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ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Posts for: January, 2022
More than 66,000 people in the US will develop head and neck cancer this year, according to the CDC. While head and neck cancer can happen to anyone, men are twice as likely to develop this form of cancer than women. One of the best ways to catch head and neck cancer early is to recognize warning signs and risk factors. If you’re concerned, an ENT doctor can help.What are the symptoms of head and neck cancer?
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer:
- Tender red or white patches in the mouth
- A painful lump in the neck or mouth
- Persistent or recurring sore throats
- Hoarseness or other vocal changes
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Frequent nosebleeds, often on one side
- Ear pain
- Jaw pain
- Blood in saliva
- Unexplained and sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
What can an otolaryngologist do for me?
An ENT doctor has received specialized training to be able to provide valuable insight and to create custom treatment plans for patients dealing with head and neck cancer. Additionally, an otolaryngologist usually has advanced imaging tests right here in their office to diagnose or rule out cancer. They will collaborate with your current doctors to come up with the very best treatment options and care to remove benign or malignant tumors. For patients who are dealing with structural changes as a result of tumor or growth removal, an ENT doctor may also be able to provide face and neck reconstructive surgery.
We understand just how scary head and neck cancer can be. Our goal is to provide patients with the supportive, respectful, and understanding care and support they need from our whole team. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of head and neck cancer, it’s important that you turn to an ENT doctor right away for proper diagnostic testing to determine what’s causing your symptoms. The sooner you turn to an otolaryngologist the better.
Every day, we breathe in between 100,000 and 1 million microorganisms, say scientists. While most won’t affect healthy individuals, many can cause respiratory infections. If you are dealing with nasal congestion and trouble breathing through your nose you may be wondering whether a nasal spray is right for you. Is it safe to use daily and what can it do for you? Learn more about nasal sprays and when you should turn to an ENT doctor to treat your nasal symptoms.What are the types of nasal sprays?
Not all nasal sprays work the same way and it’s important to figure out which one is going to provide you with the most effective relief. There are:
Saline nasal sprays
If the air around you is cold and dry, which is common in winter, you may be dealing with irritated nasal tissue. If this is the case, a saline nasal spray can help rinse away mucus and drain the sinuses of bacteria and germs, which can reduce inflammation. If you find that your nose is more sensitive to over-the-counter saline nasal sprays, look for ones without preservatives.
If you regularly deal with thick, nasal congestion, saline nasal sprays can help to loosen and thin out mucus. It can also be used daily without rebound nasal congestion or harm to the nasal tissue. Of course, if you are concerned about any over-the-counter nasal sprays or medications you’re using, don’t hesitate to talk to your otolaryngologist.
Decongestant nasal sprays
While saline nasal sprays can be used regularly without issues, decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than three days. If used more often, you’re likely to deal with more congestion once you stop taking it than when you first started the medication. It’s important to use these sprays exactly as directed. If you abuse the product, as many people do, you may find yourself dealing with chronic nasal congestion, which may require a steroid spray to treat the problem.
So, when is it safe to use a decongestant nasal spray? If you are at the very beginning stages of a sinus infection or cold, a decongestant nasal spray can provide relief in the first couple of days. If you find that your nasal problems persist, then it’s a good idea to tell your ear, nose, and throat doctor.
If nasal sprays aren’t providing you with relief, or you find yourself using them daily, it’s important that you turn to an ENT doctor who can provide you with a more long-term and effective nasal spray or treatment that can help you breathe better and tackle your symptoms.
How your ENT specialist in Washington, DC, can help if you have sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a common condition that can have potentially serious consequences. Sleep apnea also often goes undiagnosed. If you snore loudly and frequently, you could have sleep apnea. You need to know the facts about sleep apnea. Dr. William Bond is an ENT specialist in Washington, DC, who offers comprehensive ENT services, including treatment for sleep apnea.
These are just a few frequently asked questions and answers about sleep apnea:
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder during which the tissue at the back of your throat collapses while you are sleeping. Your airway becomes blocked, which can lead to a lack of oxygen to your vital organs, including your brain and heart.
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Sleep apnea results in not enough oxygen getting to your vital organs, so having the condition can lower your lifespan and increase your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Memory impairment
What are the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?
One of the main signs of sleep apnea is frequent loud snoring. You may also have sleep apnea if you experience:
- Headaches when you wake up
- A sore throat when you wake up
- Suddenly waking up gasping or choking
- Feeling groggy or sleepy during the day
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing
How is sleep apnea treated?
Your ENT specialist may recommend:
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine, which is a device that provides a continuous flow of oxygen while you sleep. The device is connected to tubing and a nosepiece. You breathe air through the nosepiece during the night.
An Oral Mandibular Advancement Appliance, which is a small dental appliance that fits over your lower teeth; the appliance holds your lower jaw in a forward position, which opens your airway while you sleep.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about sleep apnea. To find out more about sleep apnea and how your ear, nose, and throat specialist can help, call Dr. William Bond in Washington, DC, at (202) 726-7770. Call today.
