ENT: WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY TREAT

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One of the most important doctors you can have as a part of your health care team is an ENT, or Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor.  They study in a field called Otolaryngology.  If you are having chronic ear infections, allergies, sinus infections, sore throats – chances are you will be seeing an ENT.  An ENT looks at your ears, nose, throat, sinuses larynx, other related parts of the body.

Otolaryngology may be one of the oldest specialties in the United States dating back to the 1800s when doctors realized that ears, nose, and throat had connected systems that required special knowledge and training.

Otolaryngologists are doctors that go through rigorous ongoing specialty training even after they earn their medical degree. They are board certified in their field and maintain a license by taking extra medical classes.  They also attend regular conferences and seminars to help gain and maintain.


WHAT AN ENT TREATS

ENTs can treat the following conditions and perform following procedures on patients of all ages:

  • Adenoid removal
  • Balloon Sinuplasty
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Congenital abnormalities (like a cleft palate or lip or a loss of smell)
  • Deviated septum repairs
  • Eardrum perforation repairs
  • Ear tube inserts
  • Sleep disorders (sleep apnea)
  • Speech disorders
  • Swallowing disorders
  • Tonsillectomies
  • Tumor removal from the head and neck


        


            SINUS DIAGRAM                                                            EAR DIAGRAM

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      SOURCE Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates



Some of the specialty areas in otolaryngology include:

  • Allergies
  • Pediatric otolaryngology
  • Reconstructive facial and plastic surgeries
  • Rhinology specializing in nose and sinus cavity issues
  • Laryngology specializing in swallowing, voice and throat issues
  • Otology, neurotology and audiology specializing in ears, balance and tinnitus



                                                                           Tonsils / Adenoids Diagram

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                             SOURCE Spectrum Health Lakeland



WHEN TO SEE AN ENT

Your general physician may be able to diagnose a minor problem. However, an ENT can do specific tests to identify a disorder of your head or neck.

You should see an ENT if you or a loved one has the following complaints:

  • Balancing issues or dizziness
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Chronic sinusitis and allergies
  • Ear infections
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Hearing issues
  • Hoarseness and chronic sore throats
  • Nosebleeds
  • Pain in the ear
  • Problems sleeping
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Swimmer’s ear
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Your PCP should be able to provide a referral to an ENT and maybe even recommend one.  Along with your insurance company, who can also assist in finding one close to you who is network with them.


FIRST VISIT TO AN ENT

During your first visit to an ENT, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Some of the tests during your first visit may include:

  • Audiometric testing for patients complaining of hearing loss or balance issues
  • Nasal endoscopy with a small telescope to examine the inside of your nose and look for abnormalities
  • Nasal exam to look at tissues in your nose, including your septum
  • Neck exam to look at your lymph nodes, thyroid gland and salivary glands
  • Pressure testing your eardrum for fluid, which may cause hearing loss
  • Voice box examination













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