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When to See an ENT Specialist: 7 Key Signs

When to See an ENT Specialist: 7 Key Signs

Nida Chaudhary889 30-Jun-2020

There are over 70 different listed conditions that affect the ears, nose, and throat (ENT). From hearing loss to breathing problems to throat infections - these are just to name a few.

Hearing loss alone affects as many as 48 million people in the US. Many of them are in their advanced years, but 20 percent are teenagers and many others are little kids. So, contrary to popular belief, hearing problems can affect people of all ages.

The good news is, ENT doctors can treat and even cure many of these illnesses and maladies.

Ready to learn when to see an ENT specialist and why you shouldn’t dismiss your symptoms? Then let’s dive right into it!

1. You've Been Asking People To Repeat Themselves

Hearing loss isn't only an age-related condition - it can also be due to ear infections. Sometimes, it can also result in the eardrum developing a hole. In many other people, the ear canal gets blocked or fluid builds up within that area.

If you keep asking people to repeat themselves more often nowadays, take that as a sign to see an ENT doctor. You may have conductive hearing loss, which means that there's an issue with your cochlea. Most cases of such hearing loss are treatable, but they all need prompt treatment.

2. You Seem To Be Losing Your Balance More Often

Balance or dizziness problems affect as many as 15 percent of adults in the US. In many cases, these occur due to signaling issues between the ear and the brain. As such, problems that affect the ear or the brain can result in a person losing their balance or feeling dizzy.

If you've been experiencing either or both, it's time to pay a special ENT doctor a visit. This is especially true if you also get spinning sensations or if you often feel lightheaded. All these symptoms can indicate ear or head injuries, as well as nerve disorders.

3. There's Tenderness or Pain In Your Ear

Ear pain can signal otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (swimmer's ear). Otitis media is more common, but swimmer's ear can also affect over two million people in the US in a single year. Both, however, are due to fluid build-up in the ear, which then gets infected with bacteria or germs.

To ease the pain and clear up the infection, an ENT doctor will prescribe you with antibiotics. That's why it's best to visit an ENT specialist if you experience this symptom. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get those antibiotics to get rid of your ear infection.

4. Your Earaches Come With Severe Sore Throat

If you also have a severe sore throat along with ear pain, you may have pharyngitis. This occurs when the back of the throat, or the pharynx, becomes swollen. This inflammation, in turn, can be due to the flu, colds, bacteria, or viruses.

Bacterial and viral pharyngitis is contagious, and it can quickly spread at home. If you think you have it, be sure to keep the distance from other family members. Separate your eating utensils from theirs, as well, to prevent the spread of the pathogens.

If your severe sore throat doesn't disappear within five to seven days, visiting an ENT doctor should be a priority. You may already have to take antibiotics and other medications to fight off the disease.

5. You Experience Frequent Sore Throats

Recurrent sore throat episodes are among the top signs you should see an ENT specialist. This is especially important if you haven't taken any antibiotics or antivirals ever. Your body may need the help of these drugs to combat the bacteria or virus that's causing your sore throats.

6. Medications for Throat Infections No Longer Work

It’s possible for pathogens to become resistant to medications. Meaning, even if you do take medicines for throat infections, they may no longer work.

In some cases, this happens if you take the same medications multiple times. It can also occur if you didn't finish the drugs' full course. That's why it's very important to finish your prescribed dosage every single time.

That said, if you develop sore throat three to five times a year, an ENT doctor may suggest tonsil surgery. This is especially true if your condition already affects the quality of your life. The same goes if pus builds up around your tonsils.

7. You Mostly Breathe Through Your Mouth

This is a sign that you have nasal congestion or obstruction. Since you have a hard time breathing through the nose, you end up doing it through the mouth. While that doesn't seem so bad, chronic mouth breathing can cause orthodontic problems.

More than that, chronic nasal congestion can affect your speech and hearing. In addition, it can make it harder to sleep and may even lead to snoring! Besides, having a runny nose all the time can cause you to lose your sense of smell and taste.

Worse, untreated nasal congestion can lead to facial pain and swelling. This can also make you prone to headaches.

That said, if you've been experiencing any of these symptoms, ring up an ENT doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the cause, you may only have to take prescription antihistamines.

Use This Guide to Determine When to See an ENT

There you have it, your ultimate guide on when to see an ENT doctor, and the symptoms you should be on the lookout for. If you experience any of these signs, it's best to ring up a local ENT specialist as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner you can regain your sense of hearing, smell, taste, and balance.

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Updated 01-Jul-2020
I'm a student of business studies as well doing a part time job. I'm also a writer and have a great interest in writing articles and blogs on diversified topics. I'll would like to participate in this platform and will try my best to make our audience familiar with different topics which will definitely help them out to explore new knowledge.

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