ENT doctor

An ENT or otolaryngologist is a specialist whose responsibilities include the prevention and treatment of diseases of the ear, throat, and nose. The abbreviated name comes from the word laryngo-otorinologist, the literal translation sounds like "the science of the ear, throat, and nose."

An otolaryngologist treats several organs at the same time, since they are all in close physiological interaction. For the same reason, diseases of the ear, throat and nose, especially infectious ones, often require complex treatment.

ENT organs are the first to resist the harmful effects of the environment and their proper functioning directly affects the functioning of the entire body. ENT diseases are common among both children and adults. Diseases usually occur in the autumn-spring period, and can also occur regardless of the season due to reduced immunity, infection, injury. The nose, ear and throat are closely interconnected, so a disease of one organ often leads to a disease of another. The disease can occur in both acute and chronic forms. The most common otolaryngology diseases are diseases of the nasal cavity (rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis), ear diseases (eustachitis, otitis, various injuries), throat diseases (laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis).

Recently, otolaryngologist patients have been complaining of various allergic reactions, in particular, allergic rhinitis. In addition, such an unpleasant condition as snoring is also treated by an ENT specialist.

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Who is an ENT?

An ENT specialist is a specialist who carries out prevention and treatment of diseases of such organs as the ear, throat (pharynx, trachea, larynx), nose, and adjacent parts. He carries out conservative treatment, as well as operations in the nasal cavity, throat or ear (rinsing the maxillary sinuses, correcting the nasal septum, removing polyps, tonsils, adenoids, eliminating hematomas, opening abscesses and eardrums). Operations on the middle ear are also possible to improve hearing.

It is extremely important for a person that the ENT organs function normally, since the ears, nose and throat are located at the branching point of the respiratory and digestive organs and are the first to encounter viruses, bacteria and various allergens.

Frequent inflammatory diseases (ear inflammation, tonsillitis, adenoids, etc.), especially in childhood, often indicate malfunctions of the immune system. Any diseases of the ENT organs, if not treated in a timely manner, lead to complications (bronchitis, pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases, disorders of the central nervous system, etc.).

When should you see an ENT specialist?

You should contact an ENT doctor if you experience the following symptoms and conditions:

• runny nose, nasal congestion or discharge (mucous, purulent, bloody, etc.);
• difficulty breathing through the nose without a runny nose or congestion;
• pain, redness, sore throat;
• pain (shooting, aching, etc.), tinnitus, various discharges;
• hearing loss;
• the appearance of a white coating on the tonsils;
• enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, lower jaw, behind the ears;
• frequent inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis);
• snore.

A fairly common reason for visiting an ENT specialist, especially in childhood, is the entry of various small (and not so small) objects into the nose, ear or throat (coins, pins, buttons, etc.). This often leads to injury to the organ.

What tests should be taken when visiting an ENT specialist?

After a visual examination, the ENT may prescribe one or more additional tests:

• general blood test;
• fibroendoscopic examination of the nasal mucosa;
• X-ray;
• somnalogical study;
• polysomnography (sleep disorder studies);
• immunodiagnostics for allergic inflammation of the ENT organs.

Whether to prescribe a test, and which one (or several) exactly, the doctor decides in each individual case.

What diagnostic methods does an ENT doctor use?

When a patient first comes to the doctor, he or she first uses instrumental diagnostics, which requires the best possible lighting. For the convenience of the examination, the doctor can use various ear funnels, mirrors for examining the nasal mucosa and larynx, and endoscopes.

To examine the nasal mucosa and nasopharynx, the doctor uses nasal mirrors (when examining small children, the specialist uses ear funnels). This method is necessary if the specialist suspects a disease of the nasopharynx or nasal mucosa, there is impaired nasal breathing due to a deviated septum or nosebleeds. With this diagnostic method, the specialist evaluates the condition of the nasal septum, nasal passages, and the bottom of the nasal cavity.

If necessary, a puncture of the paranasal sinuses is prescribed; usually such diagnostics for a more detailed study of the contents of the sinuses is necessary if sinusitis or a cyst is suspected.

