Headaches aren’t usually a symptom that you will need to worry about. More often than not, a headache will simply be caused by stress or dehydration. You will be able to remedy it with plenty of rest and water.

However, if you find that your headaches become a lot more frequent and the pain is a lot stronger, it could be time to book an appointment with an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. In this blog post, we’ll go over what to expect when you see your ENT doctor about potential headache treatments.

When should you see an ENT doctor?

If you are ever worried about your headaches, you should always book an appointment with a specialist so you can get some peace of mind.

It’s also important to see an ENT doctor if your headaches ever get worse all of a sudden. For instance, they could become particularly stronger or they might even be harder to shake off. You should also consult a doctor if they are so bad that they prevent you from doing things in your day to day life. Make sure you also book an appointment if your headaches appear alongside any other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting or noise and light sensitivity.

What will happen when you have a consultation?

Your initial appointment with an ENT doctor will usually be a consultation in which they examine you and ask you questions about your symptoms. They will want to know as much as possible, and will also be interested in your general health and any other conditions that you may be suffering from as well. You might also be expected to tell them your medical history.

Your ENT doctor will then give you a physical examination. They will use a speculum to take a look up your nose into the nasal cavity. If they can’t see much using that technique, they may need to look with an endoscope. Using an endoscope enables the ENT to see if the sinuses are blocked, which is quite a common cause of recurring headaches. While you are having this examination, your ENT doctor might also check your ears, neck and throat to make sure they are all OK.

What headache treatments might your ENT doctor suggest?

There are a range of treatments available, and the one your doctor will suggest to you will depend on the type of headache you are suffering from. They might try one of the following.

  • Sinus surgery: If your headaches are caused by blocked sinuses, then it is very likely that your ENT doctor will suggest this treatment.
  • A prescription of triptan or sumatriptan: These drugs are often given to treat migraines. Your ENT doctor might also work with you to figure out what your migraine triggers are so that you can stay away from them.
  • Medication, oxygen therapy or steroids: These are all successful treatments for cluster headaches.

If you are worried about your headaches, you should always see your ENT doctor. They will be able to suggest the best course of action.