Your partner is often the first to notice one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, snoring. Snoring itself may not necessarily mean you are suffering from the condition, but based on certain signs there may be cause for concern. More so if you notice sleep apnea's negative effects on your daily life and especially if you fall within the risk categories. While the below-mentioned symptoms and risk factors can serve as a guide, the best way to determine if you are suffering from sleep apnea, and to treat the condition, you can turn to your Valdosta, GA, ENT. For more information turn to Dr. Ronald Allen, Dr. Thomas Phillips, and Dr. Theodore Kanne of ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia.

What your Valdosta, GA, ENT Looks For

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by the way that your upper airway can restrict airflow into your lungs as you struggle to sleep. When it becomes partially obstructed it manifests as snoring, but it's when it is fully obstructed there is a major problem. At this point, you are gasping and fighting to breathe, so your body has to force itself awake to do so. This process repeats itself throughout the night, often robbing you of precious sleep. Your partner may be able to recognize these signs more easily than you can, because even though your body is forced awake you may not remember these episodes in the morning.

It's during the day that the effects of lack of sleep are much more noticeable. The constant stoppages during the night don't allow you to ever fully get any 'good' sleep. This can affect every aspect of your waking life, from your mood to memory, and your ability to perform even simple tasks. Lack of sleep has also been associated with problems related to immunity and health.

Sleep Apnea Treatment 

There are a variety of steps your doctor can take to help you manage sleep apnea symptoms. Could be as simple as recommending changes to sleeping habits for mild cases, to prescribed mouthguards and medication. A CPAP machine can be the solution for more serious conditions, it is a mask that is connected to a machine that can keep the airway clear at night through the use of pressurized air.

Sleep is very important, so if your goal is to get a good night's sleep you can schedule a consultation with your Valdosta, GA, ENTs at ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia. You can reach Dr. Allen, Dr. Phillips, and Dr. Kanne, by dialing (229) 244-2562.

If you’ve ever had an ear infection, you know that it can feel debilitating and can really affect your ability to participate in activities. It’s important to understand what type of ear infection you may be suffering from and how you can treat an ear infection. Dr. Ronald Allen, Dr. Thomas Phillips, and Dr. Theodore Kanne at ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgie in Valdosta, GA, are here to help you understand the different types of ear infections and the symptoms that come with each one.

The Different Types of Ear Infections

The ear is made up of three different parts and each one is susceptible to infection. The three parts include the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Ear infections can be extremely painful and can stop you from feeling comfortable while you have one. Most ear infections tend to clear up within a few days but it’s still important for you to visit your ENT in Valdosta, GA, to receive an exam and to get any treatment needed to help relieve some of the pain you might be feeling.

The common types of ear infection in each part include:

• Outer Ear Infection- This is primarily known as swimmer’s ear and is usually the cause of a bacterial inflammation in the outer ear. This tends to happen when sand, water, or dirt get trapped in the ear, inviting bacteria to multiply inside your ear. Your doctor might prescribe eardrops that help prevent any further bacterial growth, as well as an antibiotic to relieve pain. An outer ear infection typically goes away after a week or so.
• Middle Ear Infection- This can usually be caused by a bacterial or viral infection and can be triggered by allergies, infections elsewhere in the body, or a blocked Eustachian tube. In severe cases, a thick fluid may discharge from the middle ear. Treatment depends on the severity of your infection and treatment can range anywhere from eardrops, medications, or a tube surgically inserted into the middle ear to help with drainage.
• Inner Ear Infection- Inner ear infections are primarily caused by infections elsewhere in the body, like a sinus infection. If you suspect that you may have an inner ear infection, you should be sure to contact your ENT immediately for treatment.

Contact Your ENT Today!

If you’re suffering from an ear infection, you should be sure to contact Dr. Ronald Allen, Dr. Thomas Phillips, and Dr. Theodore Kanne at ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgie in Valdosta, GA, as soon as possible to relieve any of the pain you may be experiencing. Call (229) 244-2562 today!

Hearing aids are a wonderful solution to hearing loss and can restore your ability to hear clearly. Hearing loss can occur for many reasons. It can occur naturally with age or be caused by an infection or injury. Long-term exposure to extremely loud sounds can also result in hearing loss. Whatever the cause, if you wear hearing aids it is important to care for them so they continue functioning properly. The doctors and audiologists at ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia in Valdosta can keep your hearing aids in good working order by providing specific care recommendations.

