Dr. Monika Knapik

Dr. Monika Knapik manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:

Common Nose and Sinus Conditions

• Acute Rhinosinusitis (Sinus Infection): Short-term inflammation or infection of the nasal passages and sinuses, often causing facial pain, congestion, and thick nasal discharge.
• Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) evaluation: A rare, controversial condition where patients experience symptoms of nasal obstruction and dryness despite having surgically widened nasal passages.
• Recurrent Epistaxis (Nosebleeds): Frequent or difficult-to-control bleeding from the nose, which can have various underlying causes.
• Nasal Polyps: Soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses, often linked to chronic inflammation from asthma, allergies, or infections.
• Fungal Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses caused by a fungal infection, which can range from non-invasive to invasive forms.

This list is not exhaustive and provides examples of common conditions. If you have specific concerns regarding your ear, nose, throat, or head/neck health, please consult with Dr. Monika Knapik or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• Comprehensive ENT Consultation & Examination: Thorough evaluation of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions, including detailed history taking, physical examination, and formulation of a treatment plan.
• Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
• Allergy Testing (Skin Prick or Blood Tests - Referral or In-house): Identification of specific allergens (pollens, dust mites, molds, foods) contributing to ENT symptoms, guiding targeted treatment strategies.
• Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
• Flexible & Rigid Laryngoscopy / Stroboscopy: Examination of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords using specialized endoscopic techniques to assess voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Stroboscopy provides slow-motion view of vocal cord vibration.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Knapik offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Specific services may vary based on individual patient needs and Dr. Knapik's areas of focus.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). A referral may be required.

Dr. Knapik's practice is primarily based at Cité de la Santé de Laval in the Chomedey North neighborhood of Laval. The location is conveniently accessible via future Gare Chomedey and Autoroute 15, with excellent connectivity through the Société de transport de Laval (STL). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are services from Dr. Knapik, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Knapik are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective or cosmetic procedures may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) or the clinic if you have questions.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Knapik, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Knapik. This ensures coordinated care. Some clinics may offer non-insured consultations without a referral, but this is not standard for provincially covered services. Please check with the clinic or your referring doctor.

I've been experiencing dizziness. How will an ENT specialist evaluate this?

Evaluation for dizziness is comprehensive as there are many potential causes. Dr. Knapik will take a detailed history of your symptoms (type of dizziness, duration, triggers), review your medical history and medications, and perform a physical examination, including specific tests for balance and inner ear function (like Dix-Hallpike maneuver for BPPV). Depending on the findings, further tests such as a hearing test (audiogram), videonystagmography (VNG) to assess inner ear and central motor functions, or imaging studies (MRI) might be ordered to determine the cause and guide treatment.

I have a thyroid nodule. What does an ENT specialist do?

If you have a thyroid nodule, an ENT specialist (Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon) like Dr. Knapik will typically evaluate it through a physical exam, review any prior imaging (like ultrasound), and may order blood tests for thyroid function. A key diagnostic step is often a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, where a small sample of cells is taken from the nodule under ultrasound guidance to determine if it's benign or cancerous. Based on these findings, Dr. Knapik will discuss whether monitoring, further testing, or surgical removal (thyroidectomy) is indicated.

How are allergies related to ENT problems?

Allergies can significantly impact the ears, nose, and throat. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can cause nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, and itchy, watery eyes. Allergies can also contribute to chronic sinusitis, eustachian tube dysfunction (leading to ear pressure, popping, or fluid), recurrent ear infections, and exacerbate conditions like asthma or voice changes. An ENT specialist may investigate and help manage the ENT-related symptoms of allergies, often by recommending nasal sprays, antihistamines, or discussing options like immunotherapy, sometimes working in conjunction with an allergist.

Cité de la Santé de Laval
1755 Boul René-Laennec
Laval, QC H7M 3L9

Phone: (450) 668-1010 | Fax: (450) 975-5010

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Knapik is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14268