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Ronald Ward

Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)

Dr. Ronald Ward is a top Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) in Larkspur, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Ronald Ward is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Ronald Ward is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Ronald Ward is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Larkspur, California, Dr. Ronald Ward is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
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53 years Experience
Ronald Ward
  • Larkspur, California
  • Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
  • Accepting new patients

Hearing loss?

You can have low pitched mechanical tinnitus from TMj, not hearing loss.

Stains on my tongue?

Bismuth contain solutions can discolor tongue. Also mouth breathing. Also fungal infections. Advise brushing tongue with baking soda. If the black spots are scattered could be READ MORE
Bismuth contain solutions can discolor tongue. Also mouth breathing. Also fungal infections. Advise brushing tongue with baking soda. If the black spots are scattered could be benign melanosis

Fever?

The obvious need is COVID testing. Without other focal symptoms, it is difficult to give advice. Best to see your internist.

Swallowed bottle cap?

I suggest going to nearest ER and being evaluated. Do not take anything by mouth

Excessive burping?

Probably related to your conditions and habits. Acid reflux, hiatal hernia, weak lower esophageal sphincter. Air swallowing when eating and drinking. Recommendations usually are READ MORE
Probably related to your conditions and habits. Acid reflux, hiatal hernia, weak lower esophageal sphincter. Air swallowing when eating and drinking. Recommendations usually are to stop smoking, not chew gum, slow down eating and drinking, avoid cabbage, beans, broccoli, and dairy products, no soda or beer, take walks after eating, bad fitting dentures need repair, no sucking on hard candies, avoid fried foods, limit alcohol intake. See ENT for evaluation and possible swallowing study.

Throat discomfort?

No pain? Probably irritation from acid reflux, dryness, localized pharyngeal neuritis, allergy. Advise no smoking, alcohol intake spicy foods for 1-3 weeks. Stop throat clearing READ MORE
No pain? Probably irritation from acid reflux, dryness, localized pharyngeal neuritis, allergy. Advise no smoking, alcohol intake spicy foods for 1-3 weeks. Stop throat clearing if this is a habit. Treat allergy symptoms. Drink at least two quarts of clear fluids per day. if reflux, prilosec may help. can see ENT for endoscopy.

What are the dangers of your ears going numb from the cold?

Prolonged cold exposure can lead to frostbite and potential necrosis of the auricular tissue. Just like fingers and toes.

Throat closing up?

Probably means you have an intact sensory neurologic tract. This is reflex mediated by the superior laryngeal nerve which closes the laryngeal opening when food or fluids are in READ MORE
Probably means you have an intact sensory neurologic tract. This is reflex mediated by the superior laryngeal nerve which closes the laryngeal opening when food or fluids are in close proximity to entering the laryngeal inlet. It is a protective reflex. Suggest drinking more clear fluids. No talking while chewing, swallowing

I have spontaneously gained the ability to move my ears?

Probably a complication of your chronic neck disorder.

Almost everything I eat taste and smells the same?

No symptoms of upper respiratory infection, head injury, or exposure to toxic inhalants? Any nasal discharge or bleeding? History of nasal allergies and/or polyps? Nasal breathing READ MORE
No symptoms of upper respiratory infection, head injury, or exposure to toxic inhalants? Any nasal discharge or bleeding? History of nasal allergies and/or polyps? Nasal breathing obstruction? Advise avoid alcohol, smoke, noxious fumes. Can do saline rinses of nose. Zinc tablets sometimes beneficial . If no improvement in next three weeks, see ENT for endoscopy and Possible CT scan.

Throat problem?

Could be acid reflux, airway dryness/irritation from mouth breathing or dehydration. Doubt allergy. If you smoke, stop for three weeks and see if things improve. Can try OTC Prilosec. READ MORE
Could be acid reflux, airway dryness/irritation from mouth breathing or dehydration. Doubt allergy. If you smoke, stop for three weeks and see if things improve. Can try OTC Prilosec. Stop late night meals and snacks. No caffeine after 6:00 pm. Limit fatty/spicy food intake. If overweight, attempt to lose weight now. It does get any easier, the older you get. If pain or vocal changes. see ENT for endoscopy. Can get guidelines for GERD therapy online

How long does a cold fever last in toddlers?

Depends on the virus, state of hydration, potential complications, potential bacterial superinfection, status of immune system. Any prolonged fever should be evaluated by a pediatrician. READ MORE
Depends on the virus, state of hydration, potential complications, potential bacterial superinfection, status of immune system. Any prolonged fever should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

I have a really bad pain in my left ear and I can't hear?

Appears to be an ear canal infection/inflammation. Advise seeing ENT for microscopic ear exam and cleaning, an audiogram if indicated.

Tinnitus?

See ENT for ear exam and audiogram. See dentist for mouth guard. Clicking may be from the jaw joint. Ringing from the inner ear

I had surgery 4 and a half day ago to open my sinuses?

Call the surgeon. He/She can remove the stints now, suction out debris and have you use a vasoconstrictor spray

Dry cough for months?

If otherwise healthy and not allergic, probably are mouth breathing during sleep drying out airway. Should be drinking at least two quarts of water/day. Check the bedroom humidity, READ MORE
If otherwise healthy and not allergic, probably are mouth breathing during sleep drying out airway. Should be drinking at least two quarts of water/day. Check the bedroom humidity, and turn down the heat at night to mid-sixties. Lozenges will stimulate salivary gland to secrete. Check with your Ob/GYN if you can use Mucinex. No smoke exposure or alcohol.

Rhinorrhea?

Appears that you have seen a number of doctors. Any ENT doctor? May have indications for CT scan of sinuses and nasal endoscopy. If you have not been prescribed Atrovent nasal READ MORE
Appears that you have seen a number of doctors. Any ENT doctor? May have indications for CT scan of sinuses and nasal endoscopy. If you have not been prescribed Atrovent nasal nasal spray, it be worth a trial

Nasal discharge during mastication?

Physiologic event that occurs in older individuals due to parasympathetic innervation response to food intake. Can be incited by certain foods and odors. It is hyperactive vasomotor READ MORE
Physiologic event that occurs in older individuals due to parasympathetic innervation response to food intake. Can be incited by certain foods and odors. It is hyperactive vasomotor rhinitis. Can be form of dysautonomia. Have your doctor Rx Atrovent nasal spray. Spray your nasal airways with this medication thirty minutes before meals.

Blisters under tongue?

Probably apthous stomatitis ulcers. Benign. Avoid all acidic foods/fruits for the next 7-10 days. Bland diet. No alcohol or smoking. Get some antithetic lozenges at the pharmacy, READ MORE
Probably apthous stomatitis ulcers. Benign. Avoid all acidic foods/fruits for the next 7-10 days. Bland diet. No alcohol or smoking. Get some antithetic lozenges at the pharmacy, e.g., decline.

Inner nasal laceration?

May have a foreign body in the nasal airway. Best to go to a County hospital and have an ENT do endoscopy.