(PRESS RELEASE)                                                                                    (10/13/08)

 

U.S. President, Ronald Reagan – Hearing History

According to Dr. Alan Lipkin, ”It was in the 1980s while Ronald Reagan was president that his hearing began to deteriorate. His hearing problems originated back in the 1930’s when a blank pistol was fired in close proximity to his right ear.  In 1983, he became the first president to be fitted with a hearing aid, making him the first president to use one.  He was a successful hearing aid user for the rest of his life.  Reagan most likely suffered from a combination of acoustic (noise) trauma and presbycusis, the type of hearing loss that can progress with age.“

 

Dr. Lipkin is a member of the outstanding team of 5 ENT (ear, nose and throat) physicians at Associates of Otolaryngology. “We routinely treat hearing problems in children and adults with great success”. Dr. Lipkin invites you to learn more about hearing aids by visiting our web-site at www.denvercoloradoearnosethroatallergysinusdoctors.com/hearing.php#hearing_aids

Since the days of Reagan’s presidency, the technology of hearing aids has improved substantially and almost every person with a hearing problem of any kind can be helped. Reagan’s hearing aid was an ITE Starkey 83, an analog hearing aid that some people still use today.. However, the majority of people with hearing loss now wear newer, smaller technology. Associates of Otolaryngology’s hearing center offers 100% digital hearing aids – they’re like “hearing in color”.  Today’s digital chips allow the use of digital-processing for clearer sound, and the open-fit of the newest hearing aids allows the wearer to go about their daily life in comfort, without anyone knowing they even have a hearing aid!

 

Associates of Otolaryngology’s hearing center has been fitting hearing aids and providing unmatched hearing care for over 40 years.  If you want hearing professionals with the best training, make them your first choice for hearing care. Unlike many other hearing aid operations, Associates of Otolaryngology’s hearing center “was here yesterday and will be here tomorrow”.

 

Dr. Alan Lipkin, adds: “Our offices are equipped with full capabilities for hearing and balance testing. They are full-service hearing aid centers.” Dr. Lipkin’s expertise includes the medical and surgical treatment of ear and inner ear conditions, including ear infections, hearing problems and balance disorders.

 

Dr. Lipkin and his fellow physicians at the Associates of Otolaryngology are located in Denver at 950 E. Harvard Ave., Suite 500  (303-744-1961) and in Lone Tree at 9218 Kimmer Drive, Suite 200 (303-799-6161). Or visit us online at www.entmds.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you ready? It’s STREP THROAT season

 

Before you know it, November will be here, signaling the start of the typical strep throat season. Streptococcal sore throat (strep throat) occurs most frequently from November to April. An infection of the mucous membranes of the pharynx and caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, strep throat often affects the tonsils as well. Left untreated, strep throat can develop into rheumatic fever or a host of other quite serious conditions. It is vitally important to get the correct diagnosis for strep throat to avoid any other health issues, which could plague patients for years to come.

 

ì5-10% of all sore throats can be attributed to streptococcal bacteria. Anyone young or old can get strep throat, but it is typically school-age children who are most infected. Smokers, people with compromised or weakened immune systems, and those who live in damp, overcrowded conditions are more likely to develop strep throat, warns Dr. Alan Lipkin, ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist at Associates of Otolaryngology in Denver.  Visit Associates of Otolaryngology online at www.denvercoloradoearnosethroatallergysinusdoctors.com

 

Associates of Otolaryngology have been treating patients with strep throat and other throat problems for the past 40 years.  Dr. Lipkin states, ìStrep throat passes directly and rapidly from person to person through coughing, sneezing and general close contact. In extremely rare occasions, the bacteria can also be passed through food (i.e. a food handler infected with strep throat coughs or sneezes, accidentally contaminating the food). Strep throat is also highly infectious. Statistically speaking, if a member of a household contracts it, one out of every four inhabitants may experience symptoms within two to seven days.

 

Some people are actually unsuspecting constant carriers of streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria can survive in the lining of the nose or throat for years without ever producing noticeable symptoms. According to one statistic, nearly 20% of people who are in general good health could be playing host to this bacteria.

