Otolaryngology (pronounced oh-tor-ING-ul-uh-lar-eh-goh) is the medical specialty that deals with diseases and disorders of the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, head, and neck. Doctors who specialize in this area are called otolaryngologists or ENTs.
People visit otolaryngologists with many different problems. Some are minor and go away on their own, like an earache or a sore throat. Others are more serious and require surgery or other treatments. 부산코수술 A otolaryngologist treats these and other conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat, mouth, and skull. They may also help with problems such as hearing loss, nose and sinus allergies, snoring, or trouble swallowing.
They diagnose and treat these problems by examining the patient and using specialized equipment. They may also order other tests or procedures, such as a blood test, an MRI, or a swallowing study.
Many otolaryngologists are trained in the surgical management of benign tumors and head and neck cancers. They also use reconstructive techniques to restore form and function to these regions of the head and neck.부산이비인후과
They are trained to recognize and deal with the effects of noise and vibration on the ear, including tinnitus (ringing in the ear). They can also perform cosmetic plastic surgery on the head and neck.
An otolaryngologist can provide treatment for problems that are not related directly to the ears, nose, or throat but are tied into these areas in some way, such as nerve pathways that control your sense of smell and balance. This includes the treatment of chronic sinusitis and snoring, hearing loss, headaches, lumps in the neck, and birth defects of the head and neck.
Some otolaryngologists are also qualified to do allergy testing and immunotherapy, or allergy shots. This is usually done for people who have a history of frequent nasal or sinus infections, or asthma.
If you are experiencing these issues, your primary care doctor can refer you to an otolaryngologist. Or you can find one through the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery website. You can also ask friends or family members for a recommendation.
Other kinds of doctors, such as neurologists who specialize in the brain and nervous system, or ophthalmologists who take care of your eyes and vision, can also treat these areas of the head and neck. They should be on your health care team, along with your otolaryngologist, to make sure all of your symptoms and concerns are being addressed. This will help you to get the best possible outcome from your treatment.