What We Treat
Conditions Treated
Our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and managing a comprehensive range of ear, nose and throat conditions.
Children's ENT
Children have unique ear, nose and throat needs. Our paediatric ENT specialists see children of all ages for a range of conditions including obstructive sleep apnoea, recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, snoring, tonsillitis, and nasal obstruction. Obstructive sleep apnoea in children is first noticed by parents who observe their child stopping breathing whilst asleep, followed by a gasp as breathing resumes — regardless of severity, treatment is strongly recommended. Snoring in children every night is abnormal. Early review by an ENT specialist is recommended.
Common Symptoms
- Recurrent ear infections or ear pain
- Hearing loss or difficulty with speech development
- Snoring during sleep (every night is abnormal)
- Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
- Recurrent tonsillitis
Treatment Options
- Grommet insertion for recurrent ear infections or glue ear
- Adenotonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis or sleep apnoea
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils located on the sides of the throat. It can be either bacterial or viral. Patients experience a sore throat on both sides, feel unwell, and symptoms typically persist for up to one week. When episodes become frequent — causing significant time off school or work — surgical removal may be recommended. The standard criteria for tonsillectomy are: 7 episodes in one year; 5 episodes per year for 2 consecutive years; 3 episodes per year for 3 consecutive years; or 2 episodes of quinsy.
Common Symptoms
- Sore throat on both sides
- Fever and general unwellness
- Bad breath
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Treatment Options
- Adequate pain relief and hydration during acute episodes
- Antibiotics if bacterial tonsillitis is suspected or the patient is not improving
- Tonsillectomy when episodes are frequent (7 in one year, 5/year for 2 years, or 3/year for 3 years)
Quinsy (Peritonsillar Abscess)
Quinsy is a collection of pus immediately adjacent to the tonsil. Patients with this condition have pain on one side and significant difficulty opening their mouth. Treatment consists of antibiotics and drainage of the quinsy. If someone gets a quinsy twice, they should have a tonsillectomy.
Common Symptoms
- Severe pain on one side of the throat
- Significant difficulty opening the mouth
Treatment Options
- Antibiotics
- Drainage of the quinsy
- Tonsillectomy after a second episode to prevent recurrence
Rhinosinusitis
Rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. It can be further classified as polypoid (with nasal polyps) or non-polypoid rhinosinusitis. Treatment for each type consists of nasal sprays and medications. Surgery is reserved for patients who have symptoms refractory to medical treatment. The goal of any surgical procedure in rhinosinusitis is to enhance the efficacy of nasal spray delivery to the lining of the nose. The surgical treatment of rhinosinusitis is called functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).
Common Symptoms
- Nasal obstruction
- Runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Reduction in sense of smell
- Facial pain or pressure
Treatment Options
- Nasal sprays and medications
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for symptoms refractory to medical treatment
Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction is an inability to breathe through the nose at a required volume of air. It is abnormal and in most cases can be treated. Symptoms vary from the obvious sensation of a blocked nose to less obvious symptoms. First-line treatment is a 6-week trial of saline douche and intranasal steroids. If this is not effective, surgery may be indicated — most patients benefit from a septoplasty and turbinoplasty. For patients with severe nasal obstruction or previous unsuccessful surgery, a functional rhinoplasty may be required.
Common Symptoms
- Sensation of a blocked nose
- Loss of sense of smell
- Snoring
- Runny nose
- Dry throat in the morning
Treatment Options
- Saline douche and intranasal steroids (6-week trial)
- Septoplasty and turbinoplasty
- Functional rhinoplasty for severe or previously operated cases
Dysphonia (Voice Disorders)
Dysphonia (or hoarseness) is an incredibly common voice disorder caused by the inability to properly form sounds due to problems with the organs of sound. The causes are incredibly varied, from viral laryngitis to cancers. Common causes include viral laryngitis, muscle tension dysphonia, vocal nodules (common in singers and those who regularly strain their voice), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and laryngeal cancer. Cancer of the larynx usually presents in heavy smokers after the age of 40 and, if diagnosed early, carries an excellent prognosis. It is important that persistent hoarseness is properly evaluated by a specialist to find out the cause. Our surgeons are fully trained in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders.
Common Symptoms
- Hoarseness or change in voice quality
Treatment Options
- Evaluation and accurate diagnosis by an ENT specialist
- Management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Surgical treatment of vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts
- Investigation for laryngeal cancer in high-risk patients
Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Snoring is a transmitted sound generated by turbulent airflow whilst sleeping. It is multifactorial — contributing conditions include nasal obstruction, large tonsils, a redundant soft palate, a large tongue, sedative medications, alcohol, and excess weight. Treatment generally starts with addressing any underlying nasal obstruction. The next step is to address any issues with the soft palate. Soft palate surgery works very well in selected patients, though it is not effective for everyone. An ENT surgeon can assess whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Common Symptoms
- Habitual snoring during sleep
Treatment Options
- Treatment of underlying nasal obstruction
- Soft palate surgery for selected patients
Head & Neck Skin Cancer
Skin cancer on the head and neck can be challenging to remove due to the multiple convexities and concavities of the face. The common types are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and malignant melanomas. Queensland has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due to population genetics and high exposure to ultraviolet light. Melanomas are generally dangerous lesions requiring sophisticated workup and multidisciplinary management including surgical resection. Our surgeons have extensive training in the use of local flaps in cutaneous malignancy of the head and neck.
Treatment Options
- Surgical excision using local flap techniques to minimise cosmetic impact
- Multidisciplinary management for malignant melanoma
Skull Base Diseases
The skull base (cranial base) is the area of the skull where all the major blood vessels and nerves enter or exit. Skull base disorders can affect one or more of these structures, causing symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain. The skull base can be affected by benign and malignant tumours, infections, congenital problems, or trauma. Given the complexity and diversity of these disorders, skull base surgery requires elements of advanced ear surgery, sinus surgery, and head and neck cancer surgery. Australia — and Queensland in particular — has high rates of skin cancer that can sometimes present with skull base involvement. Our surgeons work within multidisciplinary teams to deliver optimal outcomes.
Common Symptoms
- Tingling, numbness, or pain from nerve involvement
Treatment Options
- Multidisciplinary team assessment involving ENT surgeons, neurosurgeons, and reconstructive surgeons
- Coordinated radiotherapy and oncological management when required