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Throat, Airway, Swallowing & Voice

Meet UF Health Jacksonville laryngologist, Abdullah Alanazi, MD. Dr. Alanazi is an ear, nose and throat specialist, with advanced training in the subspecialty of laryngology, which focuses on caring for patients with voice, swallowing and airway disorders through advanced surgical techniques. UF Health Surgery – Jacksonville is backed by University of Florida faculty surgeons, physician extenders, resident physicians, and a staff of specialists who combine the brilliance of academic excellence with the advanced clinical skills you would expect from some of the finest physicians in the country.

Otolaryngologists at UF Health specializing in throat conditions offer a comprehensive range of services to evaluate and treat airway, swallowing and voice disorders.

Airway disorders

Airway disorders encompass a range of conditions that impede the normal breathing process. These disorders can affect any segment along the respiratory tract, from the nose down to the lungs.

Our throat specialists, also called laryngologists, have specialized training in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the larynx or trachea. These disorders are often associated with a history of airway trauma, prolonged intubation, inflammation of the blood vessels and certain autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of airway disorders may include shortness of breath, throat tightness, noisy breathing, persistent cough or an inability to engage in physical exertion. See your physician or consult with one of our specialists who will diagnosis your condition and provide a treatment plan to help you breathe easier.

Swallowing disorders

Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, are characterized by difficulties in efficiently moving the food or liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Symptoms of swallowing disorders include sensation of food being lodged in the throat, inability to swallow and painful swallowing.

Patients may also experience regurgitation, unexplained weight loss, frequent heartburn, coughing while eating or a prolonged duration of meal consumption. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms , it is important to seek evaluation and diagnosis to determine the underlying cause and find relief with appropriate management strategies.

Voice disorders

Voice changes commonly arise due to vocal cord issues. The vocal cords, situated within the voice box (larynx) in the throat, may become inflamed, infected or develop growths.

If your voice quality changes, or you are having difficulties speaking or projecting your voice, your symptoms may be caused by a voice disorder. Our specialists will assess your condition to determine the underlying causes and develop an individualized treatment plan to provide you with the best possible outcome.

Voice Health Center: Your path to healthy vocalization

The Voice Health Center at UF Health Jacksonville includes fellowship-trained laryngologists and experienced speech-language pathologists dedicated to your vocal health. Whether you're performing, teaching or leading, your voice is essential — and we're here to help you protect it.

Voice Health Center at UF Health Jacksonville

Conditions we treat

  • Chronic cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Dysphagia (swallowing disorders)
  • Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease
  • Laryngitis
  • Neurologic swallowing disorder (Parkinsonism or multiple sclerosis)
  • Professional voice care
  • Throat cancer
  • Tracheostomy tube care/dependency
  • Vocal cord dysfunction
  • Vocal cord nodules
  • Vocal cord paralysis
  • Vocal polyps
  • Vocal cord scarring