expert type icon EXPERT

John Loucks

Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)

Dr. John Loucks is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, practicing in Owensboro, KY. Dr. Loucks specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat as well as other parts of the head and neck. Such structures an ENT may work on include the sinuses, larynx (voice box) and mouth in addition to the ear, nose and throat. There are seven areas of expertise that an ENT might specialize in, and these are: allergies; facial reconstructive surgery; head and neck; laryngology; otology/neurotology; pediatric otolaryngology; and rhinology.
54 years Experience
John Loucks
  • Owensboro, KY
  • West Virginia University School of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

How do you treat chronic tonsillitis in adults?

First you have to ask yourself how much of a problem is this and how does it affect me. A chronic problem would be three or more episodes in a season {fall through spring}. If READ MORE
First you have to ask yourself how much of a problem is this and how does it affect me. A chronic problem would be three or more episodes in a season {fall through spring}. If this was a problem year after year then I would want you to consider a tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy is not an easy procedure for an adult but it is the only way to resolve your problem.

Can tonsil stones make your ear hurt?

If there is inflammation of the tonsil from the tonsil stone this can cause inflammation and swelling of the eustachian tube which can cause the pain.

Pains on my neck region

The pain you describe sounds alot like TMJ temporomandibular joint pain. A dental evaluation would be where you start.

How long does an ear infection last?

First we have to know what kind of an ear infection do you have? If it is in the ear canal it needs to be cleaned and started on antibiotic ear drops. This usually resolves in READ MORE
First we have to know what kind of an ear infection do you have? If it is in the ear canal it needs to be cleaned and started on antibiotic ear drops. This usually resolves in a matter of days, If it is a middle ear infection {behind the eardrum} you need antibiotics and expect it to resolve in a matter of days. There are chronic ear infections that can last for years and cause permanent hearing loss.Someone needs to look at your ear and tell you what the problem is and how best to treat it.

Eyes not my shiny self , cough and snot

My first question is. how well controlled is your thyroid disorder? Then I would want to consider the possibility of slow Then some covid {persistant covid symptoms over a prolonged READ MORE
My first question is. how well controlled is your thyroid disorder? Then I would want to consider the possibility of slow Then some covid {persistant covid symptoms over a prolonged period of time}. Then some type of chronic sinus problem should be considered . Testing along with a thorough ENT exam should give you some answers. A daily antihistamine {allegra} Should give you some relief.

Found something in my mouth

This has the appearance of a mucous cyst, it looks benign and will probably resolve on its own. <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> Virus-free.www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

Reinforcement Tympanoplasty

I would have no idea how long one would have to wait for a tympanoplasty in the UK. That you would have to ask your otologist. A tympanoplasty is the procedure to repair perforation READ MORE
I would have no idea how long one would have to wait for a tympanoplasty in the UK. That you would have to ask your otologist. A tympanoplasty is the procedure to repair perforation of the eardrum Some perforations will heal on their own Others,depending on the cause of the perforation,could be an office procedure or a more extensive hospital procedure. I've never used the term reinforcement tympanoplasty so Hope this helps I'm not sure what type of a procedure that would be. Hope this helps. .

blocked ear

This sounds like a perforated eardrum. Do not get water in your ear as that could lead to an ear infection. Try not to blow air through your ears and let the perforation heal, READ MORE
This sounds like a perforated eardrum. Do not get water in your ear as that could lead to an ear infection. Try not to blow air through your ears and let the perforation heal, I would expect your hearing to return to normal in a short time.

Lump

An ultrasound cannot make the diagnosis of a cancer but it can be of benefit in making the diagnosis, A lump under the chin could be a lymph node but I would also consider a salivary READ MORE
An ultrasound cannot make the diagnosis of a cancer but it can be of benefit in making the diagnosis, A lump under the chin could be a lymph node but I would also consider a salivary gland mass,The most common CBC related cancer would probably be a lymphoma but a CBC is also essential in making many diagnosis. I would suggest a biopsy of the lesion.

