.png){kind=logo}
Throat Conditions Treated By ENTs
- Topeka Ear, Nose and Throat
- Sep 5
- 4 min read
Dealing with swollen tonsils or a sore, scratchy throat? Ongoing throat problems like chronic sore throats, vocal cord nodules, laryngitis, or tonsillitis can make it hard to speak, eat, and live comfortably. In these cases, it’s important to visit an experienced ENT specialist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
At Topeka ENT, our board-certified ear, nose, and throat doctors use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the root causes of throat conditions and create personalized treatment plans to restore your health and comfort.
Understanding the Throat
Your throat is a complex system made up of three main sections:
The Nasopharynx
This is the uppermost section, located behind the nasal cavity and above the soft palate. The primary function is to serve as the main airway for the respiratory system.
The Oropharynx
Situated behind the oral cavity (mouth), the oropharynx is a passageway for both air and food, and it includes the tonsils and the back third of the tongue.
The Laryngopharynx
The lowest part of the throat, the laryngopharynx, is where food and air pass before reaching the esophagus and trachea. This part of the throat contains the epiglottis, a flap that directs food to the esophagus and prevents it from entering the windpipe.
Because of its complexity, the throat is prone to a wide range of conditions that require expert evaluation from a throat specialist in Topeka.
Common Throat Conditions Treated by Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists
Acute Laryngitis
Laryngitis refers to inflammation of the larynx, most commonly caused by an acute viral infection, resulting in hoarseness, sore throat and voice loss. This condition is usually mild and only lasts 3 to 7 days.
However, if your symptoms last longer than two to three weeks and are accompanied by additional symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if you feel a lump in your neck, you should seek help from an ENT expert.
Thyroid Conditions
The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate your body’s metabolism. The gland is located below the larynx and around the windpipe. Many conditions affect the thyroid, and an ENT doctor can help treat them.
These include:
An overactive thyroid: Known as hyperthyroidism, the thyroid produces too many of the hormones it usually does.
An underactive thyroid: Known as hypothyroidism, the thyroid produces too little of the hormones the body needs.
If you have a thyroid condition, your ENT doctor may prescribe medication to address the effects. If pills cannot treat the condition's impact, throat surgery might be recommended to treat the affected area.
Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils—two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of your throat—become inflamed or infected. Normally, the tonsils help trap germs that enter the body, but when they get infected, they can cause painful symptoms.
If you have frequent sore throats, repeated tonsil infections, or chronic tonsillitis, your ENT may recommend a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils).
You should see an ENT if you experience:
Trouble breathing
Difficulty swallowing, even saliva
Severe throat pain
High fever
An ENT specialist can provide a proper diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for your situation.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the throat, causing irritation and discomfort.
Common symptoms include:
Hoarseness or voice changes
Sore throat that doesn’t go away
Chronic cough
A “lump-in-the-throat” sensation
Throat pain or burning
There are two main types of reflux:
Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD): When stomach acids back up into the esophagus (swallowing tube).
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPRD): When the reflux reaches the back of the throat. This could be more damaging than gastroesophageal reflux, as the larynx and lungs are more prone to damage from stomach acid.
To manage reflux, your ENT may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce stomach acid production and help prevent further irritation. While reflux starts in the stomach, the throat often suffers the most damage if it goes untreated. That’s why seeing a throat specialist is so important for protecting your long-term throat health.
Treating Throat Symptoms
Our Topeka ENT specialists can help diagnose and treat a wide range of throat-related symptoms, including:
Difficulty swallowing
Breathing problems or shortness of breath
Persistent throat pain
Snoring or sleep apnea
Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment
Pinpointing the Cause:
Through detailed examinations and diagnostic testing, our ENT doctors can identify the underlying cause of issues such as chronic sore throats, swallowing difficulties, or voice changes.
Personalized Treatment Plans:
Once a diagnosis is made, we create a customized treatment plan that may include medication, voice therapy, or surgery for more complex conditions.
Managing Serious Conditions:
Our specialists are trained to detect and treat conditions that require expert care—such as throat cancer, chronic infections, and sleep apnea—that may be overlooked in a general medical exam.
Expert Throat Care at Topeka ENT
Whether you’re dealing with everyday discomfort or a more serious condition, our experienced throat specialists in Topeka are here to help restore your health, comfort, and peace of mind.
Call Topeka ENT today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better throat health.
Additional Resources:
