How ENT Issues Affect Your Rest and What to Do About It
A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health, but many people struggle to get the rest they need due to issues related to the ear, nose, and throat. Conditions such as sleep apnea or snoring can lead to daytime fatigue and long-term health risks. Understanding how these conditions affect rest and what can be…
What Are the Three Types of Sleep Apnea?
If you feel that you consistently get enough sleep at night but still wake up feeling tired, or if your partner complains about your loud snoring, you may be suffering from a condition called sleep apnea. There are three types of sleep apnea, all of which are characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep; however,…
How Will Chilly Weather Affect My ENT Health?
People often associate cold weather season with a time of year when sickness is common. Cold weather can impact your health, especially your ear, nose and throat (ENT) health, and here’s how: Nasal Dryness In cold weather, both outdoor air and indoor heating tend to have low humidity, which can dry out your nasal passages….
A New Study Finds a Link Between Throat Health and Blood Pressure
When you have the occasional throat issue, whether it’s a persistent sore throat, a raspy voice or the sensation of something stuck in the throat—we typically attribute them to temporary irritants like seasonal colds or a day of cheering at the Kidd Brewer Stadium. However, a new study suggests that chronic throat problems may impact…
Why Did I Lose My Sense of Smell?
Losing the ability to smell is a disorienting experience, affecting how you enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like the aroma of fresh flowers in your garden or the taste of your favorite Oldhouse Goods meal. This condition, known as anosmia, can significantly impact your quality of life. Let’s explore how your sense of smell functions, some…
Joseph D. Garner, MD
Dr. Garner will join Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat in September 2024 as an Otolaryngologist. He will not only increase Blue Ridge ENT’s capacity to serve ENT patients but will add services for cochlear implants and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Garner has volunteered in Kenya providing ENT care to patients in need. Prior to…
Sierra Carpenter, AuD
Dr. Carpenter provides comprehensive audiology treatment, including diagnosing and managing hearing loss. She has extensive experience in diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing amplification, implantable hearing devices, vestibular disorders, and tinnitus management. Her clinical training spans a broad spectrum of patient demographics, from NICU infants to elderly patients. She also completed several clinical rotations serving veterans at…
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…
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…