“I just met Dr. Ryan Salvador for a first allergy consult at Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology. Dr. Salvador was so terrific I just couldn’t wait to write a review.”
Throat
Your throat plays a vital role in speaking, breathing, and swallowing—so when problems arise, they can disrupt everyday life. At Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology, we understand how frustrating and uncomfortable throat conditions can be.
That’s why our dedicated ENT team takes a patient-focused approach, using advanced diagnostics and proven treatments to get to the root of your symptoms. From recurring sore throats to voice changes and swallowing difficulties, we’re committed to helping you recover fully and return to feeling like yourself again.
Common Throat Conditions
Throat conditions can range from mild irritation to serious issues affecting your ability to eat, speak, or breathe comfortably. At Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology, we diagnose and treat a variety of throat conditions, including:
A sore throat may be caused by viral or bacterial infections, such as strep throat. Symptoms include pain when swallowing, redness, and swollen lymph nodes.
Inflammation of the tonsils can lead to throat pain, fever, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing. Chronic tonsillitis may require surgical removal of the tonsils.
Hoarseness can result from vocal strain, infections, acid reflux, or vocal cord nodules. Persistent hoarseness should be evaluated to rule out more serious conditions.
Laryngitis is inflammation of the voice box (larynx), often due to infections or overuse. It may cause voice loss, throat discomfort, and dry cough.
Difficulty swallowing can be caused by throat muscle disorders, infections, or structural abnormalities.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs when stomach acid travels up the throat, causing irritation, coughing, hoarseness, and throat clearing.
Common Symptoms of Throat Conditions
Throat issues can cause a wide range of symptoms. Common signs include:
- Throat Pain or Scratchiness That dry, painful feeling in your throat is often caused by inflammation from a cold, flu, or allergies. It can make swallowing or speaking uncomfortable.
- Hoarseness or Voice Changes If your voice sounds raspy or weak, it may be due to overuse, infection, acid reflux, or even a problem with your vocal cords.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia) Trouble swallowing isn’t just uncomfortable—it could be linked to infections, acid reflux, or structural issues in your throat or esophagus.
- Persistent Cough or Frequent Throat Clearing Constant throat clearing or coughing can stem from post-nasal drip, allergies, or reflux. These symptoms can linger without proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Swollen Tonsils or Lymph Nodes If your tonsils or neck glands are swollen or tender, it may be a sign of infection like tonsillitis or strep throat—especially with fever.
- A Lump in the Throat That ‘lump’ may be caused by acid reflux, chronic irritation, anxiety, or, rarely, a growth that needs evaluation.
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, a professional evaluation can help determine if tonsil stones are the cause.
Uncommon Symptoms of Throat Conditions
In addition to common issues like pain or hoarseness, throat conditions can cause a variety of other symptoms. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to consult an ENT specialist.
- Voice Fatigue If your voice tires easily or weakens after speaking for a short time, it could signal vocal cord strain or early vocal fold dysfunction.
- Burning Sensation in the Throat A burning feeling—especially after eating—may be linked to acid reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which irritates the throat lining.
- Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis) Persistent bad breath not related to oral hygiene can be a sign of throat infections, tonsil stones, or post-nasal drip.
- Dry Throat That Won’t Go Away A constant dry, scratchy feeling may be caused by allergies, medication side effects, or dehydration—and can irritate the vocal cords over time.
- Noisy Breathing (Stridor) A high-pitched or wheezing sound while breathing may indicate a blockage or narrowing in the airway, and should be evaluated promptly.
- Throat Tightness or Pressure A sensation of tightness or squeezing in the throat can stem from muscle tension, reflux, thyroid issues, or even anxiety.
- Frequent Throat Infections If you experience multiple sore throats or infections per year, you may have chronic tonsillitis or another underlying condition needing treatment.
- Muffled or Nasal Voice Quality Changes in how your voice sounds—such as muffling or nasal tone—can signal issues with your throat, soft palate, or sinuses.
- Pain Radiating to the Ear Throat pain that spreads to one or both ears can be a sign of referred pain from infections, tonsillitis, or even tumors in the throat.
- Blood in Saliva or Phlegm Seeing blood when you cough or clear your throat may be due to irritated tissues or, in rare cases, a more serious condition requiring evaluation.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s time to see an ENT specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Our Approach to Throat Care
At Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology, we deliver patient-centered care using the latest diagnostic technology and personalized treatment strategies. We begin with a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of your symptoms and develop a care plan tailored to your specific condition.
We use flexible laryngoscopy to examine the vocal cords and throat in detail. This minimally invasive procedure helps us evaluate voice issues, growths, and inflammation. Imaging studies like barium swallow or CT scans may be used when structural issues are suspected.
Many chronic throat issues stem from undiagnosed allergies or acid reflux. We provide allergy testing and reflux evaluation to guide effective treatment and long-term symptom management.
Based on your diagnosis, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include:
- Prescription medications (for infection, inflammation, reflux, or allergies)
- Voice rest or speech therapy (for hoarseness or vocal cord strain)
- Lifestyle modifications (such as dietary changes to manage reflux)
- In-office procedures or surgical options if needed (e.g., tonsillectomy, vocal cord surgery)
We explain each treatment option clearly so you can make confident, informed decisions about your care.
what our patients say about us
P
Pat G
S
Sonia O
“This is by far the best doctor I’ve ever had! Dr. Ryan Salvador is great at explaining everything he’s doing and what is going on! Thank you !!!”
S
Self-verified patient
“Dr. Torabi takes care of my son and he does a very good job.”
A
Amanda
“Amazing staff and doctor, fixed all my problems. Thanks doc i can breath!”
M
M Nichols
“My family is extremely grateful for the care by Dr Torabi and his staff in helping us beat cancer.”
Choose your preferred location
Schedule Your Visit Today
If throat discomfort, voice changes, or swallowing problems are affecting your life, don’t delay care. Schedule an appointment with Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology today. Our ENT specialists are ready to help you restore your voice, comfort, and confidence.