Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ears, nose and throat, and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.
What makes otolaryngologists the most appropriate physicians to treat disorders of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck?
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. Otolaryngolgists diagnose, treat and manage specialty-specific disorders, including relapsing polychondritis, as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.
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, therefore they can offer the most appropriate care for each individual patient.
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. In addition, some otolaryngolgists pursue a one-or-two year fellowship for more extensive training in a subspecialty area.
What Do Otolaryngologists Treat?
The Ears: The unique domain of otolaryngologists is 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.
The Nose: Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of oto-laryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes asthma and allergy -sinus disease and sense of smell, tonsil and adenoid infections, airway problems, and Down's syndrome. Breathing through and the appearance of the nose are also part of the 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, swallowing disorders, sore throat, hoarseness, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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, otolaryngolgists are trained to treat infectious disease, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery, including deviated septum, rhinoplasty (nose), face lift, cleft palate, drooping eyelids and hair loss procedures.
