Some health problems feel so minor that the idea of consulting a physician or a specialist doesn’t occur even remotely. Think of that ticklish feeling in the throat, for example. A runny nose is another case in point. You can ascribe any of these irritants to cold symptoms, not paying attention that they stayed longer than usual this time. Unfortunately, such assumptions can be misleading and potentially damaging to your overall health. Without a proper check-up, you cannot determine if these are innocuous reflections of your inner health or if something terrible is cooking up inside. That’s why you must be alert about your throat, ear, and nose and meet an ENT immediately. Let’s explore a few common red flags that suggest it’s time to meet an ENT.
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Irritation in the nose
Any discomfort or congestion in the nose can be linked to cold, but there can be a severe underlying condition behind this. When you suffer from nasal drainage, irritation, or swelling, it signals a viral or bacterial attack in the sinuses. Leaving this area unattended will be like inviting complications in your life. You can be vulnerable to bigger risks like bacterial meningitis. An ENT will evaluate your health for infections and recommend a proper treatment. You can check https://drkhliment.com.sg/ent-specialist-singapore-doctor/ for an idea. Most cases of viral infection are treated with prescription medications, steroids, etc. These should be effective on nasal swelling.
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Persistent coughing and throat-clearing
Cold can cause cough and scratchy throat. But you must see an ENT if the situation worsens with continuous irritation in the affected part. The reason behind such an experience can be bacterial tonsillitis or strep throat. Patients usually suffer from fever, cough up phlegm, or experience itchy throat due to infection. Clearing the throat or coughing is the body’s natural way to eliminate disease. Allowing it to continue like this can be a mistake. You may need a dose of antibiotics for relief.
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Sharp pain in the ear and nose
Again, it can be a common problem, but it also needs timely medical intervention for your overall health. Typically, flu and cold cause these issues, which eventually become better. However, it would be best if you met an ENT. You can have pain in these areas due to several other factors, such as earwax impaction, middle ear infection, strep throat, inflamed tonsils, etc. Earwax build-up in the ear canal helps it fight infections. However, an excessive amount of it can be a problem. Most people rely on cotton swabs for cleaning. But it would help if you let an expert handle stubborn or too much earwax for safety reasons.
The main culprit for an infected middle ear is the accumulated fluid in the inner ear caused by sinusitis, cold, or flu. Due to this, you can feel extreme pain and pressure in the ear. Since it’s primarily a bacterial infection, ENT can treat it with antibacterial medicine.
These are examples of what you may write off as a regular occurrence without precise knowledge. That’s why seeing an ear, nose, and throat specialist is crucial even at the slightest hint of discomfort and failure to find relief from home remedies. An ENT can analyse these body parts closely and recommend a proper solution.