Dr. Joseph Peterson, MD is a pediatric otolaryngologist in Loma Linda, CA specializing in pediatric otolaryngology (ear, nose & throat). He graduated from University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Dr. Joseph Peterson, MD is affiliated with Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda University Professional Office Building - Murrieta, Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Clinics, Loma Linda University Health - Rancho Cucamonga, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital and Loma Linda University ENT/Head & Neck Surgery.
11234 Anderson Street
Loma Linda, CA 92354
11370 Anderson Street Suite 2100
Loma Linda, CA 92354
197 E Caroline Street Suite 1100
San Bernardino, CA 92408
28078 Baxter Road Suite 520
Murrieta, CA 92563
4646 Brockton Avenue Suite 103
Riverside, CA 92506
8599 Haven Avenue Suite 210
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, is inserted in the mouth or nose and slowly advanced to the lungs. This allows doctors to see the respiratory tract, which includes the throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchi (airways), and lungs. Doctors may recommend those who have or show signs of lung problems - for example, lung cancer or difficulty breathing - to undergo a bronchoscopy.
In performing a diagnostic bronchoscopy, doctors may only wish to visualize the respiratory tract, or doctors may also collect samples of tissue or fluid. The samples can help diagnose patients' conditions or, if patients have cancer, they can be used for staging purposes. One method for sample collection is bronchoalveolar lavage. In a bronchoalveolar lavage, doctors inject saline (salt water) through the bronchoscope and then suction it out of the airways. The washout collected is tested for lung disorders. Doctors can also insert a biopsy tool to collect tissue or mucus samples. The following are biopsies that can be performed by bronchoscopy:
For visualization, bronchoscopy can be done alone, or it can be combined with ultrasound. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) allows real-time imaging of the airway and is used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, as well as for determining where the cancer has spread. EBUS can be performed with TBNA, a procedure known as endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).
Doctors can also use bronchoscopy as a treatment for lung problems. For example, if a foreign body is trapped in the airway, doctors can insert forceps through the bronchoscope to remove it. If the airway has become narrowed - which may occur if patients have an infection, cancer, or some other inflammatory issue - bronchoscopy can be used to place a device called a stent in the area of constriction. The stent will keep the airway open, allowing the patient to breathe properly.
During a bronchoscopy, patients will be given medication (sedative) to help them relax. If it is only a diagnostic bronchoscopy, patients will be kept awake, but if the bronchoscopy is for therapeutic purposes, patients will be put to sleep by general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few hours. They will not be able to eat or drink for about 2 hours. Some patients may experience discomfort, such as a sore throat or pain while swallowing. Throat lozenges and gargling may help alleviate these symptoms, which should go away after a few days. Patients will need to have someone drive them home once their doctor determines that they are ready.
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove both tonsils and is most widely used to treat tonsillitis (tonsil inflammation), which occurs when the tonsils (two tissue glands in the back of the throat) become infected and enlarged. Sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea are frequently caused by tonsilitis. Similar conditions that tonsillectomy may treat include recurring throat infections (6 or more per year) and obstructed breathing from enlarged tonsils that block the airway.
Tonsillectomies are usually performed on children; however, many adults also undergo the procedure. A tonsillectomy generally only lasts for about half an hour following the administration of anesthesia. The otolaryngologist (ENT) or surgeon performing a tonsillectomy may employ a variety of medical techniques, such as:
Patients are typically able to return home shortly after having their tonsils removed. Tonsillectomy recovery time may range from around ten days to two weeks. During this time, it is common for patients to have a sore throat, neck pain, and a hoarse voice. Patients are advised to consume soft foods such as ice cream and applesauce to avoid further throat irritation. After recovering from tonsillectomy, many patients experience improved breathing, reduced irritation, and an overall improved quality of life.
Tracheostomy
Tracheostomy or tracheotomy is a surgical procedure to open an airway in a blocked trachea, or windpipe. A small hole is created in the neck, and a tube is often inserted into the hole to provide support and drainage. The patient can breathe through the hole that is created.
Tracheostomy is performed for a variety of reasons when a bypass to the normal airway is needed. A patient may have an object lodged in their throat or have an injury that damaged their windpipe. They may have cancer or a swelling in their throat that stops air from moving freely. Sometimes tracheostomy is performed to make breathing easier when patients are paralyzed or have trouble coming off a ventilator.
A tracheostomy can be temporary or permanent. A temporary tracheostomy tends to heal over easily when the tube is removed, leaving a small scar. A permanent tracheostomy can make speech difficult at first. It takes time to learn how to use the throat and air in a new way.
Tracheostomy is a fairly simple procedure, but it can make all the difference in a life or death situation.
Dr. Joseph Peterson, MD graduated from University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He completed residency at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and has a state license in Massachusetts.
Medical School: University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Licensed In: Massachusetts
Dr. Joseph Peterson, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Joseph Peterson, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 24 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Joseph Peterson, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Loma Linda, CA.
Dr. Joseph Peterson is a pediatric otolaryngology (ear, nose & throat) specialist in Loma Linda, CA, Riverside, CA, and Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Patient ratings for Dr. Peterson average 5.0 stars (out of 5). His areas of expertise include the following: sinusitis (sinus inflammation), endoscopic sinus surgery, and chronic ear disease. He is affiliated with Loma Linda University Health. After completing medical school at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, he performed his residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.