Are you searching for a dedicated ENT specialist in Rowlett, TX? Let Dr. Brent Metts and the team at North Texas Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates provide the quality care you need.

Knowing When To Visit an ENT Specialist

Cold symptoms, sinus infections, allergies, and similar issues can be common and are often nothing to worry about. However, there are times when they need to be evaluated by an ENT specialist like Dr. Metts at North Texas Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates in Rowlett, TX. How do you know if it’s one of those times? Find the answer to that question and more below.

What Does an ENT Doctor Do?

An ENT doctor assesses and treats issues affecting the ears, nose, and throat. Some of the most common conditions people visit an ENT doctor for include:

• Sinus infections
• Tonsillitis
• Allergies
• Ear infections
• Laryngitis
• Chronic sore throat
• Nasal polyps
• Hearing loss

They can also help evaluate and treat sleep disorders.

Signs You Should Visit an ENT Doctor

Your primary physician may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor if they detect an issue, but there are signs you should keep an eye out for yourself. These include but are not limited to, the following:.

• Swollen lymph nodes, especially if they last more than a couple of weeks or occur outside of an obvious illness, like a cold,
• Sore throat that doesn’t go away in a few days
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Snoring 
• Waking up gasping for air
• Not getting restful sleep
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Chronic coughing
• Loss of smell or taste
• Ringing in the ears
• Partial or full loss of hearing
• Chronic dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Hoarseness or loss of voice, especially if it lasts more than a few days
• Fluid drainage from the ear
• Feeling like your ear is full or stuffy
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Balance issues
• Pain or pressure in the face
• Chronic headaches
• Chronic nose bleeds

These symptoms can indicate anything from seasonal allergies to more severe issues. It’s essential that you visit a specialist as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis. Once the underlying cause has been determined, your ENT doctor can recommend the best course of action to effectively relieve and manage your symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above or any others that cause concern, visit our ENT specialist, Dr. Metts, at North Texas Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates of Rowlett, TX. Call (972) 475-9151 to schedule an appointment today.