If you have an ear infection or a sore throat, do you need to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor? Can you find an ear, nose, and throat doctor online?
Let's discuss what an ENT does and whether or not you need to see one for your symptoms.
What Is an ENT Doctor?
ENT doctors are specialists who have completed at least 5 years of specialty training after medical school. During training, ENT doctors solely focus on conditions that affect the ears, nose, and throat.
“ENT specialists are not only medical doctors who can treat your sinus headache, your child’s swimmer’s ear, or your dad’s sleep apnea,” according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. “They are also surgeons who can perform extremely delicate operations to restore hearing of the middle ear, open blocked airways, remove head, neck, and throat cancers, and rebuild these essential structures.”
What Is an ENT Doctor Called?
An ENT doctor is an ear, nose, and throat doctor. ENT specialist doctors are officially known as otolaryngologists. Whether the doctor is called an ENT or otolaryngologist, they receive professional training in treating ear, nose, and throat disorders and diseases.
What ENT Problems Can a Primary Care Doctor Treat?
Primary care doctors can sometimes treat ear, nose, and throat issues such as seasonal allergies and vertigo. While an ENT does specialize in conditions related to the ears, nose, and throat, many common minor conditions can be handled by regular doctors.
For example, a primary care doctor can often treat conditions such as:
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Strep throat
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Allergies
What Conditions Do ENT Doctors Treat?
Some of the conditions that ENT specialist doctors treat include:
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Hearing loss
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Tinnitus (ear noise)
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Balance disorders
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Ear infections
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Nerve pain
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Facial and cranial nerve disorders
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Congenital (birth) disorders of the inner or outer ear
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Chronic sinusitis
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Sense of smell
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Allergies
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Swallowing disorders
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Voice problems
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Facial trauma
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Tumors of the ears, nose or throat
Do I Need a Referral To See an ENT?
Yes, you will likely need a referral to see an ENT, as many insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor before you can see specialist providers.
In many cases, you’ll need to book an appointment with an ENT months in advance. Consequently, ENTs are not always a good choice for short-term problems related to your ears, nose, or throat, such as infections.
When Should You See an ENT Doctor?
While it’s perfectly fine to schedule an initial appointment with your primary care doctor, they’ll refer you to a local specialist or ENT for diagnosis and treatment if they determine that your condition is complex.
An ENT is a better option than a primary care doctor for conditions such as:
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Nerve problems in your ears, nose, or throat
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Hearing problems
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Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
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Breathing problems through your nose or throat
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Down syndrome
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Growth or tumor in your ears, nose, or throat
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Deviated septum
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Laryngitis
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Cleft palate
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Nose bleeds
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Hoarseness
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Smelling difficulties
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Swallowing difficulty
Recurring conditions may also warrant an appointment with an ENT. For example, although tonsillitis is relatively common among children and adults, you may need to schedule an ENT appointment if you experience recurring sore throat symptoms.
Hearing loss may also require a trip to the ENT doctor. “An ENT can help detect causes for sudden hearing loss, which may include infections, circulatory inner ear problems like Ménière’s disease, and other neurological problems,” according to the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Can I See an ENT Specialist Doctor Online?
No, you cannot see an ENT specialist online. ENTs need to see you in person to perform an examination and observe your symptoms in person. They also have special instruments to look inside your ears, nose, and throat to see what's going on.
However, many ear, nose, and throat problems can be treated by primary care doctors online. If you're experiencing allergies or an infection affecting your ears, sinuses, or throat, you may be able to get treatment, including online prescriptions, and referrals from an online doctor.
Book an Appointment With PlushCare Today
If you're dealing with a sinus infection, strep throat, or ear infection, there's no need to see an ENT. Our trusted doctors can talk to you during a phone or video chat to assess your symptoms. Based on your specific symptoms, your PlushCare doctor may send prescriptions electronically to your preferred pharmacy.
Book an appointment for minor ear, nose, or throat symptoms.
Read More About Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems
Sources
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American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. What’s an ENT? Accessed on April 29, 2021 at https://www.enthealth.org/whats-an-ent/
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Columbia University Irving Medical Center Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. What is Otolaryngology? Accessed on April 29, 2021 at https://www.columbiadoctors.org/specialties/ear-nose-throat/patients/what-otolaryngology
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Lehigh Valley Health Network. 7 Reasons You Might Need An ENT. Accessed on April 29, 2021 at https://news.lvhn.org/7-reasons-you-might-need-an-ent/
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National Down Syndrome Society. Ear, Nose and Throat Issues and Down Syndrome. Accessed on May 13, 2021 at https://ndss.org/resources/ear-nose-throat-ent-down-syndrome
