A Journal of Observational Laryngology
Clinical observations, anecdotes, case series, and conceptual frameworks of laryngology for further exploration.
Laryngitis & Sore Throats from Acid Reflux
Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published September 11, 2023 Introduction The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscular “one-way” valve between the stomach and esophagus, whose purpose is to keep stomach contents, especially acid, from refluxing (going backward) up the esophagus towards the mouth. Yet, millions of people have a malfunctioning LES. This opens the way to a condition called
Post-Treatment for AD-SD: What to Expect?
(the “strained-strangled” SD variant) Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published September 10, 2023 Introduction You have just undergone an injection with botulinum toxin (Botox) for the “strained-strangled” voice caused by your adductory spasmodic dysphonia. For a few days you may notice slight soreness in the area of your larynx, and perhaps a small bruise on the front of your neck.
Post-Treatment for AB-SD: What to Expect?
(the “my voice drops out to a whisper” SD variant) Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published September 10, 2023 Introduction You have just undergone an injection with botulinum toxin (Botox) for the “intermittent whisper” voice caused by your abductory spasmodic dysphonia. For a few days you may notice slight soreness in the area of your larynx, and perhaps a small
What Hospital Staff Need to Know About You As a Laryngectomy Patient (Especially if Contemplating Surgery)
Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published August 8, 2023 Introduction Anesthesiologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses may know the following information if you are in a large hospital. If you are in a small hospital, day surgery center, walk-in urgent care facility, etc., the clinical staff may be unfamiliar with the following information. Understanding your new anatomy Managing your airway is
What to Expect After Botox Injection for R-CPD
Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published: January 26, 2023 Background of R-CPD R-CPD causes 4 primary symptoms: inability to belch, gurgling noises, bloating, and flatulence. Less universal symptoms include painful hiccups, nausea after large meals, shortness of breath when very bloated, hypersalivation, and constipation. For more information, see links below. Standard of care This is an injection of botulinum toxin
Babies Who Cannot Burp, and Still Cannot as Adults.
Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published: July 1, 2021 The big picture Babies who cannot burp are in terrible misery. So are their parents. While the child struggles with daily colic, spitting up, sometimes projectile vomiting, and gassiness, the parents must deal with hours of crying each evening and much medical attention may have provided no answers. The explanation for
Can’t Burp? Here Are the Symptoms of R-CPD
Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published: December 18, 2020 There is a group of people whose inability to burp causes severe daily distress. They are left without a solution (or even explanation) in spite of many doctor visits. Recently a major cause of inability to burp, retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD) has been codified for diagnosis and treatment.* *A constellation of
Still Coughing After COVID-19?
Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published: December 9, 2020 Covid-19 has intruded into our lives in innumerable ways. Worst of all for some, is that they contracted the virus. Among those stricken by the virus are surely a number of persons who are some weeks or even months past the acute infection and who feel generally well. But, they are
The Gasping Syndrome
Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published: September 22, 2020 A few times a year, distressed patients present from their internists or pulmonologists to see if I can explain their shortness of breath. The patient has already undergone numerous tests: e.g. chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests, EKG, stress test, echocardiogram, CT, blood tests, and even bronchoscopy. Everything has come back normal,
Cricopharyngeus Spasm and What to Do About It
Robert W. Bastian, M.D. — Published: June 25, 2018 The information found below is a Q&A supplement to a teaching video on cricopharyngeus spasm: Tell me more about the cricopharyngeus muscle. Where is it, and what is it for? It is a sphincter, which is a circular muscle that makes a ring around the uppermost part of the esophagus to