Olfactometry is necessary if there is a suspicion of improper functioning of the olfactory organs. This diagnostic is carried out using a special device, with which a specialist blows certain aromatic substances into the nasal cavity.

To examine ear diseases, a special funnel is used, with the help of which the ENT doctor examines the external passage, eardrum, and middle ear. Various magnifying devices can also be used (magnifying glass, microscopes for surgery, optical otoscopes). During otoscopy, the doctor will be able to perform some operations, for example, remove a foreign object from the ear.

Audiometry is used to determine the sensitivity of hearing to sounds within the range of frequencies perceived by the human ear. All readings are recorded as a graph on an audiogram. This diagnostic method is extremely important for the early detection of various hearing disorders.

Acumetry allows to establish a disease in the inner or middle ear, it is carried out using special devices - tuning forks. In addition, this diagnostic method confirms (or refutes) the results of audiometry.

To determine the condition of the auditory tube, various methods are used:

• Politzer blowing;
• Toynbee method (the patient swallows with the nose pinched);
• Valsalva method (the patient inhales with the nose and mouth closed).

The penetration of air into the middle ear is controlled with an otoscope. This diagnostic is prescribed if a disease of the middle ear is suspected.

Pharyngoscopy is used to examine the throat – a visual examination of the oral cavity and pharynx by a specialist. Diagnostics are performed using special mirrors in good lighting. This method is mandatory for patients with complaints of sore throat, runny nose and ear pain.

Epipharyngoscopy is prescribed for complaints of hearing problems, nasal breathing disorders, and suspected nasopharyngeal disease. This diagnostic allows the doctor to assess the condition of the pharyngeal openings of the auditory tube, the walls, and the vault of the nasopharynx.

Hypopharyngoscopy evaluates the root of the tongue, pyriform sinuses, and the arytenoid region. This diagnostics can be prescribed for swallowing disorders, to detect foreign bodies, or to suspect various neoplasms. The diagnostics are performed using a special device, a laryngoscope or a mirror to examine the larynx.

Tracheobronchoscopy evaluates the condition of the lumen of the bronchi, trachea and their mucous membrane. Usually, the examination method is prescribed to detect and remove foreign objects and is carried out mainly by pulmonologists.

Esophagoscopy is performed using special rigid tubes if there is a disrupted swallowing function, foreign objects, or burns of the esophagus. Usually, this diagnostic is performed by gastroenterologists.

The following are used as general diagnostic methods:

• Ultrasound for examination of the sinuses in the maxillary and frontal region, detection of neoplasms in the neck. This method allows to determine purulent or cystic fluid in the sinuses, as well as thickening of the mucous membrane;
• X-ray is used to establish congenital anomalies of the esophagus, respiratory organs, skull, to detect foreign objects, neoplasms, cracks (fractures) in the skull;
• Fibroscopy examines the nasopharynx, nasal passages, tracheal walls, esophageal bronchi, and also evaluates the internal part of the subglottic cavity and epiglottis (which are poorly visible with other examination methods). This method is also used for biopsy and removal of foreign objects;
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) helps to establish the boundaries of structures, the density of various tissues, which contributes to a more accurate definition of neoplasms. This diagnostics also allows for sections in different planes and is extremely important in identifying tumors that form in the thickness of the neck or under the cranial base, as well as in various pathological developments, cysts and polyps;
• Computer tomography is the most accurate method of examination. A special tomograph allows the examination to be carried out quite quickly and with maximum accuracy.

What does an ENT specialist do?

An ENT doctor treats such important human organs as the throat, nose, and ears. However, this is not just about individual organs, but about entire systems. The nose is a fairly complex system, which also includes the paranasal sinuses, the throat includes the trachea, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, ear diseases include diseases of the auricles, inner (middle) ear, auditory nerve, which transmits sound signals to a certain part of the brain.

All these systems are combined into one because of their inseparable connection with each other. A disease of the nasal cavity (runny nose) can cause such a serious disease as otitis (ear inflammation). If otitis is left unattended, it can lead to deafness. Also, if all treatment is aimed only at otitis, and the runny nose remains without the necessary therapy, then the effect of otitis treatment is reduced to zero.

