Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Persistent Sinus Pain: When to See an ENT

Persistent sinus pain and issues can quickly impact one’s quality of life and impair one’s ability to accomplish daily tasks. Symptoms like stuffy nose, difficulty breathing through the nose, throat irritation, postnasal drip, facial pain and pressure, headaches, and fatigue are common signs of persistent sinus issues.

If these sound all too familiar and you have suffered for far too long, seeing an ENT specialist may be best for your health.

What Is an ENT Specialist?

An ENT specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, is a healthcare provider with specialties in diagnosing and treating ear, nose, and throat conditions. They are highly trained specialists with extensive expertise in providing both surgical and non-surgical procedures to address an array of ENT issues, providing patients with efficient relief.

Primary care providers can address minor issues that affect the ears, nose, and throat but they may refer you to a specialist if your symptoms need more specialized care.

Persistent Sinus Issues: When to See an ENT

There are many benefits to seeing an ENT specialist. Here are reasons why you shouldn’t ignore persistent sinus issues and take treatment options further by seeing an ENT specialist:

• Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a sinus infection lasting more than 12 weeks without showing any signs of relief. This type of sinus infection causes inflammation in the sinus passages, preventing proper mucus drainage. This causes blocked nasal passages and causes difficulty in breathing through the nose. A consultation with an ENT specialist will give you a proper diagnosis and help you find the most efficient treatment option for your condition.

• Allergies

Common allergy symptoms include frequent sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, and headaches. Allergies during peak allergy seasons can further exacerbate existing persistent sinus issues. An ENT specialist specializes in providing you with efficient strategies to better manage your allergy symptoms.

• Persistent sinus blockage

Allergies and sinusitis can both lead to sinus blockage. This leads to difficulties in breathing and can quickly impact one’s quality of life. A consultation with an ENT specialist will help you get to the bottom of your condition, figure out what’s causing it, and find appropriate treatment options.

• Sore throat

Sore throat is a common concern for many but not all cases will require a trip to your doctor’s office. If the underlying cause of sore throat is tonsillitis, you will need to schedule an appointment with your care provider. If you aren’t sure, look out for signs of persistent pain in your throat or pain in swallowing. Tonsillitis causes inflammation in the tonsils, causing sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and tender lymph nodes.

• Recurring ear infections

Ear pain and recurrent ear infections can indicate a more serious health concern. In some cases, it can be a sign of tumor growth in the throat. Consulting with a specialist will help you find the problem and take appropriate steps towards getting better.

• Ringing in the ears

Known as tinnitus, a constant ringing sensation in the ears can be an early sign of an ear infection or hearing loss.

• Hearing loss

Hearing loss is a common sign of aging. However, hearing loss that comes on suddenly and not due to aging is often linked to a more serious illness. Common causes can include ear infections, inner ear issues, or other neurological issues.

• Dizziness or vertigo

It is common for people to experience dizziness from quick changes in the position of their head, standing up too quickly, looking up, or bending over. It’s typically a short-term concern but some people feel dizziness even when they’re staying still – in which case this condition is known as vertigo. It often results from an inner ear infection or a buildup of fluid or wax.

• Lump in the neck

If you notice a lump in your neck that has lasted for more than two weeks, you will need to see an ENT specialist as this can be a sign of mouth, throat, thyroid, or other types of blood cancers.

• Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by a cycle of breathing pauses during sleep. Pauses in breathing during sleep can cause loud snoring and sleep disturbances. When you stop breathing, your brain sends a signal to wake you up, often gasping for air.

Still Struggling With Sinus Pain? Jupiter Sinus and Allergy Can Help

Scheduling a consultation with an ENT specialist is crucial if you’ve been experiencing persistent sinus pain and issues without any sign of relief on the horizon. They will help you get to the bottom of your health concerns and provide appropriate courses of treatment to achieve relief.

At Jupiter Sinus and Allergy, our team is committed to diagnosing and treating a variety of sinus issues so you can breathe freely and enjoy life to the fullest. Schedule an appointment with us today and find relief from persistent sinus concerns!