Otolaryngologists in Frankfort, Kentucky

Otolaryngologists, or ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians, are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat, as well as the head and neck.

ENT doctors at Frankfort Regional Medical Center treat and manage the full spectrum of ear, nose and throat conditions. Our specialists offer the latest medical and surgical methods to treat all problems affecting the ear, nose and throat in adults and children. We provide extensive diagnostic evaluation of every patient's condition or disorder and use innovative treatment approaches that minimize complications or side effects.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with our team, call (877) 376-2631.

Ear, nose and throat conditions we treat

Our ENT specialists treat the entire range of ear, nose and throat conditions and diseases, including:

  • Hearing loss
  • Ear infections
  • Balance disorders
  • Ear noise (tinnitus)
  • Nerve pain
  • Facial and cranial nerve disorders
  • Birth abnormalities involving the inner and outer ear
  • Nasal cavity and sinuses
  • Allergies, including immunotherapy (allergy shots)
  • Sense of smell
  • Breathing
  • Appearance of nose
  • Stuffy nose and nose bleeding
  • Larynx (voice box)
  • Esophagus
  • Voice and swallowing disorders including sore throat and hoarseness
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Chronic sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinus lining caused by bacterial, viral and/or microbial infections, as well as structural issues like blockages of the sinus opening. Sinuses are the air-filled pockets in the areas surrounding the nose.

If the sinus opening is closed, normal mucus drainage may not occur, which may lead to infection and inflammation of the sinuses.

Sinusitis appears in two forms: acute and chronic. Usually preceded by a cold, allergy attack or environmental irritation, sinusitis symptoms typically run their course within a few days. However, if symptoms persist, for three months or longer, it may be chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis

Common symptoms include:

  • Facial pain and/or pressure
  • Nasal congestion or fullness
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Discharge of yellow or green mucus from the nose
  • Teeth pain
  • Loss of sense of smell and taste
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Bad breath

Sinusitis can be treated with medical therapy, conventional sinus surgery or the minimally invasive Balloon Sinuplasty™ (BSP) technology, which is designed to open blocked sinuses without painful tissue or bone removal.

Eustachian tube dysfunction

The Eustachian tube is a narrow tube that links the back of the nose to the middle ear. It is normally closed, but opens when you swallow, yawn or chew. There are three main functions of the Eustachian tube: protecting the middle ear from sources of disease, ventilating the middle ear and draining secretions away from the middle ear.

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the inability of the Eustachian tube to adequately perform its normal functions or to properly open and close. ETD can occur when the mucosal lining of the tube is swollen or after the start of a cold and other sinus infections.

Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms

A patient with ETD can possibly feel:

  • Muffled hearing
  • Fullness of the ear
  • Pain in the ear
  • Inability to equilibrate middle ear pressure
  • Tinnitus
  • Dizziness

Persistent ETD can be associated with several serious conditions:

  • Long-term ETD has been associated with damage to the middle ear and the eardrum
  • Otitis media with effusion, atelectasis of the middle ear, adhesive otitis, perforation of eardrum and cholesteatoma

ETD can be treated with the Acclarent AERA™ Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System, the first device in the U.S. to dilate the Eustachian tube. Using a small balloon, your doctor can open a pathway for mucus and air to flow through the Eustachian tube, which can help restore proper function.