FAQ
When you’re looking for a Southfield or Allen Park ENT specialist, Downriver ENT is here to cater to all your needs. We do much more than provide a wide variety of treatments and services; we believe that empowering our patients with knowledge about their condition will allow them to make the best decisions and eventually lead to the healthiest outcome. For your benefit, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers. If you’re still curious about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
What’s the Difference Between an ENT and Other Doctors?
ENT is short for ‘ear, nose, and throat doctor.’ ENTs specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of disorders and diseases in the ear, the nose, and the throat.
Why Am I Having Difficulty Hearing or Understanding Conversations?
This is a frequent comment from people who are suffering from hearing loss. This hearing loss may have developed from an ear infection, clogged up canals, or some other reason. Stopping by our office and getting your hearing checked will allow us to diagnose the issue and supply the appropriate treatment.
What Are Sinus Infections?
Sinus infections are when you develop swelling of the nasal membranes and your sinuses close up, preventing mucus and germs from being expelled out of the body. This can cause infection and also other symptoms such as sore throats, coughing, headaches, or fatigue. We’re able to handle this issue by providing you with antibiotics, antihistamines, or sinus surgery.
Should I Consider Sinus Surgery?
Sinus surgery should be considered if you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis and simpler methods haven’t alleviated your sinusitis. Taking decongestants, antihistamines, and antibiotics should be your first option.
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an inflammation or infection of the tonsils. The tonsils are the two lymph nodes located on each side of the back of your throat. The tonsils act as a defense mechanism that protects your body from infection. Depending on the severity, we may recommend a tonsillectomy or just rest and antibiotics.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a patient stops breathing for a short period of time during their sleep. A person is considered to have sleep apnea if this happens at least five times per hour. Since oxygen is having a hard time reaching the lungs, this can cause headaches, drowsiness, and high blood pressure. Our treatments for sleep apnea include oral equipment, use of a CPAP machine, and surgery.
What’s Causing Me to Snore?
During sleep, snoring occurs when soft tissues vibrate as air passes through the throat. Some of the things that can cause snoring include:
- Large tonsils
- A large tongue
- Loose tissue that tends to vibrate
- Nasal obstructions
- Extra weight
- Sleeping on your back
Our ENT specialists will provide treatment options that include oral equipment that moves the tongue forward and also stiffening or removing excess throat tissue.
How Long Does an Allergy Testing Appointment Take?
A full allergy testing appointment will likely take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. The standard skin prick test will be performed and then the results will usually come back in about 15 minutes.
What Are the Signs That I Should Get Tested for Allergies?
While it’s always a good idea to get tested for allergies, there are some specific symptoms that a person may have where we would certainly recommend getting an allergy test. These include:
- Congestion
- Headache
- Itchy throat
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
