Doctors who specialize in the field of otolaryngology such as those at drbonaparte.com specialize in treating diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat and related structures such as the sinuses, larynx, neck and face. Otolaryngologists are also known as ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialists.
Common afflictions treated by ENTs include the following:
Ears
Hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders such as vertigo, tinnitus, as well as congenital birth defects of the inner and outer ear.
Nose
Otolaryngologists commonly treat chronic sinusitis, which is one of the most common health concerns. They also treat other nose-related issues such as allergies, smell disorders, nasal polyps, and obstruction of the nasal cavity due to a deviated septum.
Throat
Otolaryngology also deals with diseases involving the throat, the voice box (larynx) and the esophagus, which may include disorders involving the voice and those that affect normal swallowing.
Head and neck
Because the head and neck are home to all of the functions involving sight, smell and hearing, these areas are the domain of the ENT as well. They are trained to treat infections, tumours (both cancerous and benign) traumas to the face, deformities of the face, and more. Otolaryngologists commonly perform or assist in performing plastic or reconstructive surgery on the face and neck as well.
Sub-specialities of otolaryngology
Within the field of otolaryngology there are several sub-specialities. These are as follows.
Allergy treatment
Specialists in this area treat patients suffering from a wide variety of allergies. Treatment options commonly include medication, immunotherapy (typically administered by way of injections), avoiding the allergen trigger, etc. Because allergic reactions typically involve the ears, nose and/or throat, an ENT is usually the specialist to which a patient will be referred. Disorders commonly treated under this speciality include hay fever and seasonal allergies, chronic sinusitis, and otitis media.
Facial reconstructive/plastic surgery
Cosmetic and functional surgical reconstruction of the face, neck and ear are the domain of this speciality. Conditions such as a deviated septum and cleft palate as well as procedures such as rhinoplasty and face lifts are common.
Head and neck procedures
Here, specialists diagnose, remove and treat and/or treat tumours of the head and neck. This includes the noses, sinuses, voice box, esophagus, throat and mouth, as well as the thyroid.
Laryngological concerns
In this sub-speciality, otolaryngologists treat disorders of the throat, which includes disorders affecting the voice and conditions that affect the patient’s ability to effectively swallow. Conditions commonly treated include chronic sore throat, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), infections of the throat and tumours in this area.
Otology disorders and diseases
Injury and/or trauma to the ear, infection of the ear, ear tumours, nerve disorders affecting hearing, and balance disorders. Common disorders treated in this category include swimmer’s ear, pain in the ear, neck or face, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and some types of hearing loss.
Pediatric otolaryngology
This is a broader umbrella under which a wide range of ENT conditions are treated in children. This can include things like congenital birth defects of the head and neck as well as developmental delays relating to things such as speech and hearing.
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