Throat

Chronic allergies, sinus infections, stomach reflux, and many other common disorders can result in chronic irritation of the throat. We identify and treat your specific causes.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by a bacterial infection or a virus. Symptoms of acute or recurring tonsillitis include severe sore throat, fever, bad breath, difficulty swallowing / painful swallowing, and tender cervical lymph nodes. Sometimes patients may develop an abscess (collection of fluid) next to the tonsil that limits their ability to open their mouth.

Symptoms of acute tonsillitis usually resolve in three to four days. When a patient has multiple episodes of acute tonsillitis in a year, this is known as recurrent tonsillitis. Tonsillitis that lasts for longer than two weeks is known as chronic tonsillitis and can cause tonsil stones to form.

Tonsillitis is usually treated with antibiotics. However, a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) may be necessary for chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. Tonsillectomy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

Enlarged tonsils may cause snoring, mouth breathing, and sleep apnea. Tonsillectomy resolves these issues.

Viral and bacterial infections, vitamin deficiencies, and oral cancers can cause these complaints. We can help identify the cause and work to resolve these chronic issues.

Many patients may experience difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, or a lump or pressure sensation in their throat. This may be from thyroid conditions, upper esophageal sphincter spasm (cricopharyngeal spasm), reflux, allergies or sinus infections, or other disorders. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Shimoura can lead to the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

The salivary gland may undergo recurring episodes of swelling related to poor hydration or medical disorders. Appropriate medical care can typically resolve this issue if no tumor or stone is present.

Benign and cancerous tumors may form in the salivary tissue. These typically present as slowly growing painless lumps in the cheeks near the ear. Removal of these tumors is performed as an outpatient procedure with detailed micro-surgical techniques to prevent injury to the delicate facial structures such as the facial nerve.

Patients may develop stones in the salivary ducts. The stones cause blockage of the ducts with backup painful swelling of the salivary tissue. Most stones will pass with appropriate medical therapy. Removal of the affected salivary gland is sometimes necessary if the stones will not pass or tend to reform.