Chronic sinusitis, an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, is a common ailment that can cause significant discomfort.

Causes

Allergy symptoms (ENT-related), bacterial or fungal infections, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and respiratory tract infections.

Symptoms

Facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion symptoms, thick nasal discharge symptoms (postnasal drip), reduced sense of smell and taste, headache and sinus pressure symptoms, and fatigue.

Hearing loss symptoms and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) symptoms, or ringing in the ears, are prevalent issues that can affect communication and overall quality of life.

Causes

Age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, earwax buildup, certain medications, and Meniere’s disease.

Symptoms

Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments; asking others to repeat themselves; ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears.

Treatment options

Hearing aids, sound therapy, earwax removal, addressing underlying causes, and lifestyle adjustments to protect hearing.

Snoring symptoms and sleep apnea can disrupt sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue and other health complications.

Causes

Obstruction of the airway during sleep, obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and anatomical abnormalities.

Symptoms

Loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep (apnea), gasping or choking during sleep, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

Diagnosis

Sleep studies conducted in a sleep lab or home monitoring tests.

Treatment

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, surgical interventions, and lifestyle changes.

Voice and throat specialist doctor disorders can impact communication and cause significant discomfort.

Common issues

Laryngitis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, vocal cord paralysis, acid reflux-related throat irritation (laryngopharyngeal reflux), and throat infections.

Symptoms

Hoarseness symptoms, voice changes, sore throat symptoms, persistent coughing symptoms (throat-related), difficulty swallowing symptoms, and a sensation of a lump in the throat.

Diagnosis

Laryngoscopy (visual examination of the larynx), imaging tests (CT scan, MRI), and voice analysis.

Treatment

Voice therapy, medications (antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors), and surgical options (vocal cord surgery).

Nose and upper respiratory issues are common and can significantly impact daily life.

Common triggers

Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, and environmental irritants.

Symptoms

Sneezing, nasal congestion symptoms, runny nose, itchy eyes, sinus pressure symptoms, and post-nasal drip symptoms.

Management

Allergy testing, immunotherapy, antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and avoidance of triggers.

Ear doctor infections and ENT for vertigo can cause significant discomfort and disrupt balance.

Causes

Viral or bacterial infections, Meniere’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and other inner ear disorders.

Symptoms

Ear pressure symptoms, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness symptoms, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting.

Treatment

Antibiotics, vestibular therapy (exercises to improve balance), medications to manage vertigo, and lifestyle modifications.

Initial Consultation and Medical History Review

A thorough physical examination is an important part of the diagnostic process. Dr. Bublik will visually inspect your ears, nose, and throat using specialized instruments. He will palpate (feel) your neck to check for swollen lymph nodes or other abnormalities.
The examination may include evaluating your cranial nerves, which are necessary for sensory and motor functions in the head and neck. This can include tests of facial movement, sensation, and reflexes. Dr. Bublik may also check for signs of deviated septum, or other nasal abnormalities.
Depending on the findings from the initial consultation and physical examination, Dr. Bublik may recommend additional diagnostic tests.

Hearing Tests (Audiometry)

These tests assess your hearing sensitivity and identify any hearing loss symptoms.

Imaging Tests (CT Scan, MRI, X-ray)

These imaging techniques provide detailed images of the internal structures of the ears, nose, and throat.

Allergy Testing (Skin Prick Test, Blood Test)

If allergies are suspected, these tests can identify specific allergens that trigger your symptoms.

Endoscopy (Visual Examination of the Nasal Passages, Larynx, or Esophagus)

This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the nasal passages, larynx, or esophagus. It allows the ENT specialist to visualize these structures and identify any abnormalities, such as polyps, tumors, or inflammation.

Following the evaluation and diagnostic testing, Dr. Bublik will discuss the findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan. He will explain the various adult ENT treatment options available, including medications, minimally invasive procedures, and ENT surgery doctor interventions.

Antibiotics

These are prescribed for bacterial infections such as sinusitis, ear infections, and tonsillitis.

Antihistamines

These are used to relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Decongestants

These help to relieve nasal congestion by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages.

Nasal Corticosteroids

These are powerful anti-inflammatory medications delivered via nasal spray. They can treat chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help manage pain and discomfort associated with ENT conditions.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Used to treat Laryngopharyngeal Reflux by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Balloon Sinuplasty

A small balloon catheter is inserted into the sinus openings and inflated to widen them, improving sinus drainage.

Ear Tube Placement

Small tubes are inserted into the eardrums to drain fluid from the middle ear, commonly used for recurrent ear infections.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

A thin, flexible endoscope is used to visualize and remove nasal polyps, correct a deviated septum, or open blocked sinus passages

Coblation Tonsillectomy

Uses radiofrequency energy to remove tonsil tissue, causing less pain and bleeding than traditional surgery. Surgical Interventions

Tonsillectomy

Surgical removal of the tonsils, often performed for recurrent tonsillitis or sleep apnea.

Adenoidectomy

Surgical removal of the adenoids, commonly performed in children with recurrent ear infections or nasal congestion.

Septoplasty

Surgical correction of a deviated septum to improve airflow through the nasal passages.

Voice Surgery

Procedures to treat vocal cord nodules, polyps, or paralysis, aimed at restoring voice function.

Ear Surgery

A variety of procedures to address ear conditions, such as tympanoplasty (repair of a perforated eardrum) or stapedectomy (treatment for otosclerosis)..

Turbinate Reduction

procedure to reduce the size of the turbinates in the nose to improve airflow.

Dietary Changes

Avoid trigger foods for allergies or acid reflux, and maintain a healthy diet.

Environmental Control

Reducing exposure to allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, or pollen, through measures like air purifiers and hypoallergenic bedding.

Voice Rest

Avoiding excessive talking or shouting to allow the vocal cords to heal.

Hydration

Drink plenty of fluids to keep mucous membranes moist and thin.

Stress Management

Techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help reduce stress, which can exacerbate some ENT conditions.

Hearing Aids

Electronic devices that amplify sound for individuals with hearing loss.

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Gradual exposure to allergens to build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions.

Speech Therapy

Exercises and techniques to improve voice and communication skills, often used for voice disorders or swallowing difficulties.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness for individuals with vestibular disorders.