ENT stands for ear, nose and throat. Or otorhinolaryngology if you prefer the medical terminology. Just like other parts of the body, the ear, nose and throat can cause discomfort and pain if symptoms aren’t treated. Symptoms are often mild, so many people have a tendency to let them go, thinking they’ll eventually pass. However, if left untreated, infections or other issues can lead to serious problems.
If you suspect you might have any problems in your ear, nose or throat, schedule an appointment to see an ENT specialist, who focuses on those areas, plus the head and neck. That includes the thyroid, larynx and tonsils. ENT doctors may further specialize in areas like allergies, vocal problems or sleep conditions.
You should see an ENT specialist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.
Ear Symptoms:
- Hearing loss
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Drainage from the ear
- Any sort of ear pain
- Chronic ear infections
- Ringing in the ears
Nose Symptoms
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Chronic runny nose
- Consistent stuffy nose or blockage
- Any unknown swelling, redness or inflammation
Throat Symptoms
- Persistent sore throat
- Recurring tonsillitis
- Severe snoring or sleep apnea
When is it time for surgery?
Many symptoms can be treated with antibiotics, but serious conditions may arise that will require surgery. For instance, if ear infections become frequent, a doctor may recommend surgery, such as inserting tubes in the ears of children to let fluid leave the middle ear. Also, if tonsillitis persists, a doctor may recommend getting the tonsils removed. If nasal or sinus polyps are present in the nose or sinuses, surgery is required to remove them.
If you are considering ear, nose or throat surgery, please have your healthcare provider contact us to schedule your surgery or call us at 970-821-8634 for more information. ENT procedures are performed here at the Surgery Center of Fort Collins and these are often more affordable and less stressful to have done at our outpatient surgery center when compared to a hospital setting.