+65 6253 7296 
Overview
The throat is the area at the back of your mouth. Your throat includes the tonsils, upper part of the foodpipe (upper esophagus), windpipe (trachea), and voice box (larynx). It has a common space where food and the air that we breathe in travels through. However, at the level of the voice box, food and liquid that we consume will be directed to the foodpipe, while the air that we breathe in will be directed to the windpipe and into the lungs. Various throat conditions can disrupt these essential functions, affecting breathing, swallowing, and voice, requiring professional healthcare intervention and treatment.
Functions of the Throat
- Protects the lungs from food and foreign objects
- Controls airflow during breathing
- Directs food and liquid into the stomach
- Voice or sound production
We Provide Comprehensive Assessment and Management of :
- Sore throat
- Feeling of something stuck in the throat (Globus Sensation)
- Prolonged cough
- Itchy throat and frequent throat clearing
- Dry throat
- Painful swallowing
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Hoarse or rough voice
- Loss of voice
- Foreign bodies (e.g. fish bone) stuck in throat
Symptoms of Throat Conditions
Throat conditions can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Sore throat that doesn't improve
- Pain or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- A persistent cough
- The feeling of a lump or something stuck in the throat
- Ear pain
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained weight loss
Causes of Throat Conditions
A multitude of factors can lead to throat conditions, ranging from simple infections to more complex issues. Understanding the potential causes can aid in prevention and timely management:
Infections: Viral infections (like the common cold or flu) and bacterial infections (like strep throat) are common culprits behind sore throats and tonsillitis.
Irritation: Exposure to irritants such as smoke, pollutants, and allergens can inflame the throat lining. Excessive yelling or voice strain can also cause irritation.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking is a significant risk factor for various throat conditions, including cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption can also irritate the throat.
Acid Reflux: The backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus and throat can cause chronic irritation, leading to symptoms like sore throat and hoarseness.
Tumours: Both benign and malignant growths can occur in the throat, leading to various symptoms depending on their size and location.
Treatment Options for Throat Conditions
The approach to treating throat conditions is highly individualised and depends on the specific diagnosis, the severity of your condition, and your overall health. Your healthcare provider, like an ENT specialist, will recommend the most appropriate course of action.
- Non-surgical treatments: These often involve conservative measures such as rest, hydration, pain relievers, and voice therapy for certain vocal cord issues. Medications like antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections while acid-reducing medications can also help manage reflux-related throat problems.
- Surgical treatments: When non-surgical methods are insufficient, surgery may be necessary. Procedures can range from tonsil removal surgery (tonsillectomy) for recurrent tonsillitis to the removal of benign growths or tumours. Depending on your condition, complex surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches, may be employed.
Prevention for Throat Conditions
While not all throat conditions are preventable, adopting healthy habits may reduce your risk and promote overall throat health:
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Manage acid reflux through dietary changes and medication if recommended by your doctor.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Practice good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, to prevent the spread of infections.
- Avoid straining your voice; use proper vocal techniques if your profession requires extensive speaking or singing.
When to See An ENT Specialist for Throat Conditions
It’s important to consult an ENT specialist if you have any persistent or concerning throat symptoms. Seek professional evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent blocked nose with mouth breathing or snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent sore throat
- Persistent voice hoarseness
- Lumps or growths in the neck or throat
- Breathing with a high-pitched wheezing sound
Dr Gan provides comprehensive management of a broad array of Ear, Nose, and Throat as well as Head & Neck conditions. He has a special interest in treating various nose and sinus conditions, including snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Dr Gan Eng Cern
Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist · Rhinology & Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
Dr Gan is a fellowship-trained ENT specialist with deep expertise in rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery. He completed subspecialty training at St Paul's Sinus Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver — a globally recognised centre for nose and sinus care. He has served as Senior Clinical Lecturer at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and has published research in international peer-reviewed ENT journals.
Medisave & Insurance Accepted
Practical ENT articles written or medically reviewed by Dr Gan Eng Cern
Expert articles on sinus, sleep apnoea, ear and throat conditions — written by Dr Gan Eng Cern.
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Visit Dr Gan's ENT Clinic in Novena
Address
38 Irrawaddy Road, #08-45, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore 329563
Hours
Mon–Fri: 9.00am–5.00pm · Sat: 8.30am–12.00pm · Sun & PH: Closed
Contact
Call: +65 6253 7296
WhatsApp: +65 9058 2480
Email: enquiry@drganent.com
Getting Here
Accessible from Novena MRT Station (North-South Line). On-site car park available.
Appointments
Patients may contact the clinic directly by phone or WhatsApp to arrange an ENT consultation. A referral is generally not required for a direct appointment.
Make an Enquiry
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