Most people agree that an annual medical exam is a good idea to help them stay healthy. For those that have certain chronic symptoms, however, it may be a good idea to consult an ENT doctor. ENT stands for ear, nose, and throat. If you have bothersome symptoms with these parts of your body, make an appointment for an exam with a professional medical practice like Piedmont ENT. These specialists will evaluate your symptoms to help protect your health.
Ears.
Itchy ears may be an allergy symptom. Fluid buildup can cause a stuffy feeling in the ears that can spread to the head overall, and which may lead to hearing difficulty, which may lead to problems at work or while driving. An ENT doctor will conduct tests to find the cause and then treat it appropriately.
Hearing loss unrelated to allergies should also be addressed. This may be due to swimmer’s ear, an infection, or aging. Testing will help the doctor prescribe the best treatment or cure for hearing loss.
Nose.
A runny nose is a common sign of allergies, especially when it occurs during certain seasons of the year. Some people have spring or fall allergies, for example, while others experience a runny nose in the winter due to indoor pollution when the house is closed up.
A congested nose may be another allergy symptom. Someone who has a frequent stuffy nose might need to be treated for allergies. Precise testing can help to determine the cause.
Throat.
A chronic sore throat may be due to many causes, like smoking or pollution for example. However, if someone experiences post-nasal drip or sinus drainage, that needs to be tested to find the cause and decide on a treatment. Again, allergies may be the culprit. However, there may be a problem with inflammation in the nasal airways or an untreated throat condition.
A recurring cough is another symptom of concern, as it may suggest several possible problems. One may be asthma, while another is a smoker’s cough. Chronic bronchitis or COPD are more options. An ENT professional will thoroughly assess the problem to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Although we tend to take symptoms like those above less seriously than others, they can make life miserable if left untreated. A qualified ENT specialist knows how to assess the symptoms and provide a diagnosis with an accompanying treatment plan. This may be as simple as treating an earache with pain medication for a few days, or it may involve more extensive treatments. Putting your ENT health in good hands will relieve stress, as well as help you feel better and stay well.
