EXPERT
Dr. Sally Smalley
Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
Dr. Sally Smalley is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, practicing in Fort Stewart, GA. Dr. Smalley 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.
19 years
Experience
Dr. Sally Smalley
- Calhoun, GA
- Texas A&M University
- Accepting new patients
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Lost voice?
Your mother needs to be seen by an ENT who will perform a flexible laryngoscopy in the clinic under a little topical anesthetic spray in the nose. this will look directly at the READ MORE
Your mother needs to be seen by an ENT who will perform a flexible laryngoscopy in the clinic under a little topical anesthetic spray in the nose. this will look directly at the vocal chords and check for any abnormal movement, masses, or dysfunction.
Cold or allergies?
It could be either; a common viral URI (cold) will usually improve somewhat within a week or so, while allergies will come and go with the presence of the allergen (pollens, animals, READ MORE
It could be either; a common viral URI (cold) will usually improve somewhat within a week or so, while allergies will come and go with the presence of the allergen (pollens, animals, dust mites...). Allergy testing can be helpful in the long term if this is your concern.
Flonase is an over the counter nasal steroid, acting as an anti-inflammatory, that is very helpful when used daily for a minimum of 2 weeks, and can be effective for both viral symptoms and seasonal allergies.
Flonase is an over the counter nasal steroid, acting as an anti-inflammatory, that is very helpful when used daily for a minimum of 2 weeks, and can be effective for both viral symptoms and seasonal allergies.
Large knot on ear?
Your parotid gland is under the skin in front of your ear. If it appeared overnight, its likely that the salivary duct into the cheek is blocked, causing saliva to back up in the READ MORE
Your parotid gland is under the skin in front of your ear. If it appeared overnight, its likely that the salivary duct into the cheek is blocked, causing saliva to back up in the gland and make it swell. This can occur fairly rapidly. Apply a warm compress to the face and 'milk' the gland by pressing on the face fromt he ear forward toward the corner of your mouth. You may have a stone or a thick blockage of the duct, and it needs to be drained.
If the gland gets painful and hot, you may have parotitis which needs antibiotics. It could also be a swollen sore lymph node in the gland, but at that size, I doubt it. If the mass does not not improve over several days, have it evaluated with US to make sure its not a mass. I think this is unlikely given its rapid appearance.
If the gland gets painful and hot, you may have parotitis which needs antibiotics. It could also be a swollen sore lymph node in the gland, but at that size, I doubt it. If the mass does not not improve over several days, have it evaluated with US to make sure its not a mass. I think this is unlikely given its rapid appearance.
Eardrum?
It could be, but usually, an ear drum will bleed when it's perforated. An audiologist can test your hearing and perform a 'tympanogram', which evaluates the continuity of the eardrum READ MORE
It could be, but usually, an ear drum will bleed when it's perforated. An audiologist can test your hearing and perform a 'tympanogram', which evaluates the continuity of the eardrum and the middle ear pressure. If it is perforated, it will most likely heal on its own in a few weeks. If it does not, then go see an ENT to discuss repair.
Mass in throat
That's your tonsil. It's going to get swollen and red and sore when you are sick. It's normal.
Nose bleeds
Majority of the time, nosebleeds occur because the house is dry and irritated. Frequent picking, running with Kleenex can do it. Capillaries will be exposed and dialated on the READ MORE
Majority of the time, nosebleeds occur because the house is dry and irritated. Frequent picking, running with Kleenex can do it. Capillaries will be exposed and dialated on the surface of the nasal mucosa, and the front of the nasal septum. This area is called kiesellbachs plexus. It's a very vascular area and therefore prone to frequent nosebleeds.
Keep the nose moist with saline spray or aquaphor ointment, and keep your fingers out of it. As cigarette smoking, get evaluated by an ENT to make sure there's nothing inside the nose that's bleeding.
