About Otolaryngology
What Is an Otolaryngologist—Head and Neck Surgeon?
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 treat,ment 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.
What do otolaryngologists treat?
Otolaryngologists diagnose and manage diseases of the sinuses, larynx
(voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well
as structures of the neck and face, as well as many ENT primary care
problems in both children and 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, 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.
How are ear, nose, and throat specialists trained?
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. In addition, some otolaryngologists pursue
a one- or two- year fellowship for more extensive training in one of
seven subspecialty areas.
These subspeciality areas are pediatric otolaryngology (children),
otology/neurotology (ears, balance, and tinnitus), allergy, facial plastic
and reconstructive surgery, head and neck, laryngology (throat), and
rhinology (nose). Some otolaryngologists limit their practices to one
of these seven areas.
Why should I see an otolaryngologist?
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. Therefore, otolaryngologists are the most appropriate
physicians to treat disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related
structures of the head and neck.
What are the seven areas of expertise in the field of otolaryngology?
- 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 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.
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