MIDWEST ENT UPDATE 9/29/2020

As we approach fall and winter, we wish to update you on your ear nose and throat health. We recommend that you have your humidifiers inspected and cleaned. If you don't have one, this may be a good time to purchase. When heaters go on, so should humidifiers. In addition, nasal saline sprays and netty pots often times aid in healthy noses and throats. It is becoming increasingly well known how important good nasal breathing is for our overall health. I am sending a link to a recent story aired on CBS News, featuring James Nestor, author of the recent book, "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art". It is very insightful and I hope you enjoy it.

We continue to take very strict COVID precautions. We have had no cases as a result anyone coming to our office or having surgery with us at Northwestern Hospital.
Flu season is rapidly approaching and strongly encourage the flu vaccine.
We are very pleased with our results of the Inspire(inspiresleep.com)procedure for sleep apnea. This has proven to be an excellent outpatient procedure for those who are not getting good results with CPAP.
As always, we offer a full range of services for your hearing health. We provide the most current technology for testing your hearing and providing the most appropriate hearing aids for each individual.
Please feel free to call the office(312-988-7777) for further information on all of the above or to set up an appointment. You may also send individual emails through our patient portal.

Wishing you all good health and safety,

Gordon J. Siegel, M.D.,FACS
Assistant Clinical Professor
Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery             
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

What Is Causing My Sore Throat?

Does your throat hurt? Sore throats aren't just caused by viruses. Chicago, IL, ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Gordon Siegel of Midwest sore throatEar Nose and Throat discusses a few things that can cause throat pain.

Allergies

Allergies may irritate your throat, in addition to causing a runny nose and itchy eyes. Your sore throat may become worse if you also experience post-nasal drip.

Environmental factors

Have you recently spent time around smoke or strong chemicals? These substances can irritate the lining of your throat.

Sleeping with your mouth open

Sleeping with your mouth open tends to dry your throat, which can cause pain. A dry or sore throat upon awakening can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that occurs due to multiple, short breathing pauses during the night.It's important to visit our Chicago office if you have throat pain in the morning, snore, constantly feel tired, or gasp for air or choke during the night.

Viral and bacterial infections

Colds, the flu and other viruses, such as chickenpox, may cause sore throats. Throat pain may also occur if you develop strep throat, an illness caused by a bacterial virus. Although sore throats caused by viruses should gradually get better on their own, you'll need antibiotics if you have a strep throat.

Winter air

Furnaces tend to dry the air, which can cause throat irritation.

An injury

Throat injuries are sometimes responsible for throat pain. Injuries can happen due to a blow to your neck or may happen if you spent a long time yelling or singing. 

REFLUX 

Gastroesophageal reflux may be responsible for sore throats and cough. It may go undetected for long periods of time. This can usually be diagnosed treated with a few simple steps.

More serious causes

Although a sore throat is usually a minor symptom that soon goes away, sometimes a sore throat can be a sign of a serious condition or disease. Throat pain can occur if you have a disorder of the tonsils or a tumor in your throat or larynx.

Sore throats that last more than a week or are particularly severe should be evaluated by an ENT. Call Chicago, IL, ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Gordon Siegel of Midwest Ear Nose and Throat at (312) 988-7777 to schedule your appointment.

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3 East Huron Chicago, IL, 60660, US

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

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Friday:

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Saturday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

Sunday:

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