BLOG
Archive:
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- sleep apnea (9)
- Sinus Infection (4)
- Dizziness (6)
- Breathing Problems (4)
- Otolaryngology (2)
- surgery (1)
- Earache (1)
- neck (1)
- neck cancer (2)
- head cancer (2)
- nose (2)
- sinus (2)
- Allergies (5)
- Sinusitis (2)
- Hearing Loss (3)
- head surgery (2)
- neck surgery (3)
- Sinus Infections (2)
- Nosebleeds (2)
- Hearing Aids (5)
- Sinus Problems (1)
- Mouth Sores (2)
- Mouth (2)
- Tonsillitis (2)
- Throat (1)
- ENT (3)
- Ear (1)
- Ear Infection (2)
- Ear Pain (1)
- Sore Throat (2)
- face pain (1)
- Cleft Palate (1)
- Sleep Problems (1)
- Deviated Septum (2)
- Auricular Hematoma (1)
- Tonsillectomy (2)
- Canker Sores (1)
- Head and Neck Surgery (2)
- Sinus Surgery (1)
- Asthma (1)
- Breathing Problem (1)
- Swimmer’s Ear (1)
- Thyroid Disorder (1)
- Swallowing Disorders (1)
- Nasal issues (1)
- Dysphagia (1)
- Throat Cancer (1)
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (1)
- ENT Doctor (1)
ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Is it time to schedule an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor?
While common cold-induced sniffles or chest congestion may have you simply turning to your routine doctor for a checkup, it’s also important to recognize when your ear, nose or throat problems may warrant treatment from a specialist like our Washington DC, ENT doctor Dr. William Bond, Jr. Wondering whether you should turn to an ENT doctor for care? You may want to if,
You’re dealing with recurring sinus infections
While a simple sinus infection probably isn’t enough to warrant a trip to our ENT doctor’s office here in Washington DC, you may want to come in for an evaluation if you are dealing with severe or persistent sinus infection symptoms that last more than 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis can cause serious pain in the face, nose and upper teeth, and may require more aggressive treatment from a qualified ENT specialist.
You suspect that you might have allergies
If you are dealing with nasal congestion, facial pain and pressure, persistent cough and sinus infections then allergies could be to blame. Luckily, our ENT doctor can easily test, diagnose and treat your allergies. By determining what triggers your allergy symptoms we can easily give you the answers and care you need to alleviate symptoms in the future.
You’ve noticed hearing loss or changes in your hearing
Are you noticing changes in your hearing such as hearing loss or muffled hearing? While an ear infection could be the cause, it’s important to determine the root cause of your hearing loss to prevent it from getting worse. If you’ve been experiencing changes in hearing for 1-2 weeks, it’s important to get an evaluated from an ENT specialist.
You are experiencing ringing in the ears
Most people will experience ringing in the ears at some point (you may have experienced this after leaving a loud concert); however, if you experience this problem regularly you could be dealing with a condition known as tinnitus. It can also be a sign of hearing issues or an infection, so it’s a good idea to turn to an ENT doctor who can figure out the cause and provide you with an effective solution to get rid of this annoying problem.
If you are dealing with recurring sinus infections, persistent allergy symptoms or hearing problems, our Washington DC, ENT doctor will be able to provide you with the specialized treatment you need. Call our office today at (202) 726-7770.
The tonsils are two small glands that are found in the back of the throat. They are our body’s first defenses against harmful bacteria and other foreign invaders; however, sometimes even the tonsils can become inflamed and infected. This condition is known as tonsillitis. While dealing with tonsillitis doesn’t require having your tonsils removed, your ENT doctor may recommend getting a tonsillectomy if:- You are dealing with seven or more tonsil infections in just one year
- You have more than five tonsil infections a year for two years in a row
- You have three infections per year for three years in a row
- Your infected tonsils are not responding to antibiotics
- You’re dealing with enlarged tonsils (this can also cause obstructive sleep apnea and issues with breathing while sleeping)
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
Wondering if you or your child is dealing with a case of tonsillitis? It’s possible if these symptoms appear:
- A severe sore throat
- White or yellow patches on the throat and tonsils
- Swollen, inflamed tonsils
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain or trouble swallowing
- Fever
This procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia, so you or your child will not be awake during the procedure; however, this is a minor procedure, so patients can go home the very same day. A tonsillectomy takes anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour and the area does not require stitches.
