Compromised Nares

Q:  Nares: if the client appears to have compromised nares, should he automatically be referred to an ENT?

A:  I would have to have more info:  What do you mean by “compromised”?   Do you have an ENT you are close to, who would perhaps do a quick screening for your client?  Does the client have issues related to allergies or something else?  Does one side demonstrate more patency than the other and is it enough to begin treatment, knowing the client can nasal breathe acceptably through the one naris?  Some therapists automatically refer to the ENT and won’t work with the client at all.  Others will work with the client if it is a temporary seasonal allergy that is being treated with some type of medication and the congestion is intermittent.  It would be very helpful to know one or two ENTs that understand what you do and what the needs are for orofacial myology tx to be successful.