ENT Specialist
An ENT (otolaryngologist) diagnoses and treats conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. Throat problems are part of general ENT practice, alongside ear and nasal disease.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik : Throat Specialist in Lahore
MBBS, MCPS, FCPS
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik is an FCPS-qualified ENT surgeon and throat specialist in Lahore. See his academic profile and credentials. His clinical practice covers persistent sore throat, chronic tonsillitis, hoarseness and voice disorders, swallowing difficulty, and neck lumps that may need head and neck assessment. He also treats conditions affecting the larynx and vocal cords, and consults at ENT 360 Care Clinic, Valencia Town, and at Omer Hospital in Johar Town and on Jail Road. Related ear specialist and nose specialist care is available in the same practice.
Leading ENT Specialist
Allama Iqbal Medical College
MBBS
MCPS
FCPS
20+ Years
- 20+Years Experience
- 3Lahore Clinics
- FCPSENT Surgeon
Table of Contents
- 1. Quick Answers
- 2. Throat Specialist, ENT, Laryngologist
- 3. Meet Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik
- 4. How Does a Throat Specialist Diagnose Throat Problems?
- 5. What Conditions Does a Throat Specialist Treat?
- 6. Throat Procedures
- 7. When to See a Throat Specialist vs a GP
- 8. When Is a Recurring Sore Throat Serious?
- 9. Why Does Your Throat Keep Getting Infected?
- 10. Signs That Should Not Be Ignored
- 11. What to Expect at Your First Consultation
- 12. Throat Care for Children
- 13. Book a Throat Specialist Consultation
- 14. Throat Care Videos
- 15. Video Transcripts
- 16. Frequently Asked Questions
Start Here
Quick Answers
What doctor treats throat problems?
A throat specialist is an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the throat, voice box, tonsils, vocal cords, and related structures. The same surgeon may also assess nose and sinus disease when symptoms overlap.
What type of specialist looks at the throat?
An ENT specialist evaluates throat problems including persistent sore throat, hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, recurrent infections, neck lumps, and voice changes. Examination may include flexible laryngoscopy when clinically indicated.
Can an ENT doctor examine the throat?
Yes. An ENT specialist examines the mouth, throat, tonsils, tongue, neck, and voice box. A flexible laryngoscope may be used when a closer examination of the vocal cords or deeper throat structures is clinically indicated.
Clear Definitions
Throat Specialist, ENT, Laryngologist: What Is the Actual Difference?
Patients searching for a throat doctor in Lahore often see these titles used interchangeably. The practical difference is clinical focus.
Throat Specialist
A throat specialist is an ENT surgeon whose clinical work emphasises tonsils, adenoids, voice, swallowing, and airway-related throat conditions — including when tonsillectomy or laryngoscopy is needed.
Laryngologist
Laryngology is the ENT subspecialty focused on the larynx (voice box), vocal cords, and related voice and airway disorders. In everyday patient language, “throat specialist” often covers this same territory.
Laryngology & Throat Care
Meet Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik — Throat Doctor in Lahore
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik is an FCPS-qualified ENT surgeon and throat specialist in Lahore, and Professor of Otolaryngology at Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC) and Jinnah Hospital — read his biography and FCPS credentials. His throat practice covers recurrent tonsillitis, adenoid enlargement, hoarseness and voice change, difficulty swallowing, and sleep-disordered breathing related to tonsils or adenoids. Persistent neck masses are assessed in the context of head and neck surgery in Lahore. He is registered with the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC).
Assessment may include clinical throat examination and flexible laryngoscopy when the voice box needs direct visualisation. Surgical options such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are discussed only when clinically indicated after history, examination, and any required investigations.
Throat specialist consultations are available at ENT 360 Care Clinic in Valencia Town, and at Omer Hospital in Johar Town and on Jail Road, Lahore.
