Why would you see an otolaryngologist?

1. You’ve had a sore throat for more than two weeks

If you’ve had a sore throat that hasn’t improved after 10-14 days, it may be time to see an otolaryngologist. Common causes of a sore throat lasting longer than two weeks can include strep throat, tonsillitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and mononucleosis. It could also be due to an infection or allergies.

An otolaryngologist Los Angeles can perform tests to confirm the diagnosis of your sore throat. These tests may include a throat swab to check for strep, an endoscopy to check for acid reflux, or a blood test to check for mononucleosis. Depending on the results, the otolaryngologist may recommend antibiotics, over-the-counter medications, or lifestyle changes to help ease sore throat symptoms.

2. You have a lump in your throat

A visit to an otolaryngologist is warranted if a lump, bump, or other unusual sensations in your throat lasts longer than two weeks. An ENT can help you determine what’s causing lumps or bumps in your throat and recommend the best treatment.

Common causes of a lump in the throat include enlarged lymph nodes due to infection, muscle tension due to stress or anxiety, or a benign growth such as a polyp. Depending on the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, anti-anxiety medications, or even surgery. It’s important to seek an ENT’s advice to ensure you receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.

3. You’re having trouble swallowing

The medical term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia, which can occur due to an obstruction in the throat or stomach, GERD, or an inflammation of the esophagus. Difficulty swallowing can also be caused by neurological disorders or problems with the throat’s musculature.

An otolaryngologist will assess your symptoms and provide the best treatment to help you overcome any difficulties you may be experiencing. Treatment may involve taking medication, undergoing surgery, or changing your diet. With the right treatment and management, you can resume a healthy life and enjoy your favorite foods again without fear.

4. You’re losing your voice (laryngitis)

When your voice box and throat become inflamed or swollen, you may find it harder to speak clearly. The condition is known as laryngitis and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or even overuse of vocal cords. Your otolaryngologist can help determine the cause of laryngitis and create a treatment plan.

If laryngitis isn’t the source of your hoarse voice, other causes could include vocal cord polyps or nodules, a tumor in the throat, acid reflux, or smoking. An otolaryngologist can run tests to rule out other potential problems.

Additionally, some people may lose their voices due to a problem with their neurological system. If this is the case, your otolaryngologist might recommend further tests to help diagnose the problem. If you’re losing your voice, an otolaryngologist can help you regain it. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you’ll be able to speak clearly again in no time.

5. You have ear pain

Ear pain can occur due to various conditions, including ear infections, swimmer’s ear, allergies, and even temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). When you visit an otolaryngologist, they’ll likely conduct a physical examination to assess your ears. And depending on your symptoms and the physical exam results, they may order additional tests such as audiograms or hearing tests.

This will help them determine the underlying cause of your ear pain. After completing these tests, the doctor will discuss treatment options with you, which may include medication, surgery, or a combination of both. Additionally, your otolaryngologist Los Angeles may recommend applying a warm compress and other home remedies to your ear to relieve pain.

6. You have a chronic sinus infection

A chronic sinus infection is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, headaches, and facial pain. If you’ve had these symptoms for more than 10 days, you likely have a chronic sinus infection. An otolaryngologist can help diagnose and treat your condition. 

The doctor can take a sample from your sinus and check it for bacteria or fungi that could be causing your symptoms. They can also prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and prevent infection from spreading. The otolaryngologist can also perform surgery to remove any obstructions blocking the sinuses.

7. You have swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can signify an infection, such as tonsillitis, or more serious conditions, such as immune disorders. Lymph node swelling, manifesting as lumps in the neck or throat, can be a temporary symptom of an infection. Cancers of the mouth, throat, and thyroid gland often manifest as swollen lymph nodes that persist for more than two weeks or grow in size over time.

An otolaryngologist will evaluate your lymph nodes and run tests, such as ultrasounds and biopsies, to determine the underlying cause. Treatment may include medications, antibiotics, or even surgery in some cases.

What does the best ENT Los Angeles do?

One of the best otolaryngologists in Los Angeles, Dr. Madison F. Richardson F.A.C.S., practices in Beverly Hills. He has been practicing and studying otolaryngology and head and neck cancer for over 40 years, making him an internationally recognized authority. Dr. Madison is an expert in diagnosing and treating head and neck disorders, such as:

• Sinusitis
• Snoring 
• Dizziness/sleep apnea
• Allergies
• Smell, swallowing, and voice disorders
• Malformation
• Neural disorders
• Breathing problems related to the nasal cavity

Visit Madison Richardson Otolaryngologist Beverly Hills

Does your family need to see the best otolaryngologist Beverly Hills? You can trust that you will receive the highest quality care at Madison Richardson because we have years of experience and a genuine interest in our patients’ well-being. Contact our office immediately so we can begin working on your ear, nose, and throat problems. Call our office today at (310) 360-9520 to book an appointment to get started on treating your ENT problem.