Not many people know that intricate tubes connect the organs responsible for three of your major senses (the ears, nose, and throat). This system is why the ENT region of your body is frequently examined together. Otolaryngology is the study of this region. If you encounter any serious issues regarding your sinuses and other related organs, you consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist in Singapore.
You might see a significant overlap between an otolaryngologist (or ENT doctor) or your primary care physician. If you are wondering when to see them instead of your general practice doctor, you might need to closely look at your medical condition and whether you need an ENT doctor to treat you.
When is the right time to call an ENT specialist?
A primary care doctor is the first person you might call if you have a medical issue but do not know the exact cause. If you have undiagnosed symptoms, they may narrow down the causes and the condition you may have. They may also refer you to a new doctor if you have a slightly more serious condition that requires special care. Because they practice general medicine, they may know about several conditions, but the illnesses they treat are milder. A primary care doctor is a stepping stone to specialised care.
On the other hand, an ENT doctor is more appropriate for ear, nose, and throat issues that persist. If it starts affecting your quality of life or giving you intense pain, you might want to reach out to an otolaryngologist. For example, if you have a clogged nose and no amount of medication can make it go away, you might want to reach out to an ENT specialist. Another great thing to consider is that an ENT specialist may know more about your condition than primary care doctors.
If you are dealing with a chronic illness or sickness with serious symptoms, then reach out to an ENT specialist in Singapore. You could be surprised by the range of treatments they can provide you.
What your ENT doctor can do for you
The ears, nose, and throat are 3 organs that allow you to experience the world. When something goes wrong with them, we can perceive it almost immediately. It is a complex network of sensory organs– any conditions that affect them can impair your ability to view the world. There are dozens of ways sicknesses can affect them.
An ENT doctor has a more complicated job than teaching you how to clear a blocked nose. Obvious problems like infections affecting your ENT area are a given. But an otolaryngologist also provides solutions to other problems. Here are a few ways an ENT specialist can help.
1) Diagnose and find relief from allergies
Allergic reactions may vary from person to person, but some common reactions attack your sinuses. If being near a certain stimulus leaves you with a clogged nose, you may have an allergy. Depending on the individual, different triggers such as foods, pet dander, dust, pollen and more can cause allergic reactions. An ENT doctor can help you discover what you might be allergic to. They can prescribe medicine to combat the symptoms and provide instructions to help you avoid the worst of your allergies.
2) Correct your speech disorders
Some people may find it hard to form words or slur their speech involuntarily. If you have a hard time speaking, you may want to consult an otolaryngologist for assistance. Many speech problems stem from a condition affecting the ear, nose, and throat region. An ENT specialist may examine this part of your anatomy and help you get past your problems. Some common ways to treat speech disorders are physical therapy and speech therapy exercises. After strengthening your muscles through the classes, you may eliminate your problem entirely.
3) Help you sleep better
You might not notice you have a sleeping disorder until a bed partner may point it out. But sleeping disorders profoundly impact your mental, physical, and emotional health. If you experience sluggishness or if you do not experience fitful sleep, then you might be interested in approaching a sleep specialist in Singapore. Many sleep disorders are rooted in the ENT region of the body. One example, sleep apnea, might lead to dangerous consequences such as hypertension, heart failure, stroke, and more.
4) Treat your hearing loss
No one wants to lose their hearing, which is a major sense that allows you to enjoy the world. Throughout your life, you may experience issues with your hearing. The earlier you reach out to an ENT doctor, the better your chances of protecting your ears. There are many causes of hearing loss. Old age, ear infections, sudden loud noises, and more can put your ears at risk. The work of your ENT specialist is to discover the cause of your hearing loss and provide treatments and tools to help you regain your hearing (such as hearing aids).
5) Find a solution to balance problems
The part of your body that helps you balance is located in your inner ear. If something happens to this part of your ear, you might experience problems like vertigo. Specific head movements may bring you intense headaches and pain. An ENT doctor may be able to prescribe medication like antihistamines or antibiotics if fluid buildup in the ear is responsible for the condition. Other times, extreme nausea and vomiting may occur if you have vertigo. ENT doctors can also provide medication to treat motion sickness and provide relief.
Dr Gan EngCern is an ENT doctor who can help you with medical issues concerning your sinuses and any related body parts. For more information on how you can receive treatments in Singapore like thyroid surgery, check out his website.