 

Often mistaken for a cold or the flu, strep throat can be hard to pinpoint and identify. Untreated strep throat may increase the risk of developing scarlet fever/rheumatic fever, which in turn is related to meningitis and other diseases that can affect the heart, skin, kidneys and joints. Tonsillitis is another by-product of untreated strep. Symptoms may also return again and again if strep throat is not effectively diagnosed and treated the first time around.

 

Dr. Lipkin adds, ìSore throats are a common symptom of patients with strep throat. For detailed information on the causes of sore throats, and symptoms that may require medical attention; Dr. Lipkin recommends visiting the ëWhen You Should See a Doctorí, section on the Associates of Otolaryngology website at www.denvercoloradoearnosethroatallergysinusdoctors.com/throat.php#throat_sore

The ear, nose and throat experts at Associates of Otolaryngology have put together the following lists of symptoms of strep throat and proper courses of treatment therein, as symptoms of strep differ slightly in adults and children.

 

Adults
( Sore throat
( Difficulty swallowing
( Fever of 101(F / 38(C or greater
( Swollen neck glands
( White spots on tonsils/bright red tonsils
( Headache
( Abnormal taste

 

Children
( Sore throat
( Fever of 101(F / 38(C or greater
( Stomach pain
( Vomiting
( Red rash with small spots that is worse under the arms and in skin creases
( Swollen neck glands
( White spots on tonsils/bright red tonsils

 

Diagnosis of strep throat
The majority of doctors who suspect strep throat will perform a rapid strep test to check for the presence of streptococcus bacteria. This test involves using a long swab to remove a specimen from the patientís throat and is completely painless. Test results are usually available within 10-20 minutes, at which point the doctor can decide whether an additional throat culture is required. Throat culture results tend to take longer to complete, between 1-2 days. A negative strep test or culture most often indicates that the cause of symptoms is viral in nature and therefore, would not require antibiotics. People infected with strep throat are contagious for quite a while, so it is a good idea to stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment to reduce the risk of spreading the germs.

 

Treatment
Huge successes have been made in conventional medicine to treat strep throat. The conventional treatment of choice is antibiotics, usually penicillin. A typical course of antibiotic therapy is about ten days. People who are allergic to penicillin may be prescribed erythromycin, azithromycin or clindamycin instead. Dr. Lipkin reminds us ìIt is vital to complete the full course of antibiotic treatment even if you notice symptoms beginning to subside, in order to resolve the infection and prevent complications and/or the return or worsening of symptoms.

 

How to feel better during treatment
Here are some things you can do that might alleviate and/or lessen symptoms:
Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain.

Children should NOT take aspirin.
Get plenty of rest. Your body is best equipped to fight infection during sleep.
Adults/older children can use throat lozenges, hard candy, ice chips or popsicles to soothe the throat.

Eat soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, etc. and drink plenty of fluids, warm drinks like soup and tea. Avoid spicy foods and acidic drinks such as orange juice.

Gargle frequently with a warm salt-water rinse (1/4 teaspoon salt in 1 8-oz. cup of water).

 

Expected results
Nearly all strep symptoms resolve in about one week. Even without treatment, strep throat symptoms will usually begin to disappear within several days. Immediate and complete treatment prevents serious complications and drastically reduces the duration of the illness.

 

Preventing Strep Throat
There are several things people can do to avoid contracting strep throat as well as avoid spreading the germs if they are already infected. Frequent washing of hands is key in preventing the spread of bacteria. It is also recommended not to share drinking glasses, towels, etc. with anyone in the household who may be infected. One would be wise to throw their toothbrush away once their strep symptoms have abated, as the bacteria can survive in the bristles and re-infect them. Boosting the immune system is also important to help prevent the development of strep bacteria. Use disposable tissues instead of handkerchiefs, and of course try to avoid coughing or sneezing on others.

 

The role of tonsillectomy
When episodes of streptococcal tonsillitis occur frequently or do not resolve with appropriate antibiotic therapy, tonsillectomy can be an option.  Removal of chronically infected tonsils leads to the resolution of the majority of problems with strep throat.  The physicians at Associates of Otolaryngology frequently evaluate patients for this problem.

