What Conditions Do ENT Specialists Treat?

ENT Specialists deal with various conditions suing surgery and medical treatment

If you’ve ever visited your primary care doctor with an ear infection, sore throat, or sinus problem, you might have been referred to an ENT. ENT stands for ear, nose, and throat. ENT specialists are also referred to as Otolaryngologists – these are specialists trained in the surgical and medical treatment of diseases and conditions in the nose, ear, and throat and other related features in the neck and head. If you have problems with these structures, you can visit a head and neck surgeon or doctor in the UAE. The head and neck have a complex connection that requires specialized tools and techniques to examine and treat conditions.

When to Consider Seeing an ENT

You might consider consulting an ENT if you have concerns regarding issues with your ears, nose, throat, neck, and head, including infections, growths, etc. Some ENTs are experts in allergies and how they are connected to sinus issues.

Chronic sinusitis patients benefit from treatment by an ENT. Although primary care doctors play their role in diagnosing sinus problems, ENT doctors are specialists and have the experience and in-depth knowledge required to treat these issues. It is necessary to consult an ENT specialist if you’re dealing with any chronic sinus issues.

What ENT Specialist Treat

ENT doctors are trained specialists who deal with issues related to the head, neck, and ears in children and adults. Below are the conditions that they treat.

ENT Specialists treat issues with your ears, nose, and throat

(Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/adult-man-doctor-sinus-3363583/)

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring not only bother others, but it can also be a symptom of a severe condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. Its symptoms include multiple pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds at a time because the upper airway collapses or narrows. This decreases the oxygen level in the blood and stresses your heart. Because you do not get enough rest, you might get sleepy during the day. An ENT doctor diagnoses and treats sleep apnea to help you have a better sleep.

Sinus Problems

Sinusitis affects the sinus cavities; these are air-filled spaces in the bones of your face and head. Inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities causes an infection. These infections happen after fighting a cold virus. It can be sudden or chronic. Sinusitis and cold symptoms are similar; however, you experience pain in the sinus areas in the former.

Symptoms include pain in the upper teeth, above the bridge of your nose or under the eyes, dull sense of smell, moist cough, bad breath, thick yellow or green mucus, etc. An ENT specialist is qualified to diagnose and treat sinusitis; he can also identify if you have any underlying conditions and advise you on preventing sinusitis from getting chronic or recurring.

Nose Problems

ENT doctors deal with noise-related problems like congestion, smelling and sense problems, irritation, and bleeding. Problems like nasal congestion can be a symptom of other conditions like a common cold or sinus infection. The symptoms include sinus pain, a runny or stuffy nose, swollen nasal tissue, mucus buildup, etc.

Sometimes, home remedies fail to alleviate the symptoms of nose problems; this is why you need to see a specialist. In some cases, medical intervention might be needed, especially if you experience pain that interferes with your life. You should also see a doctor immediately if you have a head injury and experience nose bleeding or a constant flow of a clear discharge.

Infections of Throat, Nose, and Ears

Did you know that throat, nose, and ear infections are common? Infections mostly occur in the sinuses, adenoids, tonsils, middle ear, and other parts of these areas. Conventional treatment methods include prescriptions like antibiotics for the infections, surgical procedures to place ear tubes or remove infected tissues, or surgery and medication. If you have chronic infections, an ENT doctor prescribes long-term use of antibiotics.

Cosmetic Problems and Injuries of Nose and Ears

You can get injuries while playing or from an accident. ENT specialists deal with common cosmetic problems with throat injuries or injuries to the soft palate; this often happens in kids when they run with pens or objects in their mouth. Eardrum injuries happen when you stick things in your eardrum canal. Bleeding occurs, but don’t let this scare you; although there is a perforation on the eardrum, it heals itself after some time.

Superficial Tumors of Nose and Ears

Treatment of these tumors depends on their location and the type of cells involved. An ENT specialist works with you to devise the best treatment for this condition. Most tumors require surgical treatment. Options include open surgery or minimally-invasive surgery. Tumors in these areas require precision to avoid damaging the surrounding tissues. Other options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care (specialized care that focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms of the illness).

Voice Problems

If you have a dry or painful throat or a husky voice, an ENT doctor with examine you thoroughly and ask questions about these voice issues. The doctor might administer an oral anesthetic to numb your vocal cord tissues for the examination. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem; it might include; voice therapy, rest, liquids, allergy treatment, medications, and quitting smoking. Sometimes, hoarseness can happen when one vocal cord stops working.

Hearing and Balance Problems

Did you know that hearing and balance problems are related? A specialist will prescribe treatment depending on the cause of your problems. Although hearing loss is irreversible, treatments can slow down hearing loss by protecting your ears. Sometimes treating ear infections or removing fluid from the middle ear can reverse hearing loss. Cochlear implants and hearing aids can also help you hear better.

Balance issues are treated with various medications like anti-dizziness or anti-nausea medication. Other treatments that help with balance issues include vestibular physical therapy, antibiotics for infections, treatment to move small crystals in your ears, and corticosteroids.

People who suffer from ear, nose, and throat issues are referred to ENT specialists for treatment. They deal with various diseases through surgery and medical treatment. They help you sleep better, treat hearing loss and ear infections, treat throat disorders, and help you live a better life.