It’s great that you see your family physician for an annual physical, but there are times when seeing a specialist is necessary. Depending on what you’re experiencing, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Here are some signs that this type of referral for more comprehensive ENT care may be a good idea.
You Live With a Constantly Stuffy Nose
No matter what time of year it happens to be, your nose is stuffy. It may happen when you first wake up or it could happen at different times during the day. It could be that there’s some specific irritant that leads to inflammation and the stuffy sensation. There are also other causes that may need to be considered.
A specialist can determine what sort of tests will help rule out certain causes and eventually pinpoint the reason you’re having this issue. Once the cause is identified, settling on a treatment will be easy.
The Headaches are Happening More Often
It seems as if you have headaches more often than in the past. They tend to be more severe and they last longer. While you can take over the counter pain relievers and keep going, that is getting old. You can’t help but wonder if there’s some dire medical issue causing the headaches.
A specialist will know how to determine the reason behind the headaches. While it’s true they can be a sign of a serious issue, there’s also a good chance that the underlying cause is something that can be treated without any invasive procedure. The only way to get to the bottom of the problem is to see a medical professional.
Your Hearing Seems to Be Muffled
While you can hear, it does seem as if everything is muffled. You’ve noticed that it’s necessary to turn the volume up when you watch television or stream entertainment on a handheld device. When someone tries to carry on a conversation, it’s difficult when two or more people are talking at the same time. It all seems to run together for you.
There are a number of reasons why your hearing may seem to be failing. Something as simple as inflammation caused by an infection could be the culprit. There could also be a buildup of wax that’s too deep for you to reach safely. You can bet that the right type of ENT care will resolve the cause and allow you to hear properly again.
Sometimes You Have Difficulty Swallowing
Have you noticed that it’s sometimes difficult to swallow? While you do manage, the feeling of not being able to do so easily is unsettling. Could it be there’s a developing medical issue that’s interfering with this important function?
A specialist can get to the bottom of what’s happening and go over the treatment options with you. In many cases, the treatment will be a simple one that brings positive results in a short amount of time.
If there seems to be any issue involving your ears, the nose, or the throat, don’t assume it will go away on it’s own. Seek medical help and find out what is causing the issue. The cure may be a lot simpler than you thought possible.
