Who are ENT specialists?
ENT specialists (otolaryngologists) treat ear, nose, and throat conditions. Some of the common conditions they treat are:
- Hearing loss
- Tonsillitis
- Sinusitis
- Cancers of the head, neck, and throat
- Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery
ENT specialists go through rigorous training before they start practicing. After completing their undergraduate degree (typically studying chemistry or biology), they attend medical school for four years. In the first two years, they learn in their classrooms and spend the next two years getting a wide range of experiences in different specialties.
After medical school, they must complete five years of residency, where they learn about otolaryngology from experienced doctors. To practice, they must pass their state examinations to obtain a license. After getting licensed, some ENT doctors choose to specialize further in subfields such as:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Balance problems
- Cancers
- Sinus Issues
ENT doctors are highly skilled and experienced in treating ear, nose, and throat conditions, including blocked noses and cancers. Otolaryngologists treat sinusitis and tonsillitis, which are common infections that may require immediate attention to prevent significant complications.
Reasons to visit an ENT doctor
An ENT specialist not only treats diseases and problems of the ear, nose, and throat. They also treat infections that affect the head and neck. You can visit an ear, nose, and throat doctor near you in case you experience the following concerns:
It is an infection in the air-filled region behind the eardrum. Some people are prone to getting frequent ear infections. Due to the shape and size of their middle ears and eustachian tubes, kids aged six months to 2 years are the most likely to get these infections.
Ear infections are commonly caused by conditions that produce congestion and swelling, such as the common cold, flu, or allergies. Ear infections are uncomfortable and can result in hearing loss, fever, headache, and loss of balance.
Many physiological systems, including your inner ear, must work together for balance. Vertigo could be a temporary concern appearing after getting up too quickly, while taking medication, or during a migraine.
The most common cause of vertigo is calcium crystals in your inner ear becoming dislodged from their regular position. People usually experience symptoms when changing their head posture, such as bending over, gazing up, or rolling over in bed. Visit an ENT doctor near you for a treatment plan to help you regain your footing and alleviate your symptoms.
- Hearing ringing—Tinnitus
Tinnitus is also known as ringing in the ears. It is a recurring ear or head noise that lasts more than five minutes, occurs more than once per week, and has no external cause. Tinnitus can irritate some people and significantly affect their quality of life. While there is no treatment for tinnitus, an ENT specialist can assist you with various management measures to reduce your impression of the ringing sound.
- Neck lumps/swollen lymph nodes
Your lymph nodes are vital for your body's capacity to fight infections. There are several lymph nodes in your head and neck. A bacterial or viral infection can enlarge or sensitive them. Most swollen lymph nodes resolve on their own after a few weeks, but you should consult an ENT if:
- the lumps grow larger
- feel hard or rubbery
- last longer than two weeks
- you have a fever or night sweats
- appear for no apparent reason
- are associated with chronic sore throat or voice changes
- unexplained weight loss
What does sinusitis mean?
Sinusitis occurs due to the swelling of tissues inside the sinuses. A person suffering from sinusitis will have a clogged sinus — creating a favorable environment for the growth of germs. It may lead to infection and discomfort. Possible factors leading to sinusitis include:
- Common cold: Allergy reactions that lead to swelling of the lining of the nose.
- Nasal Polyps: Refers to small growths inside the nose.
- Deviated septum: Denotes a shift of septum inside the nasal cavity.
There are several types of sinusitis, depending on their occurrence and how long they last. Such as:
- Acute sinusitis usually shows cold-like symptoms and lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
- Sub-acute Sinusitis
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Recurrent Sinusitis: Some people can be more prone to sinusitis depending on structural features or lifestyle.
Many risk factors predispose people to developing sinusitis. These include blocked drainage ducts, narrow ducts due to structural defects since birth, and a weak immune system. Children may be at increased risk of a sinus infection if exposed to environmental pollution or contagious diseases from school. Other possible risk factors are allergies or using unclean pacifiers for an extended time.
Although sinusitis can't be prevented in a sure-fire way, making changes can help. For instance, you can try to:
- Avoid active or passive smoking.
- Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face with it, especially during flu season.
- Stay away from the things that cause allergies.
- Consult an ENT doctor — they may prescribe decongestants, saline nasal washes, or antibiotics.
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. The tonsils are filters that trap germs in the airway that cause infections. The diseases cause the tonsils to swell and hurt.
