The extensive range of symptoms covered by our ENT specialists include:
Ears
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss
- Discharge
- Dizziness
- Blocked sensation in the ears
- Pain in the ears
Nose
- Nosebleeds
- Sneezing
- Loss of smell
- Blocked nose
- Runny nose
- Facial pain
- Nasal trauma
Throat/Neck
- Frequent sore throats
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Change in voice / hoarseness
- Sensation of something stuck in the throat
- Snoring complaints
- Neck lumps
As part of our team, we have specialists in Rhinology, focusing on the shape and function of the nose and offering facial plastic surgery for cosmetic and functional purposes. Consultants in this area deal with problems in how the nose works in terms of the structure (such as issues with the bone or cartilage) or the lining of the nose.
Structural issues often lead to nasal blockages, which normally require surgical intervention. Congestion and a feeling of ‘stuffiness’ are usually the result of problems with the lining of your nose, as well as a feeling of pressure in and around your face.
Neck cancers are becoming increasingly common, especially amongst heavy smokers, so Mount Alvernia also offers a full cancer screening for those worried about concerning lumps or bumps. Symptoms may include a change in your voice, recurrent sore throats, swallowing difficulties, or the presence of a lump in your neck. Often these issues will be unrelated to cancer, but our consultants can get you assessed rapidly and provide a definitive diagnosis and reassurance, so you won’t have to worry for long.
Rhinitis (inflammation of the nose) is often treated with steroid sprays or drops, and these can be picked up from our on-site pharmacy. If these prove ineffective in addressing your symptoms, a simple endoscopic sinus keyhole procedure can be done as a day case to help open the drainage holes in your nose. Any polyps present can be taken out at this point as well.
Nasal blockages tend to need a surgical solution. This is usually in the form of a repositioning (known as a functional septoplasty), especially when the blockage is as a result of an injury or through getting older. In certain cases, this surgery can even be completed as a day case.
A tonsillectomy is a common form of surgery used to remove the tonsils, usually when you have had recurring throat infections, and this is often done as a day case procedure, enabling you to return home on the same day.
Those worried about neck cancer are often reassured to find other explanations for the lumps and bumps in their neck, but if a cancer diagnosis is made, we have an expert Oncology team on hand to provide treatment and surgery if necessary.
Whatever your concern, our specialists have extensive experience in the field, ensuring you get the right treatment based on your diagnosis and goals for recovery.
- What symptoms have you had?
- How long have you had these symptoms?
- Have you received any treatment for them yet?
- Have these symptoms been getting progressively worse?
Your consultant will perform a clinical examination of your symptoms, which will involve inspecting either your ears, nose, or throat with various handheld instruments to assess the extent of any condition.
A flexible nasal endoscopy involves inserting a tube with a camera attached to it up the nose to investigate nasal and throat conditions, looking for the cause of any swelling or obstruction, and this can be done during your initial consultation. Most conditions can be accurately diagnosed in this way.
To confirm a diagnosis, your consultant may arrange for you to have certain scans in our Imaging department. This may include an x-ray, MRI, and/or ultrasound, and your consultant can use these results to help create a personalised treatment plan. Occasionally a biopsy may be arranged under ultrasound guidance, the results of which are sent off to the lab for analysis.
Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, your consultant will meet with you again to talk you through all treatment options. This will be tailored to your specific condition, with the risks and benefits of each treatment highlighted along the way. Any decision to proceed with treatment will be yours to make, so your consultant will be happy to answer any questions you may have in order to make an informed decision.
Prescription medication can be picked up from our dedicated on-site pharmacy, allowing you to get started on treatment straight away. If you are considering surgery your consultant will start preparing you with a pre-operative assessment, advising you on any measures that may be beneficial to take, in order to give you the best chance of a successful outcome.
Assessments ASAP – If your quality of life has been affected by your symptoms, you’ll want to be seen by a consultant without any delay. By seeing patients rapidly, our consultants can get you started on the right course of treatment as soon as possible.
Patient satisfaction – 98% of other patients in 2020 said they would happily recommend the Mount Alvernia Hospital to friends and family in an independent report, and we’re confident that you’ll agree. 98% also said that the quality of care here at Mount Alvernia Hospital was either ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. We aim to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible, and these results highlight our continued efforts to ensure this is achieved.
Same day surgery – Certain ENT procedures can be performed on a day case basis, providing a ‘one stop shop’ for various ear, nose and throat-related issues. With patients able to return home on the same day, this efficient service saves you time and cuts down on unnecessary extra journeys.
Personalised care – We believe in a bespoke approach to treatment, tailoring each experience to our patients’ needs and whatever may be best for you.
A multidisciplinary approach – Our teams at Mount Alvernia work in tandem with each other to provide you with the best possible care from start to finish. Your ENT consultants will work closely with gastroenterologists and oncologists, as well as a dedicated team of radiographers, anaesthetists, and nurses to ensure you have support from medical professionals every step of the way during your treatment.
Convenient appointments – With appointments available at dedicated clinics five days a week, you are sure to find an appointment slot that suits your needs and availability.
Park with ease – We know that parking should be the least of your worries when attending hospital, so our car park has space to accommodate your needs. On particularly busy days, you can also find nearby parking bays and on-street parking if spaces are limited.
If you have had difficulty swallowing, with your balance, a new allergy or any other issues affecting your ears, nose or throat, why not get in touch to book a consultation? Our consultants can organise the necessary diagnostic tests to investigate your symptoms, and outline all treatment options for you promptly, arranging any further scans or surgery if required.
For peace of mind and expert care, please contact Mount Alvernia to book an appointment now.