What are ENT specialists?
The specialty dealing with ear, nose, and throat is otolaryngology. A doctor specializing in this practice is called an ear, nose, & throat doctor (ENT) or otolaryngologist. According to the Academy of Otolaryngology, it is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Commonly, an ENT doctor treats the following:
- Ear: ENT specialists are skilled in treating hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise, nerve pain, facial and cranial nerve disorders, etc. They can undertake such treatment both medically and surgically. An ENT can also treat congenital diseases of the inner and outer ear.
- Nose: An ENT specialist can primarily treat the nasal cavity and sinuses. They diagnose, manage, and treat allergies, sinusitis, smell disorders, polyps, and nasal obstructions. An ENT specialist can also perform rhinoplasty, i.e., altering nose appearance.
- Throat: The ENT specialist can also manage the larynx, esophagus, and upper aero-digestive tract diseases such as voice and swallowing disorders. These may include sore throat, hoarseness, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), vocal cord disorders, throat tumors, etc.
- Head and neck: ENT specialists can treat infections, benign and malignant tumors, facial trauma, and deformities. They can also treat thyroid disorders, Grave’s disorders, and parathyroid disease. They can also perform cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery.
- Sleep: Sleeping is essential and can impact the body’s health. ENT specialists can help ensure you sleep soundly by treating sleep-disordered breathing, nasal and airway obstruction, snoring, sleep apnea, etc.
To become eligible to practice as an ENT doctor, one must complete at least five years of medical school, followed by a one or two-year fellowship. After that, one must obtain a certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology by taking an examination.
Head and neck cancer
Every year in the United States of America, head and neck cancer affects more than 55,000 Americans. Left untreated, nearly 13,000 people succumb to it. If caught early, it is possible to prevent head and neck cancers. Some potential warning signs and early signs and symptoms can be the following:
- Lumps in the neck: Neck and head cancers generally begin spreading from lymph nodes in the neck. If a lump in the neck has existed for more than two weeks, you must get it checked by an ENT specialist. It may be the first indicator of cancer in the mouth, throat, larynx, thyroid gland, salivary glands, etc. It may also indicate lymphoma or certain kinds of blood cancers.
- Change in the voice: A difference in the voice may be the first sign of cancer in the voice box. An ENT specialist can easily perform a painless examination of your voice box. You must report any hoarseness in the voice to your doctor if it lasts more than two weeks.
- Growths in the mouth: Painless sores or swelling in the mouth or tongue may be due to most mouth cancers. They may result in bleeding, but not until the disease has progressed to a more severe stage. You must take such swellings, sores, or ulcers seriously, especially if lumps accompany them in the neck.
- Blood in saliva/phlegm: If you notice blood up in your saliva or phlegm for more than a few days, you must see an ENT specialist, as it may suggest tumors in the nose, mouth, lungs, or throat.
- Problems with swallowing: Your ENT may carry out a barium swallow X-ray test or an esophagoscopy to determine if the swallowing troubles are due to throat or esophagus cancer.
How do you prepare for the first ENT appointment?
Going to an ear, neck & throat doctor near you for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you do not know what to expect. Hence, gathering information on what will happen during the appointment from reliable online resources, patient reviews, or by simply contacting the provider’s office staff is a good idea. The below-mentioned tips will help you get well-prepared for the appointment:
- Know your symptoms: The ENT doctor will ask you various questions. When did you first notice your symptoms? Are your symptoms mild or severe? Does anything make them better or worse? Have you tried any treatments in the past? In short, you must be aware of your condition. Jot down all essential details in your notebook or mobile phone if you fear forgetting them.
- Carry your medical records: The provider will also ask about your past and current diagnoses to determine any underlying causes of your ear, nose, or throat conditions. They will also ask about the medications, supplements, and dosages. If you have had any recent lab or imaging tests, carry them.
- Document your family history: Many ENT conditions, such as hearing loss, middle ear infections, and tinnitus, can be genetic. So, depending on your symptoms, the ENT doctor may inquire about your family medical history. Hence, collecting information on ENT conditions that run in your family is a good idea.
