When to See an ENT ASAP

Ear, nose and throat doctors treat a wide range of ailments in West Chester and throughout Pennsylvania. Also known as otolaryngologists, ENTs provide treatment to patients of all ages. You might not be familiar with all the services these medical specialists provide or understand when to schedule an appointment. We’ll help demystify them for you!

The Role of an ENT

ENT doctors in West Chester treat a wide range of diseases and disorders that affect the ears, nose and throat. Some of the more common conditions they treat include:

• Ears: Ear disorders such as ear infections, hearing impairment, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and dizziness or balance disorders.
• Nose: Conditions that affect the nose, nasal cavities and sinuses, especially those that interfere with smell and breathing.
• Throat: Problems that affect speaking, eating, swallowing and digestion.

That’s just a brief overview. Otolaryngologists can specialize in some very specific areas such as head and neck cancers, thyroid disease, sleep disorders, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and more.

Symptoms that an ENT Treats

The following symptoms – caused by a large number of medical conditions – are all treatable by an ENT:

• Balance problems
• Dizziness
• Hearing impairment
• Ear infection
• Tonsil or adenoid infection
• Swimmer’s ear
• Pain in the ears, nose or throat
• Tinnitus
• Breathing problems
• Down’s syndrome
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Sinus infections
• Tumors in the ears, nose, throat, head or neck
• Deviated septum
• Undesirable appearance of the nose or face
• Nosebleeds
• Nasal congestion
• Problems with smell
• Voice or swallowing problems
• Sore throat or hoarseness
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea

While your primary care physician may be able to provide relief, an ENT doctor is best qualified to treat the underlying condition that may be causing these symptoms. If you or a family member are experiencing any of the above, we suggest you contact your West Chester ear, nose and throat specialist for an examination.