Condition Lookup

Sjögren’s syndrome (causing dry mouth and throat)

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Rheumatologic Disorders

Symptoms:
dry mouth (xerostomia); dry throat (pharyngitis); difficulty swallowing; fatigue; dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca); joint pain

Root Cause:
An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its moisture-producing glands, such as the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to dryness in the mouth and throat.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a combination of blood tests (e.g., antinuclear antibody, anti-SS-A, anti-SS-B), a salivary gland biopsy, and the assessment of symptoms like dry eyes and mouth. Schirmer's test and sialography may also be used.

Treatment:
Treatment includes symptom management, such as using artificial saliva, lubricants for the eyes, and medications to stimulate saliva production (e.g., pilocarpine). Immunosuppressive therapies like corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be used for systemic manifestations.

Medications:
Pilocarpine (Salagen ) - A cholinergic agent used to stimulate saliva production. Cevimeline (Evoxac) - Another cholinergic drug for saliva stimulation. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil ) - An antimalarial drug used for systemic symptoms. Corticosteroids - Used for inflammation control. Methotrexate , Azathioprine - Immunosuppressive drugs for managing severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 0.1-4% of the population worldwide, with a higher prevalence in women, particularly those aged 40-60.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, hormonal factors (more common in women), and other autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition; symptom management is the goal. Patients may experience periods of exacerbation and remission.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of lymphoma, dental decay, difficulty swallowing, and dry eye complications (e.g., corneal ulcers).

Behçet’s disease (causing mouth and throat ulcers)

Specialty: Conditions with Overlap

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Rheumatologic Disorders

Symptoms:
painful mouth ulcers (canker sores); throat ulcers; genital ulcers; skin lesions (erythema nodosum); eye inflammation (uveitis); joint pain and swelling; gi symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, diarrhea)

Root Cause:
An autoimmune disease causing inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, leading to recurrent ulcers in the mouth and throat, and other systemic manifestations.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is largely clinical, based on the presence of recurrent oral and genital ulcers, eye inflammation, and other systemic manifestations. The pathergy test (skin reaction to needle prick) may be used for diagnosis.

Treatment:
Management involves controlling inflammation and preventing flare-ups. Treatments include corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), immunosuppressive agents (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate), and biologic drugs (e.g., TNF inhibitors). Local treatments for ulcers, such as topical steroids, may also be used.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (Prednisone ) - Used to reduce inflammation during flare-ups. Azathioprine - Immunosuppressive drug used for maintenance therapy. Methotrexate - A disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used for severe cases. TNF inhibitors (Infliximab , Adalimumab ) - Biologics used to control systemic inflammation. Colchicine - Can help reduce inflammation in joint and skin lesions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people in Western countries, but is more common in certain regions, such as Turkey, Japan, and parts of the Middle East.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic factors, particularly certain HLA-B51 haplotypes, and environmental factors like infections or stress.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic, with periods of flare-ups and remissions. Most patients can live a normal lifespan, but the severity of symptoms can affect quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe complications may include vision loss (due to uveitis), thrombosis, and GI complications. Chronic ulcers and inflammation can lead to significant morbidity.

Acromegaly (leading to enlarged nasal and throat structures)

Specialty: Conditions with Overlap

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

Symptoms:
enlarged nasal and throat structures (nasal passages, sinuses, and larynx); hoarseness; sleep apnea; snoring; thickened skin and features; joint pain and stiffness; excessive sweating; enlarged hands and feet

Root Cause:
Overproduction of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland, usually caused by a benign pituitary tumor (adenoma). This results in abnormal growth of tissues, including those in the nasal and throat regions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests to measure levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). MRI or CT scan of the pituitary gland to detect adenomas. Oral glucose tolerance test to assess GH suppression.

Treatment:
Surgery (transsphenoidal surgery) to remove the pituitary tumor. Radiotherapy to shrink the tumor if surgery is not fully successful. Medications to control growth hormone levels (somatostatin analogs or growth hormone receptor antagonists).

