Dr. Sara Richer, MD, FACS
Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
2800 MAIN ST BRIDGEPORT CT, 06606About
Dr. Sara Richer is an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, practicing in Trumbull, CT. Dr. Richer 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.
Education and Training
Rush Medical College MD 2003
Board Certification
American Board of Otolaryngology
OtolaryngologyAmerican Board of OtolaryngologyABOto
Provider Details
Dr. Sara Richer, MD, FACS's Expert Contributions
I feel like something is stuck in my throat. What should I do?
Yes, the constant feeling of having something stuck in your throat is a reason to see an Otolaryngologist. It may be something as simple as acid reflux or post-nasal drip, but it could also be various other things such as a thyroid nodule pressing on your airway or a mass (either cancerous or not) in your neck. The otolaryngologist can pass a small camera through your nose to examine your throat and larynx as well as examine your neck at the time of the appointment. She or he can then give recommendations for treatment or any further testing that needs to take place. READ MORE
I just found red traces which seem like blood when coughing this morning. Is it serious?
When there is blood in your phlegm, it can be a sign of a serious problem, so I always recommend being evaluated by an otolaryngologist. Many times, it can be from dry, irritated mucosa, especially after a recent infection. However, it is always best to be evaluated to ensure there is not a more serious health concern, especially if there is a history of tobacco use. READ MORE
Why shouldn't I use cotton swabs?
Your ears will clean themselves. If you see wax or debris outside the ear canal, you can wipe it with a soft washcloth. You should not put anything in the ear canal, however, as this can damage the delicate skin in the ear canal, introduce infection, and actually push the cerumen (ear wax) in beyond where the ear can clean itself. So, you may actually cause a wax build up by putting the cotton swab in your ear! READ MORE
Why was I prescribed an antibiotic for an ear infection? Don't I need drops?
If you have a bacterial middle ear infection, you will need the antibiotics to help fight the infection. Ear drops are for an infection of the ear canal which is a different infection than one in the middle ear (where the tiny bones for hearing are). Some patients have tubes in the ear or a perforation (hole) in the ear drum and then ear drops can be effective in helping to cure a middle ear infection because the antibiotics in the drops reach the middle ear. For the majority of people with an intact ear drum, ear drops do not help a middle ear infection because they can not reach the middle ear! It's always best to clarify from your doctor if you have a middle ear or ear canal infection. READ MORE
Alzheimer's and loss of smell?
A decline in the sense of smell has been associated with early stage Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders, so it certainly may be connected in your father's case. He may also notice a decline in his ability to taste as the sense of smell and taste are closely related. There are other causes of a loss of smell including non-cancerous growths in the nose or injury to the olfactory nerve from trauma and illness which an Otolaryngologist can help you rule out by history taking and exam. READ MORE
Are these crackling sounds in my ear from TMJ?
TMJ is an inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. Like other joints in the body, you can experience a short term or a long term problem (including arthritis) with the joint. Popping of the jaw is common in patients who suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction. You should be evaluated by an experienced professional who can guide you on options to help relieve your symptoms. Some of these can include bite guards to avoid grinding your teeth at night, antiinflammatories, or a soft diet. A professional who is experienced in TMJ can study your anatomy and help guide you in the right direction. READ MORE
I had a balloon sinuplasty and symptoms are coming back. Do I need it again?
Sinusitis is a very complex disease and can be caused by a variety of factors. The inflammation in sinusitis can be caused by a combination of allergic inflammation, environmental factors, and your genetics as well as viruses, bacteria, and fungus. The anatomy of the sinuses can certainly play a role in increasing inflammation. Balloon sinuplasty works to help improve the anatomy by increasing the size of the sinus opening. It does not treat any of the other causes of inflammation. I would recommend another evaluation of your sinuses so you can try to determine the cause(s) of your inflammation to find the best course of treatment. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Awards
- Top Doctor, CT 2017 CT Magazine
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
Professional Memberships
- American Thyroid Association
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Get to know Otolaryngologist Dr. Sara Richer, who serves patients in Connecticut.
With over a decade of experience as a board-certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Richer specializes in head & neck masses, parathyroid surgery, salivary gland surgery, sinus disease, telangiectasia, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodule, and thyroid surgery. She is a member of Northeast Medical Group in Trumbull, Connecticut & Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, Bridgeport Campus – both of which are a part of Yale-New Haven Health.
Northeast Medical Group is committed to innovation and excellence in patient care, teaching, research, and service to its communities. Its vision and values are also aligned with Yale-New Haven Health.
Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, Bridgeport Campus features a 20-bed newborn intensive care unit and a 22-bed pediatric unit that specializes in the care of infants through adolescents and a pediatric sleep center. The emergency department provides specialized emergency care for ill or injured children.
The doctor’s acclaimed career in medicine began after she earned her medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois in 2003. She then went on to complete her internship and residency in otolaryngology at The McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, followed by her fellowship at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary – Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts.
A Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and member of the American Thyroid Association, Dr. Richer is board-certified in otolaryngology by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, which serves the public by ensuring that diplomates meet the standards of training, knowledge, and professionalism through initial and continuing certification.
Otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists, also known as ear, nose, and throat doctors, specialize in disorders of the head and neck, ranging from hearing loss to cancer.
Named a 2017 Top Doctor by Connecticut Magazine, Dr. Richer has extensive experience in treating HHT-related epistaxis with medical and surgical management. She has done research in HHT-related epistaxis, as well as published articles on Bevacizumab treatment and the Young’ procedure for patients with severe epistaxis.
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