Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing is interrupted periodically throughout the night. These pauses, or gaps, in breathing may be accompanied by choking or gasping but rarely awaken the sleeping individual. An estimated 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, many of them unaware of their condition. What Causes Sleep Apnea? There are…
Snoring
Snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when your breathing is partially obstructed It may indicate a serious health condition Snoring and sleep disordered breathing affect 24% of Male and 9% of Female Adults in the United States 75 Million Americans suffer from some sort of snoring or sleep disordered breathing Common disruptive…
Snoring Treatments
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Snoring and sleep apnea treatment relies on an accurate evaluation and airway assessment by one of our specialists During your snoring and sleep apnea evaluation Dr. Barlow will discuss the options of treatment specifically tailored to your needs The following is an overview of treatment options for snoring and sleep…
Chronic Cough
A chronic cough is defined as one that lasts eight weeks or longer. More than simply an annoyance, a lingering cough can disrupt your sleep and affect your work. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, congestion and heartburn. If you have a persistent cough that doesn’t…
Sore Throat
A sore throat is a painful but common affliction that everyone suffers from on occasion. It may be the first sign of a cold, the result of strained vocal cords or a symptom of a more serious condition such as strep throat. As miserable as a sore throat can make you feel, in many cases…
Swallowing Disorder
Swallowing is a complex neuromuscular process involving the mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus. The three phases of swallowing are: oral, pharyngeal and esophageal. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) becomes more common as we get older. Swallowing Problem Signs and Symptoms: Sensation of food getting stuck in throat or chest Pain with swallowing (odynophagia) Drooling, unable to swallow…
Tonsils & Adenoids
The tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and serve as defenders of the immune system, protecting the body by preventing germs and bacteria from entering through the mouth and nose. Occasionally, they will develop problems themselves, requiring the attention of an ENT specialist. The tonsils (located in the back of the throat)…
Voice Problems
Keeping your voice healthy will ensure you are able to communicate properly, and for some people who rely on it to earn a living – singers, teachers and lawyers, for instance – good voice health is essential. These same individuals tend to put more strain on their vocal cords. Even those whose professions don’t require…
Head & Neck Masses
Head and neck masses can develop from various causes such as enlarged lymph nodes, congenital cysts or tumors. Most neck masses are caused by enlarged lymph nodes. They are typically benign, but they can affect all age groups. Lymph nodes can become enlarged as a result of a nearby infection such as a cold, a…
Pediatric Head & Neck Masses
Head and neck masses in infants and children should always be evaluated by a doctor. These masses can be cysts or tumors. A doctor can develop an appropriate treatment plan that may include medication and/or surgery to shrink or remove the mass. If your child has a head or neck mass, please contact our office…