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!

Are you having trouble hearing those around you? You might benefit from a hearing aid.

As we get older, many of us will deal with some degree of hearing loss; however, hearing loss isn’t just the result of old age. There are many issues that can make it difficult to hear those around you, from being exposed to loud noises to ear infections. No matter what is causing your hearing loss, it’s important that you call Dr. Jenny Carroll at Doctors Hearing Center at the ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia in Valdosta, GA if you are starting to notice any of these signs and symptoms of hearing loss:

• You have to turn the TV or radio up in order to hear it
• You have to ask people to repeat themselves often
• People often sound like they are mumbling
• You feel isolated from conversations
• You have trouble understanding conversations in loud environments
• You avoid social situations

If you experience these scenarios above then you could be dealing with some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss is usually gradual, so it isn’t always easy to tell when something is wrong. Of course, if you find that those around you often need to speak up in order for you to understand them then it’s time to schedule an evaluation with our Valdosta, GA, audiologist.

Could I benefit from a hearing aid?

The good news is that we offer a variety of hearing aids to help improve your hearing and to help make you part of your social circle again. It’s amazing how even minor hearing loss can affect your personal and professional life. Getting a hearing aid can greatly improve your quality of life and make it easier to understand those around you. While it will not correct your hearing, it will amplify certain sounds so that you can hear more clearly.

While there are many hearing aids styles from which to choose, at Doctors Hearing Center at the ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia we find that the majority of our patients prefer the receiver-in-the-canal style hearing aids. Why? For one thing, this is a very small and discreet style so your hearing aid isn’t as noticeable. This can be a great source of comfort for those who want to keep their hearing loss to themselves. The receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid is great for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and even those who lead an active lifestyle.

If you want to understand your friends and family better and believe that a hearing aid could help you do that, then it’s time to schedule a consultation with the Doctors Hearing Center at the ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia in Valdosta, GA. We want to help you become part of the conversation again.

Could your earache be caused by an infection?

Even though children are far more likely to deal with ear infections, anyone can develop an ear infection. Of course, it isn’t always easy to tell if the symptoms you are experiencing are due to an infection or something else. Find out the telltale signs and know when it’s time to visit our Valdosta, GA, otolaryngologists Dr. Ronald Allen, Dr. Thomas Phillips and Dr. Theodore Kanne for treatment.

There are three different kinds of ear infections: inner, middle and outer. The type of infection you are dealing with will often present with different symptoms.

Inner Ear Infection

If you have an inner infection, it’s important that our Valdosta, GA, ENT doctor examines the ear. After all, it could actually just be inflammation and not an infection; however, sometimes a more serious issue such as meningitis may be the cause. If you have an inner ear infection you may experience dizziness (vertigo), nausea and vomiting. You may also have trouble with balance. You may also notice some degree of hearing loss in the affected ear.

Middle Ear Infection

The middle ear lies behind the eardrum and this infection occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Therefore, the most common symptom is ear pain, pressure, and fullness. You may even notice fluid draining from your ear or have difficulty hearing (sounds may be muffled).

Outer Ear Infection

An outer ear infection, known as otitis externa, will start at the eardrum and affect the outside portions of the ear. More often than not, those with an outer ear infection may develop an itchy rash on their ear. The ear may also be red, swollen or tender to the touch.

Ear Infections in Children

As an adult, it’s pretty easy to know when it’s time to see a doctor and when you might be able to handle symptoms on your own. Unfortunately, infants and toddlers will not be able to tell you that they are experiencing an ear infection; however, here are some behaviors to be on the lookout for:

• Pulling or tugging at the ear
• Drainage coming from the ear
• Increased fussiness or clinginess
• Crying when lying down
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fever
• Trouble hearing those around them

If your child is displaying any of these symptoms it’s best to play it safe and bring them in for an evaluation. Some infections will clear on their own but others with require antibiotics or medication to prevent complications.

Here at ENT and Allergy Associates of South Georgia, we are here to make sure that you get the quality ear, nose and throat care you deserve. No matter whether you are dealing with seasonal allergies or an ear infection, we can provide you with the treatment you need within Valdosta, GA, and the surrounding community.

Most sore throats go away on their own, but some require a visit to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. Dr. Ronald Allen, Dr. Thomas Phillips and Dr. Theodore Kanne help Valdosta, GA and surrounding community, residents recover from sore throats and other ear, nose and throat problems.

What causes sore throats?

Sore throats are a particularly common ailment. In fact, approximately 15 million Americans visit doctors every year due to sore throat pain, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Common sore throat causes include:

• Viral Infections: Sore throats often occur if you have a cold, the flu or another virus. In most cases, your throat will feel better in a week or two. Over-the-counter pain medication, gargling with salt water and drinking warm beverages can help ease y our symptoms.
• Strep Throat: Symptoms usually occur quickly if you have a strep throat. The bacterial infection often causes severe throat pain and a fever over 101F. If you have strep throat, you may notice white or yellow spots on your throat and swollen lymph nodes or tonsils. Antibiotic treatment is needed if you develop strep throat.
• Allergies and Environmental Factors: Allergies, smoke and strong chemicals can irritate the lining of your throat and cause throat pain. Taking allergy medication and avoiding environmental irritants can help ease your symptoms and prevent throat pain in the future.
• Laryngitis: A sore throat often accompanies laryngitis, an inflammation that affects your voice box. Laryngitis is more likely to occur if you have a viral infection, were exposed to environmental irritants or sang or yelled for a long period recently.
• Tonsillitis and Inflamed Adenoids: Inflammation of your tonsils and adenoids can be very painful. Although viral tonsillitis will go away on its own, you will need antibiotics if your illness is caused by a bacterial infection. If you experience frequent bouts of tonsillitis, your Valdosta ENT may recommend removal of your tonsils and possibly your adenoids.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD): GERD occurs when strong stomach acids flow into your esophagus and irritate the sensitive lining. Although heartburn is a common sign of GERD, some people also experience sore throats.

When should I see an ENT?

Call your ENT if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Severe throat pain
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Fever higher than 101F
• Earache, rash or joint pain in addition to a sore throat
• A sore throat that lasts more than one week or hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks
• Blood in your phlegm or saliva

Your ENT can help you find relief for your sore throat symptoms. Call Valdosta, GA, ENT Dr. Ronald Allen, Dr. Thomas Phillips and Dr. Theodore Kanne at (229) 244-2562 to schedule your appointment.