Patient Education
Sore Throat
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FAQs
What are signs of enlarged tonsils or adenoids?
Typical signs of enlarged tonsils or adenoids include constant mouth breathing, snoring at night, noisy breathing during the day, muffled voice or pauses in breathing during snoring (apnea).
What is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the mucous membrane lining the nasal sinuses (air-filled cavities in the bones surrounding the nose, eyes, cheekbone and forehead).
What symptoms can be associated with sinusitis?
- Pressure and pain in the sinus cavities
- Nasal Congestion
- Nasal Drainage
- Bad Breath
- Low-grade Fevers
- Loss of sense of smell
How common is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is one of the most common medical problems affecting approximately 30% of the population at some point. Acute sinusitis commonly follows a cold and typically lasts for up to three weeks. After three weeks it becomes defined as a chronic sinusitis and may become much more difficult to treat.
Why do ears have wax?
Cerumen (ear wax) is a body defense mechanism. Its presence in the outer ear canal is supposed to trap dust and dirt particles in order to keep them from reaching the ear drum.
My doctor says my child needs “ear tubes”?
When ear infections occur too frequently or are never completely resolved, we may recommend the placement of temporary ventilating tubes in children. They are placed in children under a brief general anesthetic and usually fall out by themselves within 12 to 18 months.
Do I have a cholesteatoma?
A cholesteatoma is a skin growth that occurs abnormally behind the ear drum in the middle ear. With time, the continued growth can lead to destruction of the surrounding structures in the middle ear. Symptoms include hearing loss, drainage, dizziness or even facial nerve paralysis.
What are some of the more common causes of hoarseness?
- Laryngitis
- Vocal Cord Polyps, Nodules or Cysts
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
- Vocal Misuse
- Vocal Cord Paralysis
- Laryngeal Cancer
Can allergies cause hoarseness?
Absolutely. Nasal allergies specifically can result in a chronic laryngitis from persistent post-nasal drip and cough. Some of the same allergy-mediated swelling can also occur in the vocal cords resulting in hoarseness.
Do I have a swallowing disorder?
Common symptoms of swallowing disorders include the feeling of food or liquid getting stuck in the throat, the sensation of a lump in the throat, coughing or choking with swallowing, discomfort in the throat or chest with swallowing, phlegm and saliva overproduction, weight loss and inadequate nutrition.
What are some signs of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract?
No one symptom signifies an underlying cancer. People who have a history of chronic tobacco or alcohol use are at a higher risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract malignancies, but the use of tobacco or alcohol is not mandatory to develop such cancers. Recent research has also suggested an association of certain head and neck cancers with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Patients presenting with malignancies may have symptoms such as:
- pain or difficulty swallowing
- hoarseness or voice changes
- spitting or coughing up blood
- throat tightness or difficulty breathing
- foreign body sensation in the throat
- ear pain with swallowing
- unintended weight loss
- neck mass
Timely evaluation and early diagnosis of symptoms can often result in higher cure rates and survivals.
What is a PET scan?
PET stands for positron emission tomography. This an innovative imaging technique we sometimes obtain that uses positively charged particles (radioactive positrons) to detect subtle changes in the body's metabolism and chemical activities. PET scans can be used to detect cancerous tumors, to determine the extent of its spread and to judge the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
Is snoring dangerous?
Snoring can be associated with periods of complete obstruction, known as apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea can result in poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and long-term detrimental effects on the heart and lung.
My doctor said I need a sleep study. What does that involve?
A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a diagnostic test which measures various vital parameters during a patient’s sleep. These include the stage of sleep, blood oxygen level, chest movement, air flow through the nose, heart rhythm and rate, eye movements and muscle tone. Multiple dips in oxygen level and peaks in pulse rate are found in people with sleep apnea.
What is CPAP?
CPAP is an abbreviation of continuous positive airway pressure. This is common treatment option for patients with sleep apnea. A nasal mask is worn during sleep which provides continuous air pressure specifically set to each person's needs to prevent collapse of the airway or throat. The pressure varies according to how severe the sleep apnea is and how much pressure is needed to prevent collapse.
My doctor said I broke my nose. What should I do?
A broken nose is the most common type of facial bone fracture after an injury. The ideal time to see someone is 3-5 days after the injury in order to see the nose after the swelling resolves. If the fracture needs to be fixed (closed reduction), it is important to do this procedure within 2 weeks of the injury.
What preventative measures can I take to reduce my risk of facial trauma?
Safety equipment is vital to preventing maxillofacial trauma from automobile accidents and sports. Here is a partial list of equipment people should always use:
- seatbelts
- automobile air bags
- approved child safety seats
- helmets for riding motorcycles or bicycles, skateboarding, snowboarding, and other sports
- safety glasses for the job, yard work, sports
- other approved safety equipment for sports such as mouthguards, masks, and goggles
Everyone experiences sore throats when they have a cold or flu. But there are other reasons for sore throats that may be symptomatic of more serious problems.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is caused by streptococcal bacteria (strep) in the throat and often the tonsils. Symptoms include sudden severe sore throat, pain swallowing, a fever over 101oF, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, and white or yellow spots on a reddened back of the throat. Strep throat is highly contagious, with a two-to-five day incubation period. It can be diagnosed through a physical examination and a throat culture. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics and usually resolves in three to seven days, although the healing time can be up to two weeks. It is important to have strep throat diagnosed and begin treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent its spread to others.
Inflamed Tonsils and Adenoids
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils located in the back of the throat on both sides of the tongue. Tonsils are part of the body’s natural immune system. This tissue captures bacteria and viruses to either prevent them from entering the body or trigger the appropriate immune response. The back of the throat may appear red or swollen or have a white or yellow coating covering the tonsils. The adenoids (tissue high in the throat behind the nose and soft palate) may also be inflamed and swollen, impeding swallowing and/or breathing. Symptoms include a severe sore throat, painful or difficult swallowing, coughing, headache, fever, chills and swelling of the cheeks and neck. Tonsillitis may also be caused by strep throat. Antibiotic medication is generally prescribed to treat the inflammation (usually penicillin). Tonsillitis usually resolves in four to seven days if caused by a virus. Chronic cases of repeated tonsillitis may require surgical removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids (tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy). An adenoidectomy may also be recommended for children experiencing chronic ear infections.
Laryngitis
The larynx allows air to pass in and out of the lungs while preventing solids (food) and liquids from entering the lungs. The larynx also contributes to sound production by the vocal cords. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx, the top portion of the windpipe (trachea). It is characterized by hoarseness, coughing, difficulty in breathing for some children and, occasionally, loss of voice. In addition to an infection, laryngitis may be caused by acid reflux or nodules, polyps or nerve damage on the vocal cords. Laryngitis usually heals by itself within two weeks with the help of increased air moisture, drinking plenty of fluids and resting the voice.
Pharyngitis
The pharynx is tissue that resides behind the mouth an soft palate and acts as a pathway for food and liquids to enter the esophagus and air to enter the lungs. An inflammation of the pharynx is called pharyngitis. Painful swallowing is the most common symptom. Pharyngitis may also occur along with laryngitis. Again, the inflammation usually heals by itself with rest, fluids and air humidity.
Epiglottitis
The epiglottis is a flap of tissue at the base of the tongue that keeps food from going into the windpipe when swallowing. Epiglottitis occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed and infected. The swelling of the epiglottis can block the tongue and result in a medical emergency. In addition to infections, epiglottitis can be caused by chemicals (illicit drugs), severe heat damage (thermal epiglottitis) or trauma. If you experience a sore throat that hampers your ability to swallow, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have a sore throat that causes pain or won’t heal, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists.