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Dr. Michael Burnett Specializes in Problems of the Ear, Nose, Sinuses and Throat.

An ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) is a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. They have special expertise in managing diseases of the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT is the oldest medical specialty in the United States.

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Category Archives: New York City

ENT doctor for Tinnitus NYC

What is Tinnitus?

When damage occurs to the inner part of the ear, tinnitus can develop. Imagine going to a concert and standing towards the very front of the stage, right next to the speakers. At first, the music may sound very loud but after a while, you get used to the volume. It won’t be until after the concert is over and you end up shouting instead of speaking that you realize exactly what you put your ears through. Go to enough concerts and stand right by the speakers enough times and you can develop tinnitus.

Unlike traditional hearing loss, tinnitus only describes damage that occurs to the tiny hairs located on the inside of the ear canal. Normally, sound is interpreted by the human ear when these tiny hairs vibrate. When tinnitus occurs, an annoying buzzing sound can replace certain frequencies, causing irritation. It isn’t to be confused with hearing loss as you can hear perfectly fine and still have tinnitus.

Causes

The only way to develop tinnitus is to damage the inner part of the ear indirectly. What this means is that tinnitus is caused by exposure to high volumes and loud sounds over a long period. If you work in construction and use tools like jackhammers, tinnitus can develop if you don’t wear protective ear buds. Musicians are also prone to develop tinnitus as they can be exposed to music that goes well over the standard decibel level recommended by doctors. If you listen to your music too loud or watch television at heightened levels, there is a chance that tinnitus could develop.

Signs and Symptoms

Any time you hear a ringing sound in your ears that doesn’t go away, you should consult with a doctor. Sometimes people can experience

periods of hearing loss or ringing in the ears and not have tinnitus. If you hear ringing sounds that don’t go away after you yawn, take a nap and get away from all audio devices, you might be suffering from tinnitus.

Treatment

There aren’t any known treatments for tinnitus that alleviate all the symptoms or reverse the disorder. On the other hand, some medications are known to provide sufferers with relief and lesson the ringing sensations they experience. If tinnitus is paired with hearing loss, then sometimes hearing aids can be helpful.

Treatment options for tinnitus exist, but you do have to see an ENT. It is best to reach out and get help as soon as you are experiencing symptoms. Get treatment for tinnitus by contacting the best ENT doctors in NYC.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is a very common condition that affects a large number of adults and children of all ages. Most cases of sinusitis are caused by a viral infection and the symptoms can last from anywhere between one or two days to two weeks.

The sinuses work as a lining of the nasal passages, and can become inflamed due to a variety of reasons. As a result, drainage can become difficult or impossible, leading to congestion and infection.

Here’s a closer look at some of the symptoms, causes and treatments for sinusitis.

The Symptoms of Sinusitis

One of the most common symptoms of sinusitis is respiratory tract infections, which may be caused by the flu or cold virus for instance. Other symptoms of sinusitis include a blocked nose, yellowish green discharge coming from the nose, sinus headaches, pressure in the sinus area, pain around your ears, eyes or forehead region, a fever, bad breath and difficulty breathing and smelling.

Children afflicted with sinusitis may become very irritable and breathe through their mouths. Their speech may become nasally as well.

In most cases, symptoms of sinusitis subside after a few days or weeks. But in the case of acute sinusitis, symptoms can persist for months.

The Causes of Sinusitis

One of the most common causes of sinusitis is a viral infection, like the flu or the common cold. The virus will spread to the sinus region, leading to inflammation and congestion. In some rare cases, sinusitis can be caused by a bacterial infection.

In other cases, this may be caused by another condition, such as a fungal or tooth infection.

Long term sinusitis can be caused by other conditions such as allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever, a weak immune system, chronic smoking, and so on. People with asthma are also more prone to the condition.

The Treatments for Sinusitis

In most cases, sinusitis does not need medical attention and symptoms usually subside within two weeks with minor treatment. Things like over the counter nasal decongestants or painkillers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be all you need. Cleaning your nasal passage with a saline solution may also help alleviate the symptoms. However, in the case of severe and acute sinusitis, you may have to consult an ENT doctor.

If you’re experiencing minor symptoms, then you may not necessarily need immediate medical attention. However, if your symptoms are severe or continue even after treatment, then you may be dealing with acute sinusitis. If that’s the case, you should consult an ENT doctor immediately. If you’re living in the NYC area, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best ENT doctor in NYC.

Contact us at 212-867-4813 to schedule a consultation.

What is Laryngitis?

Laryngitis is the swelling and inflammation of the larynx area, also referred to as the voice box. Laryngitis affects a large number of Americans and can be treated in most cases.

The larynx houses the vocal cords. Vocal cords are membranes that are covered by a mucous and can become infected and inflamed due to various reasons. When they do, they result in voice distortion and extinction in some cases. Here are some of the treatments, causes and symptoms of laryngitis.

The Symptoms of Laryngitis

Laryngitis, in most cases, is caused by minor conditions. Symptoms usually don’t last more than a few weeks and are often associated with non chronic conditions like the flu, for instance. However, in some cases, symptoms can last much longer. Some of the symptoms of laryngitis include dry throat, voice hoarseness, voice loss or a weakened voice tone, rawness or tingling in your throat and a sore throat or throat pain.

The Causes of Laryngitis

In many cases, laryngitis is caused by another virus, such as the common cold or the flu. In most cases, the symptoms associated with laryngitis subside once the underlying condition has been treated.  Most of the time, viral infections are at cause, but laryngitis can be caused by physical factors such as vocal strain, for instance. In other cases, laryngitis can occur because of a bacterial infection; however, this is much rarer.

In the case of chronic laryngitis, prolonged exposure to various irritants may be at cause. Chronic smokers, people who use their voice frequently, such as professional singers for instance, and alcoholics are at higher risk of developing chronic laryngitis.

The Treatments for Laryngitis

In many cases, simply treating the underlying conditions may be all you may need for treating laryngitis. This may include antibiotics in the case of a bacterial infection or simply resting your vocal cords in the case of vocal strain.

In the case of chronic laryngitis, treating underlying causes, such as smoking, heartburn or acid reflux may be the main treatment option.

In some cases, corticosteroids may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the area.

When Should I see a Doctor?

If you’re dealing with severe laryngitis symptoms, you should consult an ENT doctor immediately. If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing, cough up blood, have a persisting fever and have trouble swallowing, contact a doctor today.

Contact us at 212-867-4813 to schedule a consultation

What is Dysphonia?

Spasmodic dysphonia is a disease that affects the nervous system and affects your larynx, also known as the voice box. When someone is afflicted with dysphonia, the muscles in their larynx experience involuntary spasms which interfere with their ability to speak and produce sounds. Depending on the severity, dysphonia can be very debilitating. Here are some of the symptoms, causes and treatments for dysphonia.

The Symptoms of Dysphonia

One of the most common symptoms of dysphonia is repeated voice breaks. This will result in a voice with a tight quality to it that might seem strained. In some people, breaks may only happen sporadically once in every couple of sentences, but for people experiencing severe dysphonia, they may have breaks on every other word, making speech very difficult to understand.

It’s important to note that dysphonia is a chronic disease and symptoms may aggravate with time. This is a fairly rare disease that affects about 4 out of 100,000 people in the United States. The disease is more present in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years old and affects more women than men.

The Causes of Dysphonia

To this day, there has been no clear cause for dysphonia that has been identified. Since the problem affects speech patterns, it has long been thought that psychogenic factors were at cause, but most experts agree that dysphonia is caused by an abnormality in the nervous system. However, there has been some rare cases of dysphonia that occurred due to psychogenic reasons.

The Treatments for Dysphonia

While there is no definite cure for dysphonia, there are some treatments that can reduce the symptoms. Clostridium botulinum injections can be prescribed as a form of treatment. Clostridium botulinum is injected into the muscles of the throat to diminish their strength and therefore make the spasms less violent. The treatment’s effects can last anywhere from 3 to 4 months. After this period, the treatment has to be re-administered. In milder cases, voice therapy may be prescribed to alleviate some of the symptoms.

What to Do if You Exhibit any Symptoms

The first thing to do is consult an ENT doctor. He will be able to examine your condition to assess if you indeed suffer from the condition and will provide treatment solutions. If you feel like you may be suffering from dysphonia, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best ENT doctor in NYC.

Contact us at 212-867-4813 to schedule a consultation

What To Expect When You Visit An ENT Specialist

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists are also called otolaryngologists. They receive special training in both the medical and surgical treatment of specific disorders that effect your ears, nose and throat. They also address medical problems associated with the components nearby e.g. the head and the neck. If your doctor believes you have a serious problem in any of these fields, he or she will recommend you to an ENT.

