Managing Sinus Infections, Hearing Issues, and More in San Antonio

Persistent issues with your ears, nose, and throat will call for an ENT consultation. Their expertise encompasses a wide variety of health concerns including:

1. Chronic sinusitis
   Sinusitis is a sinus infection that causes inflammation in the sinus passages. This prevents proper mucus drainage, causing nasal blockages and breathing difficulties. A sinus infection lasting for more than 12 weeks is categorized as chronic sinusitis. A consultation with an ENT specialist can give you a proper diagnosis as well as an appropriate treatment plan to achieve symptom relief.
2. Allergies
   Allergic reactions often manifest as symptoms like frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and headaches. Peak allergy seasons can further exacerbate sinus issues. A care provider specializing in allergy care can provide you with effective coping strategies and techniques to better manage your symptoms.
3. Persistent nasal obstruction
   Both sinusitis and allergies can cause nasal obstruction and congestion but other factors can also influence this. Nasal congestion makes it difficult to breathe through the nose and can quickly impact the patient’s life. An ENT specialist can help you get to the bottom of the blockages and provide efficient treatments to improve nasal airflow.
4. Tonsillitis
   Sore throat is a common ENT issue but not every case will need an ENT specialist. However, if the pain in your throat is due to tonsillitis, then consider scheduling that ENT appointment. Tonsillitis causes inflammation in the tonsils which leads to a sore throat, persistent pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and tender lymph nodes.
5. Recurring ear infections
   Recurring ear infections and consistent ear pain can be an indication of a more serious underlying condition. In some cases, it can be a sign of tumor growth in the throat, which should convince you to consult with a specialist, especially if the pain doesn’t go away.
6. Hearing loss
   While hearing loss is a common sign of aging, hearing loss that comes on suddenly and is not due to aging is a cause for concern. In some cases, it can be linked to a more serious condition like ear infections, inner ear issues, and other neurological concerns.
7. Ringing sensation in the ears
   A ringing sensation in the ears – known as tinnitus – can be a sign of ear infections or hearing loss. A trip to an ENT specialist’s office might be in your best interest.
8. Vertigo
   It’s common for people to feel dizzy when they experience quick changes in the position of their heads. Some also get dizzy when they bend over, look up, or stand up too quickly. This is typically a short-term concern. However, what’s not a short-term concern is feeling dizzy even when you’re standing still. This is known as vertigo and can be a sign of an inner ear infection.
9. Lump in the neck
   A lump in the neck that has lasted for more than two weeks is a cause for concern as this can be a sign of mouth, thyroid, or throat cancer.
10. Sleep apnea
    Sleeping disorders that disrupt one’s overall health and well-being like sleep apnea should be reason enough to schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes a cycle of breathing pauses during sleep. This leads to snoring and sleep disturbances because when you stop breathing, your brain signals you to wake up and gasp for air.