Over the counter nasal decongestant sprays such as afrin, is useful to use in the setting of a nosebleed, since it will cause vasoconstriction and therefore help your body stop the bleeding. But be very careful with this spray, only use it two or three days in a row. Otherwise, your nose will become addicted to it and produce a lot of mucus and swelling.
Keep the nose moist with saline spray or aquaphor ointment, and keep your fingers out of it. As cigarette smoking, get evaluated by an ENT to make sure there's nothing inside the nose that's bleeding.
Over the counter nasal decongestant sprays such as afrin, is useful to use in the setting of a nosebleed, since it will cause vasoconstriction and therefore help your body stop the bleeding. But be very careful with this spray, only use it two or three days in a row. Otherwise, your nose will become addicted to it and produce a lot of mucus and swelling.
Inflamed ear red and swelling (cartilage not inner ear)?
Perichondritis can be very painful. Ice, anti-inflammatories are helpful, but you need to be on antibiotics that will cover pseudomonas. Ciprofloxacin is a good oral antibiotic READ MORE
Perichondritis can be very painful. Ice, anti-inflammatories are helpful, but you need to be on antibiotics that will cover pseudomonas. Ciprofloxacin is a good oral antibiotic for that, but because the cartilage itself does not have blood supply into it, it may take a while to show response. Show response. The blood supply to the cartilage is within the covering of the cartilage only, called the pericondrium. Just be patient and make sure you finish the entire course of antibiotics.
Nosebleeds?
No, it's sometimes happens. Keep your fingers out of your nose, and keep the area moist. An over-the-counter water based ointment such as aquaphor on a q-tip is good for this. READ MORE
No, it's sometimes happens. Keep your fingers out of your nose, and keep the area moist. An over-the-counter water based ointment such as aquaphor on a q-tip is good for this. The nose bleeds because there's an irritated area inside there and it's trying to heal. The nose is a very vascular area.
Mild DNS, Soreness?
It sounds like you probably would benefit from a sinus CT scan and visiting an ENT. The septum alone is usually not cause of sinus problems, but it can contribute somewhat. Keep READ MORE
It sounds like you probably would benefit from a sinus CT scan and visiting an ENT. The septum alone is usually not cause of sinus problems, but it can contribute somewhat. Keep the nose moist with nasal saline like you're doing, and look for water-based ointment at the pharmacy such as aquaphor. Put this on a q-tip and rub it up inside your nose twice a day until the inside of your nose heals.
OTITIS MEDIA WITH EFFUSION
Otitis media (ear infection) with effusion (fluid visible in the middle ear space) can be uncomfortable because of the pressure in the middle ear. The ear drum does not always READ MORE
Otitis media (ear infection) with effusion (fluid visible in the middle ear space) can be uncomfortable because of the pressure in the middle ear. The ear drum does not always appear red with inflammation. It takes a long time for antibiotics to build up enough in the body, to then start acting against the bacteria in the middle ear space. So 24 hours is not very long... Getting relief of the pressure from the fluid will help the pain. You need to get your eustachian tube opening working better. This valve is located at the back of the nose.
I suggest getting over the counter afrin nasal decongestant and flonase (nasal steroid) from the pharmacy. Use the decongestant spray 2-3x per day for 3 days. Use the flonase 2 sprays daily for 2 weeks at least. If you can stand to pop your ears, try that a few times a day. Equalizing the pressure in your ears to the atmospheric pressure will help the fluid resorb and decrease the pain.
I suggest getting over the counter afrin nasal decongestant and flonase (nasal steroid) from the pharmacy. Use the decongestant spray 2-3x per day for 3 days. Use the flonase 2 sprays daily for 2 weeks at least. If you can stand to pop your ears, try that a few times a day. Equalizing the pressure in your ears to the atmospheric pressure will help the fluid resorb and decrease the pain.
Excessive ringing in the ear after surgery?
