Services
Chihal ENT Associates PA provides a variety of ear, nose and throat services for adults and children. Technically an ENT physician is called an otolaryngologist. Drs. Chihal and Bryan studied for five years after completing medical school to become specialty trained in diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, nose, ears, larynx (voice box), thyroid, oral cavity, mouth and throat as well as structures of the neck and face. Specific areas of expertise include:
Ears and Hearing
In addition to our two ENT physicians, our office has a full time Licensed Clinical Audiologist trained to evaluate hearing problems and dispense hearing aids. Drs. Chihal and Bryan provide both medical and surgical treatment of recurrent ear infections, repair of damaged ear drums, and assessment of balance disorders and dizziness.
Sinus Disease and Allergies
Chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches are very common health complaints. Care of the nasal cavities and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Low risk medical therapies such as antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, treatment of infection, evaluation of allergies and allergy shots (immunotherapy), if indicated, are used first to try to control symptoms. However, some patients require endoscopic, minimally invasive, surgery to help sinuses drain properly and remove polyps and diseased tissue.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Not being able to get a good night's sleep because of snoring and difficulty breathing can be dangerous, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, patients with this problem often have daytime sleepiness which can decrease their productivity at work and school. Drs. Chihal and Bryan can order sleep studies to determine the severity of the problem and offer therapies to improve sleep and decrease health risks.
Tonsils
Patients who have recurrent infections of their tonsils may require surgery. These patients should have medical therapy, such as antibiotics, as a first line of treatment. Tonsillectomy (surgical removing of the tonsils and sometimes the adenoids) is not done as often now as in the past. However, for some patients, removing the tonsils offers the best method to prevent recurrent infection and repeat treatment with antibiotics. Removal of enlarged tonsils is also sometimes an important part of the treatment of sleep apnea.
Thyroid Nodules
Although most thyroid nodules are benign, some are malignant. It is very important when persistent growths in the thyroid don't respond to medical therapy they be assessed and, if necessary, removed surgically.
Hoarseness
Persistent or recurrent hoarseness can have both benign and malignant causes. Otolaryngologists are trained to evaluate the larynx and offer appropriate treatment.
Masses of the Head and Neck
There are many different causes of masses in the head and neck. The anatomy of this area is very complicated. ENT physicians are specially trained to diagnose and treat tumors or other growths in this area.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery maintains an excellent website with more information about the specialty of ENT: www.aaohns.org. Click on the blue box labeled Patients. This website has up-to-date information on many topics related to ENT.
