What is Zenker’s Diverticulum? Diverticulum is a term used in the medical field that refers to a pouch-like tissue structure that forms abnormally. These pouch-like structures can develop throughout the human body’s digestive system, including in the throat. Zenker’s diverticulum refers to when one of the diverticulum forms in the area of the throat, between […]
When the contents of your stomach, including stomach acid, travel up into your esophagus, you have acid reflux, acid regurgitation, or gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) refers to when you have acid reflux more than twice per week. Approximately twenty percent, or about sixty-million people in the United States are affected by GERD. Causes […]
Are you experiencing a persistent sensation of a runny or congested nose on a daily basis? Do you find yourself constantly needing to blow your nose? These symptoms may occur due to inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the nasal passages, all part of Chronic Rhinitis. Chronic rhinitis can have various causes, and in many cases, […]
When bacteria or viruses take root and multiply in your ear, you may develop an ear infection. Due to fluid buildup and inflammation, an ear infection may be painful. If you experience ear infections repeatedly, you may face permanent damage to the middle or inner portions of your ear. Symptoms of Ear Infections Ear infections […]
Post-nasal drip is a condition that causes your body to produce excess mucus. The excess mucus can drip down the back of the throat, giving you the feeling that you need to clear your throat more than normal. While some over-the-counter remedies exist to address post-nasal drip, certain cases of post-nasal drip should be examined […]
I am a general otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the ears, nose, and throat. Though I treat patients of all ages in all areas of otolaryngology, I have special interests in rhinology (nose and sinus diseases), allergy, pediatric otolaryngology, and head and neck tumors. I was born in Dothan, Alabama […]
Fungus is present in all our surroundings and in the air we breathe. Most people with an intact immune system do not react to the presence of fungus in the nasal cavity and/or sinuses. However, some people will have an inflammatory reaction to the presence of fungus in the nose and sinuses. Fungal sinusitis can […]
Bell’s Palsy a medical condition that causes a sudden paralysis or temporary weakness in the muscles in your face. The weakened or paralyzed face muscles can result in one side of your face being droopy or saggy, your smile appearing to be one-sided, and it can affect your ability to close one of your eyes […]
Snoring is a very common condition that is characterized by a noisy breathing that occurs while you sleep. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO), snoring affects up to up to 45% of American adults. While most people snore every once in a while, some do it on a regular basis. Unfortunately, snoring, especially […]
Pain in and around the neck is a relatively common condition. This pain can be caused by a number of medical conditions, such as neck strain and injury, herniated discs, pinched nerves, and infections to name a few. Just as there are many conditions associated with neck pain, there are many treatment options as well. […]
Nasal physiology is crucial because it helps us understand conditions that can develop in the nose and sinuses. First and foremost, let’s discuss respiration since the nose is known as a natural pathway for breathing. We often breathe through the nose, which act similarly to an air conditioner. In order to prompt gas exchange in […]
1. Han JK, Marple BF, Smith TL et al. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2012 2:271-279. 2. Forwith KD, Chandra RK, Yun PT, et al. ADVANCE: A multisite trial of bioabsorbable steroid-eluting sinus implants. Laryngoscope. 2011; 121:2473-2480. The PROPEL sinus implants are intended for use following sinus surgery to maintain the sinus openings and to locally […]
Dr. Sillers, Dr. Lay, and their staff strive to help our clients stay informed, so they are confident in making beneficial decisions for their health. To the right you will find a menu containing our patient education articles, which contain useful information regarding several Ear, Nose, and Throat conditions. Each article explains common causes of […]
Sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) is sometimes referred to as sudden sensorineural hearing loss or sudden deafness. SHL happens when you suddenly lose your hearing, most commonly in only one ear. SHL can occur suddenly or it can develop over multiple days. Every year in the United States, approximately 4,000 individuals are diagnosed with SHL. Most […]