FCPS (ENT Surgery)
Postgraduate specialist qualification in ENT Surgery awarded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP)
20+ Years of ENT Surgical Experience
Surgical practice including tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and assessment of voice and airway-related throat disease
Professor & HOD, ENT Surgery
Leads a tertiary ENT department at AIMC and Jinnah Hospital with postgraduate teaching and complex case management
PMC Registered
Registered with the Pakistan Medical Commission for specialist ENT practice in Pakistan
Voice & Airway Assessment
Flexible laryngoscopy available when hoarseness or voice change needs visualisation of the vocal cords
Adult & Paediatric Throat Care
Assessment of tonsils, adenoids, and related breathing or infection problems in children and adults
Why Patients Choose This Clinic
Why Consider Prof. Dr. Irshad Malik for Throat Care in Lahore
Specialist qualification and teaching role
FCPS ENT training, Professor-level hospital practice, and day-to-day experience with both routine and complex throat presentations.
Clear diagnosis before any surgery
Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy is considered only after clinical criteria, examination findings, and discussion of alternatives and risks.
Voice box visualisation when needed
Persistent hoarseness is not treated with guesswork — laryngoscopy is used when the vocal cords need to be seen clearly.
Three clinic locations across Lahore
Valencia Town, Johar Town, and Jail Road consulting hours make specialist throat assessment accessible across the city.
Assessment
How Does a Throat Specialist Diagnose Throat Problems?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed symptom history, followed by a full ENT examination. Flexible laryngoscopy is used when the voice box or vocal cords need direct assessment. Further investigations are arranged only when clinically indicated.
Step 1: Symptom History
The consultation opens with focused questions covering when symptoms started, how often they occur, whether swallowing is painful, whether there have been voice changes, whether antibiotics have helped, whether you smoke, and whether reflux or allergies are part of the picture. These answers help narrow the likely causes before the examination begins.
Step 2: ENT Examination
The specialist examines the mouth, throat, tonsils, tongue, neck, nose, and ears. Because the ears, nose, and throat form one connected system, problems in one area can produce symptoms felt in another. This wider examination picks up conditions such as postnasal drip, nasal obstruction, or enlarged lymph nodes that a throat examination alone might not identify.
Step 3: Flexible Laryngoscopy When Indicated
When symptoms suggest the voice box or vocal cords need direct assessment, a thin flexible camera passes gently through the nose to view the larynx, vocal cords, and lower throat. The procedure is performed in the outpatient clinic. It may be used for:
- Hoarseness persisting for around 4 weeks, or sooner when concerning features are present
- Persistent or unexplained difficulty swallowing
- A chronic sensation of something in the throat (globus pharyngeus)
- A persistent unexplained cough when throat or laryngeal causes are being considered
Step 4: Further Investigations When Needed
Not every patient requires further tests. When the clinical picture indicates it, investigations may include a throat swab, blood tests, neck ultrasound, CT or MRI scan, biopsy, or a formal swallowing assessment. The choice is guided by what the history and examination findings suggest.
Common Throat Symptoms and Possible Causes
| Symptom | Common possible causes |
|---|---|
| Sore throat | Viral infection, bacterial infection, LPR, allergic rhinitis, postnasal drip |
| Hoarseness | Laryngitis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, LPR, vocal cord paralysis, laryngeal conditions |
| Difficulty swallowing | Tonsillar disease, LPR, pharyngeal pouch, neurological causes |
| Neck lump | Enlarged lymph node, thyroid disease, salivary gland swelling, congenital cyst, head and neck conditions |
This list covers common possibilities and is not exhaustive. A clinical assessment is needed to identify the cause in each case.
A throat specialist evaluates symptoms, examines the relevant structures, and arranges appropriate investigations when needed. The goal is to understand the cause of the symptoms before deciding on treatment.
References
- American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Clinical guidance on laryngoscopy and evaluation of throat and laryngeal disorders, including the AAO-HNS Clinical Practice Guideline: Hoarseness (Dysphonia) (Update). entnet.org — Hoarseness (Dysphonia) guideline
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NICE guideline NG12) — guidance on persistent upper aerodigestive symptoms that may warrant specialist assessment. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Clinical reviews on evaluation of sore throat and hoarseness in primary care. aafp.org — Common Questions About Streptococcal Pharyngitis · Hoarseness in Adults
Conditions Treated
What Conditions Does a Throat Specialist Treat?
A throat specialist evaluates and treats recurrent throat and tonsil infections, chronic tonsillitis, hoarseness, voice disorders, swallowing problems, persistent throat irritation, neck lumps, and conditions affecting the larynx and vocal cords.