Medications:
Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide , lanreotide ) are used to inhibit the secretion of growth hormone. Growth hormone receptor antagonists (e.g., pegvisomant ) block the effects of excess growth hormone. Dopamine agonists (e.g., bromocriptine ) may also be used to shrink tumors in some cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 3-4 people per million annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations (e.g., MEN1 syndrome), pituitary adenomas, family history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If treated early, the prognosis is good, and symptoms can be managed effectively. Untreated, acromegaly can lead to severe complications like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular problems (hypertension, heart failure). Diabetes or insulin resistance. Sleep apnea. Joint and bone problems (arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome). Increased risk of colon cancer.

Hypothyroidism (hoarseness, throat swelling)

Specialty: Conditions with Overlap

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

Symptoms:
hoarseness and voice changes; throat swelling (due to goiter); fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; dry skin and hair; constipation; muscle weakness; depression

Root Cause:
Insufficient production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by the thyroid gland, leading to a slow metabolic rate and systemic symptoms. This can result in an enlarged thyroid (goiter), which may cause throat swelling and hoarseness.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4). Ultrasound or biopsy of the thyroid if a goiter is present.

Treatment:
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine) to normalize hormone levels. Monitoring and adjusting medication dosages based on regular blood tests.

Medications:
Levothyroxine (synthetic T4) is the mainstay of treatment for hypothyroidism. Liothyronine (synthetic T3) is occasionally used if there are specific indications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-2% of the population, with higher rates in women and older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, family history, radiation exposure, pregnancy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with proper treatment. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to severe complications like heart disease, infertility, and myxedema coma.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular problems (e.g., high cholesterol, heart disease). Infertility. Myxedema coma (rare, severe form of hypothyroidism). Increased risk of depression and cognitive decline.

Metastatic lesions to the nose or throat

Specialty: Conditions with Overlap

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Oncologic Complications

Symptoms:
unexplained hoarseness; chronic sore throat; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); persistent ear pain (otalgia); nasal obstruction or bleeding; lumps or swelling in the neck or throat; fatigue or weight loss

Root Cause:
Cancer cells from other parts of the body (e.g., lungs, breast, or skin) spread (metastasize) to the nose or throat. This can be due to blood or lymphatic system spread.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination and medical history. Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, and PET scans. Biopsy of the lesion to confirm the origin of the cancer cells. Laryngoscopy or nasopharyngoscopy to visualize the lesion

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the type of primary cancer and extent of metastasis. Options include - Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Targeted therapy, Palliative care if the metastatic disease is advanced.

Medications:
Chemotherapy agents such as cisplatin , carboplatin (platinum-based), paclitaxel , or docetaxel (these are cytotoxic chemotherapy agents used to kill cancer cells). Targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin ) for specific cancers such as breast cancer with HER2 amplification. Pain management medications such as opioids (morphine , oxycodone ) for advanced cases. Radiation therapy may not require medication but involves the use of high-energy beams to shrink or destroy the cancerous tissue.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Metastatic cancer to the head and neck region is uncommon but occurs more frequently in advanced cancers like lung, breast, and skin cancers. The exact prevalence varies depending on the primary cancer type.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking or tobacco use. Chronic alcohol consumption. History of head and neck cancers. Older age. Weakened immune system (due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive therapies).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is often poor as metastatic lesions typically indicate advanced-stage cancer. Survival rates vary depending on the origin of the primary cancer, response to treatment, and the extent of metastasis. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Airway obstruction or difficulty breathing. Severe pain or discomfort. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), leading to malnutrition or dehydration. Spread to other distant organs. Decreased quality of life due to cancer progression and treatment side effects.