Daily nasal congestion

First I would think of some type of allergy. An antihistamine should help. Next I would think about an infection or possibly a foreign body. Nasal irrigation should help that resolve. READ MORE
First I would think of some type of allergy. An antihistamine should help. Next I would think about an infection or possibly a foreign body. Nasal irrigation should help that resolve. Regular use of a nasal spray may help but do not use Afrin spray as that would make the problem worse.

What anesthesia is used for sinus cyst surgery?

That is a bit of a loaded question. Is it a cyst or is it a polyp and then what sinus is involved. Most sinus surgery is done under a general anesthetic but given the right circumstance READ MORE
That is a bit of a loaded question. Is it a cyst or is it a polyp and then what sinus is involved. Most sinus surgery is done under a general anesthetic but given the right circumstance a local may be suggested. So talk to the doctor and see what he suggests

Mouth sores

This sounds like thrush and is treated with Nystatin. Nystatin can be used as a mouthwash four to five times a day or may also be taken orally. Oral hygiene is important and her READ MORE
This sounds like thrush and is treated with Nystatin. Nystatin can be used as a mouthwash four to five times a day or may also be taken orally. Oral hygiene is important and her diabetes needs to be taken care

Pressure in head and neck

We usually try to find a single cause to a complaint. Here I would look at a strep throat that has caused a sinus infection. An antihistamine may be helpful.

Possible Mouth Cancer?

This is most likely an aphthous ulcer. It is a viral lesion and usually runs a five to ten day course. They can be very uncomfortable and tend to come in waves, one right after READ MORE
This is most likely an aphthous ulcer. It is a viral lesion and usually runs a five to ten day course. They can be very uncomfortable and tend to come in waves, one right after another. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is often helpful, good oral hygiene is also helpful.

Ear infection

What you describe sounds like an external ear infection, this is swelling of the ear canal. Cortisporin otic would be the treatment of choice, but if the ear canal is swollen shut READ MORE
What you describe sounds like an external ear infection, this is swelling of the ear canal. Cortisporin otic would be the treatment of choice, but if the ear canal is swollen shut a wick would be to be placed

Why have my ears been popping for months?

There is a tube that connects the back of your throat with the inner part of the ear,this is called the eustachian tube. Normally air passes up and down this tube unnoticed. However READ MORE
There is a tube that connects the back of your throat with the inner part of the ear,this is called the eustachian tube. Normally air passes up and down this tube unnoticed. However if there is swelling in the tube one can get bubbles of air that can be the cause of the popping. Allergies are the most likely cause of prolonged popping. Inflammation may be another cause. An antihistamine may help resolve the problem. allegra or zyrtec Without looking in your ear I doubt wax is a contributing factor

What causes excessive wax buildup?

Some people have a lot of wax otters don't. It does not mean anything and may not always be a problem, its something you can't control.

Is tinnitus curable?

It depends on the cause, an ear canal obstructed with wax,for example, could be a cause for tinnitus. This might resolve the problem. More often the cause of the tinnitus is from READ MORE
It depends on the cause, an ear canal obstructed with wax,for example, could be a cause for tinnitus. This might resolve the problem. More often the cause of the tinnitus is from a high frequency hearing loss and is most likely a permanent problem. Most over the counter drugs for tinnitus are of little value, maskers are helpful for some people but difficult to find. Hearing aids are helpful if there is a high frequency loss. Stress can be a factor for some people.

My ears are horrible and making life miserable. What should I do

Possibly this is an external ear canal infection and oral antibiotics are not helpful. an external ear drop like cortisporin otic may be helpful. Keep the ear canal dry as water READ MORE
Possibly this is an external ear canal infection and oral antibiotics are not helpful. an external ear drop like cortisporin otic may be helpful. Keep the ear canal dry as water will feed the infection. another possibility this could be canal eczema and you may benefit from steroid creme usage.

What are the dangers of your ears going numb from the cold?

This sounds like early frost bite, Be very careful with cold exposure.