node/1462