Recurring Sore Throat
Repeated or persistent throat symptoms can have several causes, including tonsil inflammation, postnasal drainage, laryngopharyngeal reflux, or environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke. Identifying the underlying cause helps determine whether antibiotics are appropriate or whether a different treatment approach is needed.
Chronic Tonsillitis
Chronic tonsillitis involves ongoing or recurrent inflammation of the palatine tonsils. Patients typically experience sore throat, pain on swallowing, bad breath, white debris in the tonsil pits (tonsil stones), and fever during acute episodes. Some patients improve with medical treatment. Others may be assessed for surgical removal using established clinical criteria.
Hoarseness and Voice Changes
Hoarseness that persists for around 4 weeks, or sooner when accompanied by a neck lump, tobacco history, or other concerning features, should be assessed. The vocal cords are two tissue folds inside the larynx that vibrate to produce sound. When affected, voice quality changes. Common causes found on laryngoscopy include vocal cord nodules, polyps, chronic laryngitis from reflux, and vocal cord paralysis.
Swallowing Difficulty (Dysphagia)
Dysphagia is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Patients describe food sticking in the throat, pain on swallowing (odynophagia), choking during meals, or a persistent sensation of something in the throat between meals (globus pharyngeus). Progressive or unexplained dysphagia in an adult warrants timely medical assessment, particularly when accompanied by weight loss or a neck lump.
Reference: NICE guideline NG12 — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (see References below).
Persistent Throat Irritation
Persistent throat irritation can be associated with postnasal drainage, laryngopharyngeal reflux, mouth breathing, or environmental irritants. Identifying the contributing cause helps guide treatment rather than managing the throat symptom alone.
Voice Disorders
Teachers, singers, lecturers, and call-centre workers may be more prone to voice strain from sustained vocal use. Symptoms include a weak or cracking voice, rapid fatigue when speaking, or voice loss after short periods of use. Management may include voice care guidance, medication, speech therapy, or surgery in selected cases.
Neck Lumps
Many neck lumps result from infection and settle once it resolves. A persistent or unexplained neck lump, particularly one that is enlarging, painless, or associated with hoarseness or swallowing difficulty, should be assessed promptly. Related surgical assessment is covered on the head and neck surgery page.
Reference: NICE guideline NG12 — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (see References below).
Conditions Affecting the Larynx
The larynx controls speaking, swallowing, and airway protection. Conditions managed include vocal cord nodules, polyps, cysts, Reinke’s oedema (swelling of the vocal-cord tissue, often associated with smoking or chronic voice irritation), vocal cord paralysis, and chronic laryngitis.
Conditions That Can Feel Like a Throat Problem
Not every throat symptom originates in the throat. Allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and thyroid enlargement can all produce symptoms felt in the throat. An ENT examination assesses beyond the throat itself because these conditions can contribute to throat symptoms without the patient being aware of the connection.
A throat specialist evaluates the symptoms, considers possible causes, and recommends further examination or testing when needed before deciding on treatment.
References
- American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Clinical guidance resources on voice disorders and tonsillitis / tonsillectomy decision-making. entnet.org — tonsillectomy guidance · Hoarseness (Dysphonia) guideline (linked in Diagnostics References above).
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NICE guideline NG12). Updated April 2026. Full link in Diagnostics References above.
Procedures
Throat Procedures Offered by Prof. Dr. Irshad Malik in Lahore
Procedures are recommended only when clinical findings support them and non-surgical options have been considered.
Tonsillectomy
Surgical removal of the tonsils for recurrent infections or obstructive tonsillar enlargement. Risks, recovery, and alternatives are explained before any decision.
Adenoidectomy
Removal of enlarged adenoids that contribute to nasal obstruction, recurrent ear infections, or sleep-disordered breathing — most often in children.
Flexible Laryngoscopy
Office-based visualisation of the larynx and vocal cords. Usually brief and tolerated with topical anaesthetic when needed.
Vocal Cord Microsurgery
Selected vocal cord nodules or polyps may need microsurgical removal when voice symptoms persist after appropriate conservative care.
