VOICE AND SWALLOWING DISORDERS

EXPERT THROAT TREATMENT

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Tonsils and adenoids are part of the lymphatic system and serve to trap the bacteria and viruses that come into the mouth and nose. The tissue of the tonsils and adenoids contains immune cells that produce antibodies that help kill germs before they spread to the rest of the body. They are located in the back of the throat and the upper part of the nasal cavity. 

Tonsil and adenoid tissue can stay enlarged or inflamed during childhood as children are exposed to many germs and are constantly fighting infection. Tonsil tissue will begin to shrink back down as children continue to grow, usually around age 8. 

If your child experiences several bouts of strep throat, chronic ear infections, or sinus infections as a result of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, he/she may benefit from a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy to resolve the throat disorders. A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. The adenoids can be removed at that time. Removing the swollen tissue often creates adequate space for swallowing, breathing and restores good quality sleep. 

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can affect adults as well. In this case, your ear, nose and throat specialist will determine the root cause of your enlarged tonsils and aim to treat the underlying condition. Commonwealth ENT performs tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgeries for children and adult patients suffering from throat disorders. 

Causes of Enlarged Tonsils

It is common for children to experience enlarged tonsils and adenoids as they fight infections. Occasionally the tonsils can remain enlarged even after the infection is gone and this is known as tonsillar hypertrophy. Some causes of enlarged tonsils include:

  • Bacterial infections such as strep throat
  • Viral infections like a cold or the flu
  • Tonsil stones

Symptoms of Enlarged Tonsils

Some people with enlarged tonsils may have very few or no symptoms; however, when tonsils become enlarged for an extended period of time, it can impact your child’s health as well as their quality of sleep. Symptoms of enlarged tonsils include:

  • Mouth breathing
  • Noisy breathing
  • Snoring
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose 
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Restless sleep
  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Chronic ear or sinus infections
  • Difficulty swallowing food
  • Bad breath

At Commonwealth ENT, our highly trained ear, nose and throat surgeons will help determine if you or your child could benefit from a tonsillectomy. If you have questions about the tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedure, call us today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443.  

Treatment for Enlarged Tonsils

The treatment for enlarged tonsils and adenoids is a surgical procedure known as a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy to remove the tissue. It is a straightforward procedure that will require general anesthetic and a few days of recovery. The factors that play a key role in whether or not a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy is necessary, are recurring throat infections and airway obstruction. Since the tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system, your doctor will determine if removing the tonsils and adenoids will be a health benefit to your child. 

Most children tolerate the tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedure well and recover quickly. Many children will thrive afterwards as they are able to eat and swallow better and get good quality sleep. It is quite common for patients to have ear tubes placed during a tonsillectomy procedure if chronic ear infections are one of the reasons for having the tonsils removed.  

If you suspect that your child has tonsil hypertrophy, or seems to suffer chronic ear infections or sinus infections call Commonwealth ENT at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443. Our ear, nose and throat specialists will review your child’s medical history and perform a thorough evaluation to assess how he/she could benefit from a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy procedure.

Voice and Swallowing Disorders

A wide range of conditions can occur in the throat that may impact speech and swallowing and can cause hoarseness and vocal cord issues. Voice disorders stem from a medical condition that affects the vocal cords such as overuse. Swallowing problems are common as people age and make it difficult to swallow food or liquid which causes anxiety. At Commonwealth ENT, our specialists understand the unique and intricate structures of the larynx and offer accurate diagnoses and treatment for problems associated with the throat. Our specialists also perform surgeries for cancer of the neck and throat.

Voice Disorders

Voice disorders affect how you produce speech. As air passes through your vocal cords from the lungs, the vibration of the cords makes sound which is then sent through the throat, nose and mouth or the resonating cavities where speech is then formed. Voice disorders are usually a function of an interference in the vocal cords. Some conditions that can cause vocal cord problems include:

  • Vocal cord nodules or polyps
  • Inflammation or swelling of the vocal cords – can happen after surgery, respiratory illness, smoking and exposure to chemical irritants
  • Nerve problems 
  • Vocal cord strain – loud singing, shouting or talking and excessive coughing
  • Vocal cord paresis or paralysis – caused by a viral infections, surgery, stroke or cancer and may heal or become permanent
  • Spasmodic Dysphonia – vocal cord spasms due to nerve problems. Speech sounds quivery, jerky or hoarse 

Diagnosing and Treating Voice Disorders

If you experience sudden changes in your voice and it lasts for a few weeks or longer, it is important to consult your doctor. At Commonwealth ENT, our specialists can perform specific tests that provide detailed visualization of the vocal cords and how they vibrate during speech. Depending on the cause of your specific vocal cord issues, Commonwealth ENT offers treatment that can include:

  • Lifestyle changes such as vocal rest and plenty of hydration
  • Medicine
  • Surgical procedure to remove any growth or nodule on cord
  • Injections
  • Speech therapy

Commonwealth ENT of Richmond, VA offers expert care in the diagnosis and treatment of voice and throat disorders. If you have any questions or concerns about your voice or vocal cords, call Commonwealth ENT today at our Richmond office (804) 525-4231 or our Midlothian office (804) 378-7443.

Swallowing Disorders

Some people experience dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing food and/or liquid. Some people may also experience pain during swallowing. Aging adults are more likely to develop throat disorders such as dysphagia and it may be caused by many different factors such as:

  • Vocal cord paralysis
  • Diseases of the nervous system
  • Acid reflux
  • Muscle weakness
  • Food lodging in the esophagus
  • Head or neck cancer
  • Problems with the swallowing mechanism

Swallowing is an involuntary reflex that involves the use of many muscles working in coordination to make sure the food or liquid safely bypasses the vocal cords and airway and makes it into the stomach.  

throat

At Commonwealth ENT, our expertly trained ear, nose and throat specialists understand the symptoms and causes of swallowing disorders. At your visit, we will perform a physical examination and prescribe testing that will help us make an accurate diagnosis of your swallowing disorder. We will work with you to offer the best treatment options for you. 

convenient locations for commonwealth ent

RICHMOND ***WE’VE MOVED – NEW ADDRESS***
1501 Maple Avenue, Suite 205
Richmond, VA 23226

Visit Dr. Brian Fishero, Dr. Julie Kerr
& Audiologists Karasa Wilson-Scott, Lauren Maino at this office.

MIDLOTHIAN
1 Park West Circle, Suite 200
Midlothian, VA 23114
Visit Dr. Matthew Bridges, Dr. Patrick Gibbons,
Audiologist Sheri Stoots & Aesthetician Franki Lambiotte at this office.

phone contact information commonwealth ENT

RICHMOND:
(804) 525-4231

MIDLOTHIAN:
(804) 378-7443

hours of operation commonwealth ent

HOURS

MONDAY – THURSDAY
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FRIDAY
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

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