Blog Post
Why See An ENT Specialist?
If you have any issues in your ear, nose or throat, it is important to visit an ENT specialist who will have a better understanding than a general practitioner.
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Our Birmingham ENT specialists are trained to provide medical and surgical treatment for problems related specifically to your nose, throat or ears.
While it is common to see your normal family medicine professional for infections to receive antibiotics, there are many underlying issues related to the throat are best treated by an ENT specialist. Continue reading to learn more about common signs that you need to consult with an ENT specialist.
Common Signs You
Need To Consult an ENT Specialist
How long will you continue treating ear infections with over-the-counter medications? ENT doctors are trained to perform thorough ear examinations using the right equipment so they are able to determine what causes recurring infections and how to solve the problem once and for all. If the infections dissipate and return a few weeks or months later, it’s important to see an experienced professional.
What happens when you get a sore throat? Your first instincts may be to visit your general doctor or rush to the pharmacy to get some antibiotics. But there are cases where the sore throat doesn’t get better even after taking antibiotics. If you experience difficulty swallowing because of a sore throat, convey this to your ENT specialist. There could be a more serious issue at play in your throat area or upper digestive tract.
If you have frequent headaches that won’t go away, an ENT doctor can provide the best evaluation and treatment. Headaches can be caused by sinus issues or infections in the upper respiratory tract. The ENT specialist will perform thorough examination to offer a suitable diagnosis and the best course of corrective action.
ENT doctors can also treat swimmer’s ear. It happens when water finds its way into your ears and doesn’t come out for days. The feeling is uncomfortable and allowing the water to stay inside your ears for days can make them prone to infections.
You may not be able to breathe properly because of a viral infection in your ears or a deviated septum. An ENT will be able to examine the nasal cavity in order to determine where the airway blockage is coming from.
Nose bleeding is not normal, especially if it happens very frequently. It can be dangerous among children and older adults. ENT doctors are trained to handle nosebleeds and provide a suitable treatment to manage the condition.
Hearing loss can occur due to several reasons, including an infected ear drum or an issue with the three bones that join the eardrum. Ear wax can build up over time and it may need to be eliminated in order to boost your hearing. Some forms of hearing loss are related to age or damaged nerves. Consult your Birmingham ENT specialist for advice on how to treat hearing loss.
Patient Stories
Deborah's Story: Overcoming Sleep Apnea and Sinus Issues
The first and foremost thing was—I went deaf. So, I was pretty panicked. I’ve always had breathing issues and sinus issues. I developed sleep apnea and didn’t even know I had it. Since then, I’ve been rebuilt from the chin up to my eyes—pretty much a complete overhaul.
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I’ve always had a hard time breathing, and I just couldn’t take it anymore. I slept maybe four or five hours a night because I would wake up unable to breathe.
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Shainiqua's Story: Life After Chronic Sinus Problems
Before I came to see Dr. Robertson, I struggled with sinus issues year-round. I was miserable all the time and always had to make sure I carried tissues everywhere I went. I didn’t have a good quality of life.
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