Some common symptoms of tonsillitis are :
- Throat pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Trouble swallowing
- Bad breath
- Stiff neck
- Ear pain
- Muffled voice
In children, however, the symptoms might differ. Some common symptoms in children are:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Stomach ache
Although tonsillitis can be very common, some factors might put you at higher risks, such as,
- Age: Children aged 5 to 15 are more likely to suffer from tonsillitis caused by bacteria. Older people, too, are more prone to develop tonsillitis.
- Germ exposure: Children spend a lot of time in school and are exposed to infections that lead to tonsillitis.
Diagnosis often involves the ENT doctor performing a physical examination. They'll also check for fever or signs of infections. In addition, they may check for rashes (caused by strep bacteria). They might also prescribe tests such as:
- A throat swab test to check the cells for strep bacteria. Results usually arrive within 10-15 minutes.
- A blood test: The doctor can also order a CBC (complete blood cell) count, which helps diagnose infection.
Treatment for tonsillitis includes antibiotics. You might also need a one-time injection. The symptoms start to improve within 2 to 3 days. If the symptoms persist, the doctor might advise tonsillectomy surgery. Tonsillectomy is prescribed if tonsillitis keeps coming back several times a year. Doctors use a scalpel to remove the tonsils. Other ways to remove tonsils include using a laser, radio waves, ultrasonic energy, etc.
However, tonsillitis is quite prevalent and affects the majority of the people. Good hygiene, however, can help to prevent tonsillitis, such as:
- Washing hands often
- Staying away from people who are already infected
- Not sharing personal items with anyone
GERD and LPR
Acid reflux happens when the acidic contents in the stomach flow backward into the swallowing tube (also called the esophagus), which connects the throat with the stomach.
When acid reflux repeatedly occurs in the esophagus, the ailment is called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. When the acidic contents reach the throat and the voice box (called the pharynx and larynx), the ailment is called laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR.
Both conditions may happen simultaneously, or people may sometimes experience symptoms of either GERD or LPR. If the symptoms occur two times a week or more, you need to see an ENT doctor for further diagnosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of GERD and LPR include:
- Belching
- Heartburn
- Bitter taste
- Excess mucus
- Difficulty swallowing
- Throat soreness or burning sensation
- Frequent coughing or throat-clearing
- Choking episodes while sleeping
- Difficulty breathing
- Change in voice or hoarseness
Causes
Physical causes and lifestyle factors can lead to GERD and LPR. Primary physical causes include abnormal or weak muscles in the lower area of the esophagus connecting to the stomach. These muscles act as barriers and stop the contents in the stomach from reentering the esophagus. Slow stomach emptying, abnormal esophageal sams, and hiatal hernia are other physical causes. Lifestyle and eating habits like overeating, lying down after eating, eating late, and alcohol or tobacco can also cause acid reflux.
The primary care doctor will refer such patients to an otolaryngologist or ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist for a detailed evaluation, diagnosis, and proper treatment of the related symptoms.
Treatment
The ENT doctor may conduct various screening tests, such as a special x-ray, endoscopic exam, biopsy, esophageal motility testing, gastric emptying study, and a 24-hour test (to check the acidic liquid flow from the stomach into the esophagus).
Treatment options include diet, lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery (in rare cases). ENT doctors may prescribe ulcer medications, antacids, foam barrier medications, or proton pump inhibitors for 30 days for effective outcomes. For some patients, doctors may prescribe medicines for two or three months to treat the conditions.
How to find an ear, nose, and throat doctor near you?
Are you worried about seeing a new doctor? All Zocdoc providers come with a dedicated professional profile. Here, you can learn more about their educational qualification, experience in the field, conditions you are experiencing, and their board certifications. Along with this, you will also be able to access customer ratings and verified customer reviews.
Zocdoc is a one-stop solution for searching and comparing among top-rated ENT doctors. Find a leading ENT specialist in Baltimore within minutes! Enter your insurance plan; our powerful algorithms instantly display the best matching providers.
If a manual search doesn't help, upload an image of your insurance card to your Zocdoc account, and we will find and display information regarding your insurance plan (this facility is not available for vision or dental plans). You can also check out Zocdoc's patient help center for more information and solutions related to insurance.
You can book in-person or virtual appointments with an ear, nose, and throat doctor near you within seconds. All bookings are safe, secure, and 100% free.
Statistics for ENT in Baltimore
According to data reported by the American Cancer Society, around 2.6% of the cancer cases detected in the population of Tampa involved the oral cavity and pharynx, and another 1.1% of the cases were of laryngeal cancer. Early detection is crucial to treatment; these cancers are highly preventable with medical advice.
Sources
WebMD
MedicineNet
Mayo Clinic Health System
ENT Health
