The current global pandemic has resulted in many changes, including many people communicating virtually throughout the day, and many others having to communicate while wearing face coverings. … Read More
Loss of smell, or anosmia, is one of COVID-19's known symptoms. But, if you're experiencing anosmia, you don't need to panic. There are a lot of possible causes for anosmia and most are temporary. Below you'll find an overview of how you smell, what anosmia is and its causes, how to diagnose and treat it, and how it relates to COVID-19.… Read More
If your child experiences frequent ear infections, a chronic build-up of fluid in the middle ear, or experiences speech or hearing issues related to infections and fluid in their ears, they might require ear tubes. Or if you're having difficulty hearing due to fluid buildup in your middle ear or intense air pressure changes that have caused you to experience barotrauma, your doctor may recommend ear tubes. The surgeons at Houston ENT provide this service and will be happy to set up a consultation with you.… Read More
Environmental allergies involve an overreaction of your immune system to things existing in your everyday work, home, and outdoor surroundings. Here you'll learn more about what they are, what causes them, and your different treatment options.… Read More
Around 70% to 80% of the population in the United States experience headaches, with 50% experiencing a minimum of one headache each month, 15% a minimum of one a week and 5% every day. The occurrence of headaches increases dramatically when you're in your 20s. After that it levels off until you reach between the age of 40 through 50 years old, after which it reduces.… Read More
If you've ever had too much beer and pizza, you're probably familiar with the uncomfortable feeling of acid reflux. The hallmarks of reflux are chest pain, nausea, and heartburn. However, there's another condition you should familiarize yourself with — laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).… Read More
Vocal cord disorders can not only impact your vocal cords, but your voice and ability to talk, too. Vocal cord nodules affect both boys and girls of any age and commonly cause voice problems in both adults and children. What are Nodules of the Vocal Cords? Vocal cord nodules are defined as growths that grow on your vocal cords. But, are vocal cord nodules dangerous? They're benign (non-cancerous) bumps, and can be likened to calluses you get on your hands. Your next question may be, "can vocal cord nodules become cancerous?" Typically, benign nodules go away if you practice voice therapy or rest your voice. It's rare that you would need vocal cord nodules surgery. Vocal nodules are also called "vocal fold" nodules by doctors and "Singer's nodules" since individuals can inadvertently "abuse" their vocal cords when they use their voice regularly and cause these growth formations along with other related voice problems.… Read More
Houston ENT and Allergy are committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of our employees, clinicians, and patients always, but particularly because of the recent concern and outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. As such, we have added the safety and convenience of telemedicine to our practice. … Read More
Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is defined as a voice disorder. It leads to involuntary spasms in your larynx or voice box muscles. It causes your voice to break and have a strained, tight or strangled sound. Spasmodic dysphonia can lead to issues that range from having difficulty saying one or two words to not having the ability to talk at all. It's a life-long condition, often affecting women (usually between 30 and 50 years old) more than men. … Read More
Many individuals require their voices for work. Among those who need their voices for work, most commonly it's singers, public speakers, teachers, sales people, customer service representatives, and lawyers. Around 17.9 million individuals in the United States say they experience issues with their voice. Voice abuse/misuse can be avoided by properly caring for your voice. What Is Vocal Abuse/Misuse? Voice abuse/misuse is where you use your voice in specific ways that can contribute to or cause the development of laryngeal pathologies. This means that you sprain or strain your voice resulting in injury to one or more of your vocal cords. Some include vocal abuse behaviors and using inappropriate vocal components like:… Read More