Visiting an ENT specialist can be crucial for various conditions that affect the ear, nose, and throat. One common reason to see an ENT is a sore throat, or pharyngitis, which is a painful inflammation of the back part of the throat (pharynx). This can involve the tonsils, the fleshy tissue that are part of the throat’s immune defenses. The most common cause of a sore throat is an infection, either bacterial or viral.

Another reason is middle ear infection (otitis media), which often begins after having a sore throat, cold, or other upper respiratory problem. This can lead to fluid buildup behind the eardrum and may be exacerbated by exposure to cigarette smoke or vaping.

Moreover, infections such as those caused by human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs), are a common reason to consult an ENT. These viruses typically cause infections of the upper airway, including the common cold, ear infections, or a sore throat and can also lead to more serious lower respiratory infections.

A bacterial infection like strep throat, which can also result in scarlet fever, tonsillitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and ear infections, is yet another cause for an ENT visit. Symptoms of strep throat often include fever, white draining patches on the throat, and swollen or tender lymph glands in the neck.

Adults experiencing sore throats might be suffering from various infections; while viral infections are most common, bacterial infections like strep throat can also occur. Infections are not the only cause of sore throats, though. Allergies, nasal congestion, and reflux, where stomach acids are regurgitated into the back of the throat, can also be culprits.

Finally, otitis media with effusion (OME), or the presence of non-infected fluid in the middle ear, also known as serous or secretory otitis media (SOM), can result from a cold, sore throat, or upper respiratory infection. Though OME usually resolves on its own, an ENT specialist can provide guidance and treatment if necessary.

Chronic conditions like sinusitis can also necessitate a visit to an ENT provider. Common causes include nasal polyps, a deviated nasal septum, repeated respiratory infections, allergies, or complications from other conditions. The best treatment option, whether medication, antibiotics, or surgery, can be determined by an ENT specialist for symptoms like chronic sore throat or tonsillitis.