Which Specialist to See for Persistent Oral and Throat Discomfort?

Which department should I consult?

Since February, I have been experiencing discomfort and numbness in my hard palate.
I am unsure if it is due to cavities or periodontal disease.
I have been regularly visiting the dentist, and they have all said that there is nothing wrong.
I have also consulted different dental clinics with similar results, but the discomfort has persisted.
In March, I developed a sore throat and visited a clinic where I was diagnosed with inflammation and prescribed medication.
However, I suddenly experienced numbness on the left side of my face, dizziness, palpitations, and a feeling of ear fullness.
I then went to the ENT department at a regional hospital, where they suggested that it might be an allergic reaction to the medication causing the inflammation.
The sore throat was presumed to be due to gastroesophageal reflux.
After changing medications, my symptoms improved slightly, but I still experienced sore throat and numbness in the hard palate, along with mild dizziness.

I then visited another hospital's ENT department for a nasopharyngoscopy, which showed no abnormalities.
The examination revealed inflammation in the throat.
After taking new medication, my cold symptoms resolved, and my condition improved somewhat but did not completely disappear.
Since the sore throat did not affect my ability to eat, I stopped taking the medication after about a week due to dizziness impacting my daily life.
Ultimately, I returned to my initial symptoms: numbness in the hard palate (which has lasted for several months) and ongoing throat discomfort (for over a month), with occasional numbness on the left side of my face.
I am unsure which specialist to consult—ENT, dentistry, or neurology—or what further examinations I should undergo.

ru, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/08

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if there are no significant structural abnormalities found during the examination by either the otolaryngology or dentistry departments, it is recommended to visit a neurologist for a neurological function assessment.
The relevant tests will be determined by the clinical physician after the consultation.

Reply Date: 2024/04/08

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex and frustrating set of symptoms that have persisted for several months. Given the range of discomfort you are feeling, including hard palate numbness, throat pain, facial numbness, and dizziness, it is understandable that you are unsure about which specialist to consult.
Based on your description, it seems that your symptoms may involve multiple systems, including dental, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), and possibly neurological components. Here’s a breakdown of the potential specialists you might consider consulting:
1. Dentist: Since you initially experienced discomfort in your hard palate, it is essential to rule out any dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or other oral health problems. Even if previous dental evaluations have not indicated any issues, it may be worthwhile to seek a second opinion from a dentist who specializes in oral medicine or a dental specialist who can conduct a thorough examination.

2. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist: Given your throat pain and the fact that you have already seen an ENT, it is crucial to continue following up with them. They can assess for any underlying conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which you mentioned, and its potential impact on your throat and palate. Additionally, they can evaluate for any other ENT-related issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.

3. Neurologist: The facial numbness and dizziness you are experiencing may warrant a consultation with a neurologist. These symptoms could indicate a neurological issue that needs to be addressed. A neurologist can perform tests to assess nerve function and determine if there is any underlying neurological condition contributing to your symptoms.

4. Gastroenterologist: Since you have been diagnosed with potential GERD, consulting a gastroenterologist could be beneficial. They can provide insights into how acid reflux might be affecting your throat and palate and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms.

5. Allergist/Immunologist: If there is a possibility that your symptoms are related to allergies or sensitivities (especially considering the mention of medication allergies), an allergist might be able to help identify triggers and provide management strategies.

In terms of further investigations, you might consider asking for the following tests, depending on the specialist you see:
- Imaging Studies: Such as X-rays or MRIs to assess the structures of your head and neck.

- Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected.

- Endoscopy: To evaluate the esophagus and stomach if GERD is a concern.

- Nerve Conduction Studies: If neurological issues are suspected.

It is essential to communicate all your symptoms clearly to each specialist you visit, as this will help them understand the full scope of your situation. Keeping a symptom diary can also be beneficial, noting when symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers.
In summary, given the multifaceted nature of your symptoms, a coordinated approach involving multiple specialists may be necessary to arrive at a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. It’s important to advocate for yourself and seek the care you need to address these persistent issues.

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