Why There Is Common Specialist For Ear, Nose And Throat?

ENT- Otolaryngology | Posted on 05/12/2020 by RBH

The ear, nose, and throat of the human body are very essential organs, which are all interconnected by a system of tubes and passages. Hence, a common specialist can treat all problems related to these three organs including the ear, nose, and throat. This medical specialist is referred to as an otolaryngologist, who is commonly called an ENT specialist.

An ENT specialist can treat various conditions and also perform surgery to cure diseases and problems affecting the ear, nose, and throat. Some of the common problems treated by an otolaryngologist are:

• Infections of the ear, nose, and throat
• Hearing loss
• Trouble with balance
• Tonsillitis
• Dizziness
• Asthma
• Allergy
• Deviated Septum
• Hair loss
• Nose bleeds
• Nasal congestion
• Smell problems
• Cleft palate
• Breathing problems
• Swimmer’s ear
• Nerve problems of the ear, nose and throat
• Problems in swallowing or drinking
• Vocal issues
• Strep Throat
• Sinusitis
• Infections and tumors of the head and neck
• Snoring issue
• Obstructive sleep apnea

What is otolaryngology?

The branch of study involves diagnosing and treating problems of the below structures:

• Ears: All infections, allergies, hearing disorders, etc.
• Nose: Problems such as chronic sinusitis, nasal cavity issues, allergies, problems of smell, etc.
• Throat: Diseases and issues related to the laryngeal and upper esophageal, as well as vocal issues, swallowing problems
• Head and neck: Otolaryngology also involves treating problems of the face, head, and neck including infections, bacterial infections, trauma, injury, deformities, and tumor. However, for some specific problems, a multi-specialty approach may be required.

Some otolaryngologists undertake special studies to gain expertise in any of the following seven areas:

• Allergic treatment through medication, immunotherapy, etc.
• Surgery of the face, neck, or ear for various reasons such as cosmetic, functional, or reconstruction
• Tumor removal
• Throat management
• Ear disorders and problems such as tumors, nerve issues affecting hearing and balance’
• ENT specialist for children
• Nose and sinus disorder management

What are the common procedures performed by Otolaryngologists?

An ENT specialist or an otolaryngologist can perform a wide variety of functions to treat problems related to the ear, nose, throat, and related structures such as the head and neck. These procedures vary in complexity and can range from microvascular reconstruction to reconstructing the entire neck.

Some of the common procedures performed by Otolaryngologists are:

Blepharoplasty: This procedure involves repairing drooping eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle, or fat tissue. This is done to improvise vision or could also be done for cosmetic purposes.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: This surgery is performed to cure infectious and inflammatory sinus problems. In this procedure, the otolaryngologist inserts a flexible instrument known as an endoscope into the nostril to fairly see the sinuses and guide other surgical instruments including lasers to remove the blockage.

Excision and Biopsy: An ENT specialist can take a piece of tissue of the concerned organ to check for abnormal growth, masses, or tumor. This procedure is called a biopsy.

Facial Plastic Surgery: In some cases, an ENT specialist can also perform cosmetic or reconstructive surgery to correct congenital abnormalities, cleft palates, etc. These could also be done to remove scars, accident marks, and other reasons.

Myringotomy and pressure equalization (PE): This procedure can help patients who experience frequent ear infections or are experiencing hearing impairment due to the formation of excessive fluid n the ear. The ENT specialist will place tubes through the eardrum to let the air pass into the deep ear. In a myringotomy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum to release the pressure of it which is essentially caused due to fluid build-up.

Septoplasty: This procedure is conducted to correct a deviated septum or permit more nasal access to remove polyps. This involves separating the nasal passage from the cartilage to straighten the deviated cartilage as required.

Surgery for snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): In this procedure, the ENT specialist will remove the surplus soft palate tissue to allow the airway to function properly. In other procedures, the surgeon can also inject the palate to make it stuffed or insert rods to minimize vibration.

Thyroid Surgery: An ENT specialist will aim to remove some or all of the thyroid gland depending on complexity. This surgery is effective in cases of thyroid cancer, doubtful lumps, obstruction of the esophagus, etc.

Tonsillectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon removes the tonsils to cure the infection or treat breathing problems in case of problematic adenoids.

Tracheostomy: This procedure involves forming an opening via the neck to the windpipe by inserting a tube to allow the opening of an airway or remove lung secretions.

There are many other procedures that are performed by an ENT specialist or medically called an otolaryngologist. If people experience any problems with the ear, nose, throat, or related structures – the common go-to specialist is an otolaryngologist. Book an appointment now!