5 Signs to See an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialist

If you've ever dealt with persistent congestion, recurring sinus infections or snoring your partner just can't handle any longer, you might have wondered whether it's time to see a specialist.

While many of these problems can be treated by your primary care physician, they sometimes warrant the expertise of an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

"People often put off addressing health concerns, assuming the issue will go away on its own in time or is just a natural part of aging," says Dr. Samuel "Ross" Patton, an ENT specialist at Houston Methodist. "A consultation with a specialist could provide the relief you've been waiting for."

Here's everything you need to know about what an ENT does, the signs to see one and what to expect at your first appointment.

What is an ENT specialist?

"An ENT specialist, also called an otolaryngologist, diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat and related structures," explains Dr. Patton. "This means we can help with everything from seasonal allergies to ear pain to problems swallowing."

ENT specialists are also surgeons, trained to perform procedures sometimes needed to treat or better manage certain conditions.

5 common reasons to visit an ENT

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, a visit to an ENT may be in order:

Nasal, sinus and allergy symptoms

Struggling with a stuffy or runny nose, sinus pressure, discolored nasal drainage or the like? An ENT can help.

"In Houston, we see a lot of allergy-related nasal and sinus issues," says Dr. Patton. "Tree pollen in the spring, grass pollen in the summer, ragweed in the fall, mountain cedar in the winter — there is really no 'off season' here." (Related: Can Seasonal Allergies Be Prevented?)

Beyond allergies, environmental irritants — pollution, mold, dust mites, dust — can also lead to congestion and other nasal symptoms.

"When needed, we work with allergists and immunologists to help treat these sorts of issues," says Dr. Patton. "We also examine the nasal passageways and sinuses to determine if any structural problems might be exacerbating issues."

Chronic sinus infections or nasal polyps

Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinus or nasal cavity becomes inflamed. This can happen due to an infection or the presence of a growth inside the sinuses (polyp), both of which can lead to blockages in the nose.

"Many factors can trigger an infections or polyp growth, and an ENT surgeon can help identify the source and recommend the best way to manage the problem moving forward," says Dr. Patton.

(Related: How to Tell If It's a Sinus Infection or Allergies)

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea causes symptoms like snoring and daytime fatigue. It can also lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

"ENTs often play a role in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea," says Dr. Patton. "Beyond prescribing a CPAP machine, we can evaluate whether there is a structural issue we can correct or provide CPAP alternatives to qualified patients — hypoglossal nerve stimulation, for instance."

Not everyone will need surgery, but an ENT can help explore the various sleep apnea treatments available based on your specific condition and lifestyle goals.

Throat or voice issues

Chronic throat pain, a sensation of something stuck in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and persistent hoarseness (or other changes in your voice) can indicate an underlying problem in the throat.

"We can perform a detailed exam to check for nodules or irritation in the throat, recommending the most effective treatment," says Dr. Patton.

(Related: 5 Reasons for Losing Your Voice &Tips for Getting It Back)

Lumps, bumps or masses in the head and neck

Any unexplained swelling, lumps or persistent pain in the head, neck or throat should be evaluated without delay. "People sometimes ignore a lump because they fear the worst," says Dr. Patton. "But not all masses are cancerous — and in the rare cases they are, prompt treatment is crucial."

(Related: What Is Oropharyngeal Cancer & Why Are Rates Rising?)

What to expect during an exam

An ENT visit varies depending on the symptoms you're experiencing, but the goal is to identify the problem as efficiently as possible.

"We're typically focused on a very specific issue, in a very specific area, so appointments are generally short — between 15 and 30 minutes," says Dr. Patton. "We try to streamline care by performing tests during the same visit whenever we can, and it's not unusual for us to perform a diagnostic test on your first visit into the office."

For ear concerns, a hearing test might be performed. For nasal issues, an endoscope may be used to check for structural problems, like nasal polyps or a deviated septum.

"We also collaborate with other specialists, like immunologists, allergists and reconstructive surgeons, when needed to provide comprehensive care," adds Dr. Patton.