Going to a medical specialist for the first time can be quite scary. This also applies to ENT appointments. An ENT is a medical specialist who specializes in treating ear, nose, and throat disorders, such as ear infections, sinus pain in the ear, nasal cavity, etc. If you are experiencing any problems with your ears, nose, or throat, the ideal person you should talk to is an ENT.
If you have never been to an ENT, then this article is for you. In this piece, we are going to discuss what happens during your initial appointment at the ENT clinic. Let’s get started!
- Medical history
If this is your first appointment, you will have to fill out new patient paperwork. This, of course, includes your health history, the symptoms you have been experiencing, any allergies you have, and any medications you are currently taking.
In some clinics, you can fill out this paperwork before you leave your house or submit the documents electronically. Again, there are clinics where you will have to fill out these documents at the clinic.
It is worth mentioning that you must explain your symptoms properly. Keeping a symptom diary the week before your appointment can be very helpful. You will note down every time you experience a symptom, how severe it is, and how long it lasted. That way, you will be able to provide the doctor with adequate information that can help him or her make a proper diagnosis. You should also not forget to bring your insurance information so that it can be kept in the file.
- Examination
Once the ENT specialist has examined your health history and asked you more questions about your symptoms, he or she will administer a quick examination. The ENT will start by feeling behind your ears, along your neck, and your jawline. After that, he will take a look in your ears, nose, and mouth using a small light. This is quick and painless.
The ENT might also use nasal endoscope. After spraying your nasal passage with a bit of local anesthetic, the ENT will lead the nasal endoscope through your nostril and down your nasal passage to take a look at your sinus cavity. While this process can be quite uncomfortable, it won’t cause any pain.
- Tests
If you have chronic sinuses, ear infections, or throat infections, the ENT may conduct some tests to either prove or rule out any concerns. These tests can range from allergy tests, CT scans, hearing tests, or a blood test. In certain cases, the ENT might ask for an ultrasound.
These tests shouldn’t scare you; they help the ENT specialist to provide you with the best care possible.
- Treatment
Depending on the tests done and the diagnosis made, the ENT will discuss the treatment options available for your unique situation. Each patient is unique and has different needs. Treatment may include prescription medicines, injections, or mini surgeries.
