ENT Solves Longtime Problem for Patient

For several years, Lompoc resident “G” suffered from a nagging sensation inside his nose. It caused him problems with breathing and sleeping and he could never get relief. Finally, he was referred to Sheppard Peng, DO, MPH, a Lompoc Health otolaryngologist who treats patients with disorders of the ears, nose, and throat (ENT).

“I went to see him for the growth inside my nose,” G said. “It had been there for quite some time. He gave me a powerful antibiotic cream. Within a matter of a week and a half, it was gone.”

The relief from such constant irritation led him to say this about Dr. Peng: “He was a godsend.”

“That growth, whatever it was, was so big, it was impeding my ability to breathe through my nose,” he said. “It was affecting my exercise, my sleep, my everyday breathing. It was a huge relief when it got resolved. I’m sleeping better. I don’t get as many headaches.”

In addition to being able to breathe and sleep better, the resolution of the growth gave G peace of mind, as he was reassured the unusual item was not a malignant tumor. His nose healed within a few weeks, he said.

“I found him to be professional, friendly, very helpful,” G recalled. “He’s one of the better ENT’s I’ve seen. It wasn’t the first time I’d gone to one.”

Dr. Peng performs a comprehensive exam of the head, ears, nose, and throat for all new patients. During G’s ear exam, Dr. Peng asked him if he was having trouble hearing out of his left ear.

“That was the cherry on top of the cake,” G said. “This is the honest-to-goodness truth – I’ve had an ear problem my entire life.”

G thought he was going deaf in his left ear. Now in his late 50s, he says he had a lifetime of problems with “water getting stuck in his ear.” Dr. Peng diagnosed his symptoms as secondary to otitis media, a disease process where fluid builds up behind the eardrum. After a five-minute procedure in the office, his symptoms improved.

“I could hear again,” G said. “It wasn’t affecting my balance the way it normally did. I took care of those problems with the nose and ear in one visit. Normally I’d have to make two or three return trips for each.”

The relief he felt left him effusive with praise.

“You don’t want to put up with that kind of stuff every single day,” he said. “This had just a positive impact on not only my ability to hear and breathe but on the quality of my life.”

Dr. Peng treats all disorders of the ears, nose, and throat, including nasal obstruction, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and otitis media.

“His problems had been causing him trouble for a very long time,” Dr. Peng recalled. “He thankfully responded very well to treatment. Sometimes, small procedures can make a huge difference in people’s lives. Our team is very happy when our patients get dramatically better. Hearing these stories bring us joy.”