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An otolaryngologist, commonly known as an ENT, is a doctor who specializes in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of diseases of the nose, sinuses, throat, larynx and ears. The scope of the ENT doctor’s activity is therefore quite extensive. He also specializes in performing surgical procedures.
ENT specialist – what diseases will he cure?
The ENT doctor deals with diseases of the ear, larynx, nose, throat, as well as the temporal bone, paranasal sinuses, mouth, esophagus, trachea and bronchi. The word otolaryngologist comes from Greek and means in turn: ear (“otos”, “oros”); the larynx (“laryngos”); nose (“rhinos”, “rhinos”); throat (“pharyngos”). The ENT specialist not only diagnoses and treats, but also deals with the surgery of the paranasal sinuses, tongue, salivary glands, as well as maxillary and reconstructive surgery. He also performs endoscopy of the lower respiratory tract and esophagus.
Laryngologist – when should you visit him?
Very often people do not realize with what symptoms and disturbing signals they can go to the ENT specialist. Most often, everyone goes to this doctor, for example with earache or sick sinuses. It turns out that you should visit an ENT specialist when you have the following symptoms: tinnitus, ear congestion, earache, hearing impairment, chronic runny nose, frequent nosebleeds, snoring, hoarseness, changes in smell and taste, balance disorders, severe and recurrent headache, dysphagia, and frequent and recurrent sore throat, neck and head tumors.
When it comes to diseases that are treated by an ENT doctor, it is also very extensive. He deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as:
- pharyngitis,
- sinusitis,
- laryngitis,
- hearing loss
- Sjögren’s syndrome,
- meniere’s disease
- otospongiosa,
- angina pectoris
- overgrown palatine tonsils,
- otitis externa,
- inflammation of the inner ear,
- otitis media
- nasal and laryngeal polyps,
- nose injuries and fractures,
- vasomotor rhinitis,
- catarrhal Eustachian tube inflammation,
- otosclerosis,
- sleep apnea,
- tumors in the head and neck area.
Laryngologist – how is the visit going?
A visit to an ENT doctor, as well as to doctors of other specialties, begins with collecting a detailed interview from the patient. The doctor needs to know exactly what is wrong, how long and how often the symptoms occur. After the interview, the doctor decides which tests should be performed next. The basic ones are: examination of the lymph nodes and salivary glands, examination of the nose with a speculum, examination of the mouth, throat, tongue, salivary glands, almonds, examination of the condition of the ears with a speculum. The ENT doctor also examines the larynx and nasopharynx with a mirror. The doctor may also order laboratory tests, X-ray, ultrasound, computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Based on the conducted tests and an interview with the patient, the doctor selects the appropriate treatment and monitors the patient’s condition.