Practice Focus » Laryngology

Is Polysomnagraphy Required Prior to T+A for Diagnosis of OSA versus Mild Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children?

Polysomnography (PSG) has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as the gold standard for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) versus mild sleep disordered breathing (SDB) prior to tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T+A) in children. Mild SDB includes primary snoring and upper airway resistance syndrome. Controversy exists regarding the accuracy of history and physical exam (H+P) alone in children for the diagnosis of OSA versus mild SDB prior to T+A. Thus, PSG has been recommended to confirm the diagnosis

Weight Loss and Hoarseness in a 38-Year-Old Woman

A woman presented with a chief complaint of throat pain of four weeks duration and hoarseness of several years duration. She eventually presented to the otolaryngology clinic complaining of a four-week history of odynophagia associated with a frequent urge to clear her throat.

Decade-Long Progressive Dysphagia with Intermittent Regurgitation

A 78-year-old woman presented with a 10-year history of progressive dysphagia for solid foods and pills, with intermittent regurgitation of pills but not food. No aspiration or weight loss was reported. Her past medical history was significant for breast cancer, hypothyroidism and arthritis. No head and neck masses were appreciated. A modified barium swallow was obtained.