HEALTH
When to Look for the Best Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor

Some people have problems with their nose, ear, or throat, and the experience can be overwhelming. But that is where a Surprise ear, nose & throat doctor (ENT) comes in. These doctors are alternatively referred to as otolaryngologists. An ENT is a health care provider that treats conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.
Symptoms of a condition affecting the ear, nose or throat require prompt attention. This is because many of these conditions can progress if left untreated.
Below are some signs that you should see an ENT to get checked out:
You have an increase in drainage from your ears
If you are experiencing increased drainage from the ears, consider seeing a physician. There can be many reasons for increased ear drainage, including sinus infections or even allergies. If the drainage continues and becomes more severe, it is possible that an infection has developed and could possibly spread to the brain or cause meningitis. This would be an emergency requiring immediate treatment and hospitalization.
You have a change in hearing that occurs over a short period
When it comes to your ears, there are 2 stages of hearing loss. These include sensorineural and conductive. The latter results from problems with the inner ear or the outer ear canal. Sensorineural hearing loss roots from damage to any part of the nerve pathway from the cochlea to the brain.
If you have conductive hearing loss, you will most likely hear sounds through a louder volume on your cell phone but will not hear soft sounds such as whispering. Whether you have conductive or sensorineural hearing loss, it is best to see an ENT doctor as soon as possible so they can replace your ear plugs or fix your eardrum.
You experience pain in your nose
If you have a runny, stuffy, or bloody nose, you should see a doctor. Many different conditions can cause your sinuses to become inflamed, irritated, or infected. These include the common cold, allergies, and upper respiratory infections.
The sinuses are hollow cavities in the skull that connect to the nasal passages and the back of the nose. Sinus infections often result from viral infections and bacterial infections that spread from the lungs to the sinuses. In such a case, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Pain in the throat
If you regularly experience pain while swallowing food, it could signify several different issues. It might mean that your throat muscles are not strong enough to push food down the esophagus.
It might also mean that something is blocking the path of food on its way down from your mouth to your stomach. Alternatively, it could be a lump or a growth inside your esophagus, which can cause significant pain when you swallow. Therefore, it is advisable to seek help from an ENT doctor.
If you have a persistent and chronic ear problem, you should seek help right away. Sometimes hearing loss can also be a sign of either ear, nose or throat disorders that should be addressed by your Oasis Ear, Nose and Throat doctor as soon as possible.

Hamza Fazal is a reporter for The Hear UP. After graduating from the University of Abbottabad, Hamza got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. Hamza has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Hamza covers health and science for The Hear UP.
HEALTH
4 Occasions When Employers Can Make Use of Drug Testing Services

In many places of business, being under the influence of alcohol or any other addictive substance can create problems. It’s not just about being able to handle the job; it’s also about the safety of everyone working in the place. For this reason, it’s not unusual for business owners to make use of drug testing services from time to time. Here are some examples when testing may be necessary.
Part of the Advance Screening For New Employees
Hiring for an open position involves finding the most qualified person. In order to complete the process, prospective employers may require new hires to take a drug test before being allowed to report to work. If all goes well, the job offer stands, and a start date is set.
Most employers understand that false positives can occur, in that there are foods, prescription medication that’s being taken as prescribed, and other factors that may mimic the use of certain substances. That’s often taken into account when evaluating the test results.
Periodic Testing of Current Employees
It’s not unusual for an employer to have random drug testing conducted once or twice a year. The point is to ensure that employees who are entrusted with proprietary information, or who handle tasks that require a great deal of concentration, are capable of managing their duties responsibly.
With random testing, employees generally don’t have much advance notice. Since testing may be requested at any time, employees are more likely to refrain from abusing different types of substances and may choose not to use anything at all. This is true even with legal substances like alcohol.
Unexplained Changes in an Employee’s Demeanor
Along with random drug testing, a change in the demeanor of an employee may lead to the employer requesting a drug test. For example, an employee who is normally articulate but has grown increasingly unable to communicate effectively may be suspected of substance abuse. Assuming other explanations don’t apply, determining if drugs are involved sense.
Depending on the test results, the employer may take several courses of action. The employee may receive a warning. There’s also the chance that the employer will offer the employee a chance to enter some type of substance abuse program. In the event that the employee does not want to pursue any of these options, terminating the employment may be the only solution.
Testing as a Requirement For Returning to The Job
Even after employees emerge from a rehabilitation program, it’s not unusual for the employer to require one more drug test. In fact, it may be necessary to undergo the test before being allowed back into the workplace. If the results indicate no drugs in the person’s system, plans are made for the employee to resume his or her duties.
After that, there’s not likely to be another need for a test outside of the random testing that the employer already conducts. Hopefully, the employee will have no more problems, and the past abuse will remain in the past.
Whenever there’s the need for drug tests, reaching out to one of the professional drug testing services is the most practical approach. Doing so helps to ensure the testing is accurate, done in a timely and discreet manner, and that the results are only shared with the employer.Â
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Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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