Jonah Patel
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases and disorders of the head and neck. Doctors who specialize in this area are called otorhinolaryngologists, otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, or ENT surgeons or physicians. ENT physicians treat a wide range of conditions, including ear infections, sinusitis, allergies, sleep apnea, and head and neck cancers. They are qualified to perform surgical and non-surgical treatments, including reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Otolaryngology, Otorhinolaryngology, ENT |
| Definition | Surgical subspecialty within medicine that deals with the surgical and medical management of conditions of the head and neck |
| Focus | Ears, nose, throat, base of the skull, head, and neck |
| Common issues treated | Hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), sinusitis, smell disorders, polyps, nasal obstruction, throat infections, tonsillitis, sleep apnea, allergies, cancer, benign tumors, facial trauma, deformities of the face |
| Qualifications | Undergraduate education, medical school, residency training, fellowship |
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What You'll Learn
- Ear, nose and throat doctors, or ENTs, diagnose and treat infections and diseases of the ears, nose and throat
- ENTs also treat a wide range of other conditions affecting the head and neck region
- ENT surgery includes the surgical management of cancers and benign tumours
- ENT specialists can perform reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery
- ENT specialists treat conditions including sleep apnea, chronic cough, dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss and frequent ear infections
Ear, nose and throat doctors, or ENTs, diagnose and treat infections and diseases of the ears, nose and throat
Ear, nose and throat doctors, also known as ENTs, otolaryngologists, otorhinolaryngologists, or head and neck surgeons, diagnose and treat infections and diseases of the ears, nose and throat. They also treat a wide range of other conditions affecting the head and neck region.
Otolaryngology is a medical specialty that dates back to the 19th century when doctors recognized the head and neck contained a series of interconnected systems. Otolaryngologists are trained in both medicine and surgery and can perform complex procedures on the tissues of the head and neck.
ENTs treat ear conditions such as infections, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, and ruptured eardrums. They also treat nasal conditions, including sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergies, and a deviated septum. In addition, they manage diseases of the larynx (voice box) and esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.
Otolaryngologists are also trained to diagnose and treat head and neck cancers, as well as perform reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. They can treat congenital disorders, sleep apnea, and chronic conditions such as frequent ear infections, chronic tonsillitis, and severe snoring.
If you are experiencing issues with your ears, nose, or throat, an ENT can provide specialized care and treatment options.
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ENTs also treat a wide range of other conditions affecting the head and neck region
ENTs, or ear, nose and throat doctors, treat a wide range of conditions affecting the head and neck region. While the name suggests their expertise lies solely in the ear, nose and throat, ENTs are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of issues, from mild to serious.
ENTs treat issues relating to the ears, including ear infections, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, ruptured eardrums, and hearing loss. They can also help with issues such as sleep apnea, snoring, and allergies. ENTs treat throat issues, including tonsillitis, and swallowing and voice problems. They can also diagnose and treat cancers of the head and neck, as well as perform reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
ENTs are also skilled in treating conditions affecting the nose and sinuses, such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, and deviated septums. They can help with issues affecting the mouth, including the tongue and jaw, and they also treat conditions of the neck, including the thyroid and lymph nodes.
ENTs are trained to perform both surgical and non-surgical treatments and can refer patients for further specialised treatment, such as to an audiologist for hearing aids.
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ENT surgery includes the surgical management of cancers and benign tumours
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery includes the surgical management of cancers and benign tumours. ENT surgery is a subspecialty within medicine that deals with the surgical and medical management of conditions of the head and neck. Doctors who specialize in this area are called otorhinolaryngologists, otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, or ENT surgeons or physicians.
Otorhinolaryngology is one of the most diverse medical specialties, with various subspecialties like laryngology, pediatric, otology, neurotology, implantation otology, oncology, rhinology, and sinus surgery, among others. ENT surgery can be used to treat a number of situations, from treating tonsillitis in a child to treating cancer of the larynx in an adult. ENT surgery is also used in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery to correct deformities or injuries.
ENT surgery is often used in the treatment of malignant tumors or cancers that develop in the head and neck area, including salivary tumors, cancer of the pharynx or larynx, temporal bone carcinoma, oral cancer, and others. ENT surgery to treat such cancers often involves microvascular and reconstructive surgery. Radical neck dissection is another operation that may be performed to remove cancer that has spread to regional neck lymph nodes. Direct laryngoscopy is a procedure used for both diagnosis and surgical treatment. An ENT surgeon will use a microscope or fiber optic endoscope to examine or operate on the larynx.
