Heather Portaro, NP-C
Mrs. Heather Portaro joined Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat (Blue Ridge ENT) in July 2024 as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Since graduating with her Family Nurse Practitioner degree in 2018, Heather has focused on achieving excellence in compassionate care for all ages including newborns and older adults. She has even provided international medical…
Cristina Pratt, MD
Dr. Cristina Pratt joined Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat in August 2024, specializing in Allergy, Immunology and Asthma Care. Blue Ridge ENT is excited to bring Dr. Pratt’s variety of experiences to our team. Her expertise includes research and global health as she has completed research studies and medical work in places such as…
How Does Acid Reflux Affect Your Throat Health?
Have you ever finished a big meal or large latte from Hatchet Coffee only to be greeted with an unpleasant nausea and burning sensation in the chest? This discomfort is likely caused by acid reflux, a condition wherein stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat and stomach. Occasional…
Inspire
Approximately 18 million Americans experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder that can cause serious problems such as excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue, memory loss and lack of concentration. These individuals have an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. While PAP therapy is the preferred treatment method, not everybody can tolerate…
What To Know About Managing Pediatric Strep Throat
Strep throat is a common, highly contagious bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium. While anyone can get strep throat, it is most common among children between the ages of five and 15. A few common symptoms of strep throat include: If your child has recently come down with strep throat, you know it…
What To Know About Sinusitis Tooth Pain
Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, can bring a collection of uncomfortable symptoms, one of which is tooth pain. You may be curious how a sinus infection could cause tooth pain. Understanding the link between sinusitis and tooth pain, recognizing the symptoms and knowing when to see a doctor can help you manage this…
Why Am I So Prone to Sinus Infections?
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can pose a painful and recurring challenge for many individuals. Here, we’ll delve into the underlying factors contributing to these infections and explore potential avenues for symptom management and treatment. If you find yourself experiencing three or more sinus infections annually, you likely have recurrent sinusitis. Let’s examine the key factors…
The Impacts of Smoking on ENT Health: Risks and Recovery
Smoking is generally known to have adverse effects on overall physical health. Health risks of smoking include head, neck and throat cancers, stroke, heart attack, emphysema and other illnesses. According to the CDC, it’s the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. ENT Conditions Due to the nature of how cigarette toxins are consumed…
Home Remedies for a Sore Throat and When to See a Doctor
Sore throats are a widespread condition and can make swallowing, eating or speaking challenging. Various factors, from illnesses to environmental irritants, can provoke sore throats. Typically, they are not a cause for concern and can be managed effectively at home. Knowing what causes a sore throat and what treatments are available can equip you to…
Audiologist
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