What should we do if we have a constantly stuffy nose, serial sneezing, dizziness, nosebleeds, problems with the sense of smell or suspicious nodules on the neck or tongue? We should immediately go to the laryngologist for diagnosis of the ailment and possible treatment along with prevention.
A laryngologist (otolaryngologist) is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of most ailments associated with the nose, sinuses, ears, hearing and balance, mouth and throat, including the organ of speech. Already, in reference to the Greek language, in the word “otolaryngology” we find references to-ear (Otos), nose (rhinos or rynos) and throat (pharyngos).
However, not everyone knows that laryngology is a field that is divided into narrower specialties, and that treatment by a laryngologist is reduced not only to simple procedures. Let us also keep in mind that some health problems perceived as laryngological may have completely different causes, for example, circulatory, allergic and neurological.
In what cases should we go to the otolaryngologist?
Often the decision to go to a specialist helps us to make a doctor of first contact, sometimes we make it ourselves. About whether it will be an otolaryngologist will decide specific symptoms. In addition to those listed in the introduction, you can additionally include m.in.:
- sinus problems;
- difficulty breathing through the nose;
- problems with the nasal septum;
- persistent hay fever;
- dryness of mucous membranes of the nose and throat;
- recurrent epistaxis;
- intrusive, continuous snoring and breathlessness;
- nodules on the neck or inside the mouth or throat;
- problems with tonsils;
- difficulty swallowing,
- persistent dry throat;
- swallowing disorders;
- hoarseness;
- problems with vocal cords;
- ear congestion;
- ear pain;
- tinnitus;
- balance disorders;
- hearing problems.