Ashford Clinic Blog | Throat

11 Jul

Vocal Cord Paralysis

Your vocal cords and voice box are very important. The vocal cords (or vocal folds) are involved in much more than simply producing sound, they play a role in protecting your airway and keeping you from choking by helping to keep food, drink, and saliva out of your trachea (or windpipe). Disorders of the voice can be very distressing, especially if you depend on your voice for your livelihood. There are many types of vocal injuries and disorders, but Vocal Cord Paralysis and Vocal Cord Paresis can have profound implications on your ability to speak and even breathe.
03 Aug

5 Things You Might Not Know About Your Thyroid

The thyroid is a small, but vitally important gland located in the front of the neck, just above the collarbone. As part of the endocrine system, the hormones produced by the thyroid have an effect on every cell and all organs of the body. Since the thyroid gland’s functions are so broad and all­encompassing, there are several things that you might not know about this part of the human body. Here are just a few things you might not know about the thyroid gland.
06 Sep

What are Parathyroid Glands?

Thyroid...parathyroid...probably the same thing, right? Not at all! These glands serve two very different purposes. While the thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism (among other things), the parathyroid glands regulate and maintain calcium levels in the blood. Though their names are very similar, the thyroid and parathyroid actually have very little in common aside from their location and the fact that both are part of the endocrine system. Here are some important things you should know about your parathyroid glands.
12 Oct

What Does an ENT Do?

What is an ENT? What is Otolaryngology? Can’t my family doctor take care of my ears, nose, and throat? If you’re unfamiliar with what an ENT physician does, you’ve likely had questions like these. The medical profession is filled with so many areas of specialty, that it can be difficult to keep up with which doctor helps with what. With that in mind, we’d like to specifically address the field of otolaryngology and explain what it is an ENT specialist does and when you should see one.
19 Oct

What to Expect after a Tonsillectomy

If you or your child is experiencing chronic tonsillitis, it is very likely that a tonsillectomy has been recommended. This procedure involves removing the tonsils, which are masses of immune cells found in lymph glands located in the mouth. The procedure is performed in order to prevent symptoms associated with chronic tonsillitis, including recurring sore throat, abscess, upper airway obstruction causing difficulty swallowing, snoring and sleep apnea, dental malocclusion, and bad breath. Tonsillectomy is a very common outpatient procedure, particularly for children, but there are some things to know for after the procedure.
01 Nov

Common ENT issues in the Fall

There is a lot to like about autumn. The cooler weather, changing leaves, and many holidays make it a particularly fun and festive time of year. However, the change in the weather can also mean new challenges and illnesses for your ears, nose and throat. While many of these issues are more prevalent for children, there are plenty of ENT problems to go around for every age group. Here are some of the things to look out for during the fall:
11 Jan

Who Needs to Watch for Thyroid Issues?

Thyroid issues are very common, though the causes of many of these conditions remains unknown. It is estimated that over 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition at some point in their lives. While 12 percent may not seem like a particularly large number, it means that roughly 20 million people have some form of thyroid disease. What is more alarming is that 60 percent of individuals who have a thyroid issue are unaware of their condition.
27 Jan

3 Ways That ENT Issues Affect Overall Health

Because ENT issues are common in so many adults, it is easy to think that issues like allergies and tinnitus only have the power to affect the ears, nose, and throat. However, these seemingly isolated problem areas are not always as narrow as we think they are. While these illnesses may be easiest to distinguish in localized areas, their symptoms have the potential to negatively impact your whole body and overall health. We’ve come up three of the most common results of ENT problems related to overall health to help you discern if your symptoms are contributing to a bigger problem.
20 Sep

Do I Have a Cold or Allergies?

Now that the seasons are finally thinking about changing - although, here in Georgia we may have highs in the 70's through Christmas - we're already seeing several instances of everyone's favorite game of self-diagnosis: Is It a Cold or Allergies? The symptoms can be very similar, but the root causes are very different. Knowing the difference in the two can help you to get the right treatment and feel better sooner.
26 Dec

Breathing right can boost your immune system

Did you know there are ways to improve your health and bolster your immune system through proper, mindful breathing? The action of the immune system in defending the body from disease is a recent discovery. While ancient practitioners in Greece noticed the actions of immunity from disease, even earlier, yogis evolved ways to influence health and immunity through proper, mindful breathing.
02 Jan

Are my breathing habits hurting my health?

