An ENT physician is a medical specialist who diagnoses disorders impacting the ear, nose, and throat and offers medicinal and surgical treatment to resolve them. The official name for an ENT doctor specializing in surgical procedures for the nose, neck, and throat is an otolaryngologist. ENT refers to the surgical subspecialty of medicine known as otolaryngology— head and neck surgery (ORL-H&N or OHNS).
You may not realize it, but your ears, nose, and throat are connected. When there are issues affecting one, the other areas are at risk. Sometimes, multiple areas are involved. It’s not safe to assume that every minor issue is something you can ignore. Some symptoms can compromise your ability to eat, sleep, breathe, speak, and overall health.
And while it’s pretty common to use the internet to search for answers and possible diagnosis when you experience certain issues that affect your ear, nose, or throat, it is no substitute for professional medical care from an ENT doctor in Los Angeles. In order to learn the truth or cause of your ear, nose, or throat afflictions, you need to see an ENT doctor for a formal diagnosis. Only then can you learn suitable treatment options that apply to your situation that can provide fast and long-term relief.
Ear, nose, and throat issues are common and do not always cause alarm. However, if you experience any of these three common symptoms, it’s time for you to make an appointment with an ENT at C/V ENT Surgical Group.
- Nose Symptoms
- Ear Symptoms
- Throat, Mouth, and Neck Symptoms
Nose Symptoms
It’s common for some medical issues involving the nose to originate in the sinuses. The sinuses are hollow air-filled spaces underneath the eyes in the central face area that connect the nasal passages and airways.
The following symptoms are common with sinus infections and other upper respiratory ailments that may impact the nose.
- Decreased sense of smell
- Nasal pain
- Nasal congestion
- Obstructed or blocked nostrils
You could have a sinus infection if you experience any of these symptoms. Sinus infections don’t always require treatment. But if symptoms recur more often than not or never really disappear, it might be time for you to see an ENT doctor in Los Angeles.
Sinus infections are not the only issue that can cause nasal symptoms. Sometimes, sinus infections and their symptoms are caused by structural defects or abnormalities of the nose or sinus cavities, such as polyps, a deviated septum, or hypertrophied turbinates. Other common nose symptoms you shouldn’t ignore include snoring and polyps.
Without proper medical attention, sinusitis can make breathing, eating, smelling, and even communicating difficult. In rare cases, serious or life-threatening conditions can arise.
Ear Symptoms
Good ear health and function are necessary so you can hear, communicate, and maintain your equilibrium. Among the first signs of potentially serious problems are hearing loss and disturbances and dizziness or vertigo.
Ear symptoms you should get immediate ENT care for include:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Ringing in the ears
- Ear pain
- Severe dizziness
- Drainage from the ears
When hearing issues or dizziness occur, the cause is often due to an infection or injury of the ears. Ear infections can cause temporary hearing loss, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, blockages, pain, and other issues, including permanent hearing loss or fatality. Everyone experiences ear symptoms occasionally, and most times, there’s no need for concern. But the only way to know for certain is to see an ENT doctor in Los Angeles.
Throat, Mouth, and Neck Symptoms
When it comes to symptoms involving the throat, neck, or mouth, it’s imperative to see an ENT doctor if pain or difficulty breathing and swallowing occur. It’s pretty common for some to experience a sore throat during times of mild illness or infection. But for problematic symptoms that persist, medical attention is necessary to get to the cause so proper treatment can be administered.
Symptoms of the throat, mouth, and neck you should never ignore include:
Frequent sore throat- Pain in the mouth, throat, or neck
- Redness or tenderness of the throat or neck
- Abnormal lumps in the neck
- Voice hoarseness that doesn’t improve after several days
- Snoring
- Tonsillitis
Medical issues that impact the throat, mouth, or neck may require surgery to remove blockages due to swollen or collapsed tissues, polyps, or tumors that impair speech, breathing, or swallowing function to improve patients’ overall quality of life. Some medical disorders require surgical intervention to increase the efficacy of medications.
Key Takeaways
Ear, nose, and throat disorders are common. When injuries or ailments strike and cause ear, nose, or throat problems, self-care and rest are usually sufficient to provide relief. But in rare cases, they can indicate serious problems that require immediate medical attention.
Any time you experience the symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to see a Los Angeles ENT doctor at C/V ENT Surgical Group for treatment and relief.