Visiting a family doctor or a general doctor is usually the first preference for any kind of illness. But, in some cases, you may be required to consult a specialized doctor for certain symptoms in your body, especially when conditions are chronic or their effects do not seem to decrease with time.
An ENT specialist or otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in problems and diseases of the ear, nose and throat. You may be suggested to approach an ENT specialist by your general physician, since an ENT specialist has more experience and knowledge than a general physician in areas of the ear, nose and throat.
Conditions of ear:
Conditions of the ear for which you need to visit an ENT specialist are hearing impairment, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), ear infections, pain in the ear, ear disorders that affect your balance etc. ENT specialists also treat congenital problems of ears.
Conditions of nose:
Conditions of the nose for which you need to visit an ENT specialist include nasal cavity and sinus problems along with other conditions that affect your smelling sensation, physical appearance or breathing.
Conditions of throat:
ENT specialists can diagnose and treat problems of the throat including conditions that affect eating, swallowing, digestion, speech problems etc.
Conditions of head and neck:
Conditions such as trauma, tumors, diseases or any deformities in the head, neck or face are also treated by ENT specialists. They can also treat problems arising from the nerves of the head and neck region that control vision, smell, hearing and facial movements.
When do you need to visit an ENT specialist
Infection or disorders for which you need to visit an ENT include:
- Injury in the ear, nose or throat
- Problems related to nerves of your ear, nose and throat
- Pain in ear, nose or throat
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Ear infection
- Hearing impairment
- Swimmer’s ear
- Adenoid infection or tonsil
- Tinnitus
- Congenital problems of the ear, nose or throat
- Problems in breathing
- Down’s syndrome
- Allergy
- Asthma
- Sinus problem
- Deviated septum
- Development or growth of tumor in the ear, nose or throat
- Cleft palate
- Unpleasant appearance of the ear, nose or face
- Bleeding of nose
- Snoring
- Hair loss
- Drooping eye-lids
- Problems in smelling
- Nasal congestion
- Infection of the throat
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Swallowing problems
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
If you are suffering from any of these conditions such as a throat or ear infection, no matter how mild it is, you must visit an ENT specialist and undergo necessary procedures as even mild infections can indicate serious issues that can affect your health later in life.
For further queries about the infections, diseases and treatments of the ear, nose or throat, you must consult a doctor or an ENT specialist and get all your doubts and queries fixed.