Look around at your fellow humans and you’re likely to observe that an impressive percentage of the population breathes incorrectly. Some of the most common features of inadequate breathing are taking shallow breaths; making audible sound while breathing, even at rest; and drawing breath with the muscles of the upper chest instead of using the diaphragm. Worst of all, and maybe the most common, is the habit of mouth breathing.
08 May

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?

What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that  gently opens sinus passages restoring air flow and providing immediate relief for pressure from the sinus passages. It is a short, in-office procedure (typically one hour) to dilate the inflamed passages and flush the infected sinus cavities. 

Most patients report that nasal breathing improves during the procedure and sinus and head pressure are immediately lessened. Because this is a minimally invasive procedure under light sedation, recovery is much shorter and less painful than traditional sinus surgeries. 
28 Aug

It's just Allergies... or is it?

What's causing your stuffy nose? It's not uncommon for most people to say "It's just allergies" without understanding what that actually means. There is a lot of confusion about the difference between allergies and sinusitis (sinus infections), and while there is some overlap in symptoms, these are two different conditions and treatment can be very different for each.
22 Jan

10 Tips for Staying Healthy in Winter

It can be disheartening to start January with so much motivation and enthusiasm only to be hit with a nasty cold that takes weeks to fully get over. While there is no way to guarantee that you completely avoid illness during the winter months, there are some practical things you can do to help you stay healthy this time of year.
11 Mar

Hand Washing 101

Everyone wants to stay healthy, especially at times when there is a lot of illness going around. So, how can you protect yourself when it seems like everyone around you is getting sick? While there is no way to fully guarantee you will avoid any and all sickness, one of the most effective ways to prevent illness for you and your family is actually very simple - wash your hands.
03 Apr

Is it "Just Allergies?" Know the Difference.

"It's just my allergies." That's what many people tell themselves, and others, any time they experience a sore throat or runny nose. With Spring in full bloom and pollen covering everything, it's entirely possible that what many of us are experiencing are allergy symptoms. With that said, it's important now more than ever to know the difference between allergy symptoms and those of a cold or other respiratory issues. The symptoms can be very similar, but the root causes are very different. Knowing the difference between the two can help you to get the right treatment and feel better sooner.
15 Apr

What's Making You Sneeze This Spring?

Just when you thought it was safe to step outside, the Spring Allergy Season comes raging back. Whether you have the slightest bit of a runny nose after a long walk or can't go to the mailbox without feeling like you have a full-blown sinus infection, you're one the millions of Americans who suffer from Spring Allergies every year. But what's causing these symptoms, and where does that yellow haze come from? Let's take a look at the common culprits of your spring allergy symptoms.
20 Apr

Updated Covid-19 Statement - April 20, 2020

Beginning Monday, April 20, Ashford Clinic will start seeing patients in need of ENT services during our normal office hours, Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm. Only one patient will be allowed in the building at a time to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We kindly ask that patients who are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) or have been near someone with Covid-19 to refrain from coming into our offices. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 706-248-6860.

20 May

Why Do My Throat and Ears Hurt?

Experiencing shart pains in the throat and/or ears can be incredibly unpleasant, and very concerning if it persists. While the most common cause of a sore throat is the common cold, there can be other underlying causes. In most cases, a sore throat will subside in a few days. If it doesn't, it's probably time to consult your doctor or even see your ENT.
27 May

How can I Exercise with Seasonal Allergies?

If you struggle with seasonal allergies, it can be difficult to maintain an active lifestyle outdoors when being outdoors seems to trigger your symptoms. After all, getting outside and being active is supposed to help you feel better, not worse. Fret not, there are some things you can do to make the great outdoors less aggravating while allergy triggers lurk at every turn. Let's take a look at some specific steps you can take to keep your allergy symptoms in check while you exercise.
04 Jun

Summer Sinus Infection Survival Guide

Unlike allergies, Sinus Infections aren't typically associated with a specific time of year. With that said, there are plenty of things that can cause a sinus infection to occur in the summer months, including lingering allergy symptoms and viral infections (aka the "summer cold"). Here's a quick guide to what causes sinus infections, what the symptoms are, and how they are treated.
17 Jun

