When to See an ENT Specialist for Your Sinuses

Posted on November 30, 2020 by The Center for ENT

Article written by Dr. Samuel Ross Patton MD

Sinusitis is one of the most common medical conditions affecting adults in the United States. Americans experience nearly 29 million sinus infections per year. Stuffy nose, fever, facial pain, headache, discolored drainage and post-nasal drip can be all-too-familiar as most people get sick with an upper respiratory or sinus infection once or twice a year. Many of these infections can be successfully treated with over-the-counter medications. Some sinus infections, however, require a prescription from your primary care provider for antibiotics. So, when should you see an ENT/Sinus specialist? 

1.  You have symptoms frequently throughout the year.

It is normal to get sick with an upper respiratory or sinus infection a couple times per year.  We all get sick from time to time; unfortunately, it’s part of the human condition. Experiencing sinusitis four or more times per year is more than usual. This is especially a problem if each infection requires antibiotics to treat it. Although antibiotics are quite safe and effective, frequent use of antibiotics can lead to trouble. Antibiotics, like all medications, can have side effects and using too many antibiotics puts you at risk for developing resistant bacteria.  

2.  Your symptoms never fully go away.

Most episodes of sinusitis resolve within 14 days. The vast majority of these infections run their course and you get back to your old self. Occasionally, a sinus infection will never fully go away; even after taking antibiotics. Feeling like you never get all the way back to normal between sinus infections could be a sign of chronic sinusitis- a long term sinus infection that smolders for months or even years. Chronic sinusitis may require advanced treatment with an ENT/Sinus specialist.   

3. Your symptoms are very severe. 

Being sick is no fun. It’s uncomfortable, irritating, and sometimes downright miserable. Fortunately, for most sinus conditions the worst of it comes and goes over the period of a few days. Many adults are still able to motor through their normal routines without taking time off. Typical sinus infections, however, are not debilitating. Taking lots of time off work for sinus symptoms is a red flag for having a severe problem. Similarly, requiring trips to urgent care or the emergency room because your symptoms are unbearable is another good indicator you need help. 

4. You don’t improve with treatment.

Anyone who has taken antibiotics knows that they don’t work instantly. It usually takes two to three days for them to kick in. What happens if you don’t feel better after taking antibiotics? If you have been sick for less than 14 days, you may just have a virus—which won’t respond to any antibiotics.  If your symptoms last longer than two weeks and don’t get better with antibiotics, you may require evaluation by an ENT specialist. Some sinus infections are caused by bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics. Getting a culture from the sinuses helps your doctor know which antibiotic to use. In some circumstances, medication alone can’t get rid of a sinus problem. 

Sinus symptoms can evolve slowly over time. As a patient, it can be difficult to perceive the change from one day to the next. This may make it hard to tell when a sinus condition crosses the line between the expected course and going off the rails. With these guidelines you will know when to see an ENT/Sinus specialist and get the care you need.   

If you think it may be time to see an ENT/Sinus specialist, click here or call (713) 795-5343 to schedule an appointment today. 

What is an ENT, and When Do I Need to See One? Sinus Doctor Detroit

It can be difficult to picture, but your ears, nose, and throat are all connected through a series of tubes and canals. This is why, when you hold your nose shut and blow, you feel the pressure change in your ears. It’s also why ear infections often occur at the same time as a severe cold. Because these pieces are connected, they are able to function as one unit and each part supports the others. However, when there is an issue with one piece, it also affects the others.

Your ears, nose, and throat create a complex structure:

• There are three parts to your ear: the outer, middle, and inner ear.
• There are two parts to your nose: the anterior and the posterior.
• There are three parts to your throat: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx, and the laryngopharynx.

Each part is connected and has its own function. Together, they create the upper respiratory system and this system is surrounded by a series of cavities in the skull called sinuses. Your sinuses are located in the cheekbones, your forehead, and between the eyes and nose. This entire system is what enables us to smell, taste, hear, and breathe!

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Doctor

An ENT, or otolaryngologist, is a specialized doctor that diagnoses and treats issues and conditions surrounding the complex ear, nose, and throat system.

