Mouth, Throat, and Voice Issues
Our mouth, throat, and voice specialists treat everything from bacterial and viral infections to structural issues, cancers, and genetic conditions. See below to review the symptoms and treatments of common related conditions.
Tonsillitis Symptoms
- Swollen tonsils
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
- Ear pain
- Headaches
- High fever
Treatment
Some acute forms of tonsillitis can be treated with adequate rest and a round of antibiotics. More severe cases or chronic infections may require surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy).
Laryngitis Symptoms
- Hoarseness or voice weakness
- Pain or tenderness around the throat
- Swollen lymph nodes or tonsils
Treatment
Depending on the cause of laryngitis, medications may help improve your symptoms. If your laryngitis does not get better after a few weeks, you may need a specialized test called a videostroboscopy, or allergy testing. Your ENT specialist will help you decide which option would be best for you.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Symptoms
- Choking sensation
- Feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Voice hoarseness
- Throat clearing
- Sore throat
- Chronic cough
Treatment
LPR is typically linked with acid reflux, so management of underlying acid reflux conditions is part of treatment. Dietary changes may help, as will quitting smoking, losing weight, and elevating the head while sleeping.
Spasmodic Dysphonia Symptoms
- Involuntary changes in pitch or tone of voice
- Involuntary voice tremor
- Hoarseness
Treatment
Spasmodic Dysphonia is characterized by involuntary movement of the larynx. Presently, there is no known cure; however, regular injections of Botulinum toxin (Botox) into the vocal cords have been shown to reduce symptoms.
Vocal Cord Hemorrhage Symptoms
- Hoarseness
- Vocal fatigue
Treatment
Common among singers, the vocal cord hemorrhage is caused by overuse of your voice. The best solution for this condition is resting your voice. In some cases, however, Microlaryngoscopy or laser surgery may be recommended to prevent future hemorrhaging.
FAQs
Symptoms like persistent mouth-breathing, extreme snoring, reoccurring abscesses, difficulty speaking, and swallowing issues may all indicate a need for tonsil removal.
You should plan to rest and recover for 1-2 weeks.
Silent acid reflux happens when acid spills into the throat. It takes a lot less acid to irritate the throat than the stomach. It is called silent acid reflux because most people do not experience any heartburn with this type of reflux.
Depending on the cause of chronic snoring, CPAP or a mandibular advancement device may be recommended. In some cases surgery may be an option for your snoring.
This could be a result of post-nasal drip or allergy-related symptoms. You might want to visit our Allergies page to schedule an allergy test.
You might have a jaw alignment issue or grind your teeth in your sleep. One solution could be to ask your doctor about overnight dental guards.
Still Have Questions?
As your allies in wellness, our team strives to address all of your questions and concerns. Give us a call and we'll work with you to get the best answers.