How to Check for Lumps in the Neck

A lump in the neck can be an indication of a serious medical problem, and this is why self-examination of the neck is such an important health task. Here are some helpful tips that will assist you in detecting lumps in the neck.

A Visual Inspection

First, always perform a visual inspection. Lumps that are very close to the surface may be visible as rounded protrusions beneath the skin. A lump that can be seen on the neck may be an indication of an injury to the neck muscles, a tumour or a serious glandular infection.

Gentle Palpation of the Neck

If there are no lumps visible to the naked eye, you may still be able to detect the presence of lumps by gently palpating the neck. Never press hard or jab at the muscles of the neck, as this can cause serious injury. Instead, use a gentle but firm massaging motion while gliding your fingers over the entire surface of the neck.

What Does a Lump Feel Like?

Different medical conditions can result in different sizes and textures of lumps. Lumps in the neck may feel like small, tough beads or marbles within the complex muscular structure of the neck. A lump may also be tender or painful to the touch, especially in the instance of bacterial infections or viruses within the lymph nodes or salivary glands. Sometimes, lumps may be oddly shaped or even elongated, and these lumps may feel more like muscle stiffness than the presence of a foreign body within the neck. Because lumps vary in size, shape, and texture, it’s important to be aware of any discovered changes within the neck.

If You Detect a Lump

If you happen to find a lump in your neck, it’s important not to panic or assume the worst. Sometimes, lumps in the neck can simply be caused by inflamed glands or other issues with simple remedies. Even though lumps are not necessarily problems to worry about, you should discuss the presence of a lump with your physician as soon as possible. Biopsies and examinations performed by your physician will identify the exact cause of the lump, and this will ensure that treatment is begun as soon as possible.

Regular monitoring and self-examinations are an important part of overall health and well-being. Checking the neck for lumps can be a frightening process, but if this self-examination is performed regularly, problems can be discovered at an early stage.

If you would like to make an appointment with our ENT surgeon Dr. Michael Barakate, please contact the ENT Clinic Sydney on 1300 123 368.

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Snoring solutions that work

Many Aussies suffer from excessive snoring. This can put a big damper on your quality of life. Australians have a very active lifestyle. This can be at odds with the feeling that snoring produces. Snorers often report that they are constantly tired and feel increasingly lethargic as their snoring problem continues. In turn, they become increasingly frustrated with their lives, as they are unable to find the energy to keep up the lifestyle that they want to live. It can be frustrating to feel tired all the time. Especially when your friends are enjoying life.

Finding a Solution

Many people live with this burden of snoring for a long time. The realisation that snoring can have health implications often leads people to find a solution quickly. One of the most effective of solutions for snoring can be surgical intervention. Surgery can be done quickly and effectively in order to provide effective treatment and nights that are free from snoring.

Snoring is caused when the inner tissue in the throat relaxes during sleep, allowing only a very small passage through which air can flow. In turn, this small passage creates a reverberation in the soft palate that produces the audible snoring sounds. Coupled with this problem, the relaxation of the throat passages can sometimes cut off air, resulting in the individual waking up continually throughout the night. Surgery allows removal of the excess throat tissue and widens the passage. This can be a straightforward and very effective snoring solution. Patients also widely report that this solution has served them over the long-term and there isn’t any necessity for follow-up appointments beyond the initial post-surgical check-up.

After the recovery process and post-surgical check-ups, many people are able to return to the active lifestyle they once loved before their snoring problem took hold. They no longer feel lethargic and perpetually tired all throughout the day. This can result in increased work productivity and time to get out and enjoy life. Friends and family also report that their loved one seems in better spirits and remains more likely to join them on their outings and adventures.

If you have concerns about snoring or are interested in snoring solutions, contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see an ear nose throat surgeon.

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How, then, does one begin to break down the structure and complex processes of an even larger network of body parts, like the ear, nose and throat system? With a little bit of research, an individual can gain a pretty firm grasp on some of the main concepts concerning ENT anatomy.

Connections

There are a series of complex networks that run between the ears, nose and throat. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage to human beings. The fact that all of these parts are so intricately connected means that they all function together as one in a way. When one of these body parts has an infection or a problem, it is likely that the other parts are somehow involved. It is rare that only the ears will be experiencing difficulties and not the nose or throat as well.

However, this complicated system also allows for ease of diagnosis for many doctors. When a patient comes in to a clinic complaining of sinus pain, an earache, or a sore throat, the physician automatically knows where to search for the problem. Because doctors know that the ear, nose and throat are closely intertwined, they can run all of the necessary tests on each of these parts to determine a cause of the patient’s issues. It is much easier for a doctor to figure out how an earache and a sore throat are connected than how to relate a stiff neck and an achy kidney because the ENT system is much more closely connected.

Complications

There are many different things that can go wrong when dealing with this group of body parts. The most common illnesses seen within this system are several kinds of infections. All sorts of bacteria and viruses can infect each one of these parts. Fortunately, most of these infections are not life threatening and can be cured easily. However, there are also many more severe ailments that can affect the ears, nose and throat. Cancer is one of these. Sadly, when cancer strikes one part of this system, it is likely to progress quickly to the other parts as well, making it quite difficult to treat.

