Why do you need a follow-up appointment?
A repeated examination shows whether the prescribed regimen is working: whether the swelling of the mucous membrane has decreased, whether the sinuses have cleared, whether the eardrum has healed. If there is no improvement, the doctor changes the drug or tactics - this is much more reasonable than continuing ineffective treatment. For chronic diseases, repeated examinations are also carried out during the period of remission in order to notice the return of the process in time.
Why do people consult an ENT doctor?
An otorhinolaryngologist deals with diseases of the ear, nose and throat - from acute runny nose to chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis and hearing loss. A significant part of the complaints with which people live for years “as is” - nasal congestion, snoring, constant sore throat, noise in the ear - has a specific cause and is treated.
There is a separate group of emergency conditions: nosebleeds, foreign bodies, acute otitis with severe pain, abscess - help in the first hours is important here.
What is included in the inspection
- rhinoscopy - examination of the nasal cavity, assessment of the septum and nasal turbinates
- pharyngoscopy - examination of the pharynx and palatine tonsils
- laryngoscopy - examination of the larynx and vocal folds
- otoscopy - examination of the ear canal and eardrum
- assessment of nasal breathing and, if necessary, hearing
When is an endoscope needed?
A normal examination with a reflector shows only the anterior parts of the nose. An endoscopic examination provides an overview of the posterior sections, sinus anastomoses, nasopharynx and adenoids - that is, precisely those areas where the cause of chronic runny nose, snoring and recurring otitis media in children is most often hidden.