expert type icon 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

Are enlarged tonsils the cause of snoring?

Snoring is from vibration of the soft palate. the tonsils can be part of that, as they sit just below the soft palate. You don't have to be obese to snore, but overweight people READ MORE
Snoring is from vibration of the soft palate. the tonsils can be part of that, as they sit just below the soft palate. You don't have to be obese to snore, but overweight people will usually have more tissue in the throat and therefore more likely to have anatomy consistent with snoring. Have an ENT look at the anatomy a the back of the mouth (oropharynx) and discuss with you a UP3 or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. This removes the tonsils and addresses the shape of the soft palate to treat snoring

What could be the cause of my throat pain?

Many different things. Infection, reflux, post nasal drip, laryngeal lesions such as a vocal cord polyp or cyst, or simply cervical muscle strain cause your throat to hurt when READ MORE
Many different things. Infection, reflux, post nasal drip, laryngeal lesions such as a vocal cord polyp or cyst, or simply cervical muscle strain cause your throat to hurt when you swallow. Best to have a doctor evaluate you and if needed they will send you to an ENT to have a laryngoscopy in the clinic for an exam of the larynx. At your age, mild odynophagia (pain with swallowing) is going to be from a common tonsillitis, or untreated reflux disease.

What can be the cause of sudden hearing loss?

he needs an audiogram as soon as possible to diagnose the sudden hearing loss. If this is the case and it has only been within the past 4 weeks, he should see a doctor for treatment READ MORE
he needs an audiogram as soon as possible to diagnose the sudden hearing loss. If this is the case and it has only been within the past 4 weeks, he should see a doctor for treatment with steroids to possibly recover the hearing. This may be sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
BUT it depends on what type of hearing loss he has. Bottom line, get a hearing test. Then see an ENT doctor.

How is a sinus infection diagnosed?

CT sinus or a nasal endoscopy by an ENT. Clinically a bacterial sinus infection is diagnosed with symptoms of fever, facial pressure, colored nasal mucous, congestion that does READ MORE
CT sinus or a nasal endoscopy by an ENT.
Clinically a bacterial sinus infection is diagnosed with symptoms of fever, facial pressure, colored nasal mucous, congestion that does not improve for 7 days. If you are having improvement, its typically viral and does not need to be treated with antibiotics.
Either way, you can simply treat yourself with OTC nasal steroid spray daily for 2 weeks, 3 days of nasal decongestant spray for 3 days only, and sinus irrigation. You may like to add a menthol additive to your irrigation, Akylol for comfort.

How do you cure ear fungus?

Ear fungus will grow where there is too much moisture in the ear. This commonly seen in older patients who wear hearing aids. Simply having the fungal debris and moist skin removed READ MORE
Ear fungus will grow where there is too much moisture in the ear. This commonly seen in older patients who wear hearing aids. Simply having the fungal debris and moist skin removed from the ear can be curative, but sometime other drying agents or antifungals can be used. You child needs to be seen by an ENT for this, but most likely she simply has an otitis externa or bacterial outer ear infection which should be treated with ear drops.

Do vestibular exercises work?

they do in general, but a 14 year old with vestibular problems is unusual. this needs to be diagnosed with an objective vestibular evaluation done by an audiologist. This is called READ MORE
they do in general, but a 14 year old with vestibular problems is unusual. this needs to be diagnosed with an objective vestibular evaluation done by an audiologist. This is called a VNG or vestibular neurography. I would suggest having your son properly evaluated before starting any exercise routine.

How do I get rid of a fungal infection in my nose?

Who diagnosed you with a fungal infection in the nostril? We do sometimes see fungal infections in the sinus cavities during sinus surgery, but this is cleared with the surgery READ MORE
Who diagnosed you with a fungal infection in the nostril? We do sometimes see fungal infections in the sinus cavities during sinus surgery, but this is cleared with the surgery itself. You should see your ENT surgeon who did your surgery and have them look where you think the fungal infection is. they can prescribe specific rinses or creams if needed.

What causes noses to bleed when blown?

Nasal bleeding happens most commonly because of dryness and trauma (picking). If he is blowing his nose a lot, try to get him to use a saline nasal spray a couple of times a day READ MORE
Nasal bleeding happens most commonly because of dryness and trauma (picking). If he is blowing his nose a lot, try to get him to use a saline nasal spray a couple of times a day to keep the nose moist. At night, use a water based ointment such as aquaphor, and apply it to the inside of the nostril on a qtip by rubbing it inside the out portion of the nostril. This will help heal whatever irritated area is in there.

Is it normal to have pressure built up in your ear?

It is normal for the middle ear pressure to change, yes. The middle ear pressure is separate from the atmospheric pressure (air) and you will feel this inside the ear, like when READ MORE
It is normal for the middle ear pressure to change, yes. The middle ear pressure is separate from the atmospheric pressure (air) and you will feel this inside the ear, like when you are on a plane. The eustachian tube opens into the back of the nose, and acts as pressure equalization valve to equalize the middle ear pressure with the outside air pressure. You are opening this valve (tube) when you pop your ears (valsalva). This is ok, and its good you are able to do this without issue. This will also happen simply by swallowing, but can be harder for some people than others.
Why do you think its too often?

