Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with a sore throat that just won't go away. You've tried all the home remedies, but nothing seems to work. You're starting to get worried that it might be something more serious. It's time to see a doctor. But not just any doctor. You need to see an ENT. Here are a few reasons why visiting an experienced throat doctor is worth it.

1. They Can Figure Out What's Causing Your Sore Throat

The first step to getting rid of a sore throat is figuring out what's causing it. This can be tricky because there are a lot of different things that can cause a sore throat. Is it a virus? A bacterial infection? Allergies? Reflux? An ENT will take a thorough history and do a physical exam to figure out what's causing your sore throat.

2. They Can Prescribe the Right Treatment

Once the ENT knows what's causing your sore throat, they can prescribe the right treatment. If it's a viral infection, there isn't much that can be done other than relieving symptoms. If it's a bacterial infection, you will need an antibiotic. And if allergies are to blame, you will need to avoid the triggers and may need medication to control the symptoms.

3. They Can Rule Out More Serious Conditions

A sore throat can be a symptom of a more serious condition like cancer or autoimmune disease. According to Cancer.Net, laryngeal cancer is one of the most common types of neck cancer, but the incidence is dropping due to the efforts of throat doctors. An experienced throat doctor can do a thorough exam and order tests to rule out these more serious conditions.

4. They Can Perform Procedures

If your sore throat is caused by something that can't be treated with medication, an ENT may need to perform a procedure. For example, if you have enlarged tonsils or adenoids causing your sore throat, they may need to be removed. If you have a growth or polyp in your throat, it may need to be biopsied or removed.

5. They Can Advise on Prevention

If you tend to get sore throats often, an ENT can advise on ways to prevent them. They may recommend avoiding certain triggers, such as smoke or allergens. They may also recommend certain medications or supplements to take.

If you are dealing with a sore throat that just won't go away, it's time to see an ENT. An experienced throat doctor can figure out what's causing your sore throat and prescribe the right treatment. Call us today to schedule an appointment.