Throat and Voice Disorders

 

Sore Throat, Voice & Swallowing Disorders

Sore throats and voice or swallowing issues can arise from many causes—ranging from infections to allergies, reflux, or structural problems. At Sonoran Ear, Nose, Throat and Audiology, we offer comprehensive evaluation and management for throat-related concerns using advanced diagnostic tools like nasolaryngoscopy (a lighted scope to examine the nose and throat).

 

Sore Throat

​

Sore throats can be caused by:

• Viral infections – Including colds, influenza, measles, chickenpox, whooping cough, croup, or mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr Virus). Mono may present with enlarged tonsils, white plaques, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms.

• Bacterial infections – Most commonly strep throat, which can lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever or kidney damage if untreated. Other infections include scarlet fever, sinusitis, pneumonia, or ear infections.

• Allergies & Post-nasal Drainage – Very common presentation that can irritate the throat over time and mimic infection symptoms.

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) –   reflux of esophageal contents up to the throat that may cause symptoms of coughing, clearing of the throat, hoarseness and a lump sensation in the throat.  

• Tonsillitis – Inflammation or infection of the tonsils causing pain, swelling, and potentially obstructive symptoms.

• Cancers – Throat, tongue, or voice box tumors may present as persistent sore throat, hoarseness, neck mass, ear pain, or coughing up blood.

• Epiglottitis – A rare but urgent infection causing swelling of the epiglottis and potential airway obstruction. Symptoms include a choking sensation, difficulty breathing, and drooling—this is a medical emergency.

 

Persistent sore throat lasting more than 7 days should be evaluated by a primary care or an ENT specialist when referred by their primary care physician.

 

Tonsillitis

​

The tonsils are lymphatic tissues in the back of the throat that help filter out bacteria and viruses. However, they can become chronically infected or enlarged.

​

Common symptoms include:

​

• Recurrent sore throats

• Enlarged tonsils with obstructive symptoms

• Snoring or sleep apnea

• Difficulty swallowing

​

If tonsils become more problematic than beneficial, tonsillectomy may be recommended.

Note: Sonoran ENTA does not currently perform tonsillectomies but can refer you to trusted specialists when surgery is indicated.

​

Voice Disorders

 

Hoarseness can result from many conditions, including:

​

• Allergies or post-nasal drainage

• Vocal cord nodules or polyps

• Vocal cord paralysis or weakness

• Overuse or improper voice technique

• Reflux affecting the larynx

​

Examination:

• Using nasolaryngoscopy (flexible scope to look into the throat through the nose), our providers can evaluate the throat and vocal cords in-office to distinguish between structural (organic) and functional or physiologic voice disorders and rule in or out masses or lesions.

​

Treatment Options May Include:

• Medical therapy – Anti-inflammatories, reflux management, vocal rest, or speech therapy.

• Speech Therapy – Speech pathologists (i.e., speech therapists) are an important part of the team regarding speech and swallow disorders.

• Surgical Interventions:

  • Suspended Direct Microlaryngoscopy with Biopsy – A minimally invasive procedure under general anesthesia in the operating room, to visualize and biopsy throat or vocal cord lesions for diagnosis or treatment (e.g., cancer versus benign lesions).

  • Vocal Cord Injection Medialization –  When vocal cord paralysis is persistent, there is consideration for injection under general anesthesia to improve vocal cord position and improve to a stronger, clearer voice.

​

Swallowing Disorders

​

Dysphagia is the term used for difficulty swallowing.  It can result from:

​

• Obstruction (e.g., tumors, enlarged tissues, growths)

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux

• Vocal cord dysfunction  - vocal cord function is not only for vocal quality but important in swallowing function as well.

​

Our team at Sonoran ENTA uses nasolaryngoscopy as an initial step to evaluate swallowing issues.   Further diagnostics and therapies may include:

​

• Swallow Studies – Such as a Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) which is performed at an outpatient radiology facility, where the patient swallows different consistencies of liquids and solid foods under visualization of video x-rays.  

• Swallow Therapy –  A coordinated treatment plan with speech-language pathologists to improve function

​

When to See an ENT

​

Consider seeing an ENT if you experience:

• Sore throat lasting longer than a week

• Hoarseness, voice fatigue or breathy voice beyond 2–3 weeks

• Difficulty or pain when swallowing or breathing

• Persistent sensation of something stuck in your throat

 

Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

​

Snoring may be more than just a nighttime nuisance—it can be a sign of a serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is marked by repeated pauses in breathing due to upper airway narrowing or collapse. These interruptions can lower blood oxygen levels and strain the heart, leading to fatigue and other long-term cardiovascular health risks.

​

Diagnosis & Evaluation

​

If OSA is suspected, our Otolaryngologists will guide you through a full evaluation. This includes a physical exam of the nose, mouth, throat, and neck, often using nasolaryngoscopy, and a sleep study to confirm diagnosis and assess severity for treatment options.

​

Causes of Snoring

Snoring, without sleep apnea, is an aesthetic issue that may be socially disruptive.   It results from airflow obstruction at the back of the throat and mouth, where structures like the tongue, soft palate, and uvula vibrate during sleep—especially when lying on your back. Common contributors include:

• Nasal congestion or deviated septum

• Poor muscle tone in the tongue/throat (worsened by alcohol or sedatives)

• Large tonsils/adenoids or neck tissue

• Long, floppy soft palate or uvula

 

 

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

​

OSA is a true medical condition, which may include snoring, that should be diagnosed and treated.  It involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, usually lasting over 10 seconds. These apnea episodes may interrupt sleep cycles and reducing oxygen levels.  

Left untreated, OSA can lead to:

• Quality of life issues:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Poor job or school performance

  • Risk of accidents

  • Snoring can disrupt partners’ sleep, causing tension and fatigue

​

• Medical Problems Caused by OSA

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart disease

  • Stroke

  • Diabetes

  • Daytime sleepiness and poor concentration

​

Common things to look for if you suspect OSA:

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep

• Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue

• Morning headaches

• Difficulty concentrating

• High blood pressure

​

Treatment Options

​

Treatment for snoring and OSA ranges from nonsurgical to surgical, depending on severity and underlying causes.

​

Nonsurgical Treatments

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
  The gold standard for OSA, CPAP uses a machine to gently deliver pressurized air through a mask during sleep, keeping the airway open.  After a sleep study, Sonoran Ear Nose and Throat providers can order a CPAP that is fit appropriately to each patient’s case.

• Oral Appliance Therapy
  Custom-fit devices reposition the lower jaw to keep the airway open. These should be fitted by specialists in sleep dentistry, guided by our provideres.

​

Click here for Surgical Treatments

​

Get Relief with Expert Care

​

The team at Sonoran Ear, Nose, Throat and Audiology is committed to diagnosing and managing sore throat, voice, swallowing conditions, snoring, or sleep apnea, with compassion, precision, and the latest medical technology.    

 

Don’t let discomfort or quality of life issues linger—schedule an appointment today.