What is an otolaryngologist? When to visit & what to expect?

Otolaryngology is a branch of medicine specialising in treating issues with the ears, nose, and throat. It is also known as otolaryngology head and neck surgery.Specialists in this area have received both medical and surgical training. This type of expert is also known as an otolaryngologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor because otolaryngology deals with the ears, nose, and throat.

A new specialty was created due to the development of numerous ways of identifying and treating illnesses and ailments affecting the head and neck. An otorhinolaryngologist is a doctor who studies, trains in, and treats diseases of the ear, nose, throat, face, head, and neck. This specialty branch of medicine is sometimes abbreviated as ENT, or ear, nose, and throat specialist. All three names are used synonymously.

Each of your organs is minute and delicate, but it performs an essential function in maintaining a healthy body. Inner ear bones, for example, might be as little as a single grain of rice. To sustain functions such as speech, voice, hearing, tasting, and breathing, highly specialised training, precision, and attention to detail are required to treat the essential organs.If you have an abnormal ear, nose, larynx, throat, mouth, head, and neck function, you will most likely be referred to ENT specialists by primary care physicians.

What does an otolaryngologist do?

If your neck and head are affected by disorders, an otolaryngologist can diagnose and treat them. These ailments range in severity from the minor (like a cough and runny nose) to the dangerous (like head and neck cancer).Otolaryngologists are trained in nonsurgical and surgical procedures since they treat a broad spectrum of illnesses and problems.

Except for eye and brain cancers, otolaryngologists treat benign tumors and cancers of the head and neck. They address tonsil and adenoid difficulties, chronic reflux (stomach acid leaking into the oesophagus), thyroid, nerve, voice, swallowing, and sleep abnormalities. Otorhinolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses of the ears, nose, sinuses, larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, neck, and facial structures.

1. Ear Care

Otolaryngologists are the only practitioners of this body part. They receive specialised training in medicinal and surgical therapies for hearing loss, ear infections, balance difficulties (vertigo), ear ringing (tinnitus), and some cranial nerve disorders. They also work with those who have congenital auditory problems.

2. Nose Care

Sinusitis is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Otolaryngologists are doctors who specialise in the nasal cavity and sinuses. If you have nasal disorders including problems with smell, growths or polyps, and a deviated septum, it is an otolaryngologist you should see.

3. Throat Care

Otolaryngologists are experts in treating throat, larynx, and oesophagus illnesses. These might include problems with voice, speech, and swallowing. They also diagnose and treat tonsil and adenoid infections, voice and swallowing disorders, and airway obstructions. You can also consult an otolaryngologist to perform tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies and insert airway stents.

4. Neck and Head

Your face concentrates all the high sensory functions of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and attractiveness. Infections, benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours, face trauma, and abnormalities are all treated by otolaryngologists. They occasionally do both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Areas In Which An Otolaryngologist Specialises

Before you go and have an appointment with an otolaryngologist to whom you have been referred, it is important to know their general areas of specialisation and how they can help you.

a. Allergy treatment might include medication, immunotherapy, or avoiding trigger factors.Face, neck, or ear plastic and reconstructive surgery for medical, cosmetic, functional, or reconstructive reasons.

b. Head and Neck: If you have illnesses, tumours, injuries, infectious diseases, and facial deformities in your head and neck regions, ENT physicians undertake aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. They treat nerve disorders in the head and neck that govern vision, smell, hearing, and facial motions.

c. Otology/neurotology: If you have ear diseases such as nerve abnormalities, hearing, and balance, an otolaryngologist can help you. Pediatric otolaryngology studies ENT illnesses in children, such as birth abnormalities and developmental issues.

d. Rhinology is the study of nose and sinus problems. If you have any nose infections or have been suffering from sinus problems, otolaryngologists are the right people for you.

Lastly, Sleep medicine is a subspecialty in which certain otolaryngologists practice and have a certification. It is not a common area that every otolaryngologist specialises in.

When Should You See An Otolaryngologist?

Because ENT specialists are uniquely trained in medicine and surgery, patients needing surgery for ear, nose, throat, or head/neck disorders do not need to be referred. They are the best doctors for these cases because they can provide complete, hands-on care.

If you or a loved one exhibits any of the following symptoms, you should consult an otorhinolaryngologist:

• Ear, nose, or throat trauma or injury
• Ear, nose, or throat neural issues
• Ear, nose, or throat pain
• Vertigo, dizziness, or trouble balancing
• Hearing impairment or loss
• Infections of the ears, tonsils, sinuses, or adenoids
• Water in the ear, also known as swimmer's ear
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Birth malformations of the ear, nose, or throat
• Breathing difficulties
• Down syndrome is a genetic disorder.
• Symptoms of asthma or allergies
• Tumour or growth in ears, nose, or throat
• Nose or face abnormalities or deformities
• Deviated septum or cleft palate
• Sagging eyelids
• Nose bleeds
• Congestion in the nose
• Problems with odour
• Speaking of swallowing difficulties
• Throat pain or hoarseness