When to See an ENT Doctor (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist)?

Did you know that the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, and throat issues are called Otolaryngology? An ENT doctor is an expert in handling diseases associated ear, nasal passage, larynx (voice box), upper pharynx (mouth and throat), oral cavity, sinuses, and structures of the face and neck. 

Your ears, nose, and throat are vital because you rely on them daily. Did you know that your ears are not only for hearing, but they also provide balance? The nose helps you to smell and partially helps you to taste. The nose is also important because it purifies the air you breathe. The throat provides the channel for air to reach your lungs. It is also the path used by food to enter the digestive tract. ENT specialists in the UAE and around the world warn against some practices like listening to music in high volume, which damages your hearing. 

What do ENT Doctors Treat? 

ENT doctors are trained to treat various disease, and they can also perform surgeries. Otolaryngologists are trained in medical school like other doctors, and they also undergo other special training. 

An Otolaryngologist can treat different conditions like environmental allergies and also help you to find out if you have food allergies. An ENT doctor is also trained to do facial and reconstructive surgery. These types of specialists do cosmetic surgeries like nose jobs and facelifts. They also treat people involved in accidents that change their looks and people born with conditions that need fixing. 

ENT specialists also deal with neck and head conditions, like tumors in the mouth, nose or throat. Doctors who specialize in laryngology deal with injuries and diseases that affect the vocal cords and voice box. Neurotology and Otology deal with issues affecting the ears. Pediatric ENT doctors are specialists who deal with youngsters and they can examine, and treat kids with ease. 

When to See an ENT Doctor 

ENT doctors offer treatment for all disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. They also offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments. So, when can you see a specialist? Below are reasons to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor. 

Sinus Pain 

One of the reasons to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist is when you develop a chronic sinus infection. Your sinuses cover a large part of your face and can become sore and inflamed when infected. When an infection develops, mucus is trapped and can’t drain effectively. Sinus infections are caused by bacteria and viruses. 

This causes congestion, which leads to pressure and pain in your face. You know it is time to see an ENT doctor in Dubai if you’ve been experiencing sinus pain for several days. This includes pain in your ear, nose, face, and upper teeth region. A specialist treats you by prescribing medication to eliminate congestion and pain. He might also offer advice on how to avoid sinus infection. 

Ringing in Your Ears 

If you experience tinnitus or ringing in your ears, you ought to consult an ENT specialist immediately. This is because tinnitus is a symptom of several conditions, like ear injury, age-related hearing loss, or a circulatory system disorder. 

Some symptoms of tinnitus include hearing noises like ringing, clicking, buzzing, hissing, roaring, and humming. These noises vary in pitch, and you might hear them in both ears. They might be present all the time, or they might come and go. Many people experience tinnitus due to old age, while others can experience hearing loss from exposure to loud music. Both short and long-term exposure to loud music can lead to permanent damage. 

Laryngitis 

If you have a hoarse, strained, or raspy voice, it means you have laryngitis. Sometimes, you might lose your voice when you have a cold; however, if this persists, it is advisable to see a specialist. Laryngitis occurs as a result of inflamed vocal cords from overuse, infection, or irritation. Laryngitis is categorized into acute, which lasts less than 3 weeks, and chronic which lasts for more than 3 weeks. 

Laryngitis might be caused by growths on your vocal cords, smoking, voice strain gastroesophageal reflux disease, and injuries. Cancer can also cause this condition, so it is necessary to see your ENT doctor in Dubai if you experience changes in your voice. 

Tonsillitis 

Tonsils are the 2 lymph nodes on either side at the back of your throat. They are vital because they protect your body from infections. When your tonsils are infected, you develop tonsillitis. Although tonsillitis is a common childhood disease, it can occur at any age. 

Tonsillitis can be categorized into 3 classes; acute tonsillitis, which lasts 3 or 4 days but might go on for at least 2 weeks. Recurrent tonsillitis occurs severally in a year and chronic tonsillitis, which is a long-term tonsil infection. 

Tonsillitis is caused by viral and bacterial infections. However, the most common cause is Streptococcus (Strep) bacteria which also cause strep throat. It is necessary to seek treatment because complications can lead to middle ear infection, obstructive sleep apnea, and peritonsillar abscess (pus around the tonsils). 

Ear Infection 

Ear infections are common in children, but they can also affect adults. An ear infection is caused by viral or bacterial infection of the middle ear. This condition can be painful because of fluid buildup and inflammation in the middle ear. 

An infection happens when 1 of your Eustachian tubes gets blocked or swollen. Blockage can be caused by smoking, sinus infections, allergies, colds, excess mucus, infected adenoids, and changes in air pressure. 

Ear infection can occur in 1 or both ears. The symptoms include hearing loss, discomfort or mild pain in the ear, pus, fussiness in infants, and a persistent pressure in the ear. Although ear infections clear up without intervention, it is necessary to see a specialist to avoid long-term complications. 

ENT specialists treat ear, nose, and throat infections and conditions. If you notice any symptoms, pain, or infections on your ears, nose, and throat, it is advisable to seek help. The quicker you get treated, the higher your chances of recovery.