expert type icon EXPERT

John Loucks

Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)

Dr. John Loucks is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, practicing in Owensboro, KY. Dr. Loucks specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat as well as other parts of the head and neck. Such structures an ENT may work on include the sinuses, larynx (voice box) and mouth in addition to the ear, nose and throat. There are seven areas of expertise that an ENT might specialize in, and these are: allergies; facial reconstructive surgery; head and neck; laryngology; otology/neurotology; pediatric otolaryngology; and rhinology.
55 years Experience
John Loucks
  • Owensboro, KY
  • West Virginia University School of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

What are the typical treatment options for ear infections?

What type of ear infection do you have? An ear canal infection is treated with drops, cortisporin. A middle ear infection if it is bacterial is treated with an antibiotic and a READ MORE
What type of ear infection do you have? An ear canal infection is treated with drops, cortisporin. A middle ear infection if it is bacterial is treated with an antibiotic and a decongestant and antihistamine. If it is fluid in the middle ear space then an antihistamine/decongestant may be a;; that is necessary. Some times if the discomfort is significant you may wish to add a steroid as well

What are the treatment options for tonsillitis?

Antibiotics with an acute infection would be the treatment of choice. However if you are having multiple infections {three or more episodes in aseason} then you might want to consider READ MORE
Antibiotics with an acute infection would be the treatment of choice. However if you are having multiple infections {three or more episodes in aseason} then you might want to consider a tonsillectomy. Chronic discomfort from tonsil "stones" may be another reason for a tonsillectomy otherwises symptomatic treatment for the discomfort.

What are the treatment options for Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease can be difficult to manage .and I am not aware of any specific medicine that will treat it. However a low salt diet can be helpful and sometimes the diuretic READ MORE
Meniere's disease can be difficult to manage .and I am not aware of any specific medicine that will treat it. However a low salt diet can be helpful and sometimes the diuretic HCTZ may give you some relief. Otherwise symptomatic treatment is about all there is. I'm just not aware of any other treatment or medicine.

Can chronic tonsillitis go away?

If it goes away or resolves it is no longer a chronic problem.

What are the surgical options for removing nasal polyps?

At one time in the past you may have been able to have polyps removed as an office procedure but I doubt that is an option today, Surgery consists of removal of the polyps with READ MORE
At one time in the past you may have been able to have polyps removed as an office procedure but I doubt that is an option today, Surgery consists of removal of the polyps with a snare or other surgical instrument. sometimes portion of a sinus wall might need to be removed in order to get to the base of the polyp. I am not sure this answers your question. ..

What are the criteria for considering a tonsillectomy?

Usually I would consider three or more episodes in a season{school year} ,tonsillar hypertrophy causing upper airway obstruction or to the point that is is affecting sleep,and READ MORE
Usually I would consider three or more episodes in a season{school year} ,tonsillar hypertrophy causing upper airway obstruction or to the point that is is affecting sleep,and chronic tonsillitis {tonsil stones} that are a source of chronic irritation. These would be the most common reasons for a tonsillectomy

What are the causes of hearing loss at my age?

At age fifty we all have some age related hearing loss. This can be more of a problem if there is a history of noise exposure, ear infections or congenital problems. A wax impaction READ MORE
At age fifty we all have some age related hearing loss. This can be more of a problem if there is a history of noise exposure, ear infections or congenital problems. A wax impaction or fluid in the middle ear can cause a temporary hearing loss. Otoschlerosis could also be a concern at your age. An audiogram will help determine the cause of the hearing loss and how best to correct it.

What are the treatment options for tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a bacterial infection that is treated with antibiotics,most often amoxicillin. Chronic tonsillitis,four or more episodes in a season would best be treated with a READ MORE
Tonsillitis is a bacterial infection that is treated with antibiotics,most often amoxicillin. Chronic tonsillitis,four or more episodes in a season would best be treated with a tonsillectomy. some people have a condition in which they have 'tonsil stones" these can be a source of chronic irritation and are best treated with a tonsillectomy.

How do manage patients with tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a result of hearing loss usually due to noise exposure, It is often made worse with stress. There are no known treatments that will resolve tinnitus but here are some READ MORE
Tinnitus is a result of hearing loss usually due to noise exposure, It is often made worse with stress. There are no known treatments that will resolve tinnitus but here are some suggestions that may be helpful, Lipoflavin may help some people, a hearing aid may also be helpful and in the past audio maskers have been helpful, Some people have tried biofeedback I don't know if any of these things will be of help but that is currently what is available. In the meantime protect your hearing and avoid loud noises and follow up with your audiologist or ear doctor. ,

How can I prevent ear infections?

