A mouth or throat condition can disrupt the most basic daily tasks—eating, talking, and even breathing. WMCHealth’s Advanced ENT Services specialists know that finding relief is important to your quality of life. They have experience in treating a wide range of mouth and throat issues using the latest technology and advanced minimally invasive techniques. We provide relief to patients experiencing conditions like sleep apnea, acid reflux, tonsillitis, and more.
Mouth and Throat Conditions Treated at WMCHealth
There are numerous mouth and throat conditions, ranging in severity. But even non-life-threatening conditions can have adverse health effects over time. Some common conditions include:
- Snoring
- Tonsillitis
- Laryngitis
- Tongue tie
- Sleep apnea
- Hoarseness
- Speech delay
- Restless sleep
- Thyroid disorders
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Subglottic stenosis
- Difficulty swallowing
- Recurrent strep throat
- Articulation and pronunciation problems
- Masses, lesions, or tumors of the mouth or throat
Symptoms of Mouth and Throat Conditions
It’s common to experience an occasional sore throat or cough; however, if these symptoms become severe or chronic, you may have an underlying condition. Other symptoms vary depending on the condition. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms along with discomfort in the mouth and throat:
- Pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Coughing
- Hoarseness
- Headaches
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Struggling to pronounce words or make sound
If you are short of breath or struggling to breathe, seek immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing Mouth and Throat Conditions
For an accurate diagnosis, your ENT specialist will begin with a medical history and discuss your current symptoms. The ENT will perform an exam of your mouth and throat using an endoscope to find any inflammation or structural issues. You may also need to have a variety of other tests done, such as advanced imaging, a sleep study, hearing test or neurological exam to further evaluate and determine your diagnosis.
Causes of Mouth and Throat Conditions
Mouth and throat conditions can be caused by many different factors, including:
- Allergies
- Infections
- Hearing problems
- Congenital defects
- Hormone imbalances
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Neurological conditions
- Long-term inflammations