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

What are the treatments for sleep apnea?

The treatment for sleep apnea is ;largely dependent on the severity of the problem. Something very mild may only need a bite guard or to elevate the head of the bed. The most severe READ MORE
The treatment for sleep apnea is ;largely dependent on the severity of the problem. Something very mild may only need a bite guard or to elevate the head of the bed. The most severe case may require surgery with an electrical stimulant.But most cases will benefit from a CPAP.The respirator helps keep the airway open and helps oxygenation. The first step is a sleep study that will let you know how severe the problem is and what type of treatment may be necessary.

What is the treatment for TMJ?

For a serious problem you would have to see a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. However if symptoms are caused by clenching at night or from stress then heat, massage or READ MORE
For a serious problem you would have to see a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. However if symptoms are caused by clenching at night or from stress then heat, massage or muscle relaxants may be helpful. It is the severity of the problem that will dictate the type of treatment that may be necessary

What could be the cause of a sore throat?

Most sore throats are viral in origin and should resolve with symptomatic treatment. Some sore throats are bacterial in origin, these tend to be of longer duration often with a READ MORE
Most sore throats are viral in origin and should resolve with symptomatic treatment. Some sore throats are bacterial in origin, these tend to be of longer duration often with a fever. These would require antibiotic treatment as well as symptomatic treatment

What are the treatment options for salivary gland stones?

. That depends on the size of the stone. If the stone is small it may pass without any treatment. Sometimes even a fairly large stone will pass on its own providing the stone is READ MORE
. That depends on the size of the stone. If the stone is small it may pass without any treatment. Sometimes even a fairly large stone will pass on its own providing the stone is in the duct If the stone is large and it is in the duct probing or opening the ducts surgically may be necessary. If the stone is in the gland and is symptomatic then one would consider surgically removing the gland

What could be causing hearing loss in one ear?

A unilateral hearing loss is most often caused by a problem within the ear canal most often wax but also a canal infection A noise induced hearing loss would be gradual and may READ MORE
A unilateral hearing loss is most often caused by a problem within the ear canal most often wax but also a canal infection A noise induced hearing loss would be gradual and may be associated with ringing. This would best be evaluated with an audiogram.

How can I fix breathing issues after a rhinoplasty?

I really don't have a simple answer for this problem. The first question I have is why did you have the procedure? If it was done as a cosmetic procedure some surgeons might give READ MORE
I really don't have a simple answer for this problem. The first question I have is why did you have the procedure? If it was done as a cosmetic procedure some surgeons might give up some function to get the cosmetic result. The best example would be narrowing of the nostrils. Some nasal sprays may give you some relief {flonase} but do not use afrin as this could make things worse. It would be worthwhile to discuss this problem with your surgeon.

What fixes allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is most often a seasonal problem caused by pollens or some other airborne irritant .Antihistamines and nasal sprays usually give symptomatic relief. However if READ MORE
Allergic rhinitis is most often a seasonal problem caused by pollens or some other airborne irritant .Antihistamines and nasal sprays usually give symptomatic relief. However if symptoms are more than seasonal you should consider allergy testing and possibly desensitization

Can tonsillectomy be done under local anesthesia?

I would say yes but it would have to be rather unusual to do it under local considering the safety of general anesthesia. I think it would be unusual for you to find an otolaryngologist READ MORE
I would say yes but it would have to be rather unusual to do it under local considering the safety of general anesthesia. I think it would be unusual for you to find an otolaryngologist who felt comfortable doing a local tonsil.

Can a sinus infection go away?

Most often they tend to resolve on their own but an antihistamine (allegra) can resolve the symptoms more quickly. If, however you have purulent drainage an antibiotic would be READ MORE
Most often they tend to resolve on their own but an antihistamine (allegra) can resolve the symptoms more quickly. If, however you have purulent drainage an antibiotic would be appropriate.

What medications help with sinus infections?

For a true sinus infection I would start with a Zpac, an antihistamine(allegra), and a course of steroids (prednisone)Steroids should be taken for 10 to 14 days and stay on the READ MORE
For a true sinus infection I would start with a Zpac, an antihistamine(allegra), and a course of steroids (prednisone)Steroids should be taken for 10 to 14 days and stay on the antihistamines for at least that long..

Can surgery fix sinus cysts?

The short answer is yes. A cyst within the sinus can grow (enlarge) over a period of time and lead to a pressure sensation in the face. So it is something you would want to resolve. READ MORE
The short answer is yes. A cyst within the sinus can grow (enlarge) over a period of time and lead to a pressure sensation in the face. So it is something you would want to resolve.

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.