Patient Guide
When Should You See a Throat Specialist Instead of a General Physician?
A general physician is the right first step for most throat problems. ENT specialist assessment becomes appropriate when symptoms are persistent, recurrent, unexplained, affect the voice or swallowing, or are associated with a neck lump or other warning features.
| Throat Problem | Primary Care May Be Appropriate When | ENT Assessment May Be Appropriate When |
|---|---|---|
| Sore throat | Symptoms are short-lived and uncomplicated | Symptoms persist, keep recurring, are unusually severe, or have no clear cause |
| Recurrent tonsil infections | Initial assessment and treatment | Infections are frequent, severe, disruptive, or tonsil surgery is being considered |
| Hoarseness | Voice change is recent and improving | Hoarseness continues for around 4 weeks, worsens, or occurs with concerning features such as a neck lump or tobacco history (AAO-HNS Dysphonia Guideline) |
| Difficulty swallowing | Initial medical assessment | Symptoms are persistent, unexplained, involve the throat or upper swallowing pathway, or occur with weight loss or a neck lump (NICE NG12) |
| Neck lump | Initial medical assessment | Lump persists for 2 weeks or more without a clear cause, enlarges, or has no significant fluctuation (AAO-HNS Neck Mass Guideline) |
| Blood in saliva | Medical assessment | Bleeding is recurrent or unexplained and occurs with throat pain, voice change, swallowing difficulty, or a neck lump |
| Persistent throat pain | Initial assessment | Pain is persistent, one-sided, unexplained, or associated with referred ear pain |
| Suspected tonsil disease | Initial assessment and treatment | Tonsil-related symptoms are frequent, severe, or persistent despite appropriate treatment |
The appropriate level of care depends on the cause, severity, duration, age, medical history, and associated symptoms. The table above is general guidance and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
Clinical Guidance
When Is a Recurring Sore Throat Serious?
Occasional sore throats are common, particularly with viral infections. Recurrent episodes, symptoms that do not fully resolve, or throat symptoms accompanied by swallowing difficulty, voice changes, or a neck lump may warrant medical assessment to identify an underlying cause.
Common underlying causes include:
Chronic tonsillitis
Ongoing or recurrent inflammation of the tonsils can contribute to persistent throat symptoms including pain on swallowing, bad breath, and frequent infections.
Allergic rhinitis
Nasal inflammation and postnasal drainage can cause ongoing throat irritation, a persistent need to clear the throat, and mild soreness even without infection.
Chronic nasal or sinus disease
Persistent nasal and sinus inflammation increases mucus production that drains into the throat and contributes to chronic irritation.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
Refluxed stomach contents can reach the throat and voice box, irritating without typical heartburn. A 2025 StatPearls review through the National Institutes of Health confirms that most patients with LPR have no heartburn at all.1
Mouth breathing from nasal obstruction
When the nose is persistently blocked, breathing through the mouth can dry and irritate the throat, making symptoms worse.
Persistent one-sided throat pain, particularly when associated with tobacco exposure, referred ear pain, swallowing difficulty, a neck lump, or voice changes, should be medically assessed without unnecessary delay.
A single uncomplicated sore throat may improve with supportive care. When symptoms keep returning or fail to resolve between episodes, medical assessment can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether antibiotics or a different treatment is appropriate.23
References
- Brown J, Shermetaro C. “Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.” In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519548
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Adult Outpatient Treatment Recommendations — Pharyngitis.” CDC Antibiotic Prescribing and Use. cdc.gov/antibiotic-use — adult outpatient pharyngitis guidance
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Sore throat (acute): antimicrobial prescribing (NICE guideline NG84). Published 26 January 2018. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng84
What Is Sore Throat & What Causes It? — Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik
Underlying Causes
Why Does Your Throat Keep Getting Infected?
Recurring throat symptoms are not always caused by bacteria. Several different conditions can drive repeated or persistent throat problems. An ENT assessment can help identify which factors are contributing and guide appropriate treatment.
Viruses Cause Most Sore Throats
Viruses cause most sore throats. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and do not help when a virus is responsible. Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects and contributes to antimicrobial resistance, which the WHO identifies as a major global health concern.124
References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pharyngitis and antibiotic prescribing guidance. · National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Sore throat (acute): antimicrobial prescribing (NG84).
