Signs That You Need To See An ENT Specialist

ENT doctors, who are also called otolaryngologists are doctors who are highly trained and specialize in treating ears, nose and throat related problems. It is good to see Primary physicians when experiencing some problems in those areas, but if the problem is chronic, it is best you see an ENT doctor.

They focus on the sinuses in more detail then the primary doctors. Most of the times when you visit a primary doctor with problems in your ears, nose, throat, neck and head, they refer you to an ENT specialist.

There are some symptoms that once you experience, you need to make a visit to the ENT specialist. Here are some of those symptoms.

Infections

Infections are a major cause of making visits to the doctors especially for children. Some infections call for an ENT specialist. Ear infections is one key infection that you should take to an ENT specialist. If you notice the following with ear infections either for you or your child, make sure to see an ENT doctor.

• Having over four infections yearly.
• Ear infection in your kid or someone who has delayed speech.
• Fluid in your ears for more that three months continuously.
• Eardrum rapture during the infection.
• Ear infections that need several antibiotics.

Apart from ear infections, there are others that once you notice, you should see an ENT specialist immediately. They include:

• Several sinus infections within one year.
• Recurring tonsils and sore throats.

Anytime you notice any of these infections, make an effort to see or take your kid to the ENT specialist to get checked and avoid any further problems that an be caused by the spread of the infections.

Hearing Loss

Sometimes, listening to loud music for a long time can cause you to lose your hearing temporarily. However, if you notice that you have problems with your hearing for more than a couple of weeks, it is time to see your nose, ear and throat doctor.

Reoccurring hearing problems can be a sign of eardrum damage and it is best you have it checked before it can cause further damage.

Ringing In The Ears

Experiencing constant ringing in the ears is a sign that you need to make an appointment with your ear, nose and throat doctor. It can be an early symptom of tinnitus. Tinnitus can be a sign of hearing loss which is why any ringing sensation in the ears needs to be checked.

The ringing sounds can also be as a result o an ear infection or it can come after something hit your ear. Either way, always make sure that you see your ENT doctor to avoid any undoable conditions.

Sore Throat

Sore throats are common conditions that people experience often. Sometimes it can be as a result of a cold or just a throat infection. However, sometimes it calls for attention from your ENT doctor.

If your sore throat goes on for more that one week, makes it hard to swallow anything or makes it hard to speak or sing, it is time to visit the ear, nose and throat doctor. Those signs indicate that you are not suffering from a normal sore throat and it can be an underlying serious condition.

Nasal Congestion

Experiencing nasal congestions once in a while is a normal thing maybe due to a cold, flu or allergies to dust, pollen and cold. However, if you have nasal congestion every morning when waking up or if you have difficulties breathing due to a clogged nasal passage, take time and visit the ENT doctor.

If the nasal congestion continues for a long time, it can be an indication of another respiratory condition that can be hard to fix then a nasal blockage. Seeing the ear nose and throat doctor will also help you identify the cause of the problem and how to avoid it.

Sinus Pain

Sinuses are a big part of the face and they become inflamed and sore whenever you have a problem. Sometimes the pain can come for a short time and go away. When the pain lasts for more than a few days, it is time you visited your ear, nose and throat doctor.

Sinus pain can include pain in the ears, face, nose and the upper teeth region. It is best to see the specialist because they can diagnose and identify the source of the pain and have the best treatment for you.

Ongoing Nose Bleeds

Nosebleeds occur due to various problems including being hit on the nose or a flu or cold. However, if you notice that either you or your child are having nosebleeds often, especially without anything triggering them, you need to se the ear, nose and throat doctor.

Primary doctors may be of help if the nosebleeds do not occur often but abnormal nosebleeds need to be checked by an ENT doctor. They will determine the cause and the best treatment.

Snoring

Sometimes snoring is considered normal, especially if there are family members who snore. However, f the snoring is reducing the quality of your child’s sleep and may cause them breathing problems at night, it is best you see an ENT specialist.

They will look at their respiratory system and determine if it is a serious issue or if they will grow out of it. They can recommend a surgery if the problem is beyond being treated with only medicine.

Sleep Apnea

With sleep apnea, you will notice that breathing stops and starts repeatedly in your sleep or that of your child. Some of the symptoms to look out for in order to know when to see an ENT specialist include:

• Snoring loudly.
• Waking up with a dry mouth.
• Having a headache when you wake up.
• Waking up with your mouth dry.
• Gasping for air or chocking at night.

Growths On The Neck

Most of the time, lumps or growths on your child’s neck can be the lymph nodes which help the child fight infections. However, other times, it can be a sign of an underlying problem and you need to see an ENT specialist.

The factors to look out for in order to see the ENT doctor are:

• The lump growing continuously.
• Having any discoloration around the lump.
• If the child was born with it.

The ENT doctor you choose should be the best and have the required experience like the doctors in Penn Medical Becker NT and Allergy Center, who are the best ENT doctors in Princeton, NJ.

https://entphysiciansinc.com/blog/5-signs-you-should-visit-an-ear-nose-and-throat-doctor

https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2019/03/when-to-take-your-child-to-an-ent