Dr. John McMahan
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery
Chicago, IL
50 years experience male
Locations
Northwestern Nasal + Sinus
Chicago, IL
Phone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Aetna Life Insurance Company
UnitedHealthcare
Humana Insurance Company
Cigna
CIGNA Health Care
Aetna
CIGNA Health Care
Aetna Life Insurance Company
CoreSource
Celtic Insurance Company
Great-West Healthcare
Guardian Life
John Alden Life Insurance Company
About
Bio
I grew up in S.C., traned at Northwestern in Chicago, practiced and skied in Utah. I moved back to Chicago and married my wife Lynn. We have four children who are all married and having children themselves.
I specialize in nasal, sinus, allergy, asthma and snoring conditions. I practice at Northwestern Nasal + Sinus in Chicago.
Our hobbies include skiing, scuba diving, motorcycles, snowmobiles
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery
- Select Specialities -
Cosmetic Surgery
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
Internal Medicine - Allergy
Internal Medicine - Sleep Medicine
Licenses
United States: Illinois
Doctor Q&A
288 Answers
49 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Stomach/Throat Pain: Make an appointment with your pcp right away to be referred to a GI physician to pin down the diagnosis. It could be a serious problem or a minor issu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Dysphasia: There are numerous possibilities... Gerd, tonsillitis or tonsil stones, foreign bodies like fish bones, tumors, infections, cysts, etc. See an ENT spe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Sinsu and Cough: Call your doctor right away. You may need to be checked for chronic sinusitis or even pneumonia.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Stuffy nose : The otc drops like afrin (oxymetazoline) can backfire with a nasty rebound effect. Check with an ENT to diagnose and treat the causes of your congesti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 53-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Nassal Congestion: Sinusitis, allergies, deviated septums, gerd, septal deviations, polyps, nasal spray addiction, pregnancy, hormone issues, etc. Etc. Can all contribu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Post Nasal Drip: There can be a number of problems that may contribute to ppd. Allergy, sinus infections, reflux, tonsillitis, adenoid issues, dental infections, etc. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 60-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Ear pain: See an ENT doc if the pain is chroniczenker... There are numerous possibilities. Infections, gerd, cysts, diverticula, tumors, etc. Etc. Are all possi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Chronic cough: You should be evaluated by your doctor for your cough. The "clicking sound" is an unusual symptoms but an ENT doc may be of help. If you lost lots of ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Nasal Congestion: See an ENT doc. Infections, allergies, deviated septums, polyps or other conditions can easily be identified and treated.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Nasal Congestion: See an ENT doc for a definitve answer. Surgery is needed in some cases but allergies and infections are quite common and should be treated as well. Of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Trouble swollowing: See a GI physician to diagnose your problem. Cysts, masses, strictures, spasms, gerd, hiatal hernis, etc. Etc are some of the fpossible issues.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Head Pain: I would go to an er right away unless your internist can refer you right away to a neurologist. They can make a diagnosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Kitty: Kitty liter is a source of irritation - use large wood chips, crystal balls or newspaper chips.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Bloody Noses: Nosebleeds can be due to a septal deviation, infection, in the nose or sinuses, blood thinners, dry air, allergies, etc. Etc. See an ENT specialist if... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Strep Throat: He may be harboring infections deep in his tonsils and if not resolved with antibiotics he would need his tonsils removed. Make sure he is on an antib... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Dry Eyes: You may be allergic or sensitive to something in your bedding. Dust mites, fabric softeners, retained detergents can be involved. Consult an allergist... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Asthma Control: Diagnose and treat the root causes of asthma and you can minimize or even eliminate your need for inhalers. Allergy, sinusitis, gerd (reflux) are the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Oral sex: It likely is caused by bruising from vigorous activity but you could check with your doctor to rule out sdts. You could also have a latex allergy if c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Stuck Mucous: It depends on the source... Allergies, sinus infections, adenoiditis, gerd, etc. See an ENT specialist to sort it out. In the meantime you could try ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Medician Question: This combination could make you very sleepy so be careful - in some cases there could be serious consequenses. See your doctor for more definitive tre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 54-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Sinus Headaches: You should be re-evaluated to determine the cause of your pain... There are solutions.
