How do I Go to an ENT for Sinus Drainage Issues?

Going to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) about a sinus drainage problem is fairly simple. The more information you give the ENT during the consultation, the faster he will be able to offer a diagnosis and possible solution to your problem. Documenting when you experience the most drainage, whether it has a color, and what you were doing when the drainage occurred (eating, working in the garden, or cleaning) are all helpful for the ENT to know.

Things You'll Need

• List of approved ENTs for your health care plan

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Instructions

• 1

  Check with your health insurance carrier to see which ENT doctors are in your network. Your copay may be higher when visit the ENT because she is considered a specialist, and the cost will be even higher if you choose an out-of-network provider. Depending on your insurance plan, you may need to see your primary-care physician first to obtain a referral to see the ENT.

• 2

  Contact the ENT you decide to visit. In addition to the provider list from your health insurance carrier, ask friends and family members if they have seen an ENT that they liked. When you call to schedule the appointment, ask what materials you will need to bring to the appointment. Keeping a record that details when your symptoms occur and what happens while you experience symptoms can give the ENT some insight into what may be causing your sinus drainage. Sinus drainage can be environmentally- or allergy-related if it is not an indication of an infection.

• 3

  Meet with the ENT to discuss your sinus drainage problems. Some issues may be resolved with medication. Others, such as a deviated septum, must be repaired surgically. Ask the ENT questions about your problem and learn whether further tests like an X-ray or CT scan will be required before the ENT can offer a more precise diagnosis. If the ENT prescribes an antibiotic, ask what the potential side effects are and whether he thinks this will resolve your sinus problem.