 

Tonsillectomy is performed in both children and adults as an outpatient procedure.  The surgery typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and is generally well tolerated, with a recovery period of seven to ten days.  Newer surgical techniques have led to a substantial reduction in postoperative discomfort. For more information, check out the tonsillectomy procedures section, at www.denvercoloradoearnosethroatallergysinusdoctors.com/throat.php#throat_tonsillectomy

For more details on strep throat and other ear, nose and throat conditions, visit www.entmds.com or contact Associates of Otolaryngology in Denver at 950 E. Harvard Ave., Suite 500  (303-744-1961) or at the Lone Tree office at 9218 Kimmer Dr., Suite 200 (303-799-6161).

 

 

 

 

 

 

(PRESS RELEASE)                                                                     (9/30/2008)

 

DID YOU KNOW?
Facts: Sinusitis and Sinus Infections from The Colorado Sinus Institute

 

Did You Know that. . .
Colorado is home to one of the world’s leading sinus specialists?  Yes, Dr. Ed Hepworth, a board-certified otorhinolaryngologist, and the region’s only fellowship-trained sinus specialist, is the founder of The Colorado Sinus Institute www.coloradosinus.com

Dr. Hepworth is a Colorado native and is known throughout the Rocky Mountain region for his unique enthusiasm and passion for sinus and nasal health.  The Colorado Sinus Institute has put together a list of facts about sinusitis; its causes, its symptoms, and how to treat it.. .some of which you may not know.

 

Did You Know that. . . .
More than 50 million Americans seek treatment for sinusitis.

 

Did You Know that. . .
Sinus complaints are the most common problem for which adult patients seek medical care in the United States.

 

Did You Know that. . .
Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull, hollow regions in the otherwise bone-filled area behind the facial skin. Portions of the sinus cavities occupy part of the top of the nose in the middle of your face between your eyes, but other sinuses connect to your nose through small passageways into your forehead, cheek and skull bone in the back of your nose. The connecting passageways are dual purpose in that they allow mucus that is normally formed in the sinuses to exit and also allow air pressure equalization to occur between the nose, the environment outside your nose, and the sinuses.

 

Did You Know that. . .
Blockages in the sinus openings from swelling due to colds, flu, or allergies may lead to acute sinus infection which may include the symptoms of increased thick drainage, headache, facial pain, vision changes, and many other symptoms.

 

Did You Know that. . .
Pain in the sinus area does not automatically mean that you have a sinus disorder. On the other hand, sinus and nasal passages can become inflamed leading to a headache. Headache is one of the key symptoms of patients diagnosed with acute or chronic sinusitis. In addition to a headache, sinusitis patients often complain of:

* Pain and pressure around the eyes, across the cheeks and the forehead
* Achy feeling in the upper teeth
* Fever and chills
* Facial swelling
* Nasal stuffiness
* Yellow or green discharge

However, it is important to note that there are some cases of headaches related to chronic sinusitis without other upper respiratory symptoms. This suggests that an examination for sinusitis be considered when treatment for a migraine or other headache disorder is unsuccessful.

 

So how do you know whether you are afflicted with sinusitis, a sinus infection, or just a plain old cold?
Many patients are unsure if they have a nasal problem or a sinus problem. In fact, the nose and the sinuses are intimately related and infection or problem with either may easily affect the other. Many patients have gone on for years believing that they have migraine headaches, uneven vision, or sore teeth, unaware that their ailments might actually be sinus-related. It is advised to seek your physician’s advice immediately for any sinus problems you may be experiencing.

 

Did You Know that. . .
Sinusitis and other problems occur for different reasons. Acute bacterial sinusitis is an infection of the sinus cavities caused by bacteria. It usually is preceded by a cold, allergy attack, or irritation by environmental pollutants. However, unlike a cold or allergy, bacterial sinusitis requires a physician's diagnosis and treatment with an antibiotic to cure any infection and prevent future complications.

Did You Know that. . .
When you have a cold or allergy attack, your sinuses become inflamed and are unable to drain. This can lead to congestion and infection. Diagnosis of acute sinusitis usually is based on a physical examination and a discussion of your symptoms. 

 

Did You Know that. . .
Doctors may now also use CT imaging of your sinuses or obtain a sample of your nasal discharge to test for bacteria.

