Outer and Middle Ear Infection
Ear infections are common conditions that can cause discomfort, temporary hearing changes, and, in some cases, more serious complications if left untreated. Infections of the outer ear (otitis externa), often called “swimmer’s ear,” typically develop when water, bacteria, or fungi become trapped in the ear canal. This can cause pain—especially when touching the outer ear—itching, swelling, drainage, and muffled hearing. Middle ear infections (otitis media) affect the space behind the eardrum and are often associated with fluid buildup from a cold or sinus infection. Symptoms can include ear pain, pressure, hearing loss, fever, irritability (especially in children), and balance disturbances.
While some ear infections resolve on their own, others require medical intervention. Recurrent or chronic cases may need further evaluation, especially if hearing is affected or infections keep returning. In some cases, imaging or hearing tests may be recommended. Dr. Woo offers diagnosis and treatment to help patients find relief and protect long-term ear health.
Deviated Septum
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nostrils is off-center, making one nasal passage significantly smaller than the other. This can happen from birth or after trauma (such as a broken nose). For some people, a deviated septum causes no noticeable symptoms. But in others, it can lead to chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through one side of the nose, frequent nosebleeds, snoring, poor sleep, or sinus infections.
Dr. Woo can assess this using a nasal endoscopy or imaging. Initial treatments may include nasal steroid sprays or decongestants to reduce swelling. For long-term relief, Dr. Woo performs septoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to straighten the septum and improve airflow. This can lead to better breathing, reduced sinus issues, and overall improved quality of life.
Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis is ongoing inflammation of the nasal lining that leads to persistent symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and post-nasal drip. Unlike a cold that resolves in a few days, chronic rhinitis lasts for weeks or even months. It can be allergic (triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander) or non-allergic, caused by irritants such as smoke, perfumes, weather changes, or certain medications.
Chronic rhinitis can significantly affect daily comfort, sleep, and focus. It may lead to mouth breathing, dry throat, sinus infections, or decreased sense of smell. Treatment options include antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, saline rinses, and lifestyle changes to reduce trigger exposure. In some cases, allergy testing or immunotherapy may be helpful. The goal is to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and improve breathing comfort.
Acute and Chronic Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities, which are air-filled spaces behind the cheeks, forehead, and eyes. Acute sinusitis often follows a cold or allergy flare-up and lasts for less than 4 weeks. It causes facial pain or pressure, headache, thick nasal discharge, nasal congestion, loss of smell, and sometimes fever. Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, lasts longer than 12 weeks and may involve less intense but persistent symptoms, often with repeated infections and congestion that don’t fully go away.
Contributing factors can include allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or anatomical blockages. Diagnosis may involve a nasal endoscopy or sinus CT scan. Dr. Woo can make the diagnosis and start treatments including medications (nasal sprays, antibiotics, antihistamines), nasal rinses, and in more severe or persistent cases, referral for endoscopic sinus surgery. This minimally invasive procedure restores proper sinus drainage and airflow, significantly improving quality of life for chronic sufferers.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They result from chronic inflammation and are often seen in people with asthma, allergies, recurrent sinus infections, or aspirin sensitivity. Small polyps may not cause symptoms, but larger ones can block airflow and lead to nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, post-nasal drip, reduced or lost sense of smell, facial pressure, or snoring.
Diagnosis is typically made using a nasal endoscopy or imaging like a CT scan. Treatment often starts with nasal corticosteroid sprays to shrink the polyps and reduce inflammation. In more advanced cases, oral steroids or polypectomy (surgical removal of the polyps) may be necessary.
Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction is a general term for anything that interferes with normal airflow through the nose. Common causes include a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates (tissue inside the nose), chronic inflammation from allergies, nasal polyps, or structural abnormalities. Patients may feel constantly “stuffed up,” have trouble breathing through their nose (especially at night), or experience reduced smell and taste. This can impact sleep, exercise, and overall comfort.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Conservative treatments include nasal sprays, allergy control, and humidification. If obstruction is due to structural issues, procedures such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction can open the airway and provide long-lasting relief. Addressing nasal obstruction often improves sleep, reduces snoring, and enhances overall breathing quality.
