Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach acid flows up into the esophagus. The esophagus connects the mouth and the stomach. This activity irritates the esophageal lining and causes pain. Everyone experiences acid reflux at some time or another. GERD can be mild or severe. Controlling GERD is easily done with lifestyle changes and non-prescription medication. Some people may require surgery or strong medication to deal with this issue.
What Causes GERD?
Some health conditions that contribute to GERD are excess weight, scleroderma, and delayed bowel movement.
How to Mitigate GERD
If you are a smoker, we advise that you quit to lessen the irritation it causes. Eat smaller meals and eat early. Avoid eating dinner close to bedtime. Eat less greasy food and cut down on coffee/alcohol intake.
LPR or laryngopharyngeal reflux is a condition in which stomach acid reaches the throat. An irritated larynx and sore throat characterize this issue. GERD and LPR could occur at the same time. Patients can suffer from one condition or the other separately. Consult your physician for a diagnosis and advice on dealing with the condition(s). Mitigating LPR will require the same lifestyle changes and medications.
Thyroid nodules can be described as lumps that are solid or filled with fluid. These form in the thyroid gland, which is located above the breastbone. In most cases, these nodules are not a serious issue and don’t cause any symptoms.
How to Know if You Have Nodules
There is no physical evidence of these nodules. The only way to find out is by scheduling a check-up with an ENT specialist. We can perform a scan to determine if you have a thyroid nodule. In many cases, there are no outward symptoms or signs. If they grow large enough, they are visible as swelling and may cause problems with breathing or swallowing.
Diagnosis & Treatment
The main goal of diagnosis is to rule out thyroid cancer. After a physical exam, we will order an ultrasound and thyroid function tests. You may have to undergo a biopsy to accurately diagnose the cause. It’s important that you inform us if of any family history of thyroid problems or even cancer.
If no cancerous cells are present in the biopsy, we will suggest three modes of treatment. The first is to watch and see what happens. If the nodules grow, they could be surgically removed. If the thyroid tests indicate low hormone levels, you will have to take medication. Surgery is a last resort option that’s usually performed to remove large nodules.
Tonsils are the tissues located at the back of the throat. Inflammation of this tissue causes tonsillitis. It is a painful condition caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The right treatment method depends on the cause. With the help of immediate and accurate diagnosis of symptoms, treatment can be decided. Surgery is an option but it is not performed unless it is necessary. Most doctors choose surgery if medications don’t work and result in complications.
Tonsillitis Symptoms
Most tonsillitis patients are children and teenagers. The most common symptoms are:
- Red and inflamed tonsils
- White or yellow patches
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Scratchy throat
- Halitosis
Meeting a Doctor
If your child or teenager has some or more of the symptoms listed above, it’s important that you schedule a consultation immediately. Since the tonsils are the gatekeepers to the immune system, any problems in this area should be tackled fast.
Preventing Tonsil infections
Since tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria, you have to teach your child good hygiene. Have them wash their hands often and well. Discourage them from sharing utensils and water glasses with others. Give them a new toothbrush after a tonsillitis diagnosis.
To prevent others from catching the same infection, keep them at home until they get well. Give them the prescribed medication and monitor their progress. If their symptoms get worse, we can provide you with treatment options that can help. Good hygiene, proper rest, and medication can prevent a recurrence of tonsillitis and avoid surgery.