If you would like to book a consultation to see Dr. Michael Barakate, our ear, nose and throat surgeon to discuss any concerns you may have, please contact ENT Clinic Sydney on 1300 123 368.

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Children versus Adults

There are many differences in the anatomy and physiology of children that make it necessary to treat them separately from adults. For example, kids are obviously a lot smaller than most grown ups, meaning a majority of their organs and body parts are not fully developed yet. Children also have different reactions to medications and treatments than adults have.

Why It Matters

Say an adult male was in need of a tonsillectomy. The doctors have a specific protocol they must follow for this type of surgery. They might have to put the man to sleep using a heavy dose of general anaesthesia. If these doctors were to try and use the exact same dose and type of anaesthesia on a young child or baby, they could be putting that child at risk for all kinds of complications. This is why it is very important for doctors to know the difference between what an adult can handle and what a child can handle.

Likewise, an ENT specialist who usually works on adults and then suddenly has to work with a young kid may not know exactly what to do.  If this doctor is asked to perform surgery on the child’s broken nose, but he or she is not accustomed to the smaller, more fragile, and underdeveloped bones in the child’s nose, there could be some major problems. For that reason, paediatric ENTs are an absolute necessity.

Weighing the Costs and Benefits

Thankfully, these types of specialists can be found without a whole lot of effort. There are many children’s ENTs in locations all over the world, and they are always willing and able to help. After all, it is their job. However, as with all other kinds of medical professionals, their services are not cheap.

An average visit to a paediatric ENT specialist can range anywhere between a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the length of time, the location, and the severity of the problem. However, if the issues are severe enough, money should be the last concern, and medical attention should be a number one priority.

To book a consultation to assess your child and their ear, nose or throat complication, please contact ENT Clinic Sydney on 1300 123 368.

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The salivary glands, when operating under healthy conditions, produce about a litre of saliva each day, and this liquid helps to remove bacteria from the mouth, aid in digestion, and keep the throat and oesophagus moist. A blocked salivary gland, however, can cause serious problems.

Symptoms of Blocked Salivary Glands

Because the salivary glands throughout the face and neck are responsible for both the production and delivery of saliva to the mouth and throat, salivary gland blockage is usually quite simple to identify. The most common symptom of a blocked salivary gland is, obviously, dry mouth. If saliva is not flowing through the gland ducts and into the mouth and throat, the mouth will begin to feel quite dry. Other symptoms can include swollen glands that are tender to the touch, the presence of headaches, nausea, and fever, which are associated with an infection, or even the presence of a foul-tasting liquid within the mouth.

Blocked Salivary Gland Causes

While identifying the presence of a blocked salivary gland is rather simple, identifying the cause is a bit more challenging. There are several issues that can cause the ducts connected to salivary glands to become clogged or blocked. One of the most common causes of blocked salivary glands is the presence of salivary stones or sialoliths. These are caused by the crystallisation of saliva within the gland, and they develop in much the same way that kidney stones develop. The development of cysts within the ducts or on the glandular surface can also cause blockage. Another common cause of salivary blockage is the development of an infection that attacks the salivary glands and causes them to swell. Mumps, for example, can cause salivary gland blockage in about 30 to 40 percent of cases.

Treatment Options for Blocked Salivary Gland

Treatment options for a blocked salivary gland will vary depending on the determined cause of the gland blockage. If a blocked salivary gland is caused by an infection or illness, such as mumps, the problem can usually be treated with antibiotics. Ice packs applied to the lower jaw and upper neck may help to reduce the swelling and allow saliva to flow more freely. If salivary gland blockage is caused by cysts or salivary gland stones, however, surgery may be required to remove the blockage and allow saliva to flow freely once again.

Regardless of the cause, salivary gland blockage is usually quite treatable. Contact us at ENT Clinic if you experience swelling, tenderness, dry mouth, fever, or other symptoms that indicate a problem with the salivary gland. Phone 1300 123 368.

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Vasomotor rhinitis is another form of rhinitis which is not associated with any allergic causes. This is what we call a runny nose that seems to happen for no discernible reason. We actually don’t know a lot about this yet, but it seems to happen a lot more often in women than in men. For that reason, some people believe that hormones play a role in causing this phenomenon.  Certain smells and temperature changes also seem to be triggers. Whatever the cause (or causes), antihistamine nasal sprays have proven effective in terms of providing relief from the symptoms of this particular form of rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is more commonly known as hay fever. When an allergen is inhaled, and the production of antibodies increases in response, hay fever is the result. Swelling, itching, and the increased production of mucous are all common symptoms, though the severity of these symptoms varies from case to case. In fact, many people are so sensitive to allergic rhinitis that they actually develop rashes. Steroids are often used in the treatment of severe cases of allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines are also employed frequently.