Secondary throat cancer from tobacco or alcohol use

Specialty: Conditions with Overlap

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Oncologic Complications

Symptoms:
persistent sore throat; hoarseness or voice changes; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); lump or mass in the neck; unexplained weight loss; chronic cough; bleeding in the mouth or throat

Root Cause:
Chronic exposure to carcinogens in tobacco smoke or alcohol can cause mutations in the cells of the throat, leading to the development of cancer over time.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endoscopic examination (laryngoscopy or pharyngoscopy). Biopsy of suspicious lesions. Imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans) to assess the extent of the disease.

Treatment:
Surgical removal of tumors (if possible). Radiation therapy to treat localized cancer. Chemotherapy, often combined with radiation, for advanced stages. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy in certain cases.

Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cisplatin , carboplatin , 5-fluorouracil). Radiation therapy is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy. Pain medications (e.g., opioids for severe pain).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Tobacco and alcohol use are major risk factors for throat cancers. Among head and neck cancers, throat cancer (laryngeal, pharyngeal) is relatively common, with a significant proportion of cases linked to smoking and drinking.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Tobacco use (smoking or chewing). Heavy alcohol consumption. HPV infection (in some cases). Male gender and older age. Poor diet (low in fruits and vegetables).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage throat cancer has a good prognosis with treatment, while advanced cases have a poorer outcome.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Airway obstruction and difficulty breathing. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Recurrence of cancer after treatment. Decreased voice quality and loss of speech. Risk of metastasis to other regions (e.g., lungs, lymph nodes).

Post-radiation fibrosis of the throat

Specialty: Conditions with Overlap

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Post-Surgical or Post-Treatment Conditions

Symptoms:
chronic sore throat; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); dry mouth; hoarseness; sensation of a lump in the throat; limited range of motion of the neck; reduced vocal quality

Root Cause:
Radiation therapy causes scarring and stiffening of tissues in the throat, leading to reduced function and flexibility in structures such as the larynx and pharynx.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical history of prior radiation therapy to the head or neck area. Imaging (such as CT or MRI) may be used to assess tissue changes. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy or a barium swallow test can evaluate swallowing function.

Treatment:
Treatment may involve speech therapy to improve swallowing and vocal function, along with corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation. Surgery to remove fibrotic tissue may be considered in severe cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) - Used to reduce inflammation and swelling. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that help manage scarring and symptoms. Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen , ibuprofen ) - To manage discomfort or pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 20-40% of patients who undergo radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Radiation dose, radiation to the throat and neck area, prior head and neck cancer treatment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies, but symptoms may improve with therapy. Severe fibrosis may lead to permanent swallowing difficulties and changes in speech.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), aspiration pneumonia, airway obstruction, voice loss, and reduced quality of life.

Post-operative nasal synechiae (scar tissue formation)

Specialty: Conditions with Overlap

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Post-Surgical or Post-Treatment Conditions

Symptoms:
nasal obstruction; reduced airflow through the nostrils; difficulty breathing through the nose; recurrent sinus infections; dryness and crusting inside the nasal passages

Root Cause:
Scar tissue forms between the nasal structures, such as between the septum and the turbinates, as a result of previous surgery (e.g., septoplasty, sinus surgery).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through nasal endoscopy or CT imaging of the sinuses. It can be confirmed by visualizing scar tissue and adhesions during the examination.

Treatment:
Treatment may include nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation, and in more severe cases, surgical revision to remove the scar tissue and prevent further formation of adhesions.

Medications:
Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone , mometasone ) - Used to reduce inflammation and prevent further scar tissue formation. Saline nasal sprays - To maintain moisture in the nasal passages and reduce crusting.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The condition is relatively rare but can occur in up to 10-20% of patients who undergo nasal or sinus surgery.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous nasal surgery, infection following surgery, improper healing, and use of cautery during surgery.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good if treated early; however, recurrence of synechiae may occur in some patients.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic nasal obstruction, recurrent sinus infections, reduced quality of life due to difficulty breathing, and potential need for multiple surgeries.