Relieving Ear, Nose And Throat Disorders For Over 25 Years
At Alamo ENT, we specialize in treating disorders and diseases of the ear, nose, and throat, as well as related health concerns of the head and neck. If you have been experiencing aches, pains, or discomfort in these areas, schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physicians today.
To start your journey toward relief, schedule an appointment with us today!
We offer solutions for:
Allergies & Hay Fever
Allergies and hay fever can be triggered by any one of a multitude of allergens, including pollen, household allergens like dust and pet dander, as well as indoor or outdoor molds. Our team of specialists can evaluate your symptoms and, if necessary, determine your trigger allergens. A specialized treatment plan can then be created to help manage and control your allergies.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed as an alternative to traditional sinus surgery. This technique can open blocked sinuses without the need for cutting or removal of bone and tissue. Balloon sinuplasty is safe and is often performed in the office with minimal downtime after the procedure.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis can occur when the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed or infected. When sinuses become blocked and cannot drain normally, an infection may occur. Common conditions that can cause sinus blockage include the common cold, allergies, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum.
Nose and Sinuses
Problems related to your nose and sinuses, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, facial pressure can be attributed to a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, allergic or non-allergic rhinitis, or history of a nasal fracture.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can be a common occurrence in both adults and children. Underlying causes can be ruled out by an experienced physician. In many cases, nosebleeds can be attributed to factors such as dry air, digital trauma, accidental injury to blood vessels within the nose, or inflammation from allergies or chronic sinusitis. Patients on blood thinners are at a higher risk.
Snoring and Sleep Disorders
Snoring is a concern as it can be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, where the patient stops breathing to seconds at a time, which in the long term can lead to high blood pressure and a higher risk of strokes and heart attacks. At AlamoENT, we can evaluate you for sleep apnea, and offer treatment options such as CPAP, oral appliances or surgery if appropriate. Not all snoring is sleep apnea, but can disturb the sleep patterns of the patient and their bed partner.
Voice and Swallowing
Hoarseness is a result of abnormal changes in the voice, so that your voice sounds raspy, strained breathy, or indistinct. Trouble with swallowing can happen at all ages, can impact quality of life and is usually temporary but may be a sign of a more serious problem. With a thorough evaluation, including a flexible endoscopic exam of your larynx will allow us to diagnose and treat the underlying problem. Hoarseness can be a result of Laryngopharyngeal reflux, but hoarseness lasting over 2 weeks should always be evaluated by a physician.
Thyroid and Parathyroid
The thyroid is a bowtie shaped gland found in the lower neck that produces a hormone that regulates our metabolism. Thyroid nodules are not uncommon but may need further evaluation to determine if cancer is present. If necessary, our ENT surgeons can remove all are part of the thyroid gland for benign or malignant thyroid nodules, like Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, or for functional disorders like Grave’s disease.
Parathyroid glands have a similar name to the thyroid gland but perform a completely different function. These tiny glands regulate the calcium levels in our bodies through a hormone called PTH. Sometimes one or more of the glands produce an excess of parathyroid hormone causing calcium levels to become too high and surgery may be required to remove the abnormal glands.
Head and Neck Cancer
Cancer may occur anywhere in the head and neck region from the skin on the outside to the throat on the inside. While many of these cancers are the result of tobacco and alcohol use, there are other factors like sun exposure and the human papilloma virus (HPV) that play a role. By evaluating a patient’s medical history, performing a physical examination, and running diagnostic tests, it can be determined whether cancer is present. Advanced therapies and treatment options are available for those diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
Pediatric Services
At Alamo ENT, we evaluate and treat a number of issues in the pediatric population, including chronic ear infections, snoring and sleep apnea, enlarged adenoids and tonsils, chronic tonsillitis and sore throats, lymph nodes and neck masses, and hearing loss.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is common and can be caused by various disorders that affect both children and adults. In children, early diagnosis of hearing loss is important to limit the impact on learning and development including speech. Hearing loss in adults can negatively impact the workplace, social interactions, and the everyday quality of life. Proper evaluation with our physicians and audiologists can help determine the best treatment for your hearing loss, which could include medicines, procedures, or hearing aids.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are tiny devices used in children and adults who suffer from various degrees of hearing loss. Through hearing testing and evaluation of the ears, our ENT specialists and Audiologists will determine the ideal type of technology to give you the best hearing possible.
Vertigo and Balance
Dizziness is feeling lightheaded, giddy, or unsteady, while Vertigo is the feeling of a false sense of movement. Dizziness and Vertigo occur when there is a problem within the ear, brain, or sensory nerve pathways. Through a comprehensive history and physical, an audiogram (hearing test), and balance testing as needed, we can determine the cause of your Vertigo or Balance issues and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Benign Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are very common. In fact, they may be present in up to 2/3 of the population. In most cases, people are unaware that they even have a thyroid nodule. However, over time, some of these thyroid nodules will grow to the point that they become visible and may start putting pressure on nearby structures giving some uncomfortable and unwanted symptoms. The RFA electrode is placed into the thyroid nodule under ultrasound guidance. When the electrode is activated, charged particles within the cells of the thyroid nodule begin to rub together which causes heat production. This heat destroys the cells immediately surrounding the tip of the electrode.
Learn more about Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Tinnitus Therapy
Tinnitus is hearing a noise or ringing in the ears, often caused by hearing loss, noise exposure, medications, or an inner ear problem. Specialized therapy options exist to better manage the symptoms, and offer patients a measure of relief, including hearing aids and tinnitus maskers.