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Throat

Diagnostic throat care.

Woman with a sore throat from tonsil stones

Tonsil Stones

The tonsils are a useful part of our immune system, but they can be the source of throat problems such as tonsil stones. Tonsil stones form when dead cells, mucus, bits of debris, and bacteria collect in the tissues around your tonsils.

If your tonsil stones do become symptomatic, you may have:

If your tonsil stones are causing you discomfort and other issues, you do have a few options for treatment:

Tonsil & Adenoid Infections

Tonsil and adenoid infections are common conditions, especially in children. These infections occur when the tonsils or adenoids become inflamed due to bacteria or viruses. Symptoms often include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and swollen glands. Chronic infections can lead to breathing difficulties and sleep disturbances. Our experienced ENT specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment options to ensure relief and improve quality of life.

Young girl having her tonsils checked by an ENT specalist

Head & Neck Cancer Screening

Early detection of head and neck cancers significantly improves treatment outcomes. Our comprehensive head and neck cancer screenings are designed to identify any abnormal growths or signs of cancer at the earliest stage possible. During the screening, our skilled ENT specialists perform a thorough examination, which may include imaging and biopsy if necessary. Regular screenings are especially important for individuals with risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or a family history of cancer.

Hoarseness & Cough

Hoarseness and cough are common symptoms that can indicate underlying issues with the vocal cords or respiratory system. Persistent hoarseness may result from vocal strain, infections, acid reflux, or more serious conditions like vocal cord nodules or polyps. A chronic cough can be caused by allergies, asthma, infections, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Our ENT specialists provide comprehensive evaluations to identify the root cause of these symptoms and offer tailored treatment plans to restore your voice and alleviate discomfort.

Mature woman with a persistent cough
Mature woman with postnasal drip and a sore throat

Post-Nasal Drip

Postnasal drip is annoying and can lead to other issues. Postnasal drip is a condition where mucus keeps trickling down your throat. Although postnasal drip isn’t a serious problem, it can be annoying and can even cause you to experience:

Postnasal drip is incredibly common, and is often caused by upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, or a deviated septum. Other potential causes of postnasal drip include dry environments, pregnancy, eating spicy foods, and weather changes.

Swallowing Disorders

Swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to eat, drink, or even swallow saliva. Causes range from neurological conditions and muscle disorders to structural abnormalities and acid reflux. Symptoms may include pain while swallowing, the sensation of food being stuck in the throat, or frequent coughing during meals. Our specialized ENT team uses advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify the cause of your swallowing difficulties and develop personalized treatment plans to improve your ability to swallow safely and comfortably.

ENT Specalist giving a patient an ultrasound diagnostics of thyroid gland

Thyroid Nodule Evaluation

Thyroid nodules are growths that form within the thyroid gland, and while most are benign, some can be indicative of thyroid cancer or other conditions. A thorough evaluation is essential to determine the nature of these nodules. Our ENT specialists utilize advanced diagnostic techniques, including ultrasound imaging and fine-needle aspiration biopsies, to accurately assess thyroid nodules.

Thyroidectomy

If you have a hyperactive thyroid gland or goiter that is not responding to medication, you may need a thyroidectomy. A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part of or all of your thyroid gland.

Common conditions that may require a thyroidectomy include:

Woman with hyperactive thyroid gland seeking medical attention with an ENT specialist

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Office Locations

Family ENT Kittery Office

Kittery Location

35 Walker Street, Suite 200 KitteryME 03904

P 207-475-0100
F 855-654-3271

Monday-Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Portsmouth Location

14 Manchester Square, Suite 210
PortsmouthNH 03801

P 207-475-0100
F 855-654-3271

Monday-Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

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