When Should You See an ENT?

Highland Clinic has had an experienced ear nose and throat (ENT) department for many years and we are often asked when someone should see an ENT physician. While there are many reasons to visit an ENT specialist, some symptoms are more common than others.

Common Symptoms

One of the most common reasons people see an ENT physician is for chronic sinus infections. If you have a history of sinus infections, have been experiencing symptoms such as facial pressure, pain, or headaches for more than a few weeks, or have difficulty breathing through your nose, it may be time to make an appointment with an experienced ENT physician.

Another common issue is hearing loss. If you’ve been struggling to hear, it’s essential to make an appointment with an ENT physician. They can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the hearing loss and recommend treatment options.

Other common symptoms include chronic sore throat, tonsil issues, voice changes, and dizziness. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms for an extended period, it’s time to see an ENT doctor.

Unknown Symptoms

Not all symptoms are well-known or easily recognized. If you’re experiencing chronic bad breath, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent cough, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that requires the attention of an ENT physician. In some cases, these symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, so it’s important to get them checked out.

Services That Can Treat Symptoms

ENT doctors provide a wide range of services to treat various symptoms. For example, if you have chronic sinusitis, an ENT doctor may recommend medical management, including medications, such as antibiotics or nasal steroids. If conservative treatment isn’t working, they may suggest a minimally invasive procedure to open up your sinuses, such as a balloon sinuplasty.

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, an ENT doctor may recommend a hearing aid, cochlear implant, or other hearing device. They can also perform surgical procedures to correct hearing loss, such as stapedectomy, myringoplasty, or tympanoplasty.

ENT Procedures That Can Be Performed In-Office

Many procedures can be performed in-office by an ENT physician. For example, if you’re experiencing chronic sinusitis, an in-office procedure like balloon sinuplasty can open up your sinuses and alleviate your symptoms.

If you’re experiencing vocal cord issues, an ENT doctor can perform a laryngoscopy in the office to evaluate your vocal cords’ health. They can also provide vocal cord injections or surgical procedures, such as a laryngeal framework surgery, to correct any issues.

See an ENT Specialist at Highland Clinic

There are many reasons to see an experienced ENT physician, from common symptoms like chronic sinusitis to lesser-known issues like persistent bad breath or difficulty swallowing. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with an ENT physician. With their help, you can get the treatment you need to alleviate your symptoms and get back to feeling your best.

For more information, contact a Highland Clinic near you. Our dedicated team is ready to provide personalized healthcare solutions.