The throat plays a vital role in breathing, speaking, and swallowing. When issues arise in this area, they can affect your ability to communicate, eat comfortably, and feel well day to day. Whether it’s hoarseness, chronic throat pain, or difficulty swallowing, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential.

At Central Sydney ENT, Dr Arjuna Ananda offers expert assessment and care for a wide range of throat and voice disorders in both adults and children. With access to advanced diagnostic tools and close collaboration with voice therapists and other specialists, Dr Ananda provides a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to treatment.

Conditions We Treat

Dr Ananda manages many common and complex throat conditions, including:

• Hoarseness or voice changes from vocal cord nodules, polyps, inflammation, or overuse
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) – a form of acid reflux affecting the throat and voice box
• Recurrent tonsillitis and tonsil-related breathing or sleep disturbances
• Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) causing bad breath or throat discomfort
• Chronic sore throat or throat pain without active infection
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) from reflux, muscle dysfunction, or anatomical issues
• Globus sensation – the feeling of a lump in the throat without a physical cause
• Suspicious throat lesions, including nodules, cysts, papillomas, or suspected cancer

Diagnostic Tools

To identify the cause of throat and voice symptoms, Dr Ananda may recommend:

• Fibreoptic nasendoscopy: A simple in-clinic procedure using a thin camera to view the throat and vocal cords
• Stroboscopy: Used to assess vocal cord movement and diagnose voice disorders
• Throat swabs or biopsies: If infection, inflammation, or suspicious lesions are present

These tools provide a detailed view of the vocal cords, larynx, and surrounding structures, enabling accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Treatment Options

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• Microlaryngoscopy or vocal cord surgery to remove polyps, nodules, or other lesions
• Tonsillectomy for recurrent infections, sleep-disordered breathing, or chronic tonsillitis
• Voice therapy with a speech pathologist for muscle tension or functional voice disorders
• Reflux management through dietary changes, medication, and behavioural support
• Biopsy or lesion removal for abnormal or persistent throat growths

Dr Ananda’s approach focuses on treating the underlying cause while preserving voice function and comfort.

When to See an ENT Specialist

You should consider booking a consultation if you experience:

• Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than 2–3 weeks
• Chronic or recurring sore throats
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• A constant feeling of something stuck in the throat
• Persistent throat clearing or chronic cough
• Vocal fatigue or complete loss of voice
• Lumps, swelling, or ulcers in the throat