Many problems with the ears, nose, and throat begin slowly. A nose that is always plugged. A sore throat that keeps coming back. You keep disregarding your ear pain. Most people wait, hoping it will fix itself.
It does sometimes.
Most of the time, it doesn’t.
Being able to tell when you need to see an ENT doctor can help stop tiny problems from becoming big ones. The following are the most common signs that indicate you should consult an ENT doctor.
Ear Problems That Keep Coming Back That You Shouldn't Ignore
A cold or sinus infection might make your ears hurt from time to time. But you should pay attention to symptoms that don’t go away.
- Pain or pressure in the ear that keeps coming back
- Hearing loss or sounds that are hard to hear
- Sounds like ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
- Ear discharge of fluid
- Infections in the ear that happen often
These could mean that you have an infection in your middle ear, wax buildup, problems with your eardrum, or an inner ear ailment that needs specific care.
Long-term problems with your nose or sinuses
You shouldn’t have to work hard to breathe through your nose. If it doesn’t, something might be amiss.
If you have any of the following, you should see an ENT:
- A stuffy nose on one or both sides all the time
- Sinus infections that happen again and again
- Pressure or pain in the face
- A lot of mucus in the nose
- Less ability to smell
Conditions like sinusitis, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or allergies typically need more than just medications. They need specific ENT treatment.
Pain in the throat that keeps coming back
It’s common to have a sore throat every now and then. But having throat problems that come back is not.
If you see any of the following, you should see an ENT doctor:
- Tonsillitis or throat soreness that keeps coming back
- Having trouble swallowing
- A sense of something caught in the throat
- Persistent hoarseness or voice alteration
- Long-lasting cough with no lung problem
These symptoms might be caused by problems with the tonsils, acid reflux, vocal cords, or throat infections that need to be looked at by a professional.
Snoring, trouble sleeping, or trouble breathing
Snoring isn’t always safe, especially when it keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep.
If you have any of the following, you should see an ENT:
- Snoring that is loud or happens all the time
- Breathing stops while sleeping
- Feeling tired during the day, even when you had enough sleep
- Breathing through the mouth, especially in kids
ENT doctors check for problems with the airway that could be causing sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing.
Feeling dizzy, having vertigo, or having trouble with balance
It’s normal to feel dizzy from time to time. Don’t dismiss episodes that happen again and again or are very bad.
If you have any of the following, see an ENT doctor:
- Feeling like you're spinning (vertigo)
- Problems with balance
- Nausea that happens when you move your head
- Feeling full in the ears and dizzy
Kids Get Sick a Lot
Kids often have problems with their ears, nose, and throat, but if they keep getting sick, they may need to see a doctor.
If your child has any of the following, see an ENT:
- A lot of ear infections
- Problems with speech or hearing that come later
- Breathing from the mouth all the time
- Tonsillitis that keeps coming back or snoring
Early help can stop issues with hearing, speech, and sleep that last a long time.
Why it's important to see an ENT early
Ear, nose, and throat problems can happen at the same time. For example, ear problems might start in the nose, and throat problems can make it hard to breathe. Infections that aren’t treated can also spread.
Early consultation means:
- Correct diagnosis
- Treatment that is specific
- Less need to take medicine again and again
- Stopping problems from happening
Instead than just dealing with the pain, think of it as fixing the core problem.
Don't Wait If You're Not Sure
It’s worth checking if a symptom keeps coming back, lasts more than two weeks, or gets in the way of daily life.
You don’t have to be in a lot of pain to see an ENT doctor. Sometimes, your body is trying to get your attention by giving you “minor” symptoms that don’t go away.
Conclusion
It’s typical to have ENT difficulties, but you don’t have to live with them.
An ENT appointment at the right moment can help you feel better right away and for a long period. Listening early can make a big difference if your ears, nose, or throat don’t feel right.