Persistent infections, nerve damage, dental issues, allergies,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Swallowing a sharp o: The outcome depends on what it was you swallowed. I would ask your physician or er for a possible x-ray to determine if it's anything that could harm ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Sudafed and Pregnanc: You should check with your ob-gyn. This drug can drive up your blood pressure and cause other issues in pregnant women.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 59-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Palate Pain: There are numerous possibilities from infection to TMJ problems to tumors. Ask your primary care physician for a referral to an ENT physician for an e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Painful Cough: It depends how you have been treated so far. A painful cough can be a symptom of pneumonia, bronchitis, tsetse's syndrome (costo-chondritis) and strai... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Adenoids: Consult with your primary care doc. He may then refer you to the appropriate specialists (ent, neurology, etc.) if necessary.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Back Pain: Ask your doctor... A back problem or a chest or lung problem could be the cause of your pain. Your physician will assist you in finding answers and so... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Addiction: Ask your md to refer you to an addiction specialist... There are real answers and help out there - you don't have to go it alone.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Strep Throat: It's a throat infection caused by a strep bacteria that responds rapidly to most antibiotics. There can be a number of other bacteria involved in addi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Cough: Many coughs clear up by themselves but some do not - pneumonia, sinusitis, reflux, asthma and allergy are some of the causes of chronic cough that re... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Deviated Septum: Almost everyone's septum is deviated... It's a matter of degree. An infant or toddler can knock it out of place. I am not aware of a genetic link thou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Post Nasal Drip: This can be causes by allergies, sinus infections, reflux disease, sesitivity to irritants and cehmicals like fabric softeners or detergents, etc. Etc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Cough: Inflammation, infections, silent gerd (without heartburn), a diverticulum, etc could be involved. See your primary care who may refer you to an ENT or... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Dizziness: There are lots of reasons for dizziness. Ear, brain, neck and many others. Ask your doctor for a referral.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Gas in throat: See your doctor right away... "gas" in your throat could come from numerous problems - some are serious. Infections, gerd, epiglottitis, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Sinusitis Symptoms: Symptoms can include facial pain, headache, nasal congestion, yellow or green drainage, snoring, sore throats, allergy-like symptoms, wheezing, coughi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Cough: You could have strained a muscle or even broken a rib coughing. It could also be related to an infection or even pneumonia. See your physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Can: Can you arrange a sleep study? Can you refer me to a sleep specialist or ENT doc for help?
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Cough: It depends on the cause... Viral, allergy, sinus, reflux, etc can all cause a cough. You could drink lots of fluids and take otc meds but if it lasts... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Ear and mouth issues: See an ENT specialist right away. This could possibly be a sinus infection. These start from nasal congestion or from various dental issues in the upp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Sinus Pressure: Urgent care is a good idea but you may then need to see an ENT specialist to sort out the details or your condition.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Brinchitis: A primary care, an ENT or pulmonologist may need to get involved. Which ones depend on your history, symptoms and previous treatments . Your gerd coul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Cough: The "natural" course of most coughs caused by colds or viruses is gradual improvement unless a bacterial infection complicates the illness needing ant... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Urine leakage: See your on-gyn or urologist. You may need to do exercises to regain tone or even surgery in some cases.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Yawning: See your pediatrician - does he snore, fall asleep in school or watching tv? Is his nose congested and is he overweight? These are factors that contri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Cough: Call your doctor or visit a clinic or er. This could be a common cold but your doctor will make sure it's not a more serious problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
EyeWrinkles: Consult a cosmetic dermatologist. There are numerous non-surgical options in most cases... Creams, lasers, etc. Etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Ear Pain: Infections (internal and external), ear wax, throat infections, vascular issues, TMJ problems, dental infections, salivary gland problems and numerous... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Sor Throat: Sore throats can be from infections, allergies, gerd, tonsullitis, etc.
See your doctor for a possible referral to an ENT specialist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. John McMahananswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 50 years experience
Blocked Nose: This sounds like sinusitis, allergies, gerd or a combination. See an ENT specialist to sort things out and get relief.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
714
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 21, 2013
May've been bothered by sinusitis. My eyes are swollen. Feel the heaviness in the eyes .. wake up in the morning on the day the cuff often turns head hurts .. The problem is 6 months
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. McMahan is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. McMahan is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thanks, My husband had just told me that he had taken both meds. He is on BP med.. Took his pressure and it is 135/115. Took it a bit later and it was 127/82
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful! Thankyou!! Just started the 2% ointment after fighting being sick for a year.. Scared of what the secondary infection would be.
HealthTap member
Thank you, we don't qualify for state insurance. I am an out-of-work computer tech. I am afraid my wife needs tubes. I appreciate your help
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, SC
Graduated 1973MD
Residency
NORTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER INC
Awards
Assistant Clinical Professor
Top Doctor, Third Place, Chicago, IL - Winter
2013
Top Otolaryngologist, First Place, Illinois - Winter
2013
Affiliations
American College of Surgeons
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern University
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