Expansion of Services in Avery County
Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat has exciting news relating to our practice expanding services for the communities we serve. Beginning in May, we are now seeing patients at our Linville satellite office on Tuesdays, in addition to Thursdays and Fridays. This added day is for the entire community, and if you are a new…
Can Humidity Increase Your Risk of Sinus Infections?
Many factors can increase your risk of developing a sinus infection, including a rise in humidity. What Is a Sinus Infection? A sinus infection or sinusitis is an inflammation that occurs when fluids build up in the sinuses. This fluid can become infected, often by viruses, but sometimes by bacteria or fungi as well. If…
How To Use Ear Drops Correctly
Ear drops are an effective treatment for several common ear conditions. Let’s take a look at the different types of ear drops, what they are used for and how to administer them. What Conditions Do Ear Drops Treat? Ear drops can help with some of the most common ear conditions, including: What Types of…
Reviews
What Is an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?
Upper respiratory tract infections are contagious infections that affect your nose, throat, pharynx, larynx and/or bronchi. One article published in the National Library of Medicine reports, “Upper respiratory tract infections are accountable for greater than 20 million missed days of school and greater than 20 million days of work lost.” In this post, we review…
Is Cold Air Making My Nose Bleed?
Epistaxis, more commonly referred to as a nosebleed, isn’t just inconvenient, it can also be scary. Fortunately, in most cases, the bleeding will stop within 10 to 20 minutes with the right interventions. There are many factors that can contribute to nosebleeds, including the weather. We review the relationship between cold air and nosebleeds below….
John Shoaf, PA-C
Mr. Shoaf joined Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat in September 2022 as a Certified Physician Assistant. Mr. Shoaf grew up in Hickory, North Carolina and always stayed close to the area he loves. He moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina to pursue becoming a physician assistant after first graduating college. Mr. Shoaf worked on…
What to Do if Your Baby Has a Sore Throat
When your child is sick, you’ll do anything you can to help them feel better. If your child has a sore throat, follow this guide of do’s and don’ts to help them find relief. The List of Do’s When it comes to your baby’s sore throat, do: Breastfeed. If your child breastfeeds, do this as…
What Parents Should Keep in Mind About Their Children’s ENT Health
Ear, nose and throat conditions are among the most common reasons that parents bring their children in to see a doctor. In some cases, children are referred to otolaryngologists, also known as ENT physicians. Below we review some of the reasons you should bring your child to an expert ENT. Snoring While it’s common for…
Three Common Causes of a Sore Throat
A sore throat brings millions of Americans to the doctor annually. In fact, research suggests that “about 10% of people present to primary healthcare services with a sore throat each year.” Many different things can cause a sore throat. Let’s look at a few of the more common causes as well as what you can…