06/30/2020
INSIGHT INTO EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SPECIALISTS
Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.
Their special skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.
WHAT DO OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS TREAT?
The Ears-Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans. The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage pediatric ear infections, drainage, hearing loss, swimmers ears, and lesions of the ear
The Nose-About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose are also part of otolaryngologists' expertise.
The Throat-Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.
The Head and Neck-This center of the body includes the important nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.
WHAT MAKES OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS THE MOST APPROPRIATE PHYSICIANS TO TREAT DISORDERS OF THE EARS, NOSE, THROAT AND RELATED STRUCTURES OF THE HEAD AND NECK?
These specialists differ from many physicians in that they are trained in both medicine and surgery. Otolaryngologists do not need to refer patients to other physicians when ear, nose, throat, or head/neck surgery is needed and, therefore, can offer the most appropriate care for each individual patient.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT IN SIX AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Otology/Neurotology: diseases of the ear, including trauma (injury), cancer, and nerve pathway disorders, which affect hearing and balance.Examples: ear infection; swimmer's ear; hearing loss; ear, face, or neck pain; dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus, lesions of the outer and inner ear
Pediatric Otolaryngology: diseases in children with special ENT problems including birth defects in the head and neck and developmental delays. Examples: ear infection (otitis media), tonsil and adenoid infection, noisy breathing, tongue tie,snoring, Down’s syndrome, asthma and allergy/sinus disease.
Head and Neck: cancerous and noncancerous tumors in the head and neck, including the thyroid and parathyroid.Examples: lump in the neck or thyroid, cancer of the voice box. Snoring is an integral part of the head and neck. An ENT can best assess reasons of snoring along with sleep apnea
Rhinology: disorders of the nose and sinuses.
Examples: sinus disorder,recurrent sinusitis, breathing difficulties, nose bleed, stuffy nose, loss of smell.
Laryngology: disorders of the throat, including voice and swallowing problems.
Examples: sore throat, hoarseness, swallowing disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Allergy: treatment by medication, and/or avoidance of pollen, dust, mold, food, and other sensitivities that affect the ear, nose, and throat.
Examples: hay fever, seasonal and perennial rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, laryngitis, sore throat, otitis media, dizziness.
