- SinusitisA child’s sinuses are not fully developed until late in the teen years. Although small, the maxillary (behind the cheek) and ethmoid (between the eyes) sinuses are present at birth. Unlike in adults, pediatric sinusitis is difficult to diagnose because symptoms of sinusitis can be caused by other problems, such as viral illness and allergy.
- Medical Weight LossRecent studies have shown that some children have persistent sleep disordered breathing after T & A. A post-operative PSG may be necessary after surgical intervention, especially in children with persistent symptoms or increased risk factors for persistent apnea after T & A such as obesity, craniofacial anomalies or neuromuscular problems. Additional treatments such as weight loss, the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or additional surgical procedures may sometimes be required.
- Ear InfectionsAn eardrum perforation is defined as a hole or rupture in the eardrum. Known medically as a tympanic membrane rupture, this tear occurs in the membrane separating your outer ear from your inner ear. A perforation can lead to a middle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though in many cases it will heal on its own without medical treatment. Â
- Sleep DisordersSnoring is a common sleep disorder that can affect a person at any age, although it occurs more frequently in men and people who are overweight.
- GlaucomaDecongestants may increase anxiety or cause sleeping difficulty. If you have a medical condition such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes or enlarged prostate, consult with a doctor before using. Common decongestants include...
- Pregnancy
- EndoscopyYour doctor will diagnose non-allergic rhinitis based on your symptoms and medical history, and will want to rule out an allergic cause through skin and blood tests. Sinus problems present similar symptoms, so you may also need a nasal endoscopy or CT scan to rule out nasal polyps or a deviated septum.
- Mental HealthHe importance of a good night’s rest can’t be over-emphasized. Getting enough quality sleep can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. It improves your overall mood, metabolism and performance. That’s why
- Anxiety
- Diabetes Care
- ThyroidFactors suggesting a benign nodule include any family history of autoimmune diseases, a family history of benign thyroid disease, any presence of thyroid hormone dysfunction, a painful, tender nodule, or a soft, smooth, movable nodule.
- UltrasoundIn summary, thyroid nodules are very common and are most often benign. Your doctor will perform a very detailed physical exam, ask you questions concerning your past medical history and family history, will likely want an ultrasound with a needle biopsy, and possibly blood work.
- MRIYour otolaryngologist can diagnose an acoustic neuroma primarily through a review of your symptoms in conjunction with a hearing test and imaging scans (CT or MRI). Because growth of the tumor is usually very slow, many times your doctor will simply want to monitor the tumor’s progress over time, especially when few symptoms are present. Regular imaging tests every six to 12 months can track any growth.
- X-Rays
- Nuclear MedicineOnce your doctor has taken the history and physical exam, he may wish to order further testings. It is very common for the doctor to order a thyroid-stimulating hormone and possibly other thyroid hormones. In order to further diagnose whether your thyroid nodule is a benign nodule or malignancy nodule, your doctor may order imaging studies. Those may include a thyroid nuclear medicine scan, which is not used as commonly as in the past, or an ultrasound, which is very good for determining the size of your thyroid and the number of nodules. Many times, along with the ultrasound, the doctor will order a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. This is a test to actually obtain cells from the nodule, which are then examined by the pathologist to determine the risk of a cancer. Once your doctor has all of the information, then he can talk to you about different treatment options. Those options may include surgical treatment, they may include medical treatment, and they may include just close monitoring.
- Computed TomographyIf your child sees one of our ENT specialists, the doctor will examine his/her ears, nose, and throat. A thorough history and examination usually leads to the correct diagnosis. Occasionally, special instruments will be used to look into the nose during the office visit. An x-ray called a CT scan may help to determine how completely your child’s sinuses are developed, where any blockage has occurred, and confirm the diagnosis of sinusitis. The doctor may look for factors that make your child more likely to get sinus infection, including structural changes, allergies, and problems with the immune system.
- ChemotherapyIf you are diagnosed with a tumor, then surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination will probably be recommended. Surgery might involve removing a portion or all of the salivary gland and any cancerous lymph nodes.
- Radiation TherapyMeniere’s disease – There is no cure. Some people with this disease improve with a personalized diet plan (such as limiting intake of salt, caffeine or alcohol), quitting smoking, or medications to reduce fluid retention in the ear. In some cases, surgery may be considered.
- Ear SurgeryThere are inherent risks in any ear surgery, but left untreated, otosclerosis will only get worse. Speak to your doctor about the best treatment options for your hearing loss. Â
- OtolaryngologyOur board certified medical team provides care for ear, nose, throat, and head and neck conditions. Through years of experience, our ENT physicians are skilled at identifying and diagnosing complicated conditions and working with our patients to create individualized treatment plans that work for their lifestyle. In fact, many of our physicians have been selected as “One of the Best Doctors in America†because of the high level of attention we pay to each and every patient. We take pride in offering the most comprehensive otolaryngology care available in South Carolina.
- RhinoplastyThere are many other possible causes including Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumor, aneurysm, diabetes, cocaine use, chemical exposure, malnutrition, hormonal imbalances, medications, Parkinson’s disease, rhinoplasty, radiation therapy and old age, among others.
- EczemaAllergy drops are an important new treatment option for patients constantly refilling over-the-counter allergy medications or taking daily trips to the doctor’s office for allergy shots. Currently, allergy drops are effective for treating asthma related to dust mites, as well as allergies to grass, ragweed, pet dander and tree pollen. Researchers hope to expand the treatment’s effectiveness for other allergies such as hay fever, eczema and food sensitivities.
- FungusMolds are extremely common, both indoors and out. They are a type of fungus that thrives in moist, dark places. Not all molds cause allergic reactions, and not everybody who breathes in mold spores will experience symptoms.
- LesionsHoarseness is the result of a problem with the vocal cords. It can be caused by a variety of different conditions including cold or sinus infections, acute laryngitis, voice misuse or abuse, benign vocal cord lesions, acid reflux, vocal hemorrhage, tobacco and alcohol use, thyroid diseases, cancer, trauma to the voice box and neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s or spasmodic dysphonia, a chronic vocal cord disorder.
- AllergiesRhinitis is similar to hay fever, but is caused by something other than an allergen. Dubbed non-allergic rhinitis to differentiate the two, it produces cold-like symptoms that can leave you feeling miserable and worn-down. It may take allergy testing to rule out hay fever and accurately diagnose non-allergic rhinitis.