First the question is what type of an ear infection do you have/ If it is an external ear infection {ear canal} then the answer would be to keep the ear canal dry. If it is a middle READ MORE
First the question is what type of an ear infection do you have/ If it is an external ear infection {ear canal} then the answer would be to keep the ear canal dry. If it is a middle ear infection then we are looking at the respiratory system for the answer. Are you a smoker or do you work around any type of nasal irritant? Do you have frequent colds or allergies? These are things that cause irritation of the lining of the middle ear and eustachian tube and can lead to chronic ear infections Certain tumors of the middle ear may also be a cause of chronic ear infections An ear examination would be most helpful in identifying the cause of a chronic ear problem.

What are the different treatment options for sinusitis?

Treatment options depend on symptoms. If it is a viral infection the symptomatic treatment with an antihistamine and a nasal spray may be all that is needed. These are usually READ MORE
Treatment options depend on symptoms. If it is a viral infection the symptomatic treatment with an antihistamine and a nasal spray may be all that is needed. These are usually short duration. If it is bacterial than an antibiotic may necessary and an a steroid may be indicated For more chronic infections a surgical approach may be indicated

What are the treatments for sleep apnea?

The treatment for sleep apnea is ;largely dependent on the severity of the problem. Something very mild may only need a bite guard or to elevate the head of the bed. The most severe READ MORE
The treatment for sleep apnea is ;largely dependent on the severity of the problem. Something very mild may only need a bite guard or to elevate the head of the bed. The most severe case may require surgery with an electrical stimulant.But most cases will benefit from a CPAP.The respirator helps keep the airway open and helps oxygenation. The first step is a sleep study that will let you know how severe the problem is and what type of treatment may be necessary.

What is the treatment for TMJ?

For a serious problem you would have to see a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. However if symptoms are caused by clenching at night or from stress then heat, massage or READ MORE
For a serious problem you would have to see a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. However if symptoms are caused by clenching at night or from stress then heat, massage or muscle relaxants may be helpful. It is the severity of the problem that will dictate the type of treatment that may be necessary

What could be the cause of a sore throat?

Most sore throats are viral in origin and should resolve with symptomatic treatment. Some sore throats are bacterial in origin, these tend to be of longer duration often with a READ MORE
Most sore throats are viral in origin and should resolve with symptomatic treatment. Some sore throats are bacterial in origin, these tend to be of longer duration often with a fever. These would require antibiotic treatment as well as symptomatic treatment

What are the treatment options for salivary gland stones?

. That depends on the size of the stone. If the stone is small it may pass without any treatment. Sometimes even a fairly large stone will pass on its own providing the stone is READ MORE
. That depends on the size of the stone. If the stone is small it may pass without any treatment. Sometimes even a fairly large stone will pass on its own providing the stone is in the duct If the stone is large and it is in the duct probing or opening the ducts surgically may be necessary. If the stone is in the gland and is symptomatic then one would consider surgically removing the gland

What could be causing hearing loss in one ear?

A unilateral hearing loss is most often caused by a problem within the ear canal most often wax but also a canal infection A noise induced hearing loss would be gradual and may READ MORE
A unilateral hearing loss is most often caused by a problem within the ear canal most often wax but also a canal infection A noise induced hearing loss would be gradual and may be associated with ringing. This would best be evaluated with an audiogram.

How can I fix breathing issues after a rhinoplasty?

I really don't have a simple answer for this problem. The first question I have is why did you have the procedure? If it was done as a cosmetic procedure some surgeons might give READ MORE
I really don't have a simple answer for this problem. The first question I have is why did you have the procedure? If it was done as a cosmetic procedure some surgeons might give up some function to get the cosmetic result. The best example would be narrowing of the nostrils. Some nasal sprays may give you some relief {flonase} but do not use afrin as this could make things worse. It would be worthwhile to discuss this problem with your surgeon.

What fixes allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is most often a seasonal problem caused by pollens or some other airborne irritant .Antihistamines and nasal sprays usually give symptomatic relief. However if READ MORE
Allergic rhinitis is most often a seasonal problem caused by pollens or some other airborne irritant .Antihistamines and nasal sprays usually give symptomatic relief. However if symptoms are more than seasonal you should consider allergy testing and possibly desensitization

Can tonsillectomy be done under local anesthesia?

I would say yes but it would have to be rather unusual to do it under local considering the safety of general anesthesia. I think it would be unusual for you to find an otolaryngologist READ MORE
I would say yes but it would have to be rather unusual to do it under local considering the safety of general anesthesia. I think it would be unusual for you to find an otolaryngologist who felt comfortable doing a local tonsil.

Can a sinus infection go away?

Most often they tend to resolve on their own but an antihistamine (allegra) can resolve the symptoms more quickly. If, however you have purulent drainage an antibiotic would be READ MORE
Most often they tend to resolve on their own but an antihistamine (allegra) can resolve the symptoms more quickly. If, however you have purulent drainage an antibiotic would be appropriate.