An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, treats conditions affecting the head and neck. Aside from making diagnoses and prescribing medication, they can also perform different surgical and nonsurgical treatments. There are many conditions ENT physicians often treat. Here are some of them:
Ear Conditions
- Ear Infections
This condition is caused by a virus or bacteria entering the outer, inner, or middle part of the ear, often resulting from a cold or flu. Common ear infection symptoms include pain, trouble hearing, headaches, and fluid or drainage from the ear.
While some infections go away on their own, other cases may require specific treatments depending on the ENT doctor’s diagnosis and your overall health. Besides pain medication, antibiotic therapy is often recommended to remove an ear infection effectively.
- Hearing Loss
Loss of hearing is one of the most common ear conditions. It can range from mild to severe and affects everyone, including infants. Aging, exposure to loud noises, head trauma, and genetics are only some of the typical causes of hearing loss. Based on the root cause of the condition, an ENT doctor may recommend hearing aids, cochlear implants, or surgery as treatment.
- Tinnitus
Tinnitus may cause you to hear ringing, clicking, or rushing sounds without an external source. It is usually the result of ear injuries, earwax buildup, and other medical conditions, like temporomandibular disorders. For an accurate diagnosis, your physician may conduct several tests, including imaging and hearing assessments.
Nose Conditions
- Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become inflamed or swollen due to a cold, allergy, or bacterial or viral infection. Its common symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, postnasal drip, fever, or ear pain or pressure.
To diagnose this condition, an ENTÂ doctor conducts examinations involving nasal swabs or imaging techniques like a CT scan. Medications like nasal rinses, antihistamine sprays, or antibiotics usually alleviate sinusitis symptoms.
- Allergic Rhinitis
This condition is often triggered by allergens, including pollen, mold, and dust. When you have allergic rhinitis, you may experience sneezing, fatigue, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. ENT specialists typically make a diagnosis through physical examination or allergy testing.
Treatment for allergic rhinitis often involves avoiding known allergens and medication, like antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or decongestants. In some cases, immunotherapy, which desensitizes to specific allergens, may also be recommended.
- Deviated Septum
A deviated septum is a physical disorder where the bone or cartilage separating your nasal cavities is off-center or crooked. It can cause difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, and nosebleeds. Not everyone experiences symptoms with a deviated septum, but decongestants and nasal sprays prescribed by an otolaryngologist can be effective for occasional occurrences.
Throat Conditions
- Sore Throat
A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, causes a painful, scratchy feeling in your throat. This condition often results from the flu or common cold and can come with additional symptoms, like cough or fever. While over-the-counter medication or antibiotics are effective, persistent severe pain or trouble swallowing should call for immediate medical attention.
- Tonsillitis
When your tonsils are swollen or inflamed, you most likely have tonsillitis. Often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, this condition causes difficulty or painful swallowing, fever, sore throat, and even bad breath. A specialist can prescribe tonsillitis treatments that range from at-home remedies, like rest and saltwater gargling, to antibiotics and surgery for more severe cases.
Other Health Conditions
- Sleep Apnea
This is a serious condition marked by interrupted breathing during sleep, primarily due to airway obstruction. People with sleep apnea may experience loud snoring, gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.
An otolaryngologist can perform observations or a sleep study to determine the root cause of your sleeping disorder, allowing them to recommend the most suitable treatment. This may include lifestyle changes, oral appliances to reposition the jaw, and airway-clearing devices like the CPAP.
Consult an Experienced ENT Specialist Near You
ENT doctors can treat various medical conditions. By learning about them, you can better determine when you need to seek their medical assistance. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of ENT disorders help reduce the chances of them worsening. If you or your loved one experiences symptoms of ear, nose, throat, and other head and neck disorders, consult a reliable otolaryngologist.
