If you or your child have ever had a severe ear infection, you probably had to make an appointment with an ENT. These specialists do end up treating a lot of ear infections, but they also do so much more than that. An ENT is the type of doctor you will see if you have an issue with your nose. They're also the one you'll see if you have a sore throat, or if you see spots in the back of your throat. They are some of the most important and useful medical specialists around, and we are excited to write more about them here.
The sinuses are cavities located in the human skull in and around the nose. Healthy sinuses allow mucus to drain and air to circulate freely, so you can breathe easily. Sinus issues can cause a number of symptoms, including congestion, itching, feelings of pressure, and pain. These are three times when you might need the services of a sinus doctor:
1. You experience frequent post-nasal drip.
It's normal for mucus to drain out of your sinuses throughout the day. When mucus is an ideal texture, this drainage is unnoticeable. Post-nasal drip occurs when mucus is thicker than normal, causing irritation. People who develop post-nasal drip may experience it as a tickle at the back of their throat or even a persistent sore throat that does not accompany other cold symptoms.
If you experience frequent post-nasal drip, you should visit an ENT specialist for evaluation. Post-nasal drip can be caused by allergies, infections, and irritation. A sinus doctor is the best person to diagnose the reason for your post-nasal drip and to prescribe treatment accordingly.
2. You suffer from respiratory allergies.
Seasonal allergies are a common problem. People who experience these allergies typically develop respiratory allergy symptoms when pollen counts rise. However, environmental allergies can be caused by other factors, such as mold, pet dander, and even dust.
Many people take over-the-counter allergy medication to manage their allergy symptoms, but if you find that these types of medications do not provide adequate relief, you should make an appointment with a sinus doctor. An ENT doctor can prescribe allergy medication that is stronger than the drugs available without a prescription. They can also suggest combination treatments, such as inhaled nasal steroids, medicated eye drops, and oral medications, that can help you get your allergies under control.
3. You have frequent sinus infections.
Most people have experienced a sinus infection at least once in their lives. Sinus infections can occur after illnesses when the sinuses are inflamed and unable to drain properly. However, some people contract sinus infections in a vicious cycle wherein inflammation gives rise to additional infections. Additionally, some people are predisposed to sinus infections due to their anatomy.
A sinus doctor can determine the reason for your sinus infections through a nasal endoscopy. Based on their findings, your sinus doctor may recommend managing your condition with medication or looking into surgical options to reduce the number of sinus infections that you suffer.
For more info, contact a local sinus doctor.