MIDWEST ENT UPDATE 9/29/2020

As we approach fall and winter, we wish to update you on your ear nose and throat health. We recommend that you have your humidifiers inspected and cleaned. If you don't have one, this may be a good time to purchase. When heaters go on, so should humidifiers. In addition, nasal saline sprays and netty pots often times aid in healthy noses and throats. It is becoming increasingly well known how important good nasal breathing is for our overall health. I am sending a link to a recent story aired on CBS News, featuring James Nestor, author of the recent book, "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art". It is very insightful and I hope you enjoy it.

We continue to take very strict COVID precautions. We have had no cases as a result anyone coming to our office or having surgery with us at Northwestern Hospital.
Flu season is rapidly approaching and strongly encourage the flu vaccine.
We are very pleased with our results of the Inspire(inspiresleep.com)procedure for sleep apnea. This has proven to be an excellent outpatient procedure for those who are not getting good results with CPAP.
As always, we offer a full range of services for your hearing health. We provide the most current technology for testing your hearing and providing the most appropriate hearing aids for each individual.
Please feel free to call the office(312-988-7777) for further information on all of the above or to set up an appointment. You may also send individual emails through our patient portal.

Wishing you all good health and safety,

Gordon J. Siegel, M.D.,FACS
Assistant Clinical Professor
Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery             
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

What Is Causing My Sore Throat?

Everyone experiences a sore throat occasionally. If you have a sore throat that never goes away and becomes a chronic condition, you need to seek out the help and expertise of your ear, nose, and throat specialist. You need an ENT doctor.

Sore throats can be caused by a wide variety of underlying illnesses including a cold or the flu. These sore throats often go away without treatment, but if you still have a sore throat after 5 to 7 days, it’s time to visit your ENT specialist for an evaluation.

Bacterial infections are another common cause of sore throats. Strep throat, caused by an infection of streptococcal bacteria is the most common example. You need to visit your ENT specialist for a prescription of antibiotics.

Allergies can also cause an itchy, dry, irritated sore throat. Your ENT specialist can perform allergy testing to determine what you are allergic to. Some of the most common allergens include:

  • Tree and grass pollens
  • Flower and plant pollens
  • Pet dander and fur
  • Mold and dust

When you know what you are allergic to, it’s easier to avoid the allergen. Your ENT specialist can also prescribe antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications to help relieve your sore throat and other allergy symptoms.

Tonsillitis, or inflammation of your tonsils, is another common cause of sore throats. Tonsils can become infected and enlarged, causing breathing difficulties. Your ENT specialist may prescribe antibiotics and other medications to help you get relief. In severe cases, your ENT specialist may recommend removing your tonsils.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD can also cause a sore throat. It’s a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Over time, GERD can cause esophageal ulcers and even esophageal cancer. Your ENT specialist can help by prescribing medication to reduce stomach acid production.

These are just a few of the most common causes of a sore throat. If you have a chronic sore throat, it’s time to seek out some help from your ear, nose, and throat specialist. Call your ENT doctor today.

Our Location

3 East Huron Chicago, IL, 60660, US

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

Closed