What
Is An Otolaryngologist?
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
disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of
the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.
Their special skills 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 many primary care problems
in both children and adults.
What Do
Otolarygologists Treat?
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.
They 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, the
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.
The
Head and Neck-This center of the body includes the important
nerves that control sight, smell, hearing, and the face. In the head
and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases,
both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities
of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive
surgery.
Training
and Patient Care
Otolaryngologists are ready
to start practicing after completing up to 15 years of college and
post-graduate training. To qualify for certification by the American
Board of Otolaryngology, an applicant must first complete college,
medical school (usually four years), and at least five years of specialty
training. Next, the physician must pass the American Board of Otolaryngology
examination.
What makes otolaryngologists
the most appropriate physicians to treat disorders of the ears, nose,
throat, and related structures of the head and neck?
These specialists differ from many physicians in that they are trained
in both medicine and surgery. Otolaryngologists do not need to refer
patients to other physicians when ear, nose, throat, or head/neck
surgery is needed and, therefore, can offer the most appropriate care
for each individual patient.
Diagnosis
and Treatment in Seven Areas of Expertise
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.
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, Downs
syndrome, asthma and allergy/sinus disease.
Head
and Neck: cancerous and noncancerous 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 abnormalities of the face
and neck.
Examples: deviated septum,
rhinoplasty (nose), face lift, cleft palate, drooping eyelids, hair
loss.
Rhinology:
disorders of the nose and sinuses.
Examples: sinus disorder,
nose bleed, stuffy nose, 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.
(Source: American
Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery)