Otolaryngology – The Medical Specialty That Treats the Ears, Nose and Throat
Otolaryngology is the medical specialty that treats the ears, nose and throat. Most people know someone who suffers from earaches or sore throats, but what many do not realize is that there are experts in this area of medicine that have the ability to do much more than alleviate symptoms. Otolaryngologists, also known as ENTs or Ears, Noses and Throat doctors, have special training in the head and neck anatomy that is uniquely suited to perform highly complex surgical procedures.
Otorhinolaryngologists can do surgery that ranges from the repair of eardrum perforations to removal of thyroid cancer, or from the microscopic resection of a tumor in the larynx (voice box) to the endoscopic treatment of sinus disease or acoustic neuroma tumors. These are some of the most highly specialized surgeries performed today.부산코골이
In addition to removing or securing tumors and reconstructing the nose and ears, otolaryngologists can do cosmetic facial plastic surgery, including forehead lifts, face and chin augmentations, rhinoplasty (“nose jobs”) and skin cancer resections of the ear and jaw areas. These procedures are often done in conjunction with other specialists to optimize the patient’s outcome.
When a person experiences problems with their hearing, an otolaryngologist can run tests to determine the cause and then suggest treatments such as a cochlear implant or acoustic neuroma surgery. If a person suffers from vertigo, an otolaryngologist may be able to treat it by suggesting medications or performing specific balance exercises.부산이비인후과
Some of the most common health issues an otolaryngologist deals with are chronic sinus infections, loss of smell, nasal polyps and allergies. They can prescribe oral or topical medications to help with these health problems, and if the problem is allergy related, they can provide allergy testing.
Allergies can lead to a variety of problems with the nose and sinuses, so an otolaryngologist can perform allergy testing using a series of skin pricks that contain different allergens and then prescribe oral medications or allergy shots, as needed.
For some patients, otolaryngologists are able to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by thyroid tumors or cancer by using a variety of techniques, such as laser surgery or robotically assisted surgery. They can also use this expertise to remove or biopsy tumors of the nasopharynx, nasopharyngeal airway, esophagus and larynx. They are also trained to repair damaged eardrums and can reconstruct the facial structure of a person with severe deformities from trauma or birth defects. The wide scope of this specialty keeps otolaryngologists engaged and keeps the work exciting. Many otolaryngologists also have research interests, and some choose to spend time in fellowships that give them a broader view of this very diverse field. After completing their residency, most otorhinolaryngologists join group practices in the community. They can then concentrate on their specific areas of interest and enjoy a fulfilling career while providing quality medical care to their patients. This is a rewarding and satisfying profession that continues to grow in popularity.