Grand Rapids ENT handles medical conditions relating to the ear, nose and throat. This includes major and minor issues that cause problems with other areas of the body. Otolaryngologists are ENT specialists that excel in recommending the right tests so that their patients get detailed results. Solutions are available for patients of all ages, even children.
Overview of ENT Services
A patient’s condition determines what services would be the most beneficial. Grand Rapids ENT provides minor and major solutions when needed. Untreated ENT issues develop into major problems that can be life threatening. By coming in for a checkup before the first warning sign appears, patients will receive accurate results.
Allergy
Chronic Sinusitis: Nasal congestion and drainage
Antibiotics and steroids help to reduce the side effects of Chronic Sinusitis. Balloon sinus dilation is an option and is a procedure that can be done in a day.
Rhinitis: Sneezing, fatigue and runny nose
Also known as Hay Fever, Rhinitis can be avoided by keeping away from allergic triggers. Medication in the intranasal corticosteroids class has proven to be effective for stopping symptoms.
Ears
Ear Infection: Sore throat, stuffy nose, fever and earache
Common in children, but also occurs in adults. If bacteria cause the infection, then antibiotics are prescribed. Non-bacterial infections are treated with myringotomy.
Earwax Removal: Earaches, partial hearing loss, itching and even Tinnitus
Earwax removal is necessary when bad symptoms become a daily occurrence.
Otologic Disorders and Treatment
Swimmer’s Ear: Fever, decreased hearing and intense pain
Also known as acute, otitis externa, swimmer’s ear is remedied with a scheduled cleaning. Antibiotics are used when the infection has reached later stages.
Vertigo: Dizziness, loss of balance and nausea
The Epley maneuver is one way to get rid of minor cases of Vertigo. More serious cases will need prochlorperazine and antihistamines.
Head and Neck
Parotid glands are the largest of the salivary glands. Humans have two parotid glands which are located on either side of the mouth just in front of each ear.
Problems of the Tongue: Pain, swelling and tongue discolorations
Usually, tongue problems point to other issues with the body. Any symptoms related to ENT health are dealt with before they become severe.
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells and is usually found on areas of the skin which have had sun exposure.
Swollen Glands: Swelling, pain and possible tumors
Antibiotics, based on the source of the infection. If the infection is caused by cancer, then the cancer is treated.
Thyroid and parathyroid glands are endocrine glands which are located in the base of the neck. These glands produce hormones to help regulate the physiological functions in your body such as metabolism.
Nose
Sinusitis: Stuffy/Runny nose and pressure/pain in the face
A combo of home treatment with prescribed medicines gets rid of most cases. Chronic Sinusitis follows an antibiotic therapy routine to achieve better results.
A medical evaluation for sinusitis symptoms performed by our doctors.
Snoring: Noisy Breathing, restlessness and obstructed airflow
If snoring is a cause of sleep apnea, a CPAP machine may be the answer. Professionals will run tests to determine the cause of the sleep disorder and whether it’s chronic.
Stuffy Nose: Thick discharge, cough and adenoid enlargement
Antibiotics are prescribed by ENT professionals to quicken the recovery period. For children, removal of the adenoids is a surgery option for chronic conditions.
Also known as Anosmia, treatment options look at congestion, growths and current medication as effects. Obstructions are removed through decongestants with minor cases and surgeries in extreme ones.
Balloon Sinuplasty for Chronic Sinusitis: Sinusitis treatment
Using balloon catheters, professionals widen sinus passages in their patient’s nostrils to accelerate better breathing.
Nosebleeds can become a chronic condition if they’re associated with allergy symptoms. By combating the symptoms, the frequency of nosebleeds is slowed down considerably.
If relief has not been achieved with previous treatments or if the CT scan indicates chronic sinus disease or obstruction of the sinuses, sinus surgery may be warranted and recommended.
Pediatric
Airway Problems: Asthma, allergies and sinusitis
Finding triggers to the airway problem remains the best way to protect patients with this condition. Prescribed antihistamines and decongestants should be taken as necessary.
Allergy and Sinus: Sneezing, congestion and fatigue
Prescription antihistamines and decongestants clear up nasal passageways. A stronger treatment uses immunotherapy as a way to get the body used to allergic triggers.
Pediatric Ear Infection: Fever, fluid in the ear and trouble hearing
Antibiotics and over the counter pain relievers help to hold off worsening effects. Children are more likely than adults to be affected by a pediatric ear infection.
Tonsil Infection: Sore throat, coughing and swollen lymph glands
Known as Tonsillitis, when the condition is chronic it is treated with tonsillectomies. Less severe cases are prescribed antibiotics like penicillin.
Speech
Voice Disorders: Laryngitis, polyps and vocal cord weakness
Voice therapy sessions led by a licensed pathologist are generally recommended. Medications that relieve reflux and inflammation issues are helpful depending on the cause.
Throat
Dysphagia and Feeding Problems: Trouble swallowing, hoarseness, reflux
Oropharyngeal dysphagia is treated by learning new techniques to stimulate swallowing muscles. Esophageal dysphagia or severe dysphagia requires surgery to make swallowing less painful.
Hoarseness: Change in pitch/volume of voice
Cough suppressants with rest are common ways to deal with hoarseness. If the condition is related to GERD, then that particular condition is treated instead.
Laryngitis: Sore throat, fever, hoarseness and cough
Laryngitis is treated by finding the cause and nullifying irritants in the environment. Tylenol and a prescribed pain relievers aid in the process to get well.
Reflux: Bloating, Dysphagia and Nausea
A professional will guide patients through the necessary lifestyle changes to ward off the symptoms. Antacids and a LINX device (surgery) are alternative options in more serious cases.