When to visit an ENT specialist

People are often confused about whether to let their painful ears heal themselves or to visit a doctor. We list the times you must visit an ENT specialist without delay.

Winter has now set in across the country, and the change in weather has brought the common cold and cough with it. Many people suffer from the cold and cough at this time of year. While the cold can resolve itself in a week’s time by causing symptoms such as a runny nose or sore throat, in some cases it can cause bigger problems.

Some people report more painful symptoms related to the common cold and cough. They may experience severe headaches, mild to moderate vertigo, painfully clogged ears and even the sensation of a lump in the throat every time they swallow. These are not normal symptoms of a common cold, but are indicative of an infection. If left untreated, it can progress into a more severe disorder.

If these or other symptoms do not go away in a couple of days, or if they are isolated issues not caused by cold, cough or the flu, it is time to visit an ENT specialist. The ENT doctor (or Otolaryngologist) treats the problems occurring in the ear, nose and throat, as well as the neck and the head. If you or a family member face these problems, it is time to visit the best ENT specialist in Bangalore:

Ear: Improper or low hearing, blocked ears, clogged ears (with mucus), pain in the ears, a tiny ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, a feeling of imbalance or ‘spinning’ of the room when walking or sitting.

Nose: Nose clogged for over a week, no sense of smell after the cold has healed, pain in the nasal cavity leading to the throat, painful sinuses, heavy breathing/wheezing, no sense of taste even when eating pungent or spicy food, etc. 

Throat: Painful or sore throat for over a week, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in framing sounds or words, difficulty to eat despite having an appetite, inability to raise the voice, chronic cough even without change in weather.

Head and neck: Sudden painful headaches, headaches accompanied by vomiting, lumps or tumours, feeling of heaviness or swelling in the head, different facial movements than before, visible deformities, etc. 

The best ENT specialists in Bangalore can diagnose these ailments listed above and prescribe the course of future medical action. Look for an experienced ENT specialist in Bangalore who will run tests and take down a detailed case history before starting treatment. It is preferable to go to the same specialist in case of recurring ailments because the doctor will be familiar with your history.