Otolaryngologists are doctors who are trained to treat issues in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) as well as related problems in your head and neck. Also known as ENT specialists, these medical professionals are highly knowledgeable about various conditions including infections, impediments, and even allergies.
If you have sinus issues, a throat infection, or any other related complication, you may want to consult an ENT specialist Singapore-based patients highly regard to get extensive insight on diagnoses, treatments, and prevention. If you’re not sure if your ailment warrants a visit to your local ENT doctor, here’s a brief overview of the typical conditions most otolaryngologists would know how to handle:
Tonsilitis
Tonsilitis is a common yet serious ailment in which the tonsils swell up due to viral or bacterial infection. This condition, prevalent in both children and adults, manifests via symptoms such as sore throat, fever, fatigue, and irritability. People with tonsilitis also have difficulties swallowing, making it hard for them to eat and drink. An ENT specialist will usually prescribe antibiotics and may recommend surgery depending on how critical the issue is.
Sinusitis
Most common among children, sinusitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of the sinus cavities. It’s often difficult to distinguish between sinusitis and the common cold, but sinus infections are usually associated with colds that last for more than a week whereas colds often last for less than 10 days. Moreover, people with sinusitis often experience additional symptoms such as moist cough, bad breath, thick green or yellow mucous, and pain in the nasal cavity region. At most, the common cold only causes symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and the occasional fever.
Telling the two conditions apart can be quite challenging. The good news is that an ENT specialist can tell if you need further treatment for sinusitis or if you’re simply battling a common cold. In addition, they can give you comprehensive advice on how to prevent sinusitis from becoming a recurring condition.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that appear on your nasal canal or the lining of your sinuses. These soft growths appear due to inflammation and act as obstructions to your nasal cavity. This hinders the flow of air into your nasal canal, resulting in a sense of “stuffiness” in your nose. People with asthma and persistent allergies are usually afflicted with this condition.
If you suspect that you may have nasal polyps, it’s a good idea to consult an ENT specialist. They can advise you on the right treatments to reduce the size of the polyps. These treatments include nasal steroids, aspirin desensitization, or medications like antihistamines and antibiotics. Your doctor may also recommend nasal surgery to eliminate the polyps should the other non-invasive treatments not work for you.
Hearing Loss
Many people experience hearing loss due to old age or inner ear damage. Needless to say, a trained professional can make living with this irreversible issue more bearable. For example, they can recommend the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants to improve your hearing.
Balance Problems
On a related note, ENT specialists also deal with balance issues caused by hearing problems. Hearing difficulties are closely linked to balance-related concerns because your vestibular system—which helps you maintain your balance and orientation—is located in your inner ear. If you’re experiencing hearing loss along with problems in maintaining your balance, your ENT doctor may recommend treatments such as anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, or vestibular physical therapy to reduce vertigo.
Allergies
Because ENT doctors primarily deal with ear and nose problems, allergies are also included in the list of ailments these specialists are qualified to treat. Conditions such as seasonal rhinitis, hay fever, and allergies to pet hair or dust affect your throat and nose, which is why it makes sense to consult with an ENT doctor on how to best deal with these issues. Your specialist can advise you on the appropriate medications and treatments, which may include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Loud snores at night can be a nuisance, but an ENT can help you manage snoring problems to keep them from bothering you and others around you. It should also be noted that snoring is also a potential indicator of sleep apnea, a respiratory condition that involves sporadic breathing pauses during sleep. An ENT doctor can diagnose sleep apnea and recommend treatments such as the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
Don’t Be Afraid to Consult a Professional for Any Ear-, Nose-, or Throat-Related Issues
No matter how minor the issue is with your ear, nose, or throat, there’s nothing wrong with seeking the help of a professional to treat it. After all, it’s better to address the problem immediately rather than simply tolerating the symptoms. More often than not, leaving such conditions unaddressed could lead to them becoming worse. So, should you notice any concerning symptoms regarding your ear, nose, or throat, don’t hesitate to contact an ENT immediately.
