It's easy to think that a nose doctor is just someone who fixes your nose when it's broken. But in reality, they do so much more than that. They can help you with any of the following: sinus issues, allergies and asthma, sleep apnea, snoring, and other breathing problems, nasal polyps, among others. If you think you might be suffering from any of these problems, here are six qualities to look for in a nose doctor.

1. They're Board Certified and Experience Matters

First and foremost, the best nose doctors should have board certification from a reputable institution such as the American Board of Otolaryngology. This may not matter to some people who just want their broken noses fixed, but it matters more than you know for those with polyps or sinus infections. That's because they need someone who knows exactly what they're doing when it comes to removing all types of growth inside your nasal cavity.

2. They Focus on One Condition and Know the Symptoms

Unlike general practitioners who may help with most of your common ailments, nose doctors should focus on all things related to the nasal cavity. That means sinus infections, allergies, and asthma flare-ups, sleep apnea, or snoring, among others. You can usually tell if someone is dedicated to nose medicine by their website—if they don't mention anything about any of these topics, it may be time for you to look elsewhere.

3. They're Not Afraid To Refer You Out

Some nose doctors have a lot of good qualities, but they may not have the experience necessary to help you with certain issues. If that's the case, they should be upfront about it and refer you to someone else who can get the job done. In general, different physicians specialize in different areas—you wouldn't go to a dentist for plastic surgery, for example. A nose doctor has likely seen more cases related to your problem than any other physician on earth, so there's a good chance they will see your ailment sooner or later. If it is outside of their realm of expertise, don't be afraid to ask them for a referral.

4. They Keep Up with the Latest Research

While it's not uncommon for some nose doctors to be out of date when it comes to certain things, you should always try to go with someone who is at least familiar with the latest research coming out on your condition. This doesn't mean they have to read every single study that gets published, but just that they keep up with what the majority of experts in the field are saying about your ailment. For example, if your nose doctor thinks you need surgery despite current studies suggesting against it, you might want to look elsewhere—you don't want someone putting you at risk for no good reason.

5. They Have a Great Personality

The best nose doctors will have a great bedside manner that is calm and soothing, not off-putting or condescending. This is so important because you will be seeing them regularly for the rest of your life if you have chronic allergies, asthma, or another serious issue. You want someone who can help keep your problem from interfering with your work or mental health, and if they're ever grumpy or unapproachable, that's not helpful.

6. They Don't Make You Feel Rushed

When you need time to explain your common issues related to ears, nose, and throat, please don't settle for nose doctors who will push you out the door simply because they're running behind on their schedule. If you have concerns, ask questions even if it feels like they're obvious. Trust your instincts—if a nose doctor makes you feel uncomfortable, they probably aren't the right person for the job.

Ear Nose Throat Doctors Dallas GA

If you want a nose doctor that can handle all of your ear, nose, and throat needs, be sure to follow the above guidelines. It doesn't matter how old or young you are. At Villa Rica Ear, Nose and Throat were here to help you. Call us today for more information.