Ear, Nose & Throat

Otolaryngologists, also called ear, nose and throat or ENT specialist, treat diseases and injuries affecting the ear, nose and throat, as well as the head and neck. The ENT specialists on the medical staff at Baylor Waxahachie have you covered when you or your family need treatment for pediatric or adult conditions including:

• Sinusitis/other sinus problems/sinus surgery: Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that occurs with a viral, bacterial or fungal infection and can cause fever, pressure headaches, nasal congestion, sore throat and postnasal drip.
• Earaches and ear infections: Caused by infection or inflammation of the middle or inner ear, this condition generally strikes children who have smaller and more horizontal eustachian tubes. Chronic ear infections are often treated with the placement of ventilating ear tubes, which help drain fluid and relieve pressure.
• Tonsil & adenoid removal: Tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. These glands are at the back of your throat. Often, tonsillectomy is done at the same time as adenoidectomy, surgery to remove the adenoid glands.
• Sleep apnea& sleep disorders: Sleep problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea which results in episodes of blocked breathing throughout the night, can be caused by having excess tissue in the back of the throat, large tonsils or adenoids, or certain sinus conditions.
• Nasal or other facial injuries: Fractures of the nose, cheekbones and jaw can cause breathing problems that require surgical repair.
• Head & neck cancer: Sometimes called oral cancer, this type of cancer can affect the tissue of the lips, tongue, cheek lining, floor of the mouth, gums or palate.
• Thyroid disease: The thyroid gland produces hormones that help control metabolism. Problems can include hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone), benign thyroid disease and thyroid cancer.
• Hearing problems: Decreased hearing and deafness can be caused by many factors including genetics, aging, trauma, infection and environment.
• Balance & vertigo-associated disorders: Peripheral vertigo—a sensation of motion or spinning often associated with dizziness—can occur if there is a problem with the part of the inner ear that controls balance or with the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brainstem.
• Speech& swallowing disorders: Patients can experience problems with speech and swallowing if they have a disorder of the palate, dysphagia, or other conditions that affect nerve and muscle control in the throat and espophagus.

For a referral to an ENT specialist on the medical staff at Baylor Waxahachie, click here or call 1-800-4BAYLOR.