Chronic Tonsillitis
Recurrent tonsil inflammation can contribute to ongoing throat symptoms including sore throat, pain on swallowing, bad breath, fever, and visibly enlarged or pitted tonsils. Some patients improve with medical treatment. Others may be assessed for surgical removal using established clinical criteria.
Allergic Rhinitis and Postnasal Drainage
Allergic rhinitis can cause postnasal drainage and ongoing throat irritation without being a throat infection itself. Patients notice persistent throat clearing, mild soreness, and mucus that does not shift. Managing the underlying nasal allergy — see nose specialist care in Lahore — may help reduce associated throat symptoms.
Chronic Nasal or Sinus Disease
Persistent nasal or sinus inflammation can contribute to postnasal drainage and throat irritation. The source of recurrent throat symptoms may therefore need to be assessed beyond the throat itself, including sinusitis assessment when indicated.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs when stomach contents reflux upward and irritate the throat or larynx. Some people with LPR do not experience typical heartburn. Symptoms may include persistent throat clearing, morning hoarseness, a dry cough that does not respond to standard treatment, or a lump-like sensation in the throat. These symptoms can have several causes and do not by themselves confirm LPR.3
Reference: Brown J, Shermetaro C. “Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.” StatPearls (2025) — linked in References below.
Other Factors That Can Irritate the Throat
Smoking and second-hand smoke can irritate the throat lining and affect recovery from throat inflammation. Mouth breathing, dry air, and heavy or prolonged voice use can also contribute to throat dryness and irritation.
When throat symptoms keep recurring, the cause may be infection, tonsil disease, nasal or sinus problems, reflux, environmental irritation, or another condition. Appropriate assessment helps determine which factors are contributing and whether antibiotics or a different treatment approach is indicated.
Throat Infection Types & Voice Changes — Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Adult Outpatient Treatment Recommendations — Pharyngitis.” Linked in the Recurring Sore Throat References above.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Sore throat (acute): antimicrobial prescribing (NG84). Linked in the Recurring Sore Throat References above.
- Brown J, Shermetaro C. “Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.” In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025. Full link in the Recurring Sore Throat References above.
- World Health Organization (WHO). “Antimicrobial resistance.” WHO Fact Sheets. who.int — antimicrobial resistance
- American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Clinical resources on throat and laryngeal disorders — see entnet.org links in Diagnostics and Conditions References.
Warning Features
Signs That Should Not Be Ignored
Some throat symptoms are common and temporary. The symptoms below may need medical or ENT assessment when they are persistent, unexplained, or associated with other warning features.
Symptoms That Should Prompt Medical or ENT Assessment
- Hoarseness lasting around 4 weeks Hoarseness persisting for around 4 weeks, or sooner when accompanied by a neck lump, tobacco history, or other concerning symptoms. The AAO-HNS Clinical Practice Guideline on Dysphonia recommends laryngeal assessment when hoarseness does not resolve within this timeframe.1
- Persistent or unexplained difficulty swallowing Persistent or unexplained difficulty swallowing food or liquids, particularly when progressive, associated with weight loss, or occurring alongside a neck lump. NICE NG12 identifies unexplained dysphagia as a feature warranting specialist assessment.2
- Persistent or unexplained neck lump A persistent or unexplained neck lump, particularly one that is enlarging, painless, or not clearly associated with a short-term infection. NICE NG12 includes persistent unexplained neck lumps as a feature that may indicate the need for specialist review.2
- One-sided throat pain Persistent or unexplained one-sided throat pain, particularly when accompanied by referred ear pain, swallowing difficulty, voice changes, or a neck lump.
- Persistent ear pain with a normal-looking ear Persistent ear pain when the ear itself appears normal. The throat, tonsils, and tongue base share nerve pathways with the ear, so throat conditions can cause ear pain even without ear disease. This is called referred otalgia and warrants ENT assessment when persistent.
- Blood in saliva Unexplained or recurrent blood in saliva, particularly when associated with throat pain, voice changes, swallowing difficulty, or a persistent neck lump.
