EPISTAXIS INTRODUCTION Epistaxis is defined as bleeding from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx. Nosebleeds are due to the rupture of a blood vessel within the richly perfused nasal mucosa. Rupture may be spontaneous or initiated by trauma. Nosebleeds are rarely life threatening and are usually self-limited. Epistaxis is generally divided into anterior or posterior […]

A disruption in the brain lining (known as the dura) and the bone separating the brain and the sinuses will result in the drainage of fluid that normally surrounds the brain into the sinuses.  This fluid is known as cerebrospinal fluid or “CSF.”  Drainage of CSF into the sinuses can result in a multitude of […]

If you listen to talk radio or read the advertisements in newspaper and other circular publications, you have likely heard about balloon sinuplasty.  “That first breath of air through my nose.., etc.”  Balloon sinusplasty is a relatively new tool, which can be used for surgical treatment of patients with chronic sinusitis.    Long ago, (in […]

In children, a common cold or viral infection is the most common event that may lead to a sinus infection. Also, foreign bodies such as a peanut, a raisin or a bead pushed into the nose may cause a nasal infection.  When an infection begins, the lining of the nasal cavity may become swollen blocking […]

What’s Up with the Balloon? Undoubtedly you have heard much of the discussion about balloon sinuplasty (BSP).   Numerous advertisements on radio and in print have raised awareness in the public about this relatively new surgical device. What is it and where does it fit in the spectrum of treating patients with sinusitis? Simply stated, since […]

You and your doctor have decided that you should undergo septoplasty and/or bilateral inferior turbinoplasty based upon clinical findings, medical history, and your discussion of treatment options.  The risks of this operation may include, but are not limited to the following: 1.   Bleeding, infection, intranasal adhesions (scars), transient hypesthesia (numbness), and allergic reaction are […]

In consideration of the upcoming Spring Allergy Season, I thought a brief discussion of allergy testing might be appropriate.  Allergy Testing Many patients who suffer from allergies have tried every medication on the market at some point and found no relief from their symptoms.  Others have gotten some relief with medications, but they do not […]

Balloon sinuplasty I revisit balloon sinuplasty today because we are still getting a lot of questions about this technology and the role it plays in treatment of sino-nasal disease.  Studies show safety and efficacy of the balloon in opening sinuses.  However, does a tool that is safe and effective mean it is necessary.  More to […]

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss or sudden deafness, is a rapid loss of hearing occurring over 1 to 3 days. It should be considered a medical emergency. A person who experiences SSHL should visit a doctor immediately. A doctor can determine whether a person has experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss by conducting a normal hearing test. […]

In consideration of the upcoming Spring Allergy Season, I thought a brief discussion of allergy testing might be appropriate.  Allergy Testing … One of the most anxiety producing events that may occur during a visit to the ENT is the nasal endoscopy or fiberoptic laryngoscopy. This is understandable. We are hard wired to avoid allowing […]

Help me Doc, I can’t smell! Loss of your sense of smell is a really troubling problem.  Because of the connection between smell and taste, when one loses their sense of smell they also lose taste sensation, thus severely reducing your enjoyment of food.   There are many reasons someone can lose their sense of smell.  […]

Hearing loss and access to care. The current healthcare environment is very sensitive to issues of access.  One of the problems we face is understanding what various parties mean when they speak of access.  This problem has recently come to my attention regarding questions of access for patients to hearing aids.  There are many reasons […]

I am a general otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the ears, nose, and throat. Though I treat patients in all areas of otolaryngology, of all ages, I have special interests in rhinology, otolaryngic allergy, pediatric otolaryngology, and head and neck cancer. I was born in Dothan, Alabama and spent my […]

“Doc, I got sinus!” We hear that statement a lot. Determining what a patient means by “sinus” is sometimes a challenge. Most people mean that they have nasal congestion and pressure. Some also have a feeling of nasal drainage. Many have sinus headaches. Some will present with the stuff they blow out of their nose. […]