Ent Care

Otolaryngology : Medical Terminology for ENT

Otolaryngologist : Known as the Doctor who Treats the ENT Patients.

Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and problems of ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.

Some of the special skills of ENT physicians include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as several primary care problems in both children as well as adults.

The Ears- Hearing loss affects one in ten North Americans. The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.

The Nose- About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of nose are also part of otolaryngologists' expertise.

The Throat- Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.

Otology/Neurotology: Diseases of the ear, including trauma (injury), cancer, and nerve pathway disorders, which affect hearing and balance.

Examples: Ear infection; swimmer's ear; hearing loss; ear, face, or neck pain; dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Pediatric Otolaryngology: Diseases in children with special ENT problems including birth defects in the head and neck and developmental delays.

Examples: Ear infection (otitis media), tonsil and adenoid infection, airway problems, Down's syndrome, asthma and allergy/sinus disease

Head and Neck:
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in the head and neck including the thyroid and parathyroid.

Examples: Lump in the neck or thyroid, cancer of the voice box.

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Cosmetic, functional, and reconstructive surgical treatment of the abnormalities of face and neck.

Examples: Deviated septum, rhinoplasty (nose), faces lift, cleft palate, drooping eyelids, hair loss.

Rhinology: Disorders of the nose and sinuses.

Examples: Sinus disorder, nose bleed, stuffy nose, and loss of smell

Laryngology: Disorders of the throat, including voice and swallowing problems.

Examples: Sore throat, hoarseness, swallowing disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Allergy: Treatment by medication, immunotherapy (allergy shots) and/or avoidance of pollen, dust, mold, food, and other sensitivities that affect the ear, nose, and throat.

Examples: Hay fever, seasonal and perennial rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, laryngitis, sore throat, otitis media, dizziness.