- Unexplained weight loss Unexplained weight loss occurring alongside persistent throat or swallowing symptoms.
Seek Urgent or Emergency Medical Care
Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or stridor requires urgent medical assessment. Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing requires emergency care and should not wait for a routine ENT appointment.
These symptoms can have many causes and do not indicate a specific diagnosis by themselves. A clinical assessment is needed to determine the cause and appropriate next steps.
Throat Cancer Signs & Symptoms — Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik
References
- Stachler RJ, Francis DO, Schwartz SR, et al. “Clinical Practice Guideline: Hoarseness (Dysphonia) (Update).” Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2018;158(1_suppl):S1–S42. Guideline link in Diagnostics References above.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NICE guideline NG12). Full link in Diagnostics References above.
Your Visit
What to Expect at Your First Throat Specialist Consultation in Lahore
A first visit to a throat specialist at ENT 360 Care Clinic or Omer Hospital in Lahore follows a clear, structured pathway. The consultation covers symptom history, clinical examination, and, when appropriate, flexible laryngoscopy. Treatment options are only discussed after the assessment is complete.
Step 1: Symptom and Medical History
The consultation begins with a focused review of your throat symptoms. The specialist will ask about the duration, frequency, and pattern of symptoms, previous throat infections and any treatment you have had, voice changes or swallowing difficulty, any history of reflux, nasal allergy, or postnasal drip, and whether you smoke or have a history of tobacco use. Bringing previous prescriptions, scans, or letters from your GP or other treating doctors is helpful.
Step 2: ENT Examination
The throat, tonsils, tongue, neck, nose, and ears are examined. The examination extends beyond the throat because conditions in the nose and sinuses, and even referred symptoms from other structures, can produce symptoms felt in the throat. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are assessed as part of the examination.
Step 3: Flexible Laryngoscopy When Clinically Indicated
When your symptoms suggest the voice box or vocal cords need direct assessment, a thin flexible camera is passed gently through the nose to view the larynx, vocal cords, and lower throat. It is performed in the outpatient clinic. Most patients find it tolerable. It may be arranged during the first visit or at a follow-up appointment depending on the clinical picture.
Step 4: Discussion of Findings and Next Steps
After the examination and any in-clinic tests, the findings are explained. Where a clear diagnosis can be made, treatment options are discussed and a management plan is agreed. If further investigation is needed before a diagnosis can be confirmed, the next steps are explained before any treatment is recommended.
What to Bring
- Previous prescriptions, blood tests, or imaging related to your throat symptoms
- Letters or reports from a GP or other specialist
- A list of current medications
Consultations are held at ENT 360 Care Clinic in Valencia Town, Omer Hospital in Johar Town, and Omer Hospital on Jail Road, Lahore.
Children
Throat Specialist for Children in Lahore
Children commonly present with enlarged tonsils or adenoids, recurrent throat infections, mouth breathing, snoring, and related ear infections. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik assesses paediatric throat conditions and discusses tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy only when clinical criteria and examination findings support surgery.
Book Now
Book a Throat Specialist Consultation in Lahore
Patients with a persistent sore throat, recurring tonsil infections, hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, a neck lump, or voice changes can book a consultation at ENT 360 Care Clinic in Valencia Town or at Omer Hospital in Johar Town or on Jail Road.
Watch & Learn
Throat Care Videos by Dr. Irshad Malik
Gala Beth Jana / Awaz Beth Jana — What To Do | Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik
FAQ
Throat Specialist in Lahore — Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a throat specialist and what do they treat?
A throat specialist is an ENT surgeon whose practice focuses on tonsils, adenoids, voice, swallowing, and related airway problems. They diagnose recurrent tonsillitis, hoarseness, sleep-disordered breathing linked to tonsils or adenoids, and perform procedures such as tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and laryngoscopy.
When should I see a throat specialist for a sore throat?
See a specialist when infections keep returning (for example more than three to four times a year), symptoms last longer than expected, or there is associated hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, or sleep-disordered breathing. Short mild infections can often start with a GP.
Is a hoarse voice for three weeks serious?
Hoarseness lasting more than three weeks should be assessed by an ENT throat specialist. Flexible laryngoscopy allows the vocal cords to be examined directly so the cause can be identified and treated appropriately.