What can be the cause of my earaches?

Ear aches are common and can be infection. But long term ear aches are usually something more chronic, such as jaw joint pain, neck pain or headaches causing referred pain to the READ MORE
Ear aches are common and can be infection. But long term ear aches are usually something more chronic, such as jaw joint pain, neck pain or headaches causing referred pain to the ear. Simply equalizing the pressure in your ear can be helpful to ease a mild 'earache'. Try popping your ears as if you are on a plane. Take an antiinflammatory to treat a head ache or TMJ pain. Use a warm compress on the face over the jaw joint. If you get some improvement with these, likely not an ear infection.

What is Meniere's disease?

Mayo clinic has great patient information about Menieres disease. But I doubt your son has been diagnosed correctly. Your son needs a full audiogram performed by an audiologist. READ MORE
Mayo clinic has great patient information about Menieres disease. But I doubt your son has been diagnosed correctly. Your son needs a full audiogram performed by an audiologist. to have Meniere's the patient needs to have low frequency sensorineural hearing loss, possibly asymmetric, complain of ear fullness, vertiginous episodes lasting for hours, ad tinnitus. Menieres is a diagnose of exclusion, meaning there are many other things that should be ruled out first.

Is a tonsillectomy painful?

tonsillectomy is very painful. Expect 10-14 days of severe pain. you surgeon will prescribe pain medication. Celebrex after tonsillectomy has been shown to decrease narcotic use. READ MORE
tonsillectomy is very painful. Expect 10-14 days of severe pain. you surgeon will prescribe pain medication. Celebrex after tonsillectomy has been shown to decrease narcotic use. Gargling sucralfate has been shown to coat the throat and decrease pain. Dosing steroids on day 3 and 6 after the surgery will also decrease narcotic use.

Can vertigo cause slurred speech?

Vertigo is not going to affect your speech, but vertigo can occur with many different events, such as stroke. A stroke can certainly effect your speech.

What is tinnitus?

tinnitus is a ringing in your ear. It occurs usually because there is some degree of hearing loss that the brain is experiencing. Even the smallest amounts of hearing loss (sensorineural READ MORE
tinnitus is a ringing in your ear.

It occurs usually because there is some degree of hearing loss that the brain is experiencing. Even the smallest amounts of hearing loss (sensorineural or conductive, can cause some ringing or tinnitus. Get a hearing test, an audiogram.

Neronitis

Dizziness (unsteadiness) is not vertigo (spinning). Vestibular issues can be objectively diagnosed with a VNG (videonystagmography) to tell you whether you actually have a balance/vestibular READ MORE
Dizziness (unsteadiness) is not vertigo (spinning). Vestibular issues can be objectively diagnosed with a VNG (videonystagmography) to tell you whether you actually have a balance/vestibular problem, or you need to look elsewhere. Most commonly young healthy active people experience orthostatic hypotension from being dehydrated, and moving too quickly from a sitting/static to a standing or mobile position.
If you are worried about your inner ear, get a VNG before you go on your trip.

What's this crackling noise in my ear?

Read about the eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure. You may have some inflammation in the nasal cavity, usually from allergic rhinitis or mild URI, and the eustachian READ MORE
Read about the eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure. You may have some inflammation in the nasal cavity, usually from allergic rhinitis or mild URI, and the eustachian tube opening is having a hard time opening to equalize the middle ear pressure. Try popping your ears as if you are on a plane. Do this several times a day. Any fluid that has been pulled into the middle ear (due to imbalance of middle ear pressure) will slowly resolve.

Why do my ears pop when I swallow?

Read about the eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure. Bottomline, this is normal. your middle ear pressure is trying to equalize with the outside air pressure. Pop your READ MORE
Read about the eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure. Bottomline, this is normal. your middle ear pressure is trying to equalize with the outside air pressure. Pop your ears a few times like you are still on the plane. It will resolve.

How can I remove a single large scar on my nose?

surgically it can be removed, or apply a prescription bleaching cream such as hydroquinone.

Are throat stones serious?

No they aren't serious. tonsil stones are very common. They can be annoying and sometimes mildly sore. If you want them to stop, go see an ENT and they can remove the tonsils. READ MORE
No they aren't serious. tonsil stones are very common. They can be annoying and sometimes mildly sore. If you want them to stop, go see an ENT and they can remove the tonsils. Otherwise, you can try lots of things to get them to stop, but usually they will continue to form. Some people make them and some people don't...

What are the treatment options for tonsil stones?

tonsil stones are very common. They can be annoying and sometimes mildly sore. If you want them to stop, go see an ENT and they can remove the tonsils. Otherwise, you can try lots READ MORE
tonsil stones are very common. They can be annoying and sometimes mildly sore. If you want them to stop, go see an ENT and they can remove the tonsils. Otherwise, you can try lots of things to get them to stop, but usually they will continue to form. Some people make them and some people don't...