Sinus Issues: 3 Sneaky Suspects

When your nose gets stuffy and you feel that familiar sinus pressure in your head, the first causes we typically look to are the familiar culprits: pollen, dust, and mold. While these "big three" are very often the offenders in causing your sinusitis, there are certainly other everyday substances that can cause or contribute to your sinus symptoms. Let's take a quick look at some of these everyday culprits and how to avoid them.
24 Jun

Pets and Allergies

They're adorable, we love them, they're part of the family. It's true that our pets add so much to our quality of life, but as with anything else, there are also plenty of downsides that come with pet ownership. One particular area of confusion when it comes to pet ownership complications is how they contribute to our allergy symptoms. It's true that pets can be a source of irritation when it comes to your allergies, but not in the way that most people think.
08 Jul

Stress and Your Allergies

Stress is something we all experience, but it's become an increasing issue for millions of people. There seems to be an ongoing list of things to be stressed about, from everyday work and life to current events, and there are hundreds of books, podcasts, products, and other resources dedicated to helping people handle their stress. It's an increasingly common issue that can impact your overall health in numerous ways, and your allergy symptoms are certainly part of that list. Let's explore how stress impacts allergy symptoms and what can be done about it.
15 Jul

What's Causing My Sinus Headaches?

Sinus headaches are awful. Those who have them regularly know that they can ruin your day and bring your productivity to a grinding halt. Often mistaken for migraines, sinus headaches are more often associated with sinus infections, facial pain, discolored mucus, and even fever. So, what causes them, and what can be done to treat them? Let's find out.
22 Jul

Breathe Better, Stress Less

Stress has a unique effect on the body. When you are stressed, your symptoms can be exaggerated, which can trip a spiral of consequences that feed on each other: erratic sleep, chronic fatigue, nutritional problems and weight gain, cardiac disease, and hypertension can all happen or worsen in response to stress. We've also explored how stress can also make your allergy symptoms worse. So, what can be done to help manage your stress? There are tons of books, podcasts, and other resources on this subject, but there are also some simple solutions you can try right now to get you started.
05 Aug

Heat, Humidity, and Sinus Infections

It's August in Georgia, which means it's almost guaranteed to be hot and humid most of the time. While that's sure to make being outside uncomfortable for everyone, that's especially true for those of us who deal with sinusitis and other sinus issues. It turns out that the extreme summer heat can have an adverse effect on your sinuses, making you more susceptible to sinus infections or your lingering sinus infections worse.
12 Aug

Can Allergies Make You Tired?

We all know someone who blames every little symptom they experience on their allergies, but it turns out they may be on to something in many cases. The symptoms of seasonal and environmental allergies are fairly common knowledge these days - congestion, sneezing, sinus headaches, nasal swelling, etc. - but a lesser-known symptom is fatigue. If you suffer from seasonal or chronic allergies, they could be making you feel tired. How and why does this happen?
19 Aug

I'm Over My Sinus Infection, so Why am I Still Coughing?

So, you’re finally over that troublesome sinus infection that’s lingered for weeks. Maybe you treated your symptoms at home, maybe you went to your doctor and had a round of antibiotics. Either way, you’re feeling much better and everything's back to normal...except for that cough that just won’t go away. Why is that? Is this normal? When will it go away for good?

02 Sep

Barometric Pressure and Your Sinuses

Many of us have a friend or relative who could tell a thunderstorm was coming because their knees hurt. It turns out that there may be something to that. Have you ever noticed that changes in the weather can mean changes in your sinuses (headaches, pressure, etc.)? It's not your imagination! Recent studies have shown that there can be links between changes in barometric pressure and some changes in our bodies. While much remains unknown about Low and High Barometric Pressure Symptoms, here is what we know so far...
16 Sep

Is That My Nose Whistling?

Some of us are more musically inclined than others but rarely does musical talent apply to our noses. Everyone experiences some "nose whistling" at some point or another, but persistent musicality from your nose may be due to an underlying issue. Nose whistling usually clears up on its own and is normally not a serious condition, but if your nose just won't stay quiet, you might need to see a doctor. So, why do our noses whistle and how do we get rid of it? Let's find out...
23 Sep

How To Tame Your Fall Allergies

It's official, Fall has arrived. Here in Georgia, that means enjoying the seasonal sights and flavors in shorts and T-shirts while we have mostly highs in the 80's until December. The change in temperature may occur slowly, but the Fall Allergy Triggers don't exactly work on the same schedule. Yes, Fall Allergies are very real and affect millions of Americans every year. For many of us, Fall Allergy Season started weeks ago with the first appearances of ragweed. With that in mind, here are our recommendations for how to deal with your allergies this Fall...
07 Oct

Is Mold Causing my Allergy Symptoms?

