Most families have a family doctor who is a wonderful resource for basic healthcare needs. When it is time for your yearly checkup or you have a small medical issue, you should visit a primary care doctor. However, there are instances in which a general practitioner cannot address the illness, compelling them to recommend patients to a specialist. Otolaryngology Newport Beach, CA, is the field that deals with illness and problems involving the ears, nose, and throat. Unfortunately, ENT issues do not always have obvious symptoms. Continue reading to discover the clear indications that it is time to visit an ENT specialist.
1. Chronic Hearing Loss
If you have been suffering from hearing impairment for over a week or two, you should consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Occasionally, hearing loss is transient. For instance, if you play loud music for longer than suggested. However, if the issue persists, it could suggest irreversible harm to your ear; thus, you should examine it.
2. Sinus Pain
Your sinuses occupy a significant section of your face and can get swollen and quite sore when difficulties exist. Therefore, you should consult an ENT professional if sinus pain lasts several days. Sinus discomfort constitutes pain in the ear, nose, face, and upper teeth area. Your ENT physician will assess the cause of your sinus discomfort and choose the most effective solution.
3. Ongoing Nasal Congestion
Do you frequently awaken with a stuffy nose? Do you find breathing difficult since your nasal channels are always clogged? If so, you should consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Prolonged nasal congestion is not natural and typically indicates a chronic problem. Consulting a professional will determine the root of the problem and obtain an immediate remedy. Likely reasons include allergens in the air, a septal deviation, or infections.
4. A Sore Throat
Sore throats are extremely frequent. Therefore, do not think you must contact an ENT professional as soon as you feel one forming. Rather, you should see this professional if your sore throat is so bad that you can barely sip water or if it has lasted more than a week.
Both cases suggest that your issue is likely not a simple sore throat. Your otolaryngologist will perform a comprehensive throat examination during your appointments to determine whether the problem is serious, such as tonsillitis, or less serious, like GERD.
5. Ringing In The Ears
If you have continual ringing in the ears, this is probably due to a disorder known as tinnitus. This condition requires care, and the best individual to examine it is an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
In certain instances, tinnitus is a precursor to hearing loss. Nonetheless, it may also indicate that you have an ear infection or another hearing issue. Whatever the case, you should contact an ENT specialist immediately for treatment.
6. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds typically develop from dry environmental circumstances but could also be caused by aggressive nose picking or nose blowing, blood-thinning drugs, or hypertension. An ENT specialist can treat serious nosebleeds by packing the nose with a balloon or sponge. Nonetheless, using a humidifier or nasal saline can avoid recurrent, modest nosebleeds.
ENT specialists deal with any issue involving the ears, nose, and throat. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you identify any of these concerns. If left untreated, these ENT issues could lead to more serious complications like respiratory difficulties, cancer, and more.
