A constantly raspy voice, a nose that seems to be eternally stuffy, repetitive ear aches, a minimal loss of hearing, a stuffy nose – all these reasons should lead a person to make an appointment with a local ENT in Allentown. But what is otolaryngology? How can it benefit you?
Understanding the field
This specialty concerns the physiology and associated diseases that affect the ears, nose, and throat (larynx and pharynx). It consists of the treatment of any and all affections between the base of the skull and the upper orifice of the thorax: infections, deafness, vertigo, tumors, tonsils, parotid and thyroid glands, etc. A consultation must be scheduled when a person begins to feel discomforts arise which hamper everyday life.
These include ear disorders (persistent pain, decreased hearing or clogging, wheezing, ringing in the ears), nose and sinus disorders (snoring, loss of smell, allergic symptoms), throat and larynx disorders (discomfort with swallowing, breathing, swelling) as well as the presence of abnormal glands, dizziness, or facial palsy.
When to consult an ENT?
After consulting a general practitioner, people should seek care from an ENT like in Allentown. Except for certain pathologies already identified as deafness and various cancers, it is not necessary to consult this specialist on a regular basis. During the first visit, it is the general practitioner or the specialist themselves who schedule follow-up appointments.
Otherwise, there is no routine examination to be performed as long as there are no particular symptoms being identified.
Who is at risk the most?
People at risk are primarily smokers and abusive alcohol consumers. However, it is advisable to be seen at regular intervals if you are exposed to occupational hazards such as exposure to intense noise or hazardous dust. People who spend a lot of time in water should also be seen.
What takes place during the first consultation?
The appointment begins with an in-depth examination of the patient’s disorders, symptoms, and so on. The specialist will ask the individuals when their symptoms started, in what places they began, and if there are similar cases in the family. Then there is an examination involved.