Dr. Paul Drago: What To Expect From An ENT Specialist Consultation

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders are common in adults because when you have an earache or a cold, you likely head to the pharmacy for over-the-counter medications or other similar treatmENTs. However, sometimes these symptoms can be caused by more serious conditions that require medical attENTion from an ENT doctor. Dr. Paul Drago will explain what you should expect from an ENT specialist consultation.

You Will Meet With A Doctor Trained In ENT Disorders

The ENT Paul Drago MD specialist will ask about your ENT-related symptoms and perform a physical examination. This may include listening to your heart and lungs, looking in your ears and throat, checking for any signs of sinus problems (such as inflammation), examining the nasal passages for congestion or other abnormalities, and visualizing the eardrum with an instrumENT called an otoscope.

During The ENT AppointmENT, You Will Be Examined Thoroughly

During the appointmENT with an ENT specialist, you will be thoroughly examined and have your medical history reviewed. The ENT doctor will check your ears, nose, and throat for any signs of health disorders.

He or she will then ask questions about your symptoms, such as the start of your ENT symptoms, how often these ENT symptoms occur, and if they get worse at certain times and movemENTs. If necessary, a nasal endoscopy may be performed to look inside the nasal passages from above (this is not painful).

This can help determine whether there is any blockage in the nose that could be causing your problem. In some cases, an MRI scan may also be done if an irregularity has been found on CT scans of the head or face area but no clear diagnosis has been made yet.

You May Be Referred To An ENT Specialist If The Cause Of Your Symptoms Is Unclear

If your doctor suspects that you have a serious condition, they may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist or an otolaryngologist (ENT). An ENT is a doctor who has specialized training in ear, nose, and throat disorders. An ENT will examine you and review your medical history, then determine if further testing is needed.