When to see your ENT Doctor

Doctor’s visits are not on the top 5 list of fun things to do, but let’s face it – staying on top of your health is essential. If you’re unfamiliar with ENT physicians (Otolaryngologists), they are the specialized doctors you would see about diseases and disorders concerning the ear, nose, and throat. They treat patients medically and surgically for basically, anything from the neck up.If you have never been to an ENT doctor, you may wonder what symptoms constitute a visit. 

Here are 7 reasons you may need to visit Dr. Shilpa Malik, our community based ENT doctor:

Persistent Sinus Problems 

Frequent sinus infections are a prevalent issue characterized by inflammation and swelling of the sinuses, lasting for a minimum of 12 weeks despite various treatment efforts. Should you suffer with persistent sinus problems, your primary care physician will likely recommend a visit with an ear, nose, and throat specialist. 

Allergies

Allergic responses from inhaled pollen and irritants can be felt throughout the body, affecting the skin, eyes, stomach lining, nasal passages, sinuses, throat, and lungs. If you suffer from itchy watery eyes & nose, sneezing, runny nose, persistent cold like symptoms, make an appointment to see an ENT. Dr. Malik offers painless allergy testing and treatment with no shots and no weekly office visits.

Voice Changes (Hoarseness) Lasting More Than Six Weeks

Hoarseness is a symptom of the common cold or bronchitis; however, when it lasts for six weeks or longer, it could indicate other medical issues, such as benign growths on the vocal cords or even laryngeal cancer. Dr. Malik can perform a painless examination of the throat and vocal cords right in the office to determine if additional tests or treatment is needed.

Lump in the Neck

For a neck lump that persists beyond two weeks, it is advisable to seek consultation with an ENT. Cancers originating in the head or neck region possess the potential to advance to the neck’s lymph nodes before spreading elsewhere. A lump may serve as an initial indicator of conditions such as oral, throat, thyroid, or specific blood cancers. Dr. Malik is a trained head and neck surgeon who is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of neck masses including thyroid nodules.

Frequent occurrences of tonsillitis

Tonsillitis affects all ages. If you frequently suffer from recurrent instances of severe throat discomfort or tonsillitis, you may need to have your tonsils removed. A frequent symptom of enlarged tonsils is snoring.  Dr. Malik offers sleep apnea home testing and treatment along with the latest in surgical intervention and “no CPAP” solutions.

Recurrent Ear Infections

Ear infections are one of the top reasons parents bring their children to an ear, nose, and throat doctor. While various ear infections exist, the most common is otitis media (inflammation and infection in the middle ear, located just behind the eardrum). In adults, persistent ear discomfort or recurrent ear infections could potentially signal the presence of a tumor developing in the throat. Adults who scuba dive or travel by airplane can also suffer from inner ear infections and discomfort. 

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be a side effect of aging or coincide with recurring ear infections. When hearing loss occurs abruptly, it might indicate a more severe ailment. An Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist possesses the expertise to pinpoint the triggers behind sudden hearing loss, which could encompass infections, inner ear circulation issues such as Ménière’s disease (dizziness), and various neurological concerns. Audiologists conduct hearing assessments to aid in the identification of potential underlying factors.