The ears, nose, and throat are complex areas of the body that are comprised of a myriad of smaller components.
When these components are working like they should be, you shouldn’t have any issues with them. However, damage to one of these components can lead to the development of an array of symptoms and side effects that you might not know how to handle.
While it’s possible to see a doctor about these issues, you’ll likely receive better care from an ENT specialist in Los Angeles.
What Is an ENT Specialist in Los Angeles?
An ENT specialist in Los Angeles is someone who is able to diagnose, treat, and manage any disorder or health condition that affects the head and neck areas, which include the throat, nose, ears, voice box, and sinuses. Since this specialist has received extensive training and experience in dealing with ear, nose, and throat conditions, they will likely be able to provide more effective care when compared to a general physician. The conditions that they treat can be mild or severe.
Common Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems
An ENT specialist in Los Angeles can treat everything from hearing loss and allergies to infections and genetic abnormalities like a cleft palate or deviated septum. Ear infections are easily the most common ENT disorders. Whenever germs and bacteria become trapped within the ear, it’s possible for an ear infection to occur. The primary signs of an infection include pressure and pain in the affected area, difficulties with hearing, a loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, and a fever. These infections occur primarily in children.
Another common type of ear, nose, and throat problem is strep throat, which develops when a bacteria known as streptococcus infects the throat. Symptoms are typically sudden and can include a sore throat, enlarged tonsils, a fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes. What notably differentiates this condition from a common cold or the flu is that both coughing and a runny nose are absent from strep throat. You should also be on the lookout for sinusitis, which is an infection that causes pressure, pain, and inflammation within the sinuses. If the condition is left untreated, it can actually last for years. An ENT specialist is also able to treat certain sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, which is a common disorder that occurs when your airways are blocked or obstructed for some reason. Snoring is among the most prevalent symptom of sleep apnea, which can be mitigated if you get the condition treated.
Treatment Solutions for ENT Conditions
ENT specialists have the capabilities necessary to provide treatment for every health condition that adversely affects the ear, nose, and throat areas. For instance, ear infections will typically be treated with prescription medications and ear drops, while sinusitis is commonly tended to with a combination of over-the-counter therapies, prescription steroid medications, and antihistamines. Your ENT specialist may even recommend that you try some home remedies before prescribing you with a medication.