What is an ENT?
Physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck are commonly referred to as ENT physicians or otolaryngologists.
What conditions do ENTs treat?
General otolaryngologists do not usually limit their practice to any one portion of the head or neck and may treat a variety of conditions. However, some ENT specialists may pursue additional training in one of these subspecialty areas:
- Ear (Otology): ENT doctors specializing in otology treat conditions such as ear infection, hearing loss, dizziness, and balance problems, tinnitus, ear, face, or neck pain.
- Nose (Rhinology): The nose helps to keep out potentially harmful dirt, allergens, and other agents. In addition to treating allergies, ENT doctors specializing in rhinology treat deviated septum, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinus headaches and migraines, nasal obstruction, and also handle related surgery.
- Throat (Laryngology): ENT specialists trained in laryngology treat sore throat, hoarseness, gastroesophageal reflux disease, throat tumors, airway, and vocal cord disorders, and more. They deal with disorders that usually affect the ability to speak or have food with ease. These types of disorders, though seemingly trivial, can have a serious impact on the daily life of people.
- Head and Neck/Thyroid: The head and neck region contain some of our body’s most vital organs, which can be especially susceptible to tumors and cancer. ENT specialists usually treat conditions such as neck masses, Grave’s disease, and enlarged thyroid glands.
- Sleep: Good sleep is extremely important for the proper functioning of the human body and mind. Sleep can affect people’s moods and the way they perceive the world around them. ENT sleep specialists treat sleep-disordered breathing, nasal and airway obstruction, snoring, and sleep apnea.
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: ENT specialists in facial plastic surgery treat cleft palates, drooping eyelids, hair loss, ear deformities, facial paralysis, trauma reconstruction, head and neck cancer reconstruction, and revisions of facial cosmetic surgery.
- Pediatrics: Children and their developing bodies and senses often need special attention. ENT pediatric specialists treat birth defects of the head and neck, developmental delays, ear infection, tonsil and adenoid infection, airway problems, asthma, and allergies.