After a tonsillectomy, it is important to take ample time to rest and recover, which can take up to one week before returning to normal activities and up to two weeks before returning to physical activity. Your otolaryngologist will provide you with detailed recovery instructions to follow after your surgery.
If your child is dealing with persistent and severe tonsillitis, or if you’re dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, it’s important to consult with your ENT specialist to find out if you or your child’s tonsils need to be removed. Schedule an evaluation today.
The eustachian tube is a narrow canal that runs from the throat to the middle ear, and it is responsible for regulating pressure within the middle ear. If you’ve ever yawned and felt your ears become “unplugged” then you’ve experienced the Eustachian tube at work. However, sometimes people can deal with eustachian tube dysfunction, which can affect the pressure in the ears. Those with eustachian tube dysfunction may experience:- Pressure or fullness in the ears
- Muffled hearing
- Pain in the ears
- Ringing in the ears (known as tinnitus)
- Issues with balance
- A popping or clicking sensation in the ears
Children are often more at risk for developing Eustachian tube dysfunction because these tubes are shorter than they are in adults. This means that it’s easier for bacteria or fluid to get trapped within the middle ear. The good news is that these symptoms usually go away on their own and typically without treatment. There are things you can do such as chewing gum to help make the issue go away. If the problem persists then it’s time to see an otolaryngologist.
Once your ENT doctor has conducted a thorough examination of you or your child’s ears there are several approaches for alleviating the symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction:
- If Eustachian tube dysfunction is due to an allergic reaction then your doctor may prescribe decongestants or antihistamines, which can reduce swelling and target the body’s response to the allergen.
- A minor procedure can be performed in which an otolaryngologist makes a small incision in the eardrum to remove the fluid that’s trapped in the middle ear. The eardrum will then heal in a couple of days.
- Sometimes implants are placed into the eardrums to help drain the fluid and to prevent fluid from building up. This is a recommended treatment for children who develop frequent ear infections due to eustachian tube dysfunction.
- A special balloon catheter procedure (similar to the one used to treat chronic sinusitis) can be directed into the nose and into the eustachian tube, where it opens up the tubes to help them drain properly.
Your ENT doctor sees, diagnoses, and treats many conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. One of the most worrisome is throat cancer, along with malignancies of the pharynx, tonsils, and larynx. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America reports that the incidence of throat cancer increases with age (65 and older) and gender (male). As with most cancers, early recognition of symptoms, a proper diagnosis, and the right treatment are the keys to recovery.- A continuing cough
- Hoarseness of voice
- Unexplained and significant weight loss
- Trouble swallowing easily (dysphagia)
- Pain in the jaw or ear
- White or red patches or sores in the mouth which do not heal
- Nose bleeds
- Headaches
- Swollen tissues anywhere in the head/neck area
- Numbness in the mouth and especially the tongue
- Continual nasal congestion
- Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco
- Excessive alcohol consumption (more than two drinks daily if you a man and more than one a day for women)
- HPV exposure (Human Papilloma Virus) through oral sex
- A diet low in vegetables and fruit
- GERD, or acid reflux disease, in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus
- Trouble with breathing and speaking
- Headaches
How to beat it
Sleep apnea isn't just loud snoring that keeps your sleeping partner awake at night. It has been shown to have a connection to systemic problems like heart disease and strokes. That's why it's so important to seek treatment if you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Dr. William Bond, your ear nose and throat specialist in Washington, DC, has the experience you need to manage your sleep apnea effectively.
What is sleep apnea?
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Both cause interruptions in normal breathing patterns during sleep. The core difference between the two is that obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much and close off the airway, while central sleep apnea, or CSA, is due to a problem with the signals from the brain that control breathing. OSA is more common than CSA, although it is possible to have a combination of the two.
How is sleep apnea treated?
If your Washington ENT has diagnosed you with either type of sleep apnea, the next step is finding an appropriate and effective treatment. OSA, for example, may be a result of obesity, so a diet and exercise plan could allow your body to heal. CSA is sometimes a side effect of certain medications, so if you're required to take a prescription, you may need to work with your team of physicians to find an alternative that reduces the risk of sleep apnea. Wearing a mask that delivers pressurized air while you sleep may also be helpful for either type of sleep apnea. A nerve stimulator, similar to a pacemaker, is a newer therapy that can keep track of your breathing and emit a signal to a specific nerve if necessary.
If you think you might have sleep apnea, it's imperative that you contact Dr. William Bond, your ENT specialist in Washington, DC, for a full evaluation. Our office can be reached at (202) 726-7770.
This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.
