{"id":3196,"date":"2022-09-23T14:31:26","date_gmt":"2022-09-23T18:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/?p=3196"},"modified":"2022-09-23T14:31:29","modified_gmt":"2022-09-23T18:31:29","slug":"what-is-an-ent-when-to-visit-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/palmettoentallergy.com\/what-is-an-ent-when-to-visit-one\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is an ENT & When to Visit One"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ENT (ear, nose and throat) physicians are also known as otolaryngologists. As the name suggests, they address problems having to do with the ears, nose and throat, such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, sinus infections, swallowing disorders and speech disorders. They also specialize in sleep disorders, and they can perform surgeries on the head, skull base and neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to an otolaryngology workforce analysis<\/a> published in 2016, \u201cThe top diagnoses consisted of otitis media, chronic sinusitis, and impacted cerumen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Otitis Media<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"ENT<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Otitis media, more commonly referred to as a middle ear infection<\/a>, is caused by fluid becoming trapped in the middle ear. This occurs when the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, become inflamed, usually due to a respiratory infection or allergies. Sometimes, bacteria can grow in this fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many cases, an ENT will take a wait-and-see approach with otitis media. However, in some cases antibiotics may be necessary. Chronic cases of otitis media may require ear tubes to be placed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronic Sinusitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chronic sinusitis<\/a>, or sinus infections, are another common reason to see an ENT physician. The sinuses are air pockets located behind the cheeks, nose and forehead that are lined with mucus. When they become inflamed, mucus can become trapped, causing symptoms such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n