3 Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions Common in Los Angeles
While the year-round warm and dry climate in the Los Angeles area may give residents bragging rights over east coast counterparts, the pleasant weather can also send a lot of people to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. The heat, year-round pollen, sun, and pollution, can combine to cause chronic ear, nose and throat conditions for many people. Let’s take a look at three conditions that commonly send people to the ear, nose and throat doctor in the Los Angeles area.
Ear Infection
More prevalent among children than adults, ear infections are one of the most common ear, nose, and throat disorders, arising when bacteria or viruses become trapped, leading to fluid build-up in the middle ear. The Eustachian tube is a canal from the ear which drains into the back of the throat, helping the body to filter germs. Fluid, mucus, or other irritants can clog the Eustachian tube, trapping germs and causing an infection.
Adults with ear infections may experience trouble hearing, fluid draining from the ear, and pain. Children may not always accurately verbalize symptoms of an ear infection. Some signs of an ear infection in a child may include:
- Fussiness and increased crying
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tugging at the ear
- Difficulty hearing
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Fever (More than 100° F)
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Decreased appetite
There are a number of treatment options for ear infection, including ear tubes for children with severe or recurrent ear infections. Ear tubes can be placed by the physicians at C/V ENT Surgical Group in a safe, in-office procedure.
Sinus Infection
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is caused by bacteria or viruses that become trapped in the sinuses—hollow spaces surrounding the eyes and nose. Acute sinusitis may last anywhere from three days to 12 weeks, while chronic sinusitis is when symptoms continue for more than 12 weeks. Some people experience recurrent sinusitis, episodes of sinusitis that resolve and the reoccur at least four times a year.
Symptoms of a sinus infection can include:
- Pain and pressure in the face,
- Congestion,
- Nasal discharge,
- Fever,
- Fatigue,
- Headache, and
- Body Ache.
If you have symptoms of a sinus infection that occur for longer than a week, or if you have chronic or recurrent sinus infections, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Treatment for sinusitis can range from antibiotic therapy (for bacterial sinusitis), to minimally-invasive in-office procedures that may offer long-term help, including:
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS),
- Balloon Sinuplasty,
- Turbinate reduction, and
- Deviated septum repair.
Allergies
Across the country, millions of people suffer from environmental allergies. In the Los Angeles area, allergies are a common complaint that sends people to an ENT specialist. Common environmental allergens include mold, pet dander, dust, pollen, and smoke. These allergens can irritate the mucous membranes of the nasal passages and sinuses, leading them to become inflamed and causing a feeling of congestion.
In addition to congestion, symptoms from environmental allergies can include:
- Sneezing,
- Drainage from the nose,
- Headaches,
- Sore throat,
- Postnasal drip, and
- Itchy eyes.
The specialists at C/V ENT Surgical Group are experts at allergy management. Treatment options include medical management, as well as minimally-invasive, in-office procedures such as turbinate reduction or balloon sinuplasty that can help alleviate symptoms long-term.
When Should I See an Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor?
For any of these ENT conditions common in Los Angeles, you should consult with an ENT specialist if your symptoms are chronic, recurring or if you are unable to be manage the condition with over-the-counter medications or other treatments. The Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists at C/V ENT Surgical Group have extensive experience managing these conditions and helping people resolve ENT disorders that are interfering with their quality of life.
What Should I bring to an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor?
The ENT specialists at C/V ENT Surgical Group have a number of resources to help diagnose your condition and determine the best course of treatment, however it’s important for you to come prepared to an appointment and to be an active participant in your treatment. Here are some ways to prepare for your first visit with an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist:
- Take notes of your symptoms, including what has and hasn’t worked to manage them in the past.
- Bring a list of any medications, including over-the-counter medications you are currently taking.
- Be prepared to fill out your full medical history.
- Bring your insurance card and ID with you to your appointment.
Contact the experts at C/V ENT Surgical Group today to set up an appointment.