Throat Conditions Specialist
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Sheridan Ear, Nose & Throat
Scott N. Bateman, MD
Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor & Allergy Specialist located in Sheridan, WY
Most people spend little time thinking about their throat until there’s a problem; then, we can hardly think of anything else. An experienced specialist like otolaryngologist Scott Bateman, MD, of Sheridan Ear, Nose & Throat, can help residents of Sheridan, Wyoming, with treatment options for acute and chronic throat conditions. Begin today by booking a one-on-one exam online or by phone.
Throat Conditions Q & A
Why do I have a sore throat so often?
Everyone experiences an occasional sore throat, but for some, recurrent sore throats can be a severe issue. If you notice frequent bouts of throat burning, itching, or pain, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
The cause of most sore throats is a virus or bacterial infection. If a sore throat persists or comes back over and over, it may be a sign of the following conditions:
- Strep throat
- Allergies
- Tonsillitis
- Laryngitis or hoarseness
- Influenza
- Mouth breathing
- Larynx or throat cancer
- Acid reflux
There are treatments to address all of these issues, so don’t accept a recurring sore throat as something inevitable.
What is acid reflux, and what can be done to treat it?
Acid reflux is a common cause of throat pain. It occurs when a small amount of stomach acid flows backward into your esophagus. A majority of patients with acid reflux can have no symptoms and have no idea they have it because reflux only happens when they are asleep and only in the deep stages of sleep.
At the base of your esophagus, you have a ring of muscle called your gastrointestinal sphincter. This tissue acts as a valve to allow food to enter the stomach while keeping your stomach acid from entering your esophagus. Acid reflux happens when this valve no longer functions properly.
Obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and certain medications can increase your risk of developing acid reflux. Treatment options include medicine to help decrease acid production, neutralize your stomach acid, or create a physical barrier between your stomach acid and the delicate tissues of your esophagus.
Lifestyle modifications can also help, like improving your posture, losing weight, or changing your diet. In some cases, surgery is the best way to treat acid reflux.
Why do I feel a lump in my throat?
The sensation of a lump in your throat is common, and there can be many causes. Even when there’s no real growth or object lodged in your throat, the medical term for this sensation is globus pharyngeus.
A dry throat can cause the sensation of obstruction. Certain medications, medical conditions, or allergies can cause a dry throat.
If anxiety causes you to swallow more frequently, you can begin to sense that there is something in your throat. Unfortunately, that sensation can lead to you swallow more, thus perpetuating the negative cycle.
Other potential causes include:
- Skeletal muscle disorders like myasthenia gravis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD
- Psychological issues
- Mood changes
- Eosinophilic esophagitis, or chronic esophagus inflammation
Some treatments can help these conditions, but the process begins with a diagnostic exam. Schedule yours today online or over the phone.
