An ENT doctor is one that specializes in problems, relating to the ears, nose, and throat (ENT), in the field of otolaryngology. On top of their four years of medical school as general practitioners, they spend additional years of specialization and focused certification to become an ENT doctor. They see patients who are in need of both medical and surgical solutions to ENT problems, along with related areas of the head and neck.
A problem in your ears, nose, and throat isn’t one you should neglect. Leave it to the specialists to provide the proper treatment, so you can be assured that your health problems are dealt with in the best way.
If you’re struggling with a problem that necessitates a visit from an ENT doctor, here are the signs you should definitely be on the lookout for:
1. Recurrent Or Chronic Sinusitis
One of the most common symptoms of the common cold is sinusitis. In its advanced stage, however, it can develop into a more serious health problem. It can cause distressing and unpleasant side effects like:
- Tooth pain;
- Headaches;
- Dental pain;
- Blurred or hampered vision;
- Fever.
There’s no one, universal way to treat sinusitis. The treatment form will depend on the ENT specialist and other health factors you may have. For instance, your medical condition, its severity, and any other symptoms you may possess.
2. Runny Nose
When you experience a runny nose, this means you have mucus getting discharged from your nose. Typically, this can be caused by seasonal allergies, a change in the weather, a cold, or flu. It can last for a few days, depending on its seriousness.
While a runny nose can easily be manageable on your own, there are instances when it may be a good idea to see an ENT specialist. This is especially true when you’ve already exhausted your typical home remedies for a runny nose, and yet it still persists.
Moreover, there are other complications that can arise out of a simple runny nose. These include:
- Sore throat;
- Ear infection.
3. Injuries To The Ears, Nose, And Throat
For adults, injuries to the ears, nose, and throat can usually happen due to an accident. For young children, the most common causes relate to having objects stuck on the ears, nose, and throat. In those instances, it’s a must to see an ENT doctor.
Physical injuries due to an accident have to be given attention to immediately to prevent further infection. As for young children, any obstruction or foreign object in the ears, nose, and throat can be serious and life-threatening. Often, surgery may also be called for to remove those objects.
4. Laryngitis
You know you have laryngitis when you start to experience a hoarse voice. This is quite common for those people who have a bad cold. In most instances, its symptoms and severity can relax on its own naturally. Some, however, have laryngitis for as long as two weeks. When that’s the case, an underlying health issue may possibly be the problem.
This is where calling for an ENT specialist is needed. This doctor can go to the root of the problem, so as to identify what the source of the issue is. For instance, a hoarse voice that doesn’t seem to subside can be caused by either of the following:
- Cancer;
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
- Voice strain;
- Injuries;
- Smoking.
5. Sore Throat
A sore throat refers to irritation, scratchiness, or pain in your throat that seems to get worse whenever you swallow. Viral infection is considered one of the most common causes of sore throat. While this may naturally die down on its own, going to an ENT doctor helps you determine the root type of virus causing the sore throat.
Moreover, some sore throats, like streptococcal infection, may also be due to bacteria. This requires treatment with antibiotics to prevent any further complications. However, it’s only through a consultation with an ENT doctor that the proper medication and treatment can be given.
6. Hearing Loss
If you notice that your hearing ability has suddenly declined, then a visit to an ENT is definitely a must-do. In most instances, the loss of hearing ability can be a minor and temporary problem. If left on its own, however, you may risk losing your sense of hearing permanently. Don’t wait for this issue to be serious and compelling, have it examined right away by your trusted ENT doctor.
Conclusion
With the enumeration of signs above, now you have a better understanding as to when seeing an ENT specialist may be the right decision for you. Like any other medical problem, never self-medicate. One small issue might escalate into a bigger one.
From simple pains that would’ve been easily treatable, now you could be left dealing with an infection. Whenever you experience any of the symptoms above, visit an ENT doctor immediately. Leave it in their hands to provide the best possible solution to your medical concerns.