What to Expect: The Basics

The specifics of the consultation will vary according to whether you are concerned about your hearing, nasal passages or throat. In general, the initial session will begin with a conversation. You will both get to ask questions. The ENT specialist will focus on your medical history but will also address your working, home and play environments. Some common questions he or she will ask include:

  • What is the problem?
  • When did it start?
  • What are the specific symptoms?
  • Is it stationary or does it affect more than one component?
  • Is it continuous or intermittent?
  • Is it a recurring problem?
  • Is there a trigger to it or is it the result of something else? This helps differentiate allergic reactions from infections or specific illnesses.
  • Are you taking any medications, vitamins or supplements?

After asking these questions and gathering a medical history, a physical examination will occur. It will focus on the specific part of your body affected.

Examination by an ENT Specialist

An ENT utilizes rather unusual instrumentation and equipment to access some difficult areas. The examination will be thorough and may embrace various components that may be involved in the problem e.g. nose and throat; nose and ears. Among the devices your ENT specialist may use are:

  • Endoscope: This, in either rigid or flexible form, is employed to inspect the nose
  • Nasolaryngoscope: This instrument is inserted into the nose. It allows the ENT to look into the back of the nose as well as the voice box
  • Otoscope: This allows the ENT to examine and clearly see different parts of the ear clearly, specifically the eardrum
  • Speculum: Provides clear visuals of the front of the nose
  • Tongue depressor: This will provide a basic look of the tongue and throat opening as well as the tonsils

In addition to these pieces of medical equipment, an ENT will also employ various forms of lighting to help his or her see clearly the condition of the part.

Visiting an ENT Specialist

While a visit to an ENT doctor may seem unusual, it is nothing to fear. The instrumentation may appear unusual, but it serves a definite purpose. From the initial questioning to the final treatment, an ENT specialist is there to help you discover, manage and treat the medical problem affecting your quality of life.

Contact us at 212-867-4813 to schedule a consultation with the Best ENT doctor in NYC.

Chronic Sinus Infection Help from an ENT Doctor

Do you suffer from chronic sinus infections? If you find yourself overwhelmed with pain and pressure in your face, it may make sense to reach out to our ENT doctor for a long-term solution. The condition is often called chronic sinusitis. If you have it, it may be impacting your overall health as
well as your emotional well being. But, there is help available for many people.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinuses Infections

Chronic sinus infections occur for many reasons and in many people. If you are like most patients, you have been told you have allergies or that you just have a cold. However, if you have these symptoms routinely, including several times each year, it may be important for you to seek out an ENT to learn about your options. Some of the symptoms include:

  • Sinus pain and pressure
  • Congestion
  • Facial pain
  • Tenderness and swelling that tends to happen around your checks, nose, and eyes
  • Loss of the ability to taste or smell
  • Fatigue
  • Trouble breathing through your nose
  • A sinus-related headache

If you have these symptoms and they seem to get better and worsen over time, it may be time to discuss them at length with an ENT doctor. These professionals have extensive levels of experience understanding the most common causes of sinus related problems and they can offer you a solution.

What You Can Expect from an ENT

When you call an ENT doctor, he or she will work with you to understand if there are treatment options that can help you. In most cases, the treatment has the goal of reducing or eliminating the symptoms you feel. These are often brought on by blocked sinuses or due to inflammation of this area. Your doctor will provide a thorough examination to notice any potential causes and the degree of severity present.

Getting help is an option. Many men and women, and even children, who suffer from this condition, believe there is no help and that they will always have a cold. That does not need to be the case. You can see significant improvement of your quality of life if you take the time to get to know what your options really are.

Call our offices today at 212-867-4813 to schedule a consultation for sinus related pain with the best ENT in Manhattan, New York.

Vertigo

What is Vertigo? 

Vertigo is a word that is used to describe an unpleasant sensation of dizziness that may make you feel like you are spinning, or you may feel like the room is spinning around you. If you have symptoms of vertigo, you should see one of New York’s top ENT doctors, Dr. Burnett, to determine what is causing your symptoms of vertigo and how you can best treat your problem.

Causes of  Vertigo 

There are several common causes of vertigo, which result from problems in the inner ear. Meniere’s disease is a disorder that is caused by fluid in the inner ear, which causes changing inner ear pressures that result in episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, which is a ringing sensation in the ear. Vestibular neuritis is another inner ear problem that is sometimes known as labyrinthitis, and it causes vertigo by causing inflammation around the nerves of the inner ear that help your body establish balance. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the result of small calcium particles in the inner ear that become clumped together in the small canals of the ear. This causes the brain to get mixed signals about your body’s position and your head position, and can result in dizziness or feelings of vertigo. Vertigo can also be caused by an injury to the head or the neck, or by migraine headaches. On some occasions, a stroke or a brain tumor can result in vertigo, and there are medications that can damage the inner ear and that result in vertigo.