• Ear conditions may include infections, hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus, balance disorders, facial or cranial nerve disorders, or nerve pain.
• Nose conditions may include allergies, sinus issues, chronic sinusitis, deviated septum, snoring, or issues with the sense of smell.
• Throat conditions may include problems with speech, digestion problems, swallowing, tonsillitis, or strep throat.

Should You See an ENT?

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in any area surrounding the ears, nose, throat, or even the upper neck, you may want to schedule an appointment with an ENT. Detroit Sinus Center, with two locations in Detroit, has a team of sinus doctors who are highly educated and passionate about providing thorough, compassionate service. Don’t hesitate to talk with a sinus specialist if you are struggling with any of these problems.

Sinus Pain

If seasonal allergies seem to never let up, and if over-the-counter medications aren’t providing the necessary relief, it’s time to see a specialist. You may be experiencing issues with drainage or congestion, stuffiness, frequent headaches, or pain anywhere in the center of your face.

Sore Throat

If you have visited a family doctor and possibly been given a round of antibiotics, and your sore throat still isn’t going away, schedule an appointment with an ENT. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, a loss of voice, or sinus-related symptoms such as congestion or sinus pain.

Hearing Loss

The cause of hearing loss may be related to aging, exposure to loud sounds, or due to an issue with the eardrum, ear canal, or the three bones connected to the eardrum. Hearing loss can also be caused by a buildup of fluid or wax that will need to be removed.

Dizziness

If you feel like you are spinning or swaying, even when standing still, you may be experiencing vertigo. This is often caused by a problem with the inner ear, an infection, or a buildup of material like fluid or wax.

Allergies

If you’re having trouble breathing, feel congested, have a runny nose or postnasal drip, or if you experience frequent headaches, these allergy-type symptoms may be a larger sinus issue. An appointment with an ENT or sinus doctor will help find the root cause of your symptoms.

Don’t let ear, nose, or throat symptoms get in the way of living your life. Schedule an appointment at Detroit Sinus Center today. Our sinus doctors will help diagnose the problem and find the best course of treatment to fit your needs.

Polyps in the nose. Questions to the doctor.

If you have signs or symptoms of nasal polyps, we recommend that you see an ENT (otolaryngologist) or allergy specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Your doctor’s appointment will be more productive if you prepare ahead of time.

How to prepare for your appointment

1. Make a list of symptoms and complaints in advance, even those that you think are not related to the reason you went to the doctor.

2. Write down the diseases that you have suffered before, including chronic ones.

3. Make a complete list of the drugs, vitamins, and supplements you take.

4. If possible, bring a family member or friend with you. Sometimes it is difficult to absorb all the information received during the reception. The person accompanying you may remember something that you listened to or forgot.

5. Write down the questions you want to ask the doctor.

No matter how long the appointment is, it is still limited in time, so make a list of questions that will help you get as much information as possible. Arrange your questions from most important to least important in case you don’t have time to ask them all. Here are a few basic questions to ask your doctor about nasal polyps:

What do you think is the reason for my frequent nasal congestion, smell problems, and other nasal problems?

What diagnostic tests do I need to have?

Who will give me information about the test results?

What is the best examination plan for me?

If I have polyps, can you radically fix my problem?

Are there any alternative treatments in medicine that you recommend to me?

In addition to the questions you are willing to ask your doctor, feel free to ask questions during the interview at any time if you understand something.

What an otolaryngologist might ask

Thinking ahead about how to answer some of the doctor’s questions will leave more time to discuss other important points. The doctor may ask:

When did you first notice symptoms?

When was the last time you had a cold or sinus infection?

How often do you have a cold or sinus infection?

Are you allergic, if so, do you know what?

Do you suffer from asthma, if so, how often do you have attacks and how do you manage them?

Have you had any sinus or nasal cavity surgery?

Related Articles:

Nasal Endoscopy

Sinus CT

Sinus MRI

Functional al endonasal sinus surgery, FESS

Adenoids

Angina

Ear pain

Phoniatritis

Acute sinusitis (sinusitis)

Chronic sinusitis

Treatment of sinusitis and sinusitis without puncture – YAMIK catheter

Deviated septum

Otitis

Snoring. Symptom or disease?