If you would like to make an appointment with our ENT surgeon Dr. Michael Barakate to treat rhinitis or the associated symptoms, please contact ENT Clinic Sydney on 1300 123 368.
 

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Sinusitis is one of the most common reasons that people seek the help of a nose specialist. Chronic sinusitis lasts at least 12 weeks, and often longer despite attempting a variety of treatments. The sinuses become swollen and inflamed, which may be caused by an infection, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps. Signs and symptoms of sinusitis include congestion that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose; thick discharge from the nose or that drains down the back of the throat; diminished taste and smell; and pain or swelling around the nose, eyes, forehead or cheeks. You may also experience a sore throat, ear pain, nausea, bad breath, fatigue, a cough that gets worse at night, and/or pain in your upper jaw.

ENT specialists also treat conditions and disorders relating to the ears, throat, head and neck. The following conditions can be properly diagnosed and treated by an ENT doctor:

• Voice and swallowing disorders
• Disease of the upper aero-digestive tract, larynx, and throat
• Cranial nerve disorders
• Tinnitus (ear noise)
• Ear infections
• Hearing loss
• Balance disorders
• Disorders present at birth (congenital disorders) relating to the ears, nose, or throat
• Any condition or disorder that affects the sight, hearing, smell or appearance of the face
• Communication problems, including speech and singing
• Benign or malignant cancer – oral cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer of the head and neck
• Pediatric care related to ear, nose, throat, head and neck

To see our ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Michael Barakate about any ENT concerns you may have, please contact us today to book a consultation at ENT Clinic Sydney, phone 1300 123 368.
 

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When you breathe in an allergen like pollen, your body produces chemicals known as histamines.  These histamines in turn lead to the allergy symptoms. Common hay fever symptoms include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny or stuffed nose, and decreased sense of smell. AS the problem worsens, you may contract a headache or have problems with fatigue and puffiness. In fact, if you’ve ever suffered from hay fever, you may have even had trouble with your memory and found yourself thinking more slowly than usual. These are all normal symptoms that can be alleviated with proper treatment and care.

Of course, most of your allergy medications don’t treat the problem—just the symptoms. When you’re allergic to trees, grass, or ragweed, it can be hard to stay away from your allergens as well. Your doctor, however, can give you tips on how to minimize your exposure to these substances. He or she can also prescribe you medication to help you live your life without interference from these negative symptoms. Medications can fall into many different classes, including anti-histamines and decongestants. In severe cases, many doctors will recommend allergy shots, particularly if you cannot avoid your allergen and your symptoms have proven hard to control.

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Common symptoms of salivary gland stones include:

• Pain and swelling of the gland, especially at mealtimes. In most cases, the pain comes on suddenly after beginning a meal, followed by swelling of the gland, which lasts anywhere from 1-2 hours after eating. This typically occurs when a stone or stones block the salivary duct completely.
• When stones only partially block the salivary duct, symptoms including a dull pain of the gland and swelling of the face or neck may occur.
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or opening mouth

All of these symptoms are typically most noticeable after eating or drinking.

The objective of treatment is to remove the stone or stones. Your doctor may advise drinking plenty of water or sucking on sugar-free lemon drops as methods for increasing flow of saliva. In some cases, the application of heat along with gentle massage to the area can help remove stones. If less invasive attempts at treatment do not work, an ENT specialist may recommend surgical treatment. The stone will either be reduced into small pieces so that it flushes out, or will be cut out.

Fortunately, salivary gland stones, while uncomfortable, are not typically dangerous as long as a proper treatment plan is followed. However, if you continue to experience the development of stones or infections related to salivary gland stones, it may be necessary to remove the affected salivary gland.

If you would like to know more about the symptoms of salivary gland stones or the treatment options available, please contact ENT Clinic Sydney, Phone 1300 123 368.

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Causes

Trauma to the face or head area can cause nerve damage. This can happen due to blunt force, such as being hit hard with something heavy or sharp. Nerve damage can also happen due to certain conditions such as birth defects, Bell’s palsy, or a stroke. In addition, tumors or cancer will sometime cause facial nerve damage from the surgeries that may need to be performed to remove them from the face.

Symptoms

People who suffer from facial nerve damage can experience a wide range of symptoms. The most prevalent symptom is facial paralysis. Facial paralysis can cause a patient to be unable to move their facial muscles or to make involuntary facial movements. For example, some patients will smile or frown without meaning to and others will have eyes and mouths that droop. Sometimes the side of one face will drop down while the other appears as it normally did. Other symptoms can include a change in taste such as loss of taste or a change in hearing such as loss of hearing or hearing noises more loudly.

Treatment

There are a few different treatments for facial nerve damage that does not repair itself. These can include physical therapy, facial exercise, and surgery. Surgery can be performed by a reconstructive surgeon or our ENT specialist, Dr. Michael Barakate. Physical therapy should be performed both before and after a surgery so that muscles do not shorten.

If you would like to make an appointment with Dr. Michael Barakate, please contact ENT Clinic Sydney – Phone 1300 123 368.

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