Symptoms of Vertigo 

Some of the symptoms of vertigo that may be a reason for you to have your conditions evaluated by a top New York ENT doctor include spinning, tilting, and a feeling of being unbalanced in one direction or another. You may be nauseated, and vertigo can cause vomiting. If you are experiencing vertigo, you may also become sweaty during episodes, and you may have a headache, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears. Symptoms of vertigo should be diagnosed and treated by a top New York ENT doctor, like Dr. Burnett, who sees many patients suffering from vertigo from a variety of causes.

Treatment of Vertigo

When you are diagnosed with vertigo, it is important for your physician to determine the cause before you are treated. Many times, vertigo will resolve without treatment, as your brain adapts to changes in the inner ear and manages to restore balance through other mechanisms. However, if your vertigo is severe and does not resolve, you should call our office today for an appointment with Dr. Burnett. Treatments may include a type of physical therapy called vestibular rehabilitation, to restore your vestibular balance system. Medicine can relieve the symptoms of nausea and the motion sickness that accompany vertigo, and if you have an infection, you can be treated with antibiotics. Inflammation of the inner ear can be treated successfully in many cases by steroids, to reduce swelling.

Patients with Meniere’s disease may need a diuretic medication to reduce the pressure in the ear that is caused by buildup of fluid. If you need surgery,  you will need to consult a top ENT surgeon. Call us today at 212-867-4813 so Dr. Burnett can evaluate the reason for your symptoms of vertigo and recommend appropriate treatment to restore your health.

 

ENT Doctors and Allergies

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is a condition that results from abnormal reactions by the immune system to substances that are normally harmless. These substances are called allergens. An ENT doctor is often the best professional specialist to see for the many problems that result from chronic allergies. Dr. Burnett, a top New York ENT doctor, is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of many allergies.

What Causes an Allergy?

When you are allergic to something, your immune system will try to attack that substance in the same way it would attack a virus or a bacteria, by producing chemicals called Ig E antibodies. These chemicals attach to immune cells and cause them to release chemicals like histamines that result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of an Allergy?

Symptoms that are associated with allergies include itchy eyes, nose, and throat. Sometimes, the roof of your mouth may itch because of an allergic reaction. Congestion and stuffiness in the nose, sneezing, or a runny nose are all symptoms of an allergy, and some people with allergies may experience watery eyes or dark circles under the eyes.

What is the Treatment for an Allergy?

Sometimes, it is very difficult to avoid the things that cause an allergic reaction. They may be allergens that are common in the environment, like pollen or dust mites. It is important to get tested by a doctor to determine the cause of your allergy so that you can create a strategy to avoid it. If you are allergic to pollens, you will probably want to shower and wash your hair when you come in from the outdoors in pollen season, to prevent pollen from spreading on your clothing and pillow. While driving in the pollen season, you can keep your windows closed and use the air conditioner, and you should do the same thing at home.

If you are allergic to dust mites, then you can often use hypoallergenic pillow and mattress covers to prevent dust mites from escaping. You should use a HEPA filter and avoid down comforters, feather pillows, and wall to wall carpeting, and use a damp cloth or one made of microfiber when you are dusting.

There are many strategies to avoid the things that cause you to have a nasal allergy, but you should first determine what exactly is causing the allergic reaction. The symptoms that are associated with an allergy can often be treated with medicines like antihistamines, decongestants, and steroid or saline nasal sprays. If your allergies are disruptive for more than three months each year, you may be a good candidate for allergy shots. There are also three medications that can be taken under your tongue to boost your allergy tolerance, and your doctor may decide to prescribe one of these medications, instead of an allergy shot.

If allergies and hay fever trouble you, there is no reason to suffer. Dr. Burnett, a top New York City ENT doctor, can evaluate your allergy and help you determine the best way to manage this common problem. Email us or call us at 212-867-4813 today.

Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis? Acute sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses that is caused by bacteria. Sometimes, it occurs after a cold or allergy attack, but it usually requires treatment by a doctor, using antibiotics to resolve the infection and prevent any complications that might occur as a result. Sinuses collect mucus, but the mucus… Continue Reading

ENT Doctors and Headaches

What Kinds of Headaches Do ENT Doctors Treat?   Many patients visit Dr. Burnett, one of New York’s top ENT doctors, for treatment of a sinus headache, only to discover that their headache is not the result of sinusitis, but is instead a migraine headache or a tension headache. In rare cases, headaches can also be… Continue Reading

Michael C. Burnett, MD

115 East 57th Street
(Between Park + Lexington Ave.)
Suite 600
New York, NY 10022

212-867-4813