Surgical treatment of snoring and sleep apnea

Pillar system. Snoring treatment

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Otolaryngologist

ENT for children

ENT for patients older than 70

Appointment with endoscopy

Which doctor should I contact in case of loss of voice, hoarseness?

For speech professions, vocalists, teachers, etc.

Many Permians whose work or hobbies are related to the voice do not know who to contact in case of temporary loss of voice, hoarseness, or other problems that reduce the quality, timbre and melodiousness of the voice.

Today and always in the clinic “Lor Plus” the two most important doctors for the preservation of the voice are received: the phoniatrist Sazhin Alexander Valerievich and the phonopedist.

A phoniatrist is an ENT doctor involved in the restoration of the voice and the development of its capabilities. Voice heals only phoniatrist . Treatment of diseases of the vocal apparatus is relevant for professional singers, actors, teachers, announcers, as well as for dispatchers, managers, operators, cashiers – everyone whose work is associated with voice load and verbal communication.

A phonopedist is a teacher who restores correct and physiologically correct sound production, that is, he specializes in voice disorders.
The phonoped works in close conjunction with the phoniatrist.

A phoniatrist and a phonopedist should be consulted for any illness that has led to voice changes.
These are ENT diseases, endocrine, neurological, dental diseases, conditions after surgical interventions on the larynx and thyroid gland.

What kind of complaints should be addressed to a phoniatrist and phonopedist?

• No voice.
• Change the volume and/or timbre of the voice.
• Rapid voice fatigue.
• Sensation of a lump in the throat.
• Feeling of dryness, itching, desire to clear your throat and other unpleasant sensations.
• Hoarseness in the morning and evening.
• Prolonged cough with further hoarseness.

The “risk group” in terms of the frequency of voice problems invariably includes speech workers and just lovers of the vocal genre.

Who are voice workers?
These are singers, readers, teachers, teachers, DJs, flight attendants, guides, animators, event hosts, lawyers, lawyers, telephonists, dispatchers, actors, students of theater and music institutions.

Separately, we note that workers of speech professions should contact a phonopedist in order to maintain “voice hygiene”, that is, to prevent voice disorders, in order to alleviate the voice load, in order to improve the timbre and loudness of the voice.

Students of theatrical and choir institutions are recommended to apply to the phonopedist in order to teach the correct physiological sound extraction, to persons.

Also, everyone should turn to a phonopedist for all persons who wish to improve the productivity of their voice work, improve the sound of their voice, without harm to health, maintaining the health of the vocal cords and preventing ENT diseases.

Phonopedic sessions can be both preventive and therapeutic (used in combination with the treatment of the underlying disease, if any).

Voice disorders can often be a symptom of serious illnesses. Therefore, changes in the vocal apparatus are a good reason to visit a phoniatrist, and can also be a reason for a thorough and comprehensive examination (nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, lungs).

The ATMOS video stroboscope (Germany) is used to diagnose diseases of the vocal apparatus in the Lor Plus clinic. To date, this is the only professional and high-precision specialized apparatus in Perm for monitoring the state of the vocal folds.
The possibility of video recording of the examinations of the larynx gives the doctor the opportunity to control the effectiveness of medical procedures, and the patient – a unique opportunity to see the state of his vocal apparatus, the work of the vocal cords.

Remember: the success of treatment is largely determined by the early diagnosis of diseases of the larynx and the regular monitoring of unique specialists – a phoniatrist and a phonopedist.

Our doctors

Make an appointment with Phonoped or Foniatr at a convenient time for you

Please note that:

• When visiting the clinic for the first time, it is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the appointed time in order to fill out a medical history and sign an agreement, informed consent for medical intervention. You can familiarize yourself with the texts of these documents here.
• To sign the contract, you must have a passport with you.
• If the patient is a child (up to 18 years of age inclusive!), then one of the parents or guardian must come to the appointment with the child and sign the contract and consent.