EXPERT
Dr. Don Paul Setliff, M.D.
Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
Dr. Don Setliff is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, practicing in El Centro, CA. Dr. Setliff specializes in diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat, as well other parts of the head and neck, including skin cancer. He accepts patients of all ages. He served residencies at the University of Arkansas and the University of California at San Diego.
54 years
Experience
Dr. Don Paul Setliff, M.D.
- El Centro, CA
- University of Arkansas
- Accepting new patients
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Netty pot and filtered refrigerator water?
There is no evidence whatever that the current fad of nasal irrigation effectively prevents or treats anything. And yes, there have been several deaths reported from amoebic meningitis READ MORE
There is no evidence whatever that the current fad of nasal irrigation effectively prevents or treats anything. And yes, there have been several deaths reported from amoebic meningitis in people who irrigate their noses with tap water, which is not sterile. If you must use irrigation, use sterile saline or boil tap water for 15 minutes. The nose has a self-cleaning mechanism that is far more efficient than anything humans have devised.
Throat and tongue?
You should see an ENT doctor, and soon. You may need a biopsy to get a diagnosis.
My ear is leaking blood badly?
Sorry, I should’ve specified that your appointment should be with an otolaryngologist, or ENT specialist.
Swollen lymph nodes?
The rule of thumb is that nodes less than 2 cm are not of concern, especially if they have been that size for as long as you say. Cervical adenopathy is extremely common in people READ MORE
The rule of thumb is that nodes less than 2 cm are not of concern, especially if they have been that size for as long as you say. Cervical adenopathy is extremely common in people of your age. It is the result of encounters with mostly viral organisms. It is part of how your body fights infection. If you have no other symptoms, you should not lose sleep over this, and no medical investigation is indicated.
Nose injury?
If your ability to breathe through your nose and its appearance have not changed, it's unlikely there's anything wrong, but it would probably be worth your peace of mind to consult READ MORE
If your ability to breathe through your nose and its appearance have not changed, it's unlikely there's anything wrong, but it would probably be worth your peace of mind to consult with an ENT doc. Any chance of a foreign body in your nose? You didn't specify how the injury happened.
Ruptured eardrum?
Of course it's possible. Almost anything is possible, but what makes you think it's ruptured again? Most traumatic eardrum perforations, especially in people your age, heal when READ MORE
Of course it's possible. Almost anything is possible, but what makes you think it's ruptured again? Most traumatic eardrum perforations, especially in people your age, heal when left alone. The typical time it takes is from a few days to a few weeks. If you had an eardrum perforation in an ear that's given you trouble your whole life, that's a totally different set of circumstances, and often repair of eardrums such as that will routinely fail the next time the patient gets a viral upper respiratory infection (a cold or flu). If repaired again, they will fail again due to poor to non-existent eustachian tube function. If you want to know whether you currently have a perforation, see an ENT physician. Be aware that economic incentives can
encourage repeat surgeries that may be destined to fail.
encourage repeat surgeries that may be destined to fail.
Ear pain and throat pain?
There are many possible diagnoses that could explain your symptoms. You need to see an ENT physician, in person, face-to-face, for a thorough history and physical exam.
Is my eardrum ruptured?
Perhaps I should explain more. What you received is known as shotgun therapy. The prescriptions you are taking cover all of the possible causes of your symptoms: bacterial otitis READ MORE
Perhaps I should explain more. What you received is known as shotgun therapy. The prescriptions you are taking cover all of the possible causes of your symptoms: bacterial otitis external, fungal otitis externa, and bacterial otitis media. What that tells you is that the prescriber did not know what was wrong! This is because he has no binocular microscope, no
ability to instrument the ear, and minimal training in the diagnosis of ear disease. The problem with shotgun therapy is that the therapies themselves can cause new problems due to side effects, not to mention the expense of buying the unnecessary medicines. See an ENT when you have an ear problem if you want exact answers and appropriate treatment.
ability to instrument the ear, and minimal training in the diagnosis of ear disease. The problem with shotgun therapy is that the therapies themselves can cause new problems due to side effects, not to mention the expense of buying the unnecessary medicines. See an ENT when you have an ear problem if you want exact answers and appropriate treatment.