Some allergens are obvious, Spring Pollen and Fall Ragweed are easy to see and are certainly responsible for the allergy symptoms of millions of people. Other allergy triggers are just as common, but far less visible. Substances like mold and dust are huge contributors to allergy symptoms that lurk in different places than their plant-based counterparts. Mold, especially, is tricky to spot and just as likely to cause your symptoms - especially in the Fall and Winter months. You just have to know where to look.
14 Oct

Soothing Itchy Ears and Throats

As with most upper respiratory issues, itching in the ears and throat is primarily caused by irritation. That irritation can lead to interrelated sinus issues like congestion and postnasal drip.  Causes of the irritation can range from environmental to mild illnesses. Let's take a look at what causes these issues and how to soothe them.
28 Oct

Air Travel and Sinus Infections

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to fly with a sinus infection, you’re not alone. While sinus infections are painful enough on their own, changes in air pressure can make sinus pressure even more uncomfortable. While this can make the infection worse if you’re not careful, there are steps that you can take to avoid changing or canceling your travel plans.
04 Nov

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Right for You?

You’ve probably heard us mention Balloon Sinuplasty more than once, but why should YOU consider it? Well, let’s go over what it is, how it works, and what the benefits are. It has helped many of our patients with sinus issues that they've struggled with for years. So, if you have sinus infections that keep coming back, this may be an option for you.
16 Dec

Winter Sinus Issues

Happy Holidays! It’s the time of year when we’re typically around a lot of parties, a lot of food, and a lot of changes in temperature. Let’s be honest - even if it’s cold outside, it’s likely warm inside and you’re probably going from one to another at least a couple of times a day. What can all of this mean though? Sinus issues. Not to worry - we’ve got some tips to help you avoid sinus discomfort this winter.
23 Dec

Do I Have Chronic Sinus Infections?

Anyone can suffer from sinus infections from time to time, and it really doesn’t matter whether you’re generally healthy, young, old, or avoid travel. At some point, something will probably trigger a sinus infection at least once in your lifetime. For those who experience sinus infections regularly, how do you determine whether or not you are suffering from chronic sinus infections?
13 Jan

Will a Sinus Infection Make My Throat Sore?

Will a sinus infection make your throat sore? In short, it certainly can. Sinus infections typically come with sinus congestion. The mucus that forms that congestion leads to post-nasal drip, which in turn irritates your throat. This is what leads to a sore throat from a sinus infection. Sore throats are symptoms of many illnesses though, including the common cold. So how do you know whether or not that sore throat is from a sinus infection? Let’s look at symptoms of post-nasal drip.
27 Jan

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

You wake up with a headache, sinus pressure, coughing, a sore throat, and you’re exhausted. Is it a sinus infection? Maybe you have an important appointment, but are you contagious? These are all questions likely going through your mind as you try to determine the best course of action so you can get better and keep those around you from getting sick.
03 Feb

Can Sudden Weather Changes impact Your Sinuses?

Does it seem like you experience sinus pain when the weather changes? Sudden changes can trigger chronic nasal congestion, sinus infections, headaches, and intense seasonal allergies. This is not uncommon, but there are things that you can do to find relief. Let's take a look at what causes these symptoms and what you can do to counteract them.
10 Feb

What's the Difference Between a Sinus Infection and Chronic Sinus Infections?

Sinus infections can come and go for anyone, regardless of age, activity, or lifestyle. They can be triggered by things like stress, allergies, changes in humidity, or flying. These are just a few common examples of triggers. Generally, a sinus infection can be treated with over-the-counter medication, or your doctor can prescribe medications such as antibiotics if needed. Chronic sinus infections, or chronic sinusitis, is a bit different and can often require minimally-invasive surgical treatment. So what is the difference between a sinus infection and chronic sinusitis?
17 Feb

How To Deal With Sinus Symptoms Caused by Pet Allergies

For many of us, pets are family members. They bring joy, companionship, and comfort to our lives, so why wouldn’t we want to keep them inside where it’s comfortable? Sometimes though, their presence can trigger allergies leading to sinus issues. If you suspect that your precious pet is causing your sinus symptoms, there are steps you can take to create a better situation for everyone involved.
04 Mar

Is it a Sinus Headache or a Migraine?

