Saturday, June 29, 2013

Why are tonsils removed?

We have many lymph nodes within our body, and the tonsils are essentially lymph nodes that we can see.  There are two reasons we would consider removing the tonsils:  (1) recurring infection related reasons (tonsillitis) and (2) for obstructive symptoms.  
  • If an individual is having 4-6 (or more) documented cases of tonsillitis, requiring antibiotics, within a 12 month time frame they would be considered candidates for removal.  We are talking about true tonsillitisred, swollen tonsils that are often covered in white spots (exudate), and not the sore throat that comes along with the common cold. 
  • If individuals have obstructive related symptoms, which can include snoring WITH apnea spells, difficulty swallowing, and chronic mouth breathing, they too could be considered candidates for removal. 
  • Also, individuals who deal with recurrent “tonsil stone” formation are candidates for tonsillectomy.  These tonsil stones are otherwise known as tonsilliths or cryptolyths, and are NOT usually associated with throat pain, fevers, nor do they resolve with antibiotics.
Call our office for a consultation 218-454-8888.  Have a great day!

Kurtis Waters MD



Friday, June 21, 2013

I always seem to have phlegm in my throat and the feeling like there is a lump in my throat...what could this be?

Your symptoms could be the result of extra esophageal or laryngeal reflux.  This is also commonly known as “throat reflux.”  Throat reflux is not like the acid reflux which causes traditional “heartburn” (otherwise known as GERD).  Throat reflux involves your stomach acid coming up high enough into the esophagus that it essentially spills over into the larynx—where your vocal cords are located (the “voice box”).  

Symptoms of throat reflux include any/all of the following: 
  • frequent need to clear your throat (excess phlegm in your throat), 
  • chronic cough (often a dry cough), 
  • hoarseness, 
  • trouble swallowing, 
  • sensation of having a “lump in the throat”, 
  • sour or acid taste in the mouth, sore throat, 
  • and at times for some people the sensation that they are choking.  
No where on this list of symptoms for throat reflux do you see “heartburn”, belching, or chest pain.  Again, that is because with THROAT reflux the stomach acid is coming up to a higher place in the esophagus where it is actually affecting the larynx (voice box).  When this occurs, it causes inflammation and swelling which then causes the symptoms noted above.

Call if you have additional questions or to schedule a consultation.  218-454-8888. 

Have a great day!
Kurtis Waters MD

Friday, June 7, 2013

Are there any options to manage chronic ear infections besides having tubes put in the ears?

Yes, there are other options than ear tube placement.  That option is daily antibiotic prophylaxis.  
  • This is a low-dose antibiotic that would be taken on a daily basis for 1-3 months.  
  • The goal of this option is to decrease the bacterial counts that are within the oropharynx cavity (mouth/throat area) where the eustachian tubes openings are located.  
The Eustachian tubes are the small tubes which connect our middle ear space and throat so that air pressure can equalize.  The goal of this option is to hopefully reduce the number of ear infections overall.  However, this is not a guarantee as ear infections can still occur.  I will also add, that while this is a fine option, many patients opt against it over concerns of antibiotic overuse and antibiotic resistance. 

Call for a consultation 218-454-8888.

Kurtis Waters MD