Tinnitus almost always is from a hearing loss. The brain is trying to fill in the sound input that its not getting from the ear. Depending on the type of hearing loss he had, some READ MORE
Tinnitus almost always is from a hearing loss. The brain is trying to fill in the sound input that its not getting from the ear. Depending on the type of hearing loss he had, some surgeries are designed to improve the hearing somewhat, but not perfectly.
If he still has some ringing and it bothers him, he should visit an audiologist and discuss hearing aids. Using a hearing aid can be helpful to 'mask' the ringing, because your brain is able to pay attention to the sound from the aid instead of the lack of sound.
There are also some other rare causes for tinnitus, such as hypothyroidism, and aspirin use. He should have his primary care doctor review his medications with him.
Also look up information about tinnitus retraining therapy. This can be helpful to teach patients how to tolerate the tinnitus better.
If he still has some ringing and it bothers him, he should visit an audiologist and discuss hearing aids. Using a hearing aid can be helpful to 'mask' the ringing, because your brain is able to pay attention to the sound from the aid instead of the lack of sound.
There are also some other rare causes for tinnitus, such as hypothyroidism, and aspirin use. He should have his primary care doctor review his medications with him.
Also look up information about tinnitus retraining therapy. This can be helpful to teach patients how to tolerate the tinnitus better.
Treating mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers can be from many different causes. Most commonly they are canker sores or cold sore, which are from a type of virus. Other causes can be vitamin deficiency, trauma READ MORE
Mouth ulcers can be from many different causes. Most commonly they are canker sores or cold sore, which are from a type of virus. Other causes can be vitamin deficiency, trauma from your teeth, or immune type diseases such as Crohns disease. Best thing to do is have your ENT take a look and let them know what you have already been using to treat it. They may need to biopsy the area, or give you a different prescription medication.
What can help tinnitus?
Tinnitus almost always is from a hearing loss. The brain is trying to fill in the sound input that its not getting from the ear. Conductive hearing loss can be treated surgically, READ MORE
Tinnitus almost always is from a hearing loss. The brain is trying to fill in the sound input that its not getting from the ear. Conductive hearing loss can be treated surgically, but Sensorineural hearing loss usually is not surgically treated.
Visit an audiologist, get an updated audiogram, and discuss your type of hearing loss. Most likely you will benefit from hearing aids. Using a hearing aid can be helpful to 'mask' the ringing, because your brain is able to pay attention to the sound from the aid instead of the lack of sound.
There are also some other rare causes for tinnitus, such as hypothyroidism, and aspirin use. Have his primary care doctor review your medications.
Also look up information about tinnitus retraining therapy. This can be helpful to teach patients how to tolerate the tinnitus better.
Visit an audiologist, get an updated audiogram, and discuss your type of hearing loss. Most likely you will benefit from hearing aids. Using a hearing aid can be helpful to 'mask' the ringing, because your brain is able to pay attention to the sound from the aid instead of the lack of sound.
There are also some other rare causes for tinnitus, such as hypothyroidism, and aspirin use. Have his primary care doctor review your medications.
Also look up information about tinnitus retraining therapy. This can be helpful to teach patients how to tolerate the tinnitus better.
Hearing question?
In general the 'sounds' a person hears inside their head (not really audible sound to others) is known as tinnitus or ringing in the ears. This can be high pitched, constant, or READ MORE
In general the 'sounds' a person hears inside their head (not really audible sound to others) is known as tinnitus or ringing in the ears. This can be high pitched, constant, or low and rough sounding, like an engine. Usually its from a type of hearing loss, but it can also be the sound of your own body.
Large blood vessels travel through the temporal bone near the cochlea. Its not uncommon to report hearing 'your heartbeat' when its quiet. Being only 19 years old, you are likely hearing your blood moving. If the sound changes when you lie down vs stand up, then this is most definitely the case.
Large blood vessels travel through the temporal bone near the cochlea. Its not uncommon to report hearing 'your heartbeat' when its quiet. Being only 19 years old, you are likely hearing your blood moving. If the sound changes when you lie down vs stand up, then this is most definitely the case.