- Write down your questions: Whether you want to understand the long-term prognosis of your condition, side effects of prescribed medications, or lifestyle changes that could promote recovery, note down all your queries and address them during the ENT appointment.
- Ask a loved one to accompany you: You can request that a family member, friend, or caregiver join you for the appointment. They can provide emotional support and take doctor’s notes for your reference later.
Earache and stiff neck
Earaches and a stiff neck could be symptoms of spinal meningitis or aseptic meningitis. Less common causes include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, middle or external ear infections, neck muscle tightness, cervical radiculopathy, or eustachian tube dysfunction. Other possibilities include cholesteatoma, earwax blockage, sinusitis, parotitis, oropharyngeal infections, and tongue cancers. In some cases, pain may be referred to the ear due to conditions like TMJ dysfunction, tongue cancer, sinusitis, or parotitis. It is important to call your doctor for a proper evaluation.
Many other medical disorders can also be linked with your symptoms:
- Meningitis: It is the inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, often presenting with symptoms such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck. Treatment relies on the underlying cause and may involve antibiotics or antiviral medications.
- Degenerative disc disease: It occurs when the rubbery discs between spinal bones wear down, increasing the risk of herniation (rupture), which can cause localized or radiating pain. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation.
- Muscle spasms: These refer to involuntary muscle contractions that occur suddenly and can be quite painful. Factors such as dehydration, strenuous exercise in hot environments, prolonged muscle use, or certain nervous system diseases can lead to muscle spasms. Gentle stretching of the affected muscle usually resolves the spasm.
- Osteoarthritis: Also known as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown, inflammation, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. It may result from aging, heredity, or injury from trauma or disease.
Finding an ear, neck & throat doctor near you in Indianapolis, Indiana
Now that you know when to take signs and symptoms seriously and visit an ENT specialist, the next step is to find one that fits you best. You can conduct an area-specific search on Zocdoc to find ENT specialists nearby. The user-friendly and easy-to-use interface will help you quickly browse and navigate. After that, you can read about their qualifications, experience, and expertise. You can also find out whether they are licensed, board-certified, or other licensure-related information.
You can also find information about the languages the ENT specialist speaks, their office hours, the insurance plans they accept, and the appointment slots they offer. If you have multiple insurance plans, such as medical, dental, and vision, you can add them to your Zocdoc account. However, you can only search for and schedule appointments using one insurance plan at a time. During the final booking step, you may specify your secondary carrier and plan in the notes section for the provider. Moreover, if the provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you can add secondary insurance while completing the forms online. For more insurance-related information, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
You can also browse reviews left by patients who have previously received treatment by ENT specialists. Zocdoc ensures that the reviews are reliable and verified so that you can make a wise, informed decision based on them. Once you have browsed to your satisfaction, you can book an appointment with the chosen ear, neck, & throat doctor near you. It may be virtual or in-person, and you can book at no extra cost!
Head and neck cancer in Indiana
In the United States, head and neck cancer amounts to about 4% of all cancers. In 2021 alone, 48,740 men and 17,890 women may develop head and neck cancer, leading to 14,620 deaths. Oropharyngeal cancer, i.e., cancer in the area at the back of the mouth, behind the oral cavity, is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the United States, especially among men. A new study has found that the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Iowa have experienced a more than two percent per year hike in oropharyngeal incidence.
As per a study by the Indiana Cancer Consortium, between 2011 and 2015, Indiana saw an average incidence of 1,212 head and neck cancer cases per year, with deaths per year averaging 265. The study also found that men in the state are twice as likely to contract head and neck cancer than women. The total reported cases were 6,286, of which 73 percent were males, while twenty-seven percent were females. Out of these occurrences in the state, 91.1 percent were Whites, 7.8 percent were African-American, and 1.1 percent belonged to other racial groups.
Sources
Columbia University Department of Otolaryngology
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation[1]
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation[2]
Cancer.net
Healio
Indiana Cancer Consortium
BergerHenry ENT Specialty Group
Westside Sinus
MedicineNet, Inc.