Salivary Gland Swelling and Infection
Swelling of the salivary glands—located in the cheeks, under the jaw, or beneath the tongue—can happen when the glands become blocked, infected, or inflamed. Common causes include sialadenitis (a bacterial infection), salivary stones, dehydration, or in rare cases, tumors. Patients may notice pain when eating or drinking, a visible lump under the skin, bad taste in the mouth, or pus from the gland opening.
Prompt diagnosis is important to prevent complications like abscesses or chronic gland dysfunction. Treatment may involve antibiotics, warm compresses, massage, hydration, or minor procedures to remove blockages. If conservative management isn’t successful, referral may include a need for salivary stone removal or salivary gland excision when appropriate.
Chronic Tonsillitis and Enlarged Tonsils
Tonsils are lymphatic tissues at the back of the throat that help fight infection. However, in some people, they become chronically infected or enlarged, causing repeated sore throats, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, and even sleep issues like snoring or sleep apnea. Chronic tonsillitis can be frustrating, as symptoms may linger between episodes and not fully resolve with antibiotics.
Enlarged tonsils are especially common in children but can affect adults too. They may cause trouble with eating, breathing at night, or voice changes. If tonsil problems interfere with daily life, Dr. Woo may recommend a tonsillectomy, a common outpatient procedure with a short recovery period. This surgery can greatly improve quality of life, particularly when infections or airway obstruction become recurrent.
Adenoid Infection
Adenoids are small glands located high in the throat behind the nose. In children, they play a role in immune defense but can become chronically enlarged or infected, especially after frequent colds or allergies. When adenoids swell, they can block airflow through the nose, leading to mouth breathing, nasal-sounding speech, snoring, and recurrent ear or sinus infections.
Symptoms often improve with age, but persistent problems may need intervention. Dr. Woo evaluates adenoid size with a nasal endoscopy or X-ray. In some cases, an adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) may be recommended—especially if infections are frequent or breathing is compromised. This safe outpatient procedure can make a significant difference in sleep quality and infection prevention.
Sleep Disorders
Many ENT-related sleep disorders stem from blocked or narrowed airways, which make it difficult to breathe properly during sleep. Common problems include snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. Causes may include nasal obstruction, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, weak throat muscles, or tongue positioning. Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime fatigue, headaches, and poor concentration.
If you come to Dr. Woo for snoring or suspected sleep apnea, he will begin with a full head and neck exam to assess possible anatomic causes. To confirm whether obstructive sleep apnea is present, a sleep study (either at home or in a lab) is typically required. This test monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns overnight. If the sleep study confirms OSA, Dr. Woo may recommend treatments including nasal surgery, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), or tongue base reduction, depending on the severity and site of obstruction. If the issue is primary snoring without apnea, less invasive approaches may be effective. Collaborating with sleep specialists helps ensure each patient gets a personalized plan for better rest and long-term health.
Excessive Salivation
Excessive salivation (sialorrhea) is when the body produces more saliva than it can comfortably manage, or when there’s difficulty swallowing it. This condition can be caused by dental issues, mouth inflammation, acid reflux, or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. It may lead to drooling, difficulty speaking, embarrassment, or skin irritation around the mouth.
Treatment depends on the cause. In some cases, managing reflux or improving dental hygiene helps. For neurological causes, medications may be used to reduce saliva production. Dr. Woo can also offer targeted Botox injections into the salivary glands to temporarily reduce output when drooling is persistent. Each case is evaluated individually to find the best approach for comfort and control.
Neck Masses
A neck mass is any lump or swelling in the neck, and it can have a wide range of causes—from benign cysts and inflamed lymph nodes to infections, salivary gland problems, or tumors. Some neck masses appear suddenly and are tender, while others grow slowly and are painless.
It’s important to have any persistent or enlarging mass evaluated. Dr. Woo performs a thorough head and neck exam and may order imaging (like an ultrasound or CT scan) or a needle biopsy to determine the cause. If needed, he offers surgical excision of neck masses and collaborates with pathology specialists to ensure accurate diagnosis. Early evaluation helps ensure appropriate care and peace of mind.