Did You Know that. . .
A viral "cold" that persists for 10 days or more may have become an acute bacterial sinus infection. With this infection you may notice increased post-nasal drip. Again, seeing your doctor for evaluation is crucial to fighting the symptoms of colds, sinusitis, and sinus infections.

Preventing sinusitis and other related issues As your mother or grandmother might have said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To avoid developing sinusitis during a cold or allergy attack, keep your sinuses clear by:

 

Maintaining excellent nasal hygiene. Use a twice-daily, large-volume nasal rinse to purge your nose of external irritants.

 

Considering the long-term use of topical anti-inflammatory and antihistamine sprays to keep nasal mucus membranes in optimum condition.

 

Avoiding systemic medications that will cause nasal dryness or swelling. These include the regular use of decongestants, antihistamines, certain sleeping aids, and over-the-counter cold and sinus remedies drinking plenty of fluids to keep nasal discharge thin. Manage your environmental allergies.

 

For more information, visit the Colorado Sinus Institute website at www.coloradosinus.com or contact Dr. Hepworth by email at or by email at drhep@colosinus.com Colorado Sinus Institute is located in Denver on the Porter Adventist Campus at 950 E. Harvard Ave., Suite 500 (303-744-1961) or in the Lone Tree office at 9218 Kimmer Dr., Suite 200 (303.799.6161).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allergy Season. . . Seems Constant?                              (9/30/08)

 

What most people typically consider “allergy season” (i.e. spring/early summer) should be over by now, but for those who suffer from outdoor allergies, this fall may be another rough ride. Anymore, especially to allergy victims, allergy season is ever ongoing.

 

Denver’s Allergy Consultants have taken the guesswork out of identifying what potential allergy threats are invading Denver today and every day.  Allergy Consultants have been serving the Denver area for over 40 years and have just launched their new website at www.allergyconsultants.com Get your ì4-Day Pollen Count Forecast or check out “Local and National Allergy Levels before you travel.

 

Due to a combination of weed pollens and an increase in mold spores, allergy sufferers might experience a higher level of symptoms this year than in previous years. Ragweed pollen is the most common type of allergen and causes most of the hay fever and other illnesses in the Northern Hemisphere. A single ragweed plant can produce millions of pollen grains each year, so especially in areas with high concentrations of ragweed, you can imagine the impact. Not only that, but most pollen particles are so light and buoyant, they can be carried up to 100 miles and more by the wind! Additionally, it’s been shown that with ever-increasing carbon dioxide levels, the ability of plants to produce pollen also increases, and this pollen seems to be more allergenic to boot. Climate change is leading to longer pollen seasons, and with no end in sight, allergens may only get stronger and more unbearable than they already are.

 

Not a lot can be done to PREVENT allergies, aside from staying indoors 24-7, which is usually not an option for most of us. There is a vast array of over-the-counter medications to fight allergies, all of which work better for some people than others. More powerful treatments are available only by prescription, so it’s best to speak directly with the ENT (ear, nose & throat) specialists at Allergy Consultants.  Have a question?  Fill out a short form, explaining your question at www.allergyconsultantsdenver.com/questions.html or call them for an appointment at their Denver office at 303-733-0471 or at their Lone Tree location at 303-790-9191.

 

Here are some things you can do to avoid severe allergy symptoms:

Limit your outdoor activities, especially on high-allergen and high-pollen-count days. Again, check out the ì4-Day Allergy Forecast at www.allergyconsultants.com Try to keep windows closed, especially at night. If the windows must be open, try to use a cloth-like substance over the opening as an additional filter.

Frequently wash your bed sheets. Encase your pillows and mattresses in special allergy covers that are plastic on one side and cotton on the other, so that dust and allergens get trapped under the covers and away from you. 

Replace feather, down or kapok pillows with synthetic ones. Foam is the best synthetic material.
Remove carpeting from your home whenever possible, as it contains over 95% of all the dust in the room. If you need to have rugs or other floor coverings, make sure they are washable and clean them in hot water once a month.

Clean radiators and vents, as well as the furnace, during your fall winterizing sessions.
Bathe your pets (yes, even cats!) regularly. Also, it’s better to not have your pet in your bedroom if you are an allergy sufferer, as their dander hangs around far longer than you can even imagine, even from just a single entry into the room.

