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…
Sleep Surgery
What Is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your mouth, tongue and throat relax, collapsing and blocking the upper airway. This causes you to stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night, leading to a drop in your blood oxygen levels. It can cause serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke…
Swallowing Disorders
When you swallow, you are chewing food and moving it to the esophagus, a tube that connects to the stomach. Dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty swallowing, is characterized by the sensation of food or liquid getting stuck in the throat or chest. Numerous factors can cause swallowing difficulty, most of them relatively benign. The…
Sore Throat
What Causes a Sore Throat? Most sore throats are the result of viral infections due to the common cold or flu. Bacterial infections including strep throat, tonsillitis, whooping cough and diphtheria may also cause a sore throat. Additional causes include allergies, acid reflux, environmental irritants, dry air and strained vocal cords. Sore Throat Treatment If…
Chronic Cough
A cough lasting eight weeks or longer is considered chronic. A chronic cough can disrupt your sleep and affect your work. It may include other symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, congestion and heartburn. If you have a cough that lasts more than a month, make an appointment with your ear nose…
Throat Cancer
Neck and throat cancers usually form in the squamous cells lining the inside of the mouth, nose and throat. They are highly curable if detected early and often respond well to surgery or radiation treatment. Cancers in this region are classified according to where they are located in the body. They include: Oral cavity cancer…
Thyroid & Parathyroid Conditions
What Are the Thyroid Glands? The thyroid is an endocrine gland located on either side of the trachea just above the collarbone. It produces a hormone that helps regulate metabolism. Thyroid Conditions Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is the result of excess thyroid hormone production. This can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, fatigue, heat…
Laryngitis
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx and voice box. It causes hoarseness and, in some cases, voice loss. It can be acute or chronic but is usually the result of a temporary viral infection or vocal strain. Laryngitis that lasts longer than two weeks could signify a serious condition—you should seek prompt care from a…
Tonsillitis
The tonsils — tissues that serve to trap germs and bacteria and prevent infection — are located in the back of the throat. Their constant exposure to germs makes them susceptible to infection themselves. Following puberty, their role as immune system defenders declines significantly; this is why tonsil infections are far more common in children…
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic digestive condition that causes painful heartburn and regurgitation for millions of Americans every year. It occurs when the contents of the stomach seep backward into the esophagus. What Causes Reflux? Normally, following a meal, a valve on your esophagus – the sphincter – closes, preventing…