Bilateral myringotomy and tube placement: Should my child have tubes placed?
Bilateral myringotomy and tube placement, or “placing PE tubes”, is the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States, and for good reason. Simply put, for the right child, it is a simple, safe procedure, which can help resolve chronic middle ear infections while preventing future infections and eliminating the need for numerous courses of antibiotics. The question is how do we choose “the right child”. Generally, this decision is made along with the parents after carefully reviewing not only the patient’s physical examination,…
Should my child’s tonsils be removed?
This is one of those questions that many parents face with inadequate information. Often times it is first-time parents who find themselves being asked to make a decision about a very young child’s health with what must seem like a poor understanding of possible risks and benefits of the procedure. Hopefully, this review and commentary will help you make the right decision for your child. Tonsils and adenoids are really just old-fashioned terms for a type of tissue called lymphoid tissue that surrounds the throat.…
Voice Disorder Guide: Diagnosis, Types, and Treatment Options
Each year millions of people are affected by voice disorders. For those who rely on their voice to make a living, such as teachers, doctors, actors, singers, and public speakers, problems like chronic hoarseness and vocal fatigue can be devastating. There are many causes of vocal disorders and the underlying problem with many patients is often multifactorial. Vocal overuse, acid reflux, tobacco use, and chronic allergies are a few of the many potential causes of vocal dysfunction. In addition, any patient with persistent hoarseness should be evaluated to rule out laryngeal cancer, a condition where hoarseness is often the first symptom. Proper diagnosis of the disorder is crucial for appropriate treatment.
What Is An Otolaryngologist?
Otolaryngologists are M.D. or D.O. physicians that are trained in the medical and surgical treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Because of their specialized focus on the ear, nose, and throat, Otolaryngologists are often referred to as ENT Physicians or ENT Doctors. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Otolaryngology is the oldest recognized medical specialty in the United States, dating back as far back as the 19th century. What…
Raising Voices: Helping Patients Recover From Voice Disorders
Each year millions of people are affected by voice disorders. For those who rely on their voice to make a living, such as teachers, doctors, actors, singers, and public speakers, problems like chronic hoarseness and vocal fatigue can be devastating. There are many causes of vocal disorders and the underlying etiology is often multifactorial. Vocal overuse, acid reflux, tobacco use, and chronic allergies are a few of the many potential causes of vocal dysfunction. In addition, any patient with persistent hoarseness should be evaluated to…
Patient Profile: Curing Chronic Hoarseness
Doris Godwin suffered from constant hoarseness for over five years. The 80-year-old had been evaluated and treated in the past for laryngopharyngeal reflux, with no improvement in her symptoms. “I thought it was a problem I would just have to live with,” said Doris, “Then a relative suggested CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat.” Doris was evaluated using the Kay Pentax Rigid Videostroboscopy system. A submucosal cyst involving the medial surface of her right vocal cord was discovered. “The cyst was preventing complete closure of her…
Coblation Tonsillectomy: Solving Breathing And Swallowing Problems For Young Patients
When Jonah Breedan was two years old, his parents noticed that he started to breathe through his mouth.. He also began to lightly snore when sleeping, and woke up frequently during the night. His pediatrician monitored Jonah’s condition for three years until his tonsils and adenoids became visibly enlarged and started to actually interfere with Jonah’s eating and his breathing. At that point, he was referred to Daron Smith, M.D. at CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat. “When I first met Jonah, his mother outlined the…
Treating Chronic Sinus Infections: Is surgery the answer?
Hammering facial pain and pressure. Nasal congestion. Thick postnasal drip. Coughing. Do you recognize these symptoms? They’re all signs of sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is often marked by a thick, green or yellow nasal discharge and can last up to four weeks or more. Most cases respond well to antibiotics and decongestants, and people can resume normal activities quickly. But what happens when sinusitis becomes chronic? The Surgical Solution Today, many chronic sinusitis sufferers are finding relief by undergoing a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure called functional…
Overcoming Ear Infections: Six-Year-Old Finds Relief With Surgery
Emily Schadt is all too familiar with ear surgery. Although she is only six years old, she’s already experienced five surgical procedures. Prior to her most recent surgery at CornerStone Ear Nose & Throat, ear infections and eardrum perforations seemed to be a constant presence in her life. Her father, radio personality Paul Schadt, and mother, Kathy, both credit Richard Gillespie, Jr., M.D., of CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat with this dramatic improvement. “We are so very grateful to Dr. Gillespie and the staff of…
Canker Sores (Aphthous Stomatitis): A Common Problem Of Unknown Origin
Aphthous stomatitis, commonly referred to as canker sores, is the most common form of oral ulcerative disease, but its cause is still uncertain. Aphthous ulcers can range from minor to severe in pain and occur in otherwise healthy patients. Etiologic factors such as stress, physical or chemical trauma, food sensitivity and infection related to Helicobacter pylori and herpes simplex virus have been investigated, but no consistent link has been determined.This has led to treatments that focus on symptom reduction, including: Antibiotics – Topical treatments, such…
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