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Who are otolaryngologists?

The study of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck is known as otolaryngology. An otolaryngologist specializes in otolaryngology and is one of the oldest medical specialties practiced in the USA.

According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about 20 million visits to otolaryngologists or ENT specialists in 2010.

Otolaryngologists go through rigorous training for almost a decade before they start practicing. They begin with four years of medical school and then proceed to 5 years of specialty training. Once they complete their training, they must get certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Apart from this, ENT specialists can also get training for sub-specialties like:

1. Allergy: These doctors specialize in environmental allergies like pollen or food and the treatment through immunology.
2. Facial and reconstructive surgery: These doctors specialize in cosmetic surgeries like facelifts or nose reconstruction. Additionally, they undertake procedures on patients with congenital disabilities, defects, or accidents that significantly alter their facial structure.
3. Laryngology: These doctors specialize in treating vocal cords and voice box conditions. They can treat infections, swelling, etc.
4. Pediatric ENT: These doctors specialize in treating ENT conditions in kids. Kids require special attention as they often cannot talk about their problems.
5. Otology and neurotology: These doctors specialize in treating conditions related to the ears, such as infection, hearing loss, tinnitus, etc.

You should immediately see an ENT specialist if you suffer from the following symptoms:

• An ear infection.
• Prolonged dizziness or ringing inside the ear.
• Throat-related issues like tonsilitis or problem with voice.
• Sleep troubles like sleep apnea or loud snoring etc.
• Hearing loss.
• Tumors in the neck or head.
• Allergies.

Along with diagnosing and treating the diseases, ENT specialists can also perform surgeries like sinus surgery, sleep disorder surgery, and tonsil removal surgery.

Why should you consult an ENT specialist?

An ENT specialist or an otolaryngologist treats issues of the ear, nose, throat, neck, and head structures. They diagnose and treat the larynx, upper pharynx, sinuses, and oral cavity illnesses. The specialist treats both children and adults. An ENT professional's training includes surgical and medical skills for the following diseases:

• Disturbances in the balance
• Disorders of the cranial and facial nerves
• Infections in the ears
• Pain in the nerves
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Problems with hearing
• Inner and outer ear congenital diseases

Every year, otolaryngologists treat around 35 million instances of chronic sinusitis. Managing the nasal area is one of their essential skills, including their sense of smell, appropriate nasal breathing, and allergies. They also have expertise in treating esophageal and laryngeal problems, such as swallowing and voice abnormalities.

Nerves control hearing, smell, and vision. The specialist tackles malignant and benign infectious diseases of the neck and head and facial abnormalities, face injuries, and cancerous tumors. Within their areas of specialization, an otolaryngologist can do reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.

What is a pediatric otolaryngologist?

Pediatric otolaryngology is a branch of medicine that focuses on treating ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems in children from newborns to 17 years old. If your child faces a complicated medical condition or requires surgery for their ENT, a pediatric otolaryngologist might be the specialist to consult. These specialists have received additional training beyond medical school to offer ENT care for kids.

Why should you consult a pediatric ENT for your child?

General otolaryngologists may treat children, but pediatric otolaryngologists have more expertise in this area. They are more likely to have treated children with complex disorders.

Pediatric otolaryngologists specialize in treating only children and have offices catering to their young patients. With child-friendly decor and furnishings, waiting rooms and examination rooms are equipped with toys, books, and entertainment options suitable for kids. This can ease their nervousness and make them feel more relaxed. Unlike chairs or exam tables meant for adults, these spaces are designed to be comfortable for children.

These otolaryngologists are skilled in communicating with children, and recognizing their behaviors and anxieties, so they won't be surprised if your child is uncooperative. Their experience enables them to interact with your child in a manner that promotes cooperation.

Although your child may not enjoy visiting a pediatric otolaryngologist, especially if they need surgery or a challenging procedure, being in a warm and inviting environment can make the experience easier for them.

Common diseases treated by an ENT specialist

Vertigo: Some common symptoms of vertigo include feeling dizzy, imbalanced, vomiting, headache, and the constant feeling of the world spinning around you. Some common causes of vertigo are:

1. BPPV: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV is caused by tiny calcium particles dislodging and accumulating in the inner ear. BBPV usually happens due to old age.
2. Meniere's disease: It's an inner ear disorder caused due to changes in the pressure inside the ear due to fluid buildup. It causes ringing inside the ear and hearing loss.
3. Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: This condition is usually caused due to inner ear infections. The infections cause swelling around the nerves in the inner ear, which is responsible for keeping the balance in the human body. Some less common causes of vertigo are head or neck injury, migraine headaches, tumors, or a brain stroke.

Allergic Rhinitis:

A reaction to allergens such as pollen, food, pet dander, etc., causes allergic rhinitis.

Some common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are sneezing, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, watery eyes, headaches, and excessive fatigue.

When your body comes in contact with an allergen, it starts releasing histamines as a natural response to the allergen. Some common allergens include pollen, dust mites, molds, and cat saliva.

Anyone can develop allergic rhinitis, but people with a history of allergies in their family or people suffering from conditions like asthma or ectopic eczema are more vulnerable. Some triggers that can worsen allergic rhinitis are cigarette smoke, humidity, air pollution, hairsprays, fumes, and wood smoke.

Nasal Polyps:

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growth of lining tissues or mucosa inside the nose, which causes congestion and difficulty in breathing. The nasal polyps commonly grow due to infection or allergy. Nasal polyps are round-like and cause a blockage in the nasal passage. Although nasal polyps can develop in people with no history of nasal problems, some triggers cause nasal polyps, such as recurring sinus infections, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and allergic rhinitis.

 Nasal polyps are generally painless and soft; therefore, you may not be aware of the growth as it lacks sensation. A few common symptoms of nasal polyps are:

• A runny nose.
• Congestion inside the nose.
• Reduced sense of smell.
• Pressure on the forehead or face.
• Sleep apnea.
• Snoring.
• Postnasal drip.

Doctors diagnose nasal polyps by looking up inside the nasal passage with a nasoscope. A CT or MRI scan may also be necessary to determine the shape, size, and location of the nasal polyp.

Find an ENT specialist near you

Diseases like allergic rhinitis require immediate attention from doctors as they tend to worsen if left untreated. Zocdoc helps you book appointments in no time and get proper care without much hassle. Zocdoc also provides enough information about top-rated ENT doctors, like their educational qualifications, certifications, and language spoken by the specialist, to help you make the right choice. You can also read verified reviews for your in-network doctors submitted by patients on Zocdoc.

Booking on Zocdoc is secure, easy, and free.

ENT illnesses statistics in USA

The American Cancer Society's most recent speculations for laryngeal cancer in the United States for the year 2023 are: 

Around 12,380 new cases of laryngeal cancer (9,900 in men and 2,480 in women). The report also states that about 3,820 people (3,070 men and 750 women) will succumb to laryngeal cancer.

Most people diagnosed with laryngeal cancer are over 55 years old. The average age of people who have laryngeal cancer is about 66.

Sources

WebMD[1]

Healthline[1]

WebMD[2]

Healthline[2]

Healthline[3]

American Cancer Society

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.