Have you ever experienced what you thought was a sinus headache, but with no congestion whatsoever? If you have, then there’s a good chance that what you actually were experiencing was a migraine. Migraines vary between individuals, and there is still a great deal that we still don’t know about what actually causes them. The commonly accepted theory is that they are caused by neurological issues in the brain. Still, many migraine symptoms are similar if not the same as other types of headaches. This of course makes them more difficult to correctly identify.
10 Mar

Benefits of Balloon Sinuplasty

Sinus infections that keep happening, medications that cause drowsiness, fatigue, or don’t seem to work when you need them to, and the agonizing discomfort of sinus pressure. There are times when traditional treatments just don’t work for everyone the way that they’d like, and even medications can be disruptive to everyday life. There is an effective alternative, though.
12 May

When Should You See a Doctor about a Sinus Infection?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should wait out a sinus infection or see your doctor, you’re not alone. It’s certainly tempting to skip the office visit when you feel terrible and don’t think that you’ll be told to do more than get some rest and take an over-the-counter medication. There are times when skipping that visit to the doctor can actually make things worse.
16 Jun

Do I have Allergies, a Sinus Infection, or a Summer Cold?

It could be a stuffy feeling, congestion, or even a sneeze that triggers that first question... “Am I sick, or are these allergies?” It’s certainly not unreasonable to wonder - so many symptoms can overlap when it comes to allergies and illnesses. How can you tell these conditions apart? Most of the time, you can probably go through your symptoms and rule out one or the other.
30 Jun

Swimmer's Ear 101

Swimmer’s ear is typically caused by water that sits in your ear after swimming - hence the name “swimmer’s ear”. This wet, warm environment is the perfect place for bacteria to thrive and multiply, causing an infection. It should be noted though that this same type of infection can occur if the thin layer of skin lining the ear canal is damaged from putting things into the ear canal. This could be a finger or other foreign object such as a cotton swab.
01 Sep

What Kind of Cough Do I Have?

At times, it might feel like a cough is a cause for alarm. Coughing is one of your body’s ways of clearing irritants, so a cough could just mean that you inhaled some dust or other irritant. It’s a defensive reflex after all! Coughing can also be a symptom of illness or allergies, so it’s helpful to recognize when the cough is just a cough and when it’s an indicator of something else.
13 Oct

“Why does my Face Hurt?” A Guide to Facial Sinus Pain

Pain from sinus pressure doesn’t always present itself in the sinuses alone - the pain and discomfort can also appear in the areas of the face surrounding the sinuses. So, if you are experiencing pressure or an aching feeling in your brow, cheeks, or forehead, it’s likely that you’re experiencing a sinus headache. The pain is usually worse if you’re leaning forward, as that puts more pressure on your sinuses. You might even feel pain in your teeth - this is because of the proximity of your jaw to your sinus cavities.
11 Nov

Sinus Headache Help

Sinus headaches are no fun. When your sinuses become blocked, one of the uncomfortable side effects is a sinus headache. The pressure is usually felt around your eyes, between your eyes, and above your nose. To get rid of a sinus headache, you’ll need to address whatever is causing the blockage in your sinuses, and that could require a trip to see your ENT. In the meantime though, there are ways that you can treat the pain and soothe those painful sinuses.
26 Nov

We're Thankful for You! Our Commitment to Our Patients

The holiday season is a time to reflect on the many joys and blessings in our lives, whether they are a smile from a friendly face or the generosity of a dear loved one. At the Ashford Clinic, we are so thankful to have such wonderful patients, and we want to provide each and every one of you with the highest level of care possible.
06 Jan

New Year, New You - Get to the bottom of your sinus issues in 2022

Sinus issues mean a LOT of different things. We know this. And it can seem easier to brush them off if you think that the only long-term solution involves painful, invasive surgery and a long recovery time. That’s not usually the case though. In the vast majority of cases, sinus issues are due to inflammation and congestion in the sinus cavities. So if you can find out why you’re congested in the first place, you can begin to address the underlying issue.
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