Various benign tumors or masses can arise in the head and neck region, ranging from superficial skin lesions such as cysts or skin tags to deeper, more infiltrating masses like lipomas and branchial cleft cysts. These tumors can often be close to various critical vessels and nerves and therefore require careful removal by top head and neck surgeons. When skin cancers arise on the face or neck regions, facial plastic surgery may be required not only to resect the cancer but also to reconstruct the defect so that the patient is not left with a significant cosmetic deformity.
Because of the wide range of surgical procedures that are carried out within the field of ENT, the risks and the seriousness of potential complications can vary significantly. Any surgical procedure carries the risk of bleeding and infection, but these risks are minimized with proper surgical technique and the appropriate use of antibiotics. While some procedures have minimal risks, more complex procedures could carry significant risk. Other risks from common ENT surgical procedures include injury to a tear duct, voice changes, nasal congestion, changes in smell and taste, and more serious complications like damage to cranial and/or cervical nerves.
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ENT specialists can perform reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) physicians, also known as otolaryngologists, are healthcare specialists who treat conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat. They also treat a wide range of other conditions affecting the head and neck region, including head and neck cancers.
Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is a one-year fellowship open to otorhinolaryngologists who wish to begin learning the aesthetic and reconstructive surgical principles of the head, face and neck. Following residency training, some otolaryngologists complete an advanced sub-specialty fellowship, where training can be one to two years in duration. Fellowship programs include head and neck surgical oncology, facial plastic surgery, rhinology and sinus surgery, neuro-otology, pediatric otolaryngology, and laryngology.
ENT specialists in facial plastic surgery treat cleft palates, drooping eyelids, hair loss, ear deformities, facial paralysis, trauma reconstruction, head and neck cancer reconstruction, and revisions of facial cosmetic surgery. Rhinoplasty is a common procedure performed by ENT specialists, which reshapes the patient's nose to balance functional and cosmetic aspects.
Microvascular reconstruction repair is another common operation performed by otorhinolaryngologists. This procedure involves moving a composite piece of tissue from the patient's body to the head and/or neck.
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ENT specialists treat conditions including sleep apnea, chronic cough, dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss and frequent ear infections
An otolaryngologist, or ENT, is a healthcare specialist who treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. They can diagnose and treat infections and diseases of the ears, nose, and throat, as well as a wide range of other conditions affecting the head and neck region. Otolaryngologists offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments.
Sleep Apnea
ENT specialists can treat sleep apnea, a condition where the patient stops breathing for short periods during sleep due to an obstruction in the airway. They will perform a physical exam of the nose, throat, and neck, and may also examine the adenoids, uvula, and soft palate. Depending on the cause, the ENT will discuss treatment options, which may include surgery.
Chronic Cough
Otolaryngologists can treat chronic coughs, which may be a symptom of an infection or condition affecting the throat, nose, or lungs. They will examine the patient and determine the underlying cause of the chronic cough before recommending treatment options.
Dizziness, Vertigo, and Balance Issues
ENT specialists treat dizziness and vertigo, which are often related to inner ear disorders. Vertigo is a sudden off-balance and spinning sensation that can be caused by a build-up of fluids in the inner ear or labyrinthitis. Treatment options include prescription medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, or steroids, as well as balance rehabilitation exercises and physical therapies.
Hearing Loss
Otolaryngologists work with patients to diagnose the cause of their hearing loss and offer specific treatment options. They may refer patients to an audiologist for a hearing test and to be fitted for a hearing aid.
Frequent Ear Infections
ENT specialists can diagnose and treat frequent ear infections, including those in the outer, middle, or inner ear. They will determine the underlying cause of the infections and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include medication or other interventions.
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Frequently asked questions
An Ear, Nose and Throat doctor, commonly referred to as an ENT, is a healthcare specialist who treats conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat. They can also perform head and neck surgeries.
ENTs treat a wide range of conditions, including ear infections, sinusitis, nose bleeds, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sleep apnea, allergies, and hearing loss. They also treat cancers of the head and neck.
You should see an ENT if you are experiencing any problems with your ears, nose or throat, such as hearing loss, a persistent sore throat, or a runny nose. Your primary care provider may also refer you to an ENT if they suspect you have a condition that requires specialist treatment.
