BLOG
Archive:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- sleep apnea (13)
- Sinus Infection (8)
- Dizziness (7)
- Breathing Problems (4)
- Otolaryngology (2)
- surgery (1)
- Earache (1)
- neck (1)
- neck cancer (2)
- head cancer (2)
- nose (2)
- sinus (2)
- Allergies (5)
- Sinusitis (3)
- Hearing Loss (3)
- head surgery (3)
- neck surgery (4)
- Sinus Infections (2)
- Nosebleeds (3)
- Hearing Aids (5)
- Sinus Problems (1)
- Mouth Sores (2)
- Mouth (2)
- Tonsillitis (3)
- Throat (1)
- ENT (3)
- Ear (1)
- Ear Infection (2)
- Ear Pain (2)
- Sore Throat (3)
- face pain (1)
- Cleft Palate (2)
- Sleep Problems (1)
- Deviated Septum (3)
- Auricular Hematoma (1)
- Tonsillectomy (4)
- 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 (2)
- Tonsils (1)
- Tonsil Removal (1)
- TMJ Pain (1)
- TMJ (1)
- Temporomandibular Joints (1)
- Dry Mouth (1)
- Impacted Earwax (1)
- Earwax (2)
- Postnasal Drip (1)
- Vertigo (1)
- Sinus Pain (1)
- Itchy Ear (1)
- Otomycosis (1)
- Fungal Ear Infection (1)
- Nasal Polyps (1)
- Sore Throats (1)
- Scratchy Throat (1)
- GERD (1)
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (1)
- Airplane Ear (1)
- Ear Barotrauma (1)
- Ear Infections (1)
- Cholesteatoma (1)
- Earwax Removal (1)
- Strep Throat (1)
- Sinus Rinses (1)
- Nasal Sprays (1)
- Head and Neck Cancers (1)
- Olfactory Training (1)
- Smell (1)
- Taste (1)
- Tonsil Stones (1)
- Dry Nose (1)
- Otolaryngologist (1)
- Auricular Hematomas (1)
- Allergy (2)
- Head Neck Surgery (1)
- Allergy Treatment (1)
ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Posts for: February, 2020
Having trouble breathing or catching your breath can certainly be a cause for concern. While it’s normal to be out of breath after an intense workout there are times when symptoms such as chest tightness, persistent coughing, wheezing and trouble breathing appear and any of these symptoms are usually signs that something more serious is going on.
As you might imagine, most breathing problems are associated with lung or respiratory conditions. These are problems that an otolaryngologist can easily help you treat or manage. Common lung conditions that can affect breathing include:
Asthma: a chronic condition that affects millions and causes inflammation and airway constriction, which results in coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. Symptoms can range from mild to life threatening.
Pneumonia: an infection of the respiratory tract that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. It’s important to see an otolaryngologist immediately for treatment, as untreated pneumonia could be dangerous (and also highly contagious). Symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Shortness of breath
- Shallow breathing
- Productive cough, often with yellow or green mucus
- Chest pain that occurs when breathing deeply or coughing
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Sweating and fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): this is a group of chronic inflammatory lung diseases that cause airway obstructions within the lungs. The most common types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a condition that most often occurs in smokers. Common symptoms of COPD include:
- Wheezing
- Mucus production
- Persistent cough
- Trouble breathing
- Chest tightness
This is a progressive condition that will make breathing even more difficult as the condition advances. It’s important to see an ENT doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of COPD. Early symptoms include exercise-induced rapid breathing, a persistent cough, and clearing your throat often (usually in the morning).
Lung cancer: this type of cancer develops anywhere in the lungs, allowing abnormal cells to multiply until a tumor forms. While many people who develop lung cancer are smokers, this form of cancer can also develop in those who have never smoked a day in their life. Early warning signs of lung cancer include:
- Vocal changes
- Hoarseness
- Chronic cough
- Bloody mucus when coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling weak
- Unexpected weight loss
Since the early warning signs associated with lung cancer can also be caused by other respiratory conditions it is important to turn to an ear, nose, and throat doctor who will be able to perform the proper diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
If you are having trouble catching your breath it’s important that you find out why this is happening to you. Call your ENT doctor today for an evaluation.
Head and neck surgery is utilized for treating a range of conditions that impact the head, mouth, throat, sinuses, and glands, as well as cancerous or malignant and non-cancerous or benign neck and head tumors. In most cases, it also usually entails reconstructive surgery that’s conducted for restoring function or appearance following a medical condition or injury. Whether you or someone you love requires head and neck surgery, our ENT here at our Washington, D.C., practice, Dr. William Bond Jr., can develop a treatment plan that will best fit your requirements.
Why You May Need Head and Neck Surgery
In general, ENTs will recommend head and neck surgery if conservative treatment options for your specific condition are not available or failed to work and your quality of your life is already being affected by your condition. Surgery will also help prevent further complications. ENTs usually recommend surgery for the following conditions:
- Head and neck cancers
- Congenital deformities
- Cranial base disorders and tumors
- Balance and hearing disorders
- Facial nerve conditions
- Nasal disorders
- Mouth conditions and cancers
- Swallowing disorders
- Sinus conditions and cancers
- Thyroid disorders and cancers
- Throat, esophageal, and voice box conditions and cancers
- Traumatic injuries
Common Types of Head and Neck Surgeries
Our Dr. William Bond Jr. our ENT here at our practice in Washington, D.C., can perform these common head and neck surgical procedures:
Thyroid Surgery
You may require head and neck surgery if you have a malignant or benign thyroid gland tumor. Although some thyroid disorders or conditions don’t cause any issues, you should visit your ENT if you feel any symptoms of thyroid cancer, thyroid nodule, or thyroid disorder to figure out whether you need surgery. Warning signs to watch out for include:
- Swelling in the neck
- Pounding heart
- Muscle weakness
- Irritability
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Nervousness
- Difficulty swallowing and/or breathing
- Sleeping issues
Surgery for Neck and Head Cancers
These cancers are usually treated using a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. The most crucial thing to remember about cancers of the neck and head is that caught early on, they are usually treatable and oftentimes curable. There are many kinds of cancers that affect the neck and head, with the most common type being oral cancer, thyroid cancer, nasal or sinus cancer, and throat cancer.
Salivary Gland Surgery
You might need surgery if you have a tumor in your salivary gland. Common symptoms usually include:
- Trouble swallowing
- A swelling or lump around your mouth, neck, or jaw
- Pain or numbness near the salivary gland or part of the face
- Muscle weakness on just one portion of the face
Do note though that salivary gland tumors are usually benign and rare. But you should speak to your doctor the instant you feel any of the symptoms just to be on the safe side.
Need Head and Neck Surgery?
Arrange an appointment with our ENT, Dr. William Bond Jr. here at our office in Washington, D.C. Call (202) 726-7770 to schedule your consultation date.