Types of Hearing Aids

When hearing loss interferes with the ability to effectively perform or enjoy daily activities, hearing aids can help. We offer several types of hearing aids at our practice in Valdosta. Some hearing aids are worn behind the ear and tend to offer easily adjustable volume control. Other types of hearing aids offer a more discreet look as they are placed just inside the ear or completely in the ear canal. Many hearing aids provide special benefits, such as long battery life, wind suppression, or even Bluetooth connectivity.

Hearing Aid Care

Once you have selected the right hearing aid to meet your needs and preferences, you can keep your hearing aid functioning optimally by caring for it properly. One way to care for hearing aids is to clean them regularly. It is also a good idea to store hearing aids in a safe place when not in use. Other ways to care for your hearing aids include:

• Handle hearing aids with care and avoid dropping them
• Gently clean your hearing aids daily to remove ear wax
• Periodically change the wax filter or guard
• Regularly change the batteries in your hearing aids
• Store hearing aids in a safe place when not in use
• Avoid wearing hearing aids in the bath/shower or when swimming
• Schedule professional cleanings periodically

Hearing aids can enhance your quality of life by restoring the ability to hear. For the best results, take steps to care for your hearing aids to ensure they continue to function properly. Contact ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia in Valdosta with questions about your hearing aids. We can be reached by calling (229) 244-2562.

Dealing with a scratchy, painful throat? We can help

You woke up with a sore throat and now you’re wondering what’s going on. Are you getting sick or could this be allergies? Should you visit a doctor or just wait it out? While a sore throat can certainly make eating and swallowing painful, it’s important to understand when a sore throat is innocuous, and when it requires a visit to our Valdosta, GA, otolaryngologists, Dr. Ronald Allen, Dr. Thomas Phillips, and Dr. Theodore Kanne, for care.

What is causing my sore throat?

The two most common causes of a sore throat are viral infections and bacterial infections. How can you tell the difference between the two? Well, a viral infection, which includes the common cold and the influenza virus, causes symptoms such as fatigue, fever, body aches, chills, stuffy nose, and sinus pressure. In these cases, the body will most likely be able to fight the infection on its own. Only when symptoms are severe or persistent should you turn to our Valdosta, GA, ENT doctor.

However, if a true bacterial infection is to blame, this is what is known as strep throat. More severe than a viral infection, those with strep throat may experience,

• A high fever over 101 degrees F
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• White patches on the throat

If you or your child is displaying symptoms of strep throat, it’s important that you seek medical care right away. Unlike viral infections, which won’t respond to antibiotics, antibiotics are required to properly treat a bacterial infection. Do not ignore symptoms of strep throat, as this can lead to more serious complication such as rheumatic fever.

Concerned? Give us a call!

If you are dealing with a persistent or severe sore throat in Valdosta, GA, it’s time you found out what’s going on and receive the treatment you need. Call ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia today at (229) 244-2562.

Could the pain in your ear be a sign of an infection? Ear infections don't just affect children—they also cause major distress to adults as well. Fortunately, your Valdosta, GA, ENT specialists, Drs. Thomas Phillips, Ronald Allen, and Theodore Kanne, offer treatments that will improve your uncomfortable symptoms!

How are ear infections treated?

Ear infection treatment varies depending on the site of the infection, for they can occur in the inner, middle, or outer ear.

Treatment for Outer Ear Infections

Outer ear infections (also called swimmers' ear) happen when the outer part of your ear canal becomes inflamed and infected. Although these infections can occur if you get water in your ear when you swim or bathe, they may also be triggered by dirt, debris or sand.

Your Valdosta ENT may prescribe ear drops that stop the growth of bacterial or fungal infections. In some cases, you may also need antibiotic and pain relief drops.

Treatment for Middle Ear Infections

Middle ear infections are the most common type of bacterial illness in children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Whether they occur in kids or adults, these infections can cause pain, fever, and hearing loss. Both viral and bacterial infections can cause middle ear infections.

Due to concerns about antibiotic resistance, antibiotics are no longer the first treatment option for middle ear infections. Luckily, if the ear infection is caused by a virus, it will probably clear up on its own. However, your ENT may prescribe antibiotics if your infection doesn't improve after a few days or if the infection occurs in a child younger than six months. Warm compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and drops to control pain can all be helpful.

Treatment for Inner Ear Infections

Inner ear infections affect the part or your ear that controls balance, and they can cause dizziness, pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting, in addition to hearing loss. The infections are more likely to occur if you have the flu or another virus, but they can also be caused by a bacterial infection.

Treatment options for inner ear infections include antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, and steroids to decrease inflammation.

Need care? Give us a call!

Prompt treatment of ear infections can help you avoid lingering pain and potential complications. Call our Valdosta office today at (229) 244-2562 to schedule an appointment!