An otolaryngologist deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases of the hearing organs and respiratory tract. A good specialist has the skills of both a therapist and a surgeon. If necessary, the doctor will be able to carry out some procedures necessary for the effective treatment of a certain disease (washing the affected organs, treating the mucous membrane with an anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial solution). Also, otolaryngologists often perform operations related to thyroid pathologies. Many people suffer from congenital or acquired pathologies of the nasal septum. Often, such a defect is not noticeable from the outside, but brings great discomfort to the patient (difficulty breathing, lack of oxygen to the body, olfactory impairment, etc.). Operations to correct curvatures are also within the competence of an otolaryngologist. Quite often, the cause of snoring is a deviated nasal septum.

The problem of deafness, both partial and complete, is widespread these days. The problem is often associated with noisy working conditions, injuries, etc. Today, modern medicine is able to get rid of such an unpleasant disease as Meniere's disease (tinnitus). Sinusitis, otitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc. are easily treated and go away without complications with modern treatment methods and good equipment.

What diseases does an ENT doctor treat?

Diseases treated by ENT specialists have become commonplace for most people, and the idea that such an ailment can be easily dealt with independently is becoming more and more widespread among the population. Almost every person, when a sore throat appears, gets by with ordinary gargles or lozenges, and when a runny nose appears, buys a long-tested remedy. However, it happens that the situation begins to get out of control, the condition worsens and self-treatment does not help. In this case, you need to seek qualified help from an otolaryngologist. Quite often, self-treatment leads to a chronic form of the disease or severe complications.

Particular care should be taken with children, as they are sometimes unable to correctly describe the symptoms, indicate where and how exactly it hurts. Children are more vulnerable than adults, their airways are narrower. For example, a disease such as laryngitis, if not treated correctly, can develop into false croup, when the larynx is blocked and the child begins to choke.

You should contact an ENT specialist if you have the following illnesses:

• for inflammation of the pharynx (pharyngitis), inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis), chronic inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis);
• in case of hearing loss, ear inflammation (otitis);
• runny nose (including chronic), enlarged nasopharyngeal tonsils (adenoids), growths on the mucous membrane (polyps), inflammation of the nasal sinuses (sinusitis), including inflammation of the frontal (frontal sinusitis) and maxillary sinuses (sinusitis).

Advice from an ENT doctor

During periods of seasonal illnesses, ENT specialists recommend avoiding contact with sick people whenever possible; special protection should be provided to small children under one year of age, since their immune system is not sufficiently developed and their body is not able to resist viruses and infections.

With the arrival of autumn, indoor humidity decreases, which is associated with the beginning of the heating season. Dry air greatly dries out the mucous membranes (nose, throat), which facilitates the easy penetration of infections into the body. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that the indoor humidity is at a sufficient level (approximately 45%).

Hardening helps the body to overcome the negative effects of the cold season more easily, and a strong and hardened body tolerates almost all diseases much easier. Experts recommend doing gymnastics in the morning and water procedures after it (contrast shower or dousing with cool water).

A cold can be just the beginning of more serious diseases. In children, a disease such as croup, which is a complication of a cold, is a great threat to life. Secondary diseases, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, can also develop. Some diseases, such as asthma or hay fever, can develop as a result of allergic reactions. Smoking and dirty air contribute to a variety of colds.

Doctors recommend airing the room daily, not overcooling, avoiding drafts and eating more fruits and vegetables. Also good preventive measures are lubricating the nasal passages with oxolinic ointment and rinsing the mouth and throat with disinfectant solutions. You can rinse the nasal cavity with a soap solution, which will help remove not only dust and dirt, but also viruses. It is also good to take a course of vitamins at the beginning of the cold season.

An ENT specialist deals with the treatment and prevention of various diseases of the throat, nose, and ear. A good specialist must have the skills of both a therapist and a surgeon. Quite often, a doctor has to remove various small foreign objects from the respiratory tract and ear, especially in small children.

All organs treated by an ENT specialist are closely interconnected, and quite often a disease of one organ leads to complications in another organ, for example, a runny nose can cause ear inflammation (otitis), so a comprehensive approach to treatment should be used.