
5 Signs It’s Time to See an ENT (And Not Just Your Primary Doctor)
Delaying care for ongoing health concerns may lead to worsening symptoms or complications in some cases.
Persistent, chronic, and recurring ENT conditions can lead to symptoms that significantly affect quality of life. In some cases, chronic ENT conditions may interfere with daily productivity and comfort. If you’re experiencing any of that, it might be time to see an ENT specialist near you.

This guide was developed by Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy to help patients in Scottsdale, AZ, recognize the telltale signs that should prompt them to visit an ENT’s office for a consultation and evaluation.
- Chronic, persistent, and recurring issues of the ears, nose, and throat
While your primary care provider (PCP) can diagnose and treat mild ENT concerns, you may be recommended to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist.
▶️Chronic sinusitis
Sinusitis is the irritation, swelling, and inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses. The sinuses are hollow, air-filled spaces behind the nose, cheeks, and forehead.
Sometimes, they become inflamed and swollen due to a variety of factors, including allergies, bacterial infections, viral infections, and nasal polyps (which are excess tissue growth in the sinuses, causing a blockage that interferes with normal mucus drainage).
Because of its many potential causes, a visit with an ENT specialist can help determine the underlying cause. They will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan based on a variety of individual factors.
▶️Recurring ear infections
Chronic, persistent, or recurring ear infections aren’t something to be ignored. Usually, they are associated with another condition, such as allergies, the flu, or the common cold.
Children aged 6 months to 2 years are more susceptible to ear infections due to the size and shape of their middle ears and eustachian tubes. In some cases, recurring ear infections in children can contribute to issues like hearing, speech delays, or balance issues. In some cases, early ENT evaluation may help identify contributing factors and guide a treatment plan that supports long-term ear health.
In rare cases, chronic ear infections in adults may be related to a more serious underlying condition, such as growths in the throat.
▶️Chronic sore or scratchy throat
Sore throat, hoarseness, coughing, or scratchy throat are common among many people, and typically they tend to go away on their own. However, chronic or persistent cases may point to an underlying throat issue. A consultation with an ENT care provider can check for other causes, such as inflammation, infection, or issues with the vocal cords.
▶️Frequent nose bleeds
Nosebleeds are common, especially in dry climates or during the colder months. While often harmless, frequent and unexplained nosebleeds may, in some cases, point to an underlying issue that warrants an ENT evaluation.
▶️Severe facial pain and pressure
Facial pain and pressure, especially around the nose, eyes, cheeks, and forehead, can be frustrating and shouldn’t be ignored at all. Severe or persistent facial pain may warrant an ENT evaluation to assess for sinus-related causes or determine if a referral to another specialist is necessary.
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
Hearing loss can look like a lot of things:
- Turning up the volume of your TV or phone more than usual
- Having trouble keeping up with conversations
- Asking people to repeat themselves louder because you didn’t hear them the first time
Hearing loss can result from a variety of factors, including noise exposure, earwax buildup, ruptured eardrums, or some other underlying condition.
Tinnitus, a ringing sensation in the ears without an external source, also warrants an ENT visit.
An ENT doctor can evaluate common causes of hearing loss and tinnitus and refer you to other specialists if necessary.
- Dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues
Short-term dizziness is common and often results from standing up or moving one’s head quickly. However, frequent cases of dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues may point to conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) to more complex vestibular disorders.
- Sleep apnea or severe snoring
Mild snoring is normal and usually harmless. However, severe and prolonged snoring may point to a more serious sleep disorder like sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is characterized by a cycle of breathing pauses during sleep. The lack of oxygen jolts the patient awake, often gasping for air. Not only does this disrupt sleep, but it’s also often associated with increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
An ENT specialist can evaluate your symptoms and may recommend a sleep study if appropriate, which is commonly used to diagnose sleep apnea.
- Lumps, bumps, or masses in the head or neck
Lymph nodes are present in the head and neck to help the body fight off infections. Swollen lymph nodes or unexplained lumps, bumps, or masses in the head and neck–especially if they seem to grow bigger or last more than two weeks–should prompt someone to schedule an ENT evaluation.
ENT FAQs From Scottsdale, AZ, Patients
What is an ENT doctor?
An ENT doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist or simply an ENT, is a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. ENT specialists can choose to further their specialization to include subspecialties concerning the head, neck, mouth, and facial structures.
They are highly trained to provide non-surgical and surgical treatment options for a wide variety of ENT concerns like allergies, chronic sinusitis, ear infections, hearing loss, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
What is the difference between a primary doctor and an ENT?
A primary doctor is trained and well-equipped to diagnose and treat mild ENT conditions. However, if the issue is beyond the scope of their expertise (i.e., the condition is chronic, persistent, or complex), they may refer you to a specialist who has more experience in such conditions.
A visit with your primary care provider for ENT concerns can help determine whether your symptoms will need a specialist.
Consulting With an ENT Specialist in Scottsdale, AZ
If you’re looking for an ENT specialist in Scottsdale, AZ, Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy is one of many ENT clinics serving the area. You can learn more about our ENT services here or contact our team directly here.
Prepare for Allergies in Spring 2022
The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Results may vary: Treatment outcomes and health experiences may differ based on individual medical history, condition severity, and response to care.
Emergency Notice: If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.


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