Swollen ear lobe?
You most likely have an epidermal inclusion cyst, an ingrowth of skin that sheds into itself and slowly enlarges until it either ruptures or becomes infected. The best treatment READ MORE
You most likely have an epidermal inclusion cyst, an ingrowth of skin that sheds into itself and slowly enlarges until it either ruptures or becomes infected. The best treatment is removal by an ENT doctor or a dermatologist. You may need antibiotics first.
I used a neti pot with hot water. Will this cause a reaction in my nose?
I know of no evidence that supports Neti pot use. There have been several reported deaths from their use as a result of amoebic meningitis. If you must do it, use bottled sterile READ MORE
I know of no evidence that supports Neti pot use. There have been several reported deaths from their use as a result of amoebic meningitis. If you must do it, use bottled sterile saline or boil the solution you’re using for 15 minutes and let it cool. Again, no evidence.
Why was I prescribed an antibiotic for an ear infection? Don't I need drops?
If the infection is in the ear canal, you are correct in that oral antibiotics are unnecessary. Ear drops deliver far more antibiotic to the infected site. Stop using Q-tips READ MORE
If the infection is in the ear canal, you are correct in that oral antibiotics are unnecessary. Ear drops deliver far more antibiotic to the infected site. Stop using Q-tips and leave your ears alone If you want less infections.
Are nasal sprays safe for those who smoke?
You smoke and you’re worried about nose spray?? Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable disease and death! But no, there’s no relationship between nasal sprays and READ MORE
You smoke and you’re worried about nose spray?? Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable disease and death! But no, there’s no relationship between nasal sprays and smoking. If you value living, stop smoking.
What could be the reason behind my equilibrium problem?
Vertigo is not a disease. It’s a symptom that can have any number of causes. You should consult an ENT physician.
Are there any home remedies to manage swallowing pain?
Throat pain can be serious, especially when it lasts very long, and if you’re a smoker and/or drinker. See an ENT.
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
It could be Strep. You can get a simple test to find out. See your pediatrician. Untreated strep throat can lead to heart or kidney disease.
I had a balloon sinuplasty and symptoms are coming back. Do I need it again?
Depends on what your symptoms are. That procedure is highly reimbursed and sometimes done for economic reasons. Get at least two opinions from independent ENT’s. The science READ MORE
Depends on what your symptoms are. That procedure is highly reimbursed and sometimes done for economic reasons. Get at least two opinions from independent ENT’s. The science behind ballooning is tenuous at best.
Shortness of breath
A difficult question to answer without knowing your age, whether you smoke, whether you have known disease(s), etc. See your PCP or a pulmonologist.
My son is 4 years old and is suffering from throat irritation. Could it be a strep throat?
Get a simple Strep test from your pediatrician.
Am I at a risk of throat cancer if I quit a smoking habit of 3 years?
Respiratory cancer from smoking cigarettes is dose-related. You have to smoke at least one pack per day for at least about 20 years to be at risk. You need not worry if you only READ MORE
Respiratory cancer from smoking cigarettes is dose-related. You have to smoke at least one pack per day for at least about 20 years to be at risk. You need not worry if you only smoked 3 years. But quitting was one of the best decisions you’ll ever make health wise.
What is the process to confirm a cancerous lesion?
Biopsy if suspicious for cancer on exam. 99 per cent of skin lesions are benign. A visual exam rules out cancer most of the time. Heavily dependent on what type doctor you’re READ MORE
Biopsy if suspicious for cancer on exam. 99 per cent of skin lesions are benign. A visual exam rules out cancer most of the time. Heavily dependent on what type doctor you’re seeing.
