The ears, throat and nose form the upper respiratory system and contain similar mucus membrane linings. This similarity makes them susceptible to the same infections, meaning that an infection in one of them may infect the others. It is therefore important to know what to look for in an ear nose and throat doctor in Houston.
Many types of conditions affect the ears, nose, and throat. A doctor should have a clear understanding of the anatomy of these three parts in order to deal with any possible infections and conditions.
Nasal & Sinus Conditions
Many types of conditions affect the nasal and sinus cavity. Sinuses are the hollow spaces within the bones located in the forehead, behind the cheekbones and between the eyes. The sinuses produce the mucus that keeps the inside of the nose moist, thus aiding in keeping out dust, pollutants and allergens. In addition to keeping out pollutants, sinuses affect the tone and depth of a person’s voice.
In total, there are eight sinus cavities, with one of each in either side of the face. When sinuses are congested, swollen or infected, their passages block, leading to a wide range of conditions, such as:
- Headaches
- Difficulty breathing
- Dental pain
- Fatigue
- Pain around the cheeks, forehead and eyes
Allergies
Pollen, chemical and environmental pollutants cause allergies, which cause symptoms such as headaches, scratchy throat, sneezing, nasal congestion and watery eyes. Allergies affect the quality of life including work, home, school, and play. Most of the symptoms of an allergy mimic flu, so a doctor must differentiate between the two and offer the best treatment therapies.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring is a nose and throat condition that occurs when the airway blocks when the throat, tongue and muscles located in the back of the mouth relax. The snoring sound results from the vibration of the uvula against the back of the throat due to the breathing action. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a more serious condition that occurs when relaxed muscles located at the back of the throat cause it to close up, which stops breathing for up to 3 minutes or less.
What to Look for in a Good Ear Nose And Throat Doctor In Houston
A good ENT doctor will go beyond treating the conditions, and search for the root cause of the problems. The doctor will deal with the cause in order to offer a permanent solution for the conditions. A good ear nose and throat doctor in Houston must also have all the latest specialized equipment and medicine and be up to date with the latest research and development in this particular area of medicine.