When is tonsillectomy recommended?
Tonsillectomy may be considered for recurrent tonsillitis meeting clinical frequency criteria, or when enlarged tonsils contribute to significant sleep-disordered breathing. The decision follows examination and a clear discussion of benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Can an ENT check the voice box?
Yes. Flexible laryngoscopy is a routine ENT procedure that visualises the larynx and vocal cords. It usually takes less than a minute and is uncomfortable rather than painful for most patients.
Galay ki kharash ya awaz baithi rehne ka ilaj kya hai?
Pehle wajah maloom karni zaroori hai — infection, tonsils, reflux, ya vocal cords ki masla. Teen hafton se zyada baithi awaz par ENT specialist laryngoscopy se vocal cords dekhte hain. Ilaj diagnosis ke baad tay hota hai.
Does Prof. Dr. Irshad Malik see children for tonsils and adenoids?
Yes. Paediatric tonsillitis, enlarged adenoids, mouth breathing, snoring, and related ear infections are assessed at ENT 360 Care Clinic. Parents can book directly without a referral letter.
What happens at a throat specialist consultation?
The visit includes a history of your symptoms and previous treatment, a clinical throat examination, and laryngoscopy when indicated. A clear explanation of findings and next steps is given before any procedure is planned.
Accessibility
Transcripts for throat specialist videos
Written transcripts of the educational content in the videos on this page. Open a transcript if you prefer reading or need a text alternative.
Transcript: What Is Sore Throat and What Causes It?
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik explains sore throat (galay main dard) — what it is and what commonly causes it.
Most sore throats are viral; bacterial tonsillitis, reflux irritation, allergy, dryness, and voice overuse also contribute. Associated fever, swollen tonsils with exudate, or difficulty swallowing change the urgency of care.
He advises against indiscriminate antibiotic use and recommends examination when pain is severe, prolonged, one-sided, or linked with breathing or swallowing difficulty. ENT assessment in Lahore helps identify tonsil disease, abscess risk, or other causes needing targeted treatment.
Transcript: Types Of Throat Infection Which Cause Severe Voice Changes
Types of throat problems that cause severe voice change, and warning signs that may relate to vocal cord tumours — explained by an ENT specialist.
Infections and inflammation can make the voice hoarse temporarily; persistent hoarseness beyond two to three weeks needs laryngoscopy to view the vocal cords. Smoking, reflux, and voice strain are common contributors.
He discusses warning features: progressive hoarseness, breathing noise, coughing blood, neck lumps, and unexplained weight loss. Early examination allows distinction between benign nodules or polyps and more serious lesions requiring biopsy or oncology pathways.
Patients with lasting voice change in Lahore should not wait for spontaneous recovery without specialist review.
Transcript: Throat Cancer Signs and Symptoms | Galay Kay Cancer Ki Alamaat
Signs and symptoms that warrant prompt assessment for possible throat cancer (galay kay cancer ki alamaat), explained by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik.
Red-flag features include persistent hoarseness, progressive swallowing difficulty, a neck lump, unilateral ear pain with a normal ear, coughing blood, and non-healing throat ulcers — especially in tobacco or areca-nut users.
He emphasises that these symptoms have many benign causes, but delay in examining the throat and neck can postpone diagnosis when cancer is present. ENT examination, endoscopy, and imaging or biopsy when indicated form the evaluation pathway.
Seeking timely throat specialist care in Lahore is the practical message for patients and families.
Transcript: Gala Beth Jana / Awaz Beth Jana — What To Do
What to do when the voice becomes hoarse or lost (gala beth jana / awaz beth jana).
Short-lived hoarseness after a cold or heavy voice use often improves with rest, hydration, and avoiding irritants. Persistent or recurrent voice loss needs ENT evaluation with visualisation of the larynx.
Practical steps include voice rest (not whispering loudly), treating reflux when relevant, stopping smoking, and avoiding unverified throat remedies that may worsen irritation. Sudden voice loss with breathing difficulty is an emergency.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Irshad Malik advises structured assessment in Lahore when hoarseness lasts, worsens, or occurs with other throat or neck warning signs.