Some ear, nose or throat problems can make you feel downright miserable. But you can turn to the experts at University Health for help.
Our ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors are board-certified otolaryngologists. We are supported by our highly experienced ENT nurses and other health specialists.
Our approach to care is to build relationships with our patients, many of whom we see for years. We enjoy getting to know you. It's not uncommon for us to learn the names of our patients' children and grandchildren.
We truly have a heart for our patients, and we will work hard to promptly address your questions or concerns and to help you in any way we can.
ENT conditions we treat
We provide surgery, when needed. But we do much more than that. We offer treatments that can improve your quality of life. For example, we help people finally find relief from long-lasting sinus problems, blocked nasal passages, dizziness or hearing problems. For our patients with head and neck cancer, we offer compassionate and coordinated care.
Conditions we treat in adults ages 18 and older include:
- Chronic sinusitis, which is typically defined as a sinus infection that lasts for at least eight weeks.
- Chronic otitis, a middle-ear infection.
- Deviated septum, which refers to crooked cartilage that separates each nasal passage.
- Head and neck masses. We can find and treat abnormal growths that may be cancer, including larynx, tonsil, nasal, thyroid and parathyroid cancers. A cancer diagnosis can be stressful. That's why we make sure you have the information you need to begin treatment. It's also why we help set up appointments with other cancer specialists that you may need to see.
- Hearing loss. Hearing tests are performed in the University Health Audiology Clinic. Our ENT doctors may be asked to rule out or treat more serious medical causes of hearing loss, like infections or benign tumors.
- Hoarseness, which can be a symptom of many conditions, including acid reflux.
- Nasal polyps, which are growths in the nasal or sinus passages can make it hard to breathe.
- Ruptured eardrum, which can cause hearing problems or infections.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Tonsillitis caused by chronic tonsil infections.
- Vertigo (dizziness).
Reviewed 2/8/2023
Sinusitis: Myth or fact?
The sinuses are cavities in the skull. They're located around the eyes and behind the nose, and they help warm and filter the air we breathe. When they become blocked or too much mucus builds up, it can cause an infection called sinusitis, which affects about 1 in 8 adults each year. How much do you know about it?
Myth or fact: Sinusitis can have many causes.
Fact. Sinusitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Fungi and allergens can also cause symptoms that mimic sinusitis. Other risk factors are having conditions like asthma or cystic fibrosis, as well as trauma or previous surgeries that have caused scar tissue to form in the sinus passages.
Myth or fact: Colored or cloudy drainage is a sign of sinusitis.
Fact. You may have sinusitis if you've had cloudy or colored—not clear—mucus for up to four weeks. Other signs include a stuffy nose or pain and pressure in the head and face. Decreased sense of smell, fever, sore throat and fatigue are other possible symptoms.
Myth or fact: Surgery is the best option for treating recurring sinusitis.
Myth. It's best to try medicines—or other noninvasive methods to control sinusitis—before considering surgery. Even after surgery, most patients will continue to take medication to keep symptoms from returning. However, surgery is a good option if your symptoms don't get better with medicine and become chronic.
Myth or fact: A sinus infection always require antibiotics.
Myth. Most sinus infections are viral and will not get better with antibiotics. If you've been sick for less than 10 days and your symptoms don't get worse, it's likely a viral infection. Bacterial sinusitis lasts longer and may require an antibiotic to treat it.
Myth or fact: Using a saline rinse can help relieve sinus problems without using medication.
Fact. A sinus rinse can help remove and thin out excess mucus. For those with allergies, the rinse can bring relief by removing allergens from the nose and sinuses. You can buy a rinse at the drugstore or make your own at home.
If you've had the symptoms of a sinus infection for more than 10 days, or have a fever, it's time to see your doctor to determine if you have sinusitis and what you need to do to treat it.
Learn more in the nose topic center
Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery; American Rhinologic Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What to expect from an otolaryngologist
Your path to feeling better starts with a thorough assessment in our office. We have access to powerful diagnostic tools, such as lighted scopes that we can use to carefully examine your throat or your nasal and sinus passages. A CT or MRI imaging scan may also be a part of your assessment.
We will develop a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. Many ENT problems can be treated in our University Health Ear, Nose & Throat. We can also perform some procedures here.
In other cases, we may recommend surgery. If surgery would benefit you, it will be performed at University Health Truman Medical Center. We offer a number of ENT surgeries, including sinus surgery, tonsillectomies, nasal polyp removal, and surgeries that remove a wide variety of cancers and potential tumors within the head and neck.
How to make an appointment with our ENT clinic
You will need a referral from a doctor to see an ENT physician. To schedule an appointment, please call 816.404.4365 Monday through Friday.