Otolaryngology is a medical subspecialty that treats issues with the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). When you’re facing problems with this region of your body, it may be time to see an ENT specialist. However, common signs and symptoms such as a runny nose, mild sore throat, and earache can go away on its own and don’t need an ENT’s assistance, so you may wonder—when exactly do you need to see one?
There are plenty of signs you should look out for, but the following conditions are clear indicators it’s time for you to see an ENT specialist.
Conditions of the Nose
There are plenty of nose ailments, from the common rhinitis to the deviated septum, but the following are progressive conditions that you need to address immediately:
Ongoing Sinus Pain
Your sinuses make up most of your face and become severely sore and noticeably inflamed when problems are present. Sinus pain can affect your nose, ears, upper teeth, and face. If you experience pain that’s been ongoing for a couple of days, it’s time for you to seek sinus relief solutions and a customized treatment plan.
Nasal Congestion
Another issue that you’d look out for when it comes to your nose is nasal congestion or having a blocked nose. If you find yourself waking up to a blocked nose every day or find it hard to breathe because your nose feels clogged up, seek an ENT specialist immediately. Nasal congestion is usually caused by airborne allergies or infection.
Conditions of the Ears
Sensations in the ears are often rare and less common than nose and throat conditions. Nonetheless, here are the following ear conditions you should look out for:
Persistent Hearing Loss
If you’ve been having a difficult time hearing for over a week or two, visit your ENT doctor fast. Temporary hearing loss can happen from time to time, like when you listen to loud music for an extended period—you can lose your hearing for a brief moment. However, when the issue persists, it may indicate something worse, such as a sign of permanent damage to your ears.
Tinnitus (Ringing Ears)
Another major issue that should be addressed quickly regarding your ears is tinnitus or a constant ringing sensation in your ears. In some cases, tinnitus is an early sign of hearing loss, an ear infection, or other hearing problems. Regardless of the cause, see an ENT doctor right away to get it sorted fast.
Conditions of the Throat
The throat is one of the most sensitive body parts, as there are plenty of healthy bacteria (normal flora) that resides inside it, with streptococci as the most common one. However, eating the wrong things, such as too many sweets, can attract the wrong type of bacteria and lead to several conditions such as tonsillitis—which requires the attention of ENT.
Besides tonsillitis, if you have these other symptoms, it’s time for you to see an ENT specialist:
Although sore throats are highly common, if it becomes so severe that you can barely drink water, have a swollen neck, experience pain, or have white patches on your tonsils, it’s time for you to visit an ENT doctor.
Although there are several symptoms and signs you should look out for, the ones mentioned usually mean it’s time for you to go and book an appointment with an ENT. The faster you react when you notice a symptom, the quicker you can get treatment and continue your days pain-free.