Thyroid Nodules Patient Guide – Below is a general review of the issues patients should understand if they have been found to have a thyroid nodule. It is meant to be general information that patients would want to know. It should be stressed that this is a review of a very complicated subject and that …
Allergy drops and allergy shots (Allergen immunotherapy) are a preventative treatment for an allergic response to allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander. Allergen immunotherapy fundamentally treats the underlying cause of the allergic reaction, while medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays only temporarily treat the symptoms. Immunotherapy involves administering gradually increasing …
Characterized by long-lasting and stubborn symptoms of thick, yellow to greenish nasal discharge, postnasal drip, nasal stuffiness, facial pain and possibly swelling, chronic sinusitis can be a frustrating condition for both patients and physicians. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated seven million Americans suffer from these and other symptoms related to chronic …
Wrestlers, football players, boxers and other participants in contact sports often suffer injuries to the soft tissues of the face and head. Generally, these are minor bumps and bruises (contusions), but sometimes a minor appearing injury to the external ear can lead to a lifetime of disfigurement. This article is intended to educate athletes, coaches, …
According to research, the average person swallows between 600 and 2,000 times a day. Swallowing is a complex process that involves numerous muscles and nerves. We rarely consider this process until swallowing becomes difficult, called dysphagia, or painful, called odynophagia. These symptoms may then lead to additional signs that swallowing is impaired, such as choking, …
Dizziness is a common term that is used to describe a wide variety of symptoms. The term can mean many different things to different people and potentially can have many different causes. Typically dizziness refers to an abnormal sense of motion. It can also be imbalance, lightheadedness, feeling like you are going to pass out, …
In order to understand hearing, or the auditory system, and the ability to perceive sound and understand speech, it is best to consider the ear as being divided into 3 parts: the external ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The external ear consists of the auricle and the ear canal. These structures direct …
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
CornerStone Ear, Nose & Throat recently became the only practice in Union County, and one of only two practices in Charlotte, to offer digital videostroboscopy. This diagnostic technique is available at the practice’s office at The Park in Monroe. Vocal cord vibrations are too fast to see with the naked eye. Videostroboscopy is a state-of-the-art …