I swallowed water down the wrong way?
You are not drowning. Even if you did allow a bit of water into your airway, it may cause a bit of irritation, but would be absorbed if not coughed out. A very common reason for READ MORE
You are not drowning. Even if you did allow a bit of water into your airway, it may cause a bit of irritation, but would be absorbed if not coughed out. A very common reason for sharp shooting pain lasting only for a few seconds, around the ribs or inside the chest, is known as atelectasis. This happens when a small area of the lungs is "deflated" a bit, or collapsed somewhat. As it re-inflates, like when you take a deep breath, it can be a bit painful.
Atelectasis occurs when you have been breathing shallow for a while, or when you have been stationary for a long time.
Get up and take some deep breaths. Stretch! The pain in your ribs will likely go away.
Atelectasis occurs when you have been breathing shallow for a while, or when you have been stationary for a long time.
Get up and take some deep breaths. Stretch! The pain in your ribs will likely go away.
Thyroid + menstrual cycle connection?
If you are having menstrual cycle bleeding lasting that long, I would very strongly suggest visiting a Gynecologist first. Your thyroid levels may vary a bit from time to time. READ MORE
If you are having menstrual cycle bleeding lasting that long, I would very strongly suggest visiting a Gynecologist first. Your thyroid levels may vary a bit from time to time. With those nearly normal levels, your thyroid is likely not the issue. Bu you should definitely get this issue checked out.
What type of sedation is used for sinus surgery?
General anesthesia. Not sedation.
Ear infection virus?
Sounds like you have a complicated otitis externa or complicated otitis media with otorrhea. So, if your face movement is truly weakened, you need a course of steroids pretty soon. READ MORE
Sounds like you have a complicated otitis externa or complicated otitis media with otorrhea. So, if your face movement is truly weakened, you need a course of steroids pretty soon. Within 30 days of the onset to get the best benefit. You also need an ear exam and likely antibiotic ear drops. If there is purulence in the ear canal, that can be either an external ear infection, or a middle ear infection with a burst ear drum, draining into the ear. The fact that you have hearing loss and weakened facial movement is more concerning for an acute otitis media with facial nerve paralysis (complicated middle ear infection). I strongly suggest going to at minimum an urgent care.
I have chronic sinusitis, eustachian tube dysfunction, tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus, and cholesteatoma?
Eustachian tube dysfunction is the pathological cause of a cholesteatoma. The cholesteatoma forms because there is too much negative pressure constantly pulling on the ear drum READ MORE
Eustachian tube dysfunction is the pathological cause of a cholesteatoma. The cholesteatoma forms because there is too much negative pressure constantly pulling on the ear drum (the middle ear pressure is not being regulated properly do to eustachian tube dysfunction. Honestly, Septal deviation does not "cause" eustachian tube dysfunction. So no doubt he straightened your nasal septum... but this did not have anything to do with your ears. It can take months to years for a cholesteatoma to form. So likely it's been going on for a while and you just started to feel the symptoms recently. You doctor should also get an audiogram. It would be helpful to perform a eustachian tube dilation at the time of your ear surgery, known as a tympanomastoidectomy. The dilation will help to address the origin of the whole problem, the eustachian tube.
Do you treat empty nose symptoms?
Empty nose syndrome is a condition caused by surgically removing the entire body of the inferior turbinate. If you have trouble sleeping and fatigue, I would first suggest a sleep READ MORE
Empty nose syndrome is a condition caused by surgically removing the entire body of the inferior turbinate. If you have trouble sleeping and fatigue, I would first suggest a sleep study. This can be very helpful to evaluate what is the primary issue with your poor sleep. As far as nasal congestion, you would need to be examined by an ENT to look at the inside and outside anatomy of your nose. If you have a smoking history, this is most important. So, from what you describe, I would not diagnose you with empty nose syndrome just yet. There are other questions to be answered.
