Introduction
If you have a problem with your ears, nose, sinuses, larynx (voice box), or neck, an ENT (ear-nose-throat) doctor may be able to help. Say’s Dr Paul Drago, ear infections, allergies and other issues affecting the inner ear can be treated by an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon.
What Is ENT Medicine?
ENT is the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and throat. ENTs treat patients of all ages from infants to seniors. They perform surgery on benign growths called tumors as well as cancers of these organs. ENTs also manage injuries to these areas, including skull fractures and trauma from gunshot wounds or other injuries where there may be damage to soft tissue structures in your head (brain) or neck region (spine).
How Does a Doctor Become an ENT Specialist?
ENT specialists–also known as otolaryngologists–are doctors who specialize in treating problems with the ears, nose, throat and neck.
ENTs can be found working in hospitals or private practice; they may also conduct research on a variety of topics related to ENT medicine.
Common Conditions Treated by ENTs
If you have a problem with your ears, nose or throat, an otolaryngologist can help. The doctors who work in this specialty are called otolaryngologists (pronounced Oh-toh-la-ring-gah-luhsts). They can treat many different medical conditions related to these areas of the body.
Some common conditions that ENTs treat include ear wax removal; nasal polyps; sinusitis; tinnitus (ringing in the ears); ear infections; sinus infections; breathing problems caused by the nose and sinuses; snoring disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring due to enlarged adenoids or tonsils that need surgery so you can breathe better at night without waking up gasping for air because there’s not enough oxygen going through those narrow passageways into your lungs when they’re swollen shut like this one right here.”
The ENT Exam
The ENT exam is a complete physical examination of the ears, nose, and throat. The ENT doctor will look at your nose and sinuses with an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera on it) to see if there are any problems with them. You may be asked to breathe through your mouth while this test is being performed so that they can see better inside your nose and sinuses.
The ENT doctor will also listen to sounds made by structures within the head using special instruments called otoscopes and laryngoscopes (also known as “laryngo”). These tools allow him or her to look into areas like your ears or windpipe without having to make cuts in order for him/her get access inside these parts of our bodies–which would make them uncomfortable for everyone involved!
What Happens After the Diagnosis?
Once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will discuss treatment options and a treatment plan with you. The length of time it takes to complete your treatment will vary depending on what kind of surgery or procedure is needed.
- Treatment options include:
- Removal of growths (excision)
- Radiation therapy, where high-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells in the body
- Chemotherapy (chemo), which uses drugs that kill cancer cells
Getting treatment as soon as possible is the best way to get back to perfect health.
As a patient, you want to be treated as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there are some conditions that cannot be cured but can be treated. Treatment depends on the severity of your condition, type of condition and even where you live in terms of availability and cost. Some conditions may require immediate medical attention if left untreated while others can be managed at home provided they don’t worsen over time.
Conclusion
If you have any questions about your ear, nose or throat health, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor. We hope this guide has helped explain the basics of ENT medicine.
