{"id":58129,"date":"2023-04-28T09:30:39","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T13:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=58129"},"modified":"2025-11-29T19:13:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T00:13:23","slug":"ent-or-allergist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ent-or-allergist\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I see an ENT or allergist?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re experiencing <\/span>seasonal allergies<\/span><\/a>, you might consider seeing an otolaryngologist (ENT) for treatment. Or maybe you\u2019re wondering if an allergist would be a better choice. Because there is some overlap in the conditions these two types of healthcare providers treat, deciding which one to visit can be confusing.<\/span><\/p>\n

While allergists are trained in allergy diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, ENTs are trained to treat medical issues occurring in the head, throat, ear, nose, and neck\u2014and may or may not have experience with allergies. Here\u2019s how to determine if you should see an ENT or allergist and what to expect from your appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the difference between an allergist and an ENT?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Maybe you\u2019re wondering, should I see an ENT or allergist? While there are a few similarities between allergists and ENTs\u2014for example, both types of medical professionals diagnose and treat allergies\u2014there are a few important differences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maybe you have symptoms that could be allergies, like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes. Should you see an allergist first, or should you go with an ENT? \u201cIt is not wrong to start at either place,\u201d says <\/span>Inna Husain, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified otolaryngologist at Community Healthcare System in Indiana<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

An <\/span>ENT<\/b><\/a> is a surgical sub-specialist who treats chronic medical conditions of the head, neck, ears, nose, and throat ranging from mild (like asthma and ear infections) to severe (such as head and neck cancer). ENTs perform surgical procedures, allergists do not. ENTs are better suited to identify and treat anatomical issues\u2014such as nasal polyps or septal deviation\u2014that could be causing your symptoms, says Dr. Husain.<\/span><\/p>\n

An<\/span> allergist<\/b><\/a>, or immunologist, is a specialist who is trained to diagnose and manage asthma, allergies, and other problems with the immune system. If your symptoms are consistent with seasonal allergies, food allergies, recurrent hives or swelling (even in the mouth),<\/span>\u00a0it\u2019s a good idea to start with an allergist, Dr. Husain says. That\u2019s because they\u2019re specifically trained to manage such immune system reactions. Both allergists and ENTs can perform allergy testing and administer immunotherapy, but not all ENT practices do so, says Dr. Husain.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Should you see an ENT or allergist?<\/span><\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
ENT<\/span><\/td>\nAllergist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
    \n
  • Asthma<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Chronic ear disease<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ear infections<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Head and neck cancer<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Head and neck tumors<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Hearing loss<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Hoarseness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Nasal polyps<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Nosebleeds<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Septal deviation<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Seasonal allergies<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Sinusitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Sleep apnea<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Snoring<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Swallowing disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n