Frequent runny nose, sore throat, and impaired hearing – these are just a few symptoms that should make you consider visiting a laryngologist. Ignored symptoms may cause the appearance of more serious ailments. Check when it is worth visiting an ENT office!
What does an otolaryngologist do?
Laryngology, or otorhinolaryngology, to be more precise, is a branch of medicine that deals with the oral cavity, nose, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, ears, and neck.
A doctor who specializes in laryngology is a laryngologist. The laryngologist diagnoses and treats ailments affecting the above-mentioned organs. That is why a laryngologist is also a specialist to whom you should report problems with the sense organs – taste, smell, hearing, and balance.
What symptoms should you go to the laryngologist with?
It is worth visiting a laryngologist if you notice the following symptoms:
Hearing impairment
Deteriorated hearing and tinnitus are problems that should be consulted with a laryngologist.
The main symptoms of hearing impairment include:
– difficulty understanding the person you are talking with,
– asking to repeat what other person said,
– speaking louder,
– increasing the volume of TV and radio.
The online hearing test can also help with self-diagnosis. In case of any abnormalities, it is recommended to go to a specialist for a professional hearing test.
Ear pain
Pain, itching, and stinging in the ears are mainly associated with infections but can also be the result of improper cleaning of the ears and earwax build-up.
Frequent sore throat
Pain with scratching, difficulty swallowing, a feeling of discharge in the throat are the most common symptoms of pharyngitis or laryngitis.
Inflammation of these organs is often caused by viruses but sometimes also by bacteria. Unfortunately, infections of this type may recur, so it is important to seek the help of a laryngologist who will prescribe the correct medications.
Chronic runny nose
A runny nose is not only a symptom of a cold. A runny nose is also associated with allergies and may appear as a result of sinus and middle ear inflammations.
A runny nose with a stuffy nose also occurs in people with a crooked septum, polyps, and tumors.
Nose bleeding
Nose bleeding and hemorrhages that occur regularly should be consulted with a laryngologist.
These symptoms can be the result of blood vessel damage, inflammation, a foreign body in the nose, polyps, and tumors. They may also indicate systemic diseases such as blood coagulation disorders.
Difficulty breathing
Mouth breathing, nasal congestion, wheezing – these symptoms should not be ignored.
The laryngologist will determine the causes of these ailments, for example, overgrown tonsils, a curvature of the nasal septum, allergies, anatomical defects, or narrowing of the airways.
Snoring
Snoring can be the result of many ailments – nasal polyps, crooked nasal septum, tonsil hypertrophy, or allergies.
It is absolutely crucial to go to the laryngologist when snoring is accompanied by sleep apnea. It can be life-threatening.
Balance disorders
Problems with maintaining balance can have various causes – also related to ENT. This is one of the symptoms of Meniere’s disease that affects the labyrinth. Other symptoms also include tinnitus, dizziness, and nausea.
A visit to the laryngologist in the above cases will allow us to diagnose the causes and start treatment. Therefore, it is not worth delaying an appointment in order to receive quick help. Also, read about Medical Alert Bracelet.
