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Posts for: November, 2021

By Century Ear, Nose, Throat, Head & Neck Surgery
November 29, 2021
Category: ENT Conditions
Tags: Hearing Loss  

If you're experiencing problems with your ears, you should have them checked by an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) before the issues turn severe. If your symptoms result in hearing loss, an audiologist or an ENT in Orland Park, New Lenox, Evergreen Park IL can provide a broad range of services. Dr. Brian Farrell and his team at Century Ear, Nose and Throat can diagnose and treat any medical conditions causing your hearing loss.

What Is an ENT?

ENT is the abbreviation for an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Most ENTs are highly-qualified, highly-educated doctors who are also skilled surgeons. An ENT in Orland Park, New Lenox, Evergreen Park IL can diagnose, treat and perform surgical procedures on most problems related to your ears. Ear, nose, and throat specialists can also diagnose and treat any medical-related issue that may cause hearing loss.

What is an Audiologist?

An audiologist specializes in the maintenance of hearing loss. In many cases, audiologists are experts in the technology that can help restore hearing loss. However, they specialize in the auditory system and are generally unable to treat any medical issues that cause you to lose your hearing. If you're losing your hearing because of age or any non-medical-related problem, you may want to visit an audiologist to discuss your treatment options.

Advanced Medical Issues and Hearing Loss

Advanced medical problems, such as an ear infection, hypertension, diabetes, or other diseases, can cause temporary or even permanent hearing loss. Other issues like earwax build-up, swimmer's ear, and sinus infections are generally minor problems, but they can also lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.

All of these issues should be diagnosed and treated by ENTs if you're experiencing any hearing loss. If you see an audiologist for any of these medical-related issues for hearing loss, you'll more than likely get a referral to an ENT.

Our team at Century Ear, Nose, and Throat hopes this helps you choose the right medical provider for your hearing concerns. Contact Dr. Farrell and his professional and friendly ENT staff in Orland Park, New Lenox, Evergreen Park IL at (708) 460-0007 if you want to learn more about what we do and how we can help with your hearing loss.


By Century Ear, Nose, Throat, Head & Neck Surgery
November 22, 2021
Category: Otolaryngology
Tags: Allergies  

If you are dealing with symptoms of allergies, you may think you just need to see a local allergist. However, if the problem is more serious or if there is an underlying condition, you are better off seeing an ENT specialist. We understand the importance of your health here at Century Ear, Nose & Throat and have doctors ready to treat your symptoms as they relate to allergies in Orland Park, New Lenox, Evergreen Park IL.

An ENT Can Help You Find Relief

When you are constantly turning to over-the-counter treatments to only get no relief from your symptoms, you need professional guidance. While it is recommended to try OTC treatments first, as they are helpful for a little over half of the allergy sufferers, there comes a point in time when you need to see an ENT to try something different.

First, the ENT doctor will perform an allergy test to identify the source of your allergies. This will help in the development of the most appropriate treatment plan for allergies in Orland Park, New Lenox, Evergreen Park IL.

An ENT Can Reduce Your Risk of Future Sinus Issues

If you have been dealing with constant sinus problems, it is time to sit down with an ENT specialist to discuss the possibility of a serious ENT problem. Did you know that individuals who suffer from sinus infections and sinus pain on a regular basis are more at risk of developing future infections as well as a variety of problems with the sinuses?

An ENT Can Help Get Your Life Back on Track

More often than not, if you are dealing with allergies of any kind, those symptoms are affecting other areas of your life. For instance, you are probably finding it difficult to get a good night’s rest. This can roll over into your day, potentially keeping you from being productive at work because you are so fatigued from failing to sleep well the night before. Your allergy symptoms may also be keeping you from maintaining a regular exercise routine or eating a well-balanced diet. If your allergy symptoms are interfering with your daily life, an ENT doctor can offer treatment that will help you get your life back.

Allergies can be incredibly overwhelming, but don’t let the symptoms control everything about you and your life. For allergy testing and management, call Century Ear, Nose & Throat at 708-460-0007 to schedule an appointment with one of our ENT specialists who proudly serve the Orland Park, New Lenox, Evergreen Park IL areas for allergies.


By Century Ear, Nose, Throat, Head & Neck Surgery
November 09, 2021
Category: ENT Care
Tags: Tonsillectomy  
Before you or your child undergoes a tonsillectomy, you want to make sure you are prepared for the recovery process. We completely understand! Nothing is more important than knowing what to expect before, during, and after any type of procedure so there are no surprises. While your ENT doctor will provide you with detailed instructions regarding the recovery process, you may have questions or concerns about what to expect once you come home.

The Recovery Process

It typically takes about two weeks for both children and adults to make a full recovery after a tonsillectomy. You may feel tired and easily fatigued for the first few days after surgery. Other symptoms such as ear and throat pain are common and can last up to two weeks. If you find that your symptoms are getting worse or aren’t improving after 4-5 days, you should speak with your ENT doctor.

Get Pain Under Control

Pain management is an important topic for our patients undergoing a tonsillectomy, as the pain that proceeds from this surgery can be pretty intense in the very beginning. Your ENT doctor will provide you with a strong pain reliever to help ease discomfort during the first few days. You may switch to ibuprofen if your pain is starting to lessen; however, it’s important to avoid aspirin for at least two weeks after your tonsillectomy.
 
Stay Hydrated

It is very important that you stay hydrated and drink a lot of fluids. A good rule of thumb is to consume one cup of water an hour. If your urine is pale in color, this is a sign that you are drinking enough water. While you can eat what you want after your surgery, you may not feel very hungry at first. Don’t worry, your appetite will return after a couple of days.

Your Diet Post-Tonsillectomy

Most people worry about what they can and can’t eat post-surgery but the answer is, anything you want. You can’t hurt your throat by eating certain foods; however, you may want to ease back into your diet by starting with soft foods such as yogurt, rice, mashed potatoes, and ice pops.

Give Yourself Time to Rest

Most people will feel too fatigued to go about their normal activities. Most children will return to school within a week and resume full activities within two weeks. Most adults can return to work within 10 days after a tonsillectomy. You will want to rest as much as possible and avoid most activities for at least the first 48 hours after your surgery.

If you have any concerns about your upcoming tonsillectomy, or you have questions about your at-home instructions after you return home, know that your ENT doctor is always here to provide you with the answers, care, and support you need. Don’t hesitate to call with any questions or concerns you might have while you heal from your tonsillectomy.