 

If you buy a new vacuum system, invest in one that is central rather than portable. Vacuum twice a week. The combination of HEPA filters and bags in the central vacuum system makes it able to capture and eliminate up to 99.97% of all particles, therefore the dust you pick up is trapped in the vacuum, not being stirred up and blown through the exhaust of regular vacuums.

For more dust minimizing and pollen control tips, visit Allergy Consultants Patient Corner at www.allergyconsultantsdenver.com Oftentimes, the symptoms of allergies can make people think they’ve caught a cold. If nasal passages are red and irritated, the cause is more than likely allergies. The experts at Allergy Consultants inform us that allergy sufferers develop chronic sinus infections because the increased mucus secretions caused by their allergies get trapped in the sinuses and don’t drain properly. Visiting your doctor at the onset of any symptom is a good idea, as the doctor can detect the differences in your symptoms and properly diagnose treatment.

 

Differences in symptoms between common cold and allergies:

Common Cold Symptoms
Usually starts with a sore throat for 1-2 days
Nasal drainage, cough, mild body aches
Generally no fever
Usually lasts 7-10 days
Common Allergy Symptoms
Sneezing, itchy watery eyes
Clear nasal drainage that gets better and worse
Some symptoms get worse at night (particularly mold allergies)
Usually no fever

For more details on how to determine allergies from colds and sinus infections, visit www.allergyconsultantsdenver.com/allergycold

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S Presidents – An ENT History

By Alan Lipkin, MD

Presidential immunity could not save Presidents Washington, Grant & Cleveland from ENT (ear, nose and throat) problems. Over the course of American history, a number of our presidents have had problems in the ear, nose and throat area. Today’s treatment methods would have been of great benefit, and might have even saved the lives of some of our most illustrious heroes. The ENT physicians at Associates of Otolaryngology are Denver’s specialists in the field of Ear, Nose and Throat treatments and surgery.

George Washington died after a brief illness in 1799. After his second term as president, he moved back to Mount Vernon, actively managing his plantation and properties, and also became America’s largest distiller of whiskey. He developed a sore throat, became progressively more ill, and died of airway blockage after an illness of just a few days. Physicians of the time could do little more than bleed him, obviously not an effective treatment. His physicians contemplated performing a tracheotomy, but nobody with the skills to perform it was available. It is now believed that Washington died of acute epiglottitis, a bacterial inflammation that leads to inflammation of the throat and airway obstruction. Although this is still a potentially life threatening illness, it is now treated with antibiotics and airway support and is seldom fatal. The ENT specialists at Associates of Otolaryngology routinely treat this serious infection with a high degree of success.

 

For more information on epiglottitis

click here: www.denvercoloradoearnosethroatallergysinusdoctors.com/throat.php#throat_swallowing

Ulysses Grant had a long history of tobacco and intermittent alcohol abuse. After leaving the presidency, he lost most of his savings on bad investments. He developed throat cancer in 1885, and as his terminal condition progressed, he devoted all of his efforts to writing his memoirs, finishing his autobiography just five days before his death. He suffered terribly during his progressive downhill course. Although smoking and drinking are still among the largest factors in the development of head and neck cancers, treatment methods have improved extraordinarily over the years. The ENT physicians at Associates of Otolaryngology have a broad experience in the treatment of head and neck cancers, and this condition is not the death sentence that it was years ago.

For more information on throat tumors (cancer)

click here:

www.denvercoloradoearnosethroatallergysinusdoctors.com/throat.php#throat_sore

Grover Cleveland was president in 1893 when he developed a tumor on his hard palate. When he brought it to medical attention, the United States was in the midst of an economic crisis, and it was elected not to disclose his condition to the public. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor while on a private yacht while steaming across Long Island Sound to his summer home in Massachusetts. The mass was removed, he was fitted with a palatal prosthesis, and the public was never informed. Examination of the surgical specimen years later shows that Cleveland had verrucous carcinoma, a condition that is still often treated today with adequate surgical excision.

 

For more information on throat tumors,

click here:

www.denvercoloradoearnosethroatallergysinusdoctors.com/throat.php#throat_sore