A Complete Guide To ENT Specialist

 

As mentioned above, ENT can help patients solve problems that may bother them. From nasal congestion to hearing loss to lack of sleep, otolaryngologists can help patients finally figure out their pain and let them enjoy life again.

Frequently Asked Questions About ENT

What Does An Ent Specialist Do?

 

 

 

An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians are specialists trained to diagnose and treat patients with disorders and diseases of the nose, ears, and throat, including the larynx, commonly referred to as the "voice box."

ENTs, also referred to as otolaryngologists, also specialize in diagnosing and treating head, face, and neck structures.

What Are Ent Specialists Called?

 

 

 

ENT stands for ear, nose, and throat. ENT specialists are trained doctors who are trained in medicine and surgery for otolaryngology. This medical specialty is focused on the ears, nose, and throat.

This medical specialty dates back to the beginning of the 19th century. Doctors developed techniques and tools to examine and treat problems of the head and neck. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recorded that it is the oldest medical specialty in the United States.

Otolaryngologists differ from many physicians. They are qualified to perform many surgery stypes on the head and neck's delicate and complex issues.

When Should You Visit An ENT?

These Are Seven Common Reasons People See An ENT. 

 

  • Tonsillitis occurring repeatedly. 

 

Tonsillitis occurs in children and adults. Symptoms include bad sore throats, swallowing saliva, difficulty breathing, have severe pain, and a high temperature. 

 

  •       Sinusitis.

 

A common condition where the cavities around nasal passages become inflamed and swollen for at least 12 weeks, despite treatment attempts.

  •  Ear Infections are reoccurring frequently.

The most common reason, ear infections, is why parents take their children to the doctor. Otitis media, which translates to the middle ear's inflammation and infection (just behind the eardrum), is the most common infection.

  • Allergies.

Allergic reactions can occur anywhere in the human body. Examples include the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. 

  • Hearing Loss.

It might be an ordinary sign of aging. It may accompany recurrent ear infections. However, when hearing loss comes on suddenly, it may be due to a more severe illness. 

  • Hoarseness If It Lasts More Than Six Weeks.

All of us have experienced hoarseness with the common cold or bronchitis. Lasting six weeks or longer, it may signify another medical problem—examples such as benign vocal cord lesions or possibly cancer of the larynx. 

  • Lump In The Neck (Especially In Adults)

An ENT should see a lump in the neck that lasts more than two weeks. Cancers that start at the head or neck can spread to the neck's lymph nodes before moving elsewhere.

 

Who Is The Top 5 Best Ent Specialist In India?

List Of Top 5 ENT Specialists In India.

  1. Rank 1. Dr. Ramadass T - ENT Specialist - 60 Yrs. Exp.
  2. Rank 2. Dr. P L Dhingra - ENT Specialist - 45 Yrs. Exp.
  3. Rank 3. Dr. Ganapathy H - ENT Specialist - 41 Yrs.
  4. Rank 4. Dr. P S Reddy - ENT Specialist - 40 Yrs.
  5. Rank 5. Dr. Bhagwat Chaudhary - ENT Specialist - 40 Yrs.

Should I See An Ent For A Sore Throat?

 

 

 

Sore throats are highly common, so don't ring up an ENT specialist when you feel developing. You should visit this specialist doctor only if your sore throat is so severe you can barely drink water or haven't been gone in less than a week. These instances indicate that your problem is probably not a common sore throat.

What Tests Does Ent Do?

A fully complete ENT examination includes inspection of the face, ears, nose, throat, and neck. We generally screen for hearing loss. We use pressure testing to examine the ear for the fluid. The specialty nasal examination is done with a headlight or a mirror and handheld speculum, enabling us to inspect the nasal septum and turbinates. A doctor will often inspect a patient's nose before and after applying a decongestant nose spray. The ENT visit's unique part is the examination of the voice box and back of the nose. It is done by using handheld mirrors in the mouth. The examination of the neck is performed with care. It includes the lymph nodes, salivary glands, and thyroid gland. Examination of overall health and cardiopulmonary system concludes the examination. The ear, nose, and throat examination is mostly not that painful. However, some patients find that examining the mouth makes them gag.

How Does An Ent Check For Inner Ear Problems?

Your Doctor May Order The Following Tests:

  • Hearing test.
  • Neurological exam.
  • Blood tests.
  • CT or MRI scan — takes images of the brain.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG) — tests brain waves.
  • Electronystagmography (ENG) — tests eye movement.

Can An ENT Do Surgery?

 

 

The scope of treatment areas for an ENT physician is the ear, nose, throat, larynx, and sinuses. If necessary, ENT doctors can treat and also perform surgery on the structures involved. Physicians, however, can only medically treat conditions involving these areas and structures.

When the non-invasive treatments and medications cannot improve the condition in question, surgery will be necessary. For injuries and deformities, ENT surgery may also be used.

Can An ENT See The Inner Ear?

 The vestibular canals are located in the inner ear. They control a person's sense of balance.

Many conditions can affect the inner ear, which our ENTs can treat. Examples include: 

  • Vestibular and balance disorders
  • Meniere's disease. It causes vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It causes a spinning sensation.

What Can An ENT Specialist Diagnose?

ENT specialists can diagnose, manage, and treat problems. These include:

Who Needs To See An ENT Specialist?

  • Injury to your ears, nose, or throat.
  • Nerve problems in your ears, nose, or throat.
  • Balance problems.
  • Dizziness.
  • Hearing impairment.
  • Ear infection.
  • Tonsil or adenoid infection.
  • Swimmer's ear.

Is Throat Infection Serious?

Streptococcal bacteria causes an infection to the throat and tonsils called strep throat. Conditions like a sore throat, chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck are typical symptoms. Antibiotic treatment is used to cure strep throat. Severe heart and kidney problems are caused by strep throat if left untreated.

 

Sore throat and painful swallowing are the most characteristic symptoms of strep throat. Other symptoms include:

  • Chills, fever
  • Swollen and tender glands along the sides of the neck.
  •  Appearing red and swollen inside the throat.
  •  Either pus-like white, yellow patches or spots, may be visible on the back of the throat and tonsils
  • Headache, nausea, and vomiting will maybe be present
  •  An Earache.
  • Your body aches and also pains.

Some people will accumulate a red skin rash that feels rough to the touch. The rash usually appears on the chest first and may spread to the neck, stomach, and arms. A strep throat infection, along with this distinctive rash, is known as scarlet fever. The rash occurs by toxins produced by the Streptococcus bacteria. 

Is ENT And Otolaryngology The Same?

 

 

The medical specialty concentrated on the ears, nose, and throat is called Otolaryngology. Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery is another name for it. Specialists are trained in medicine and surgery and are often called an otolaryngologist. They are referred to an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or an ENT for short.

Otolaryngologists differ from many physicians. They are qualified to perform many surgery types on the head and neck's delicate and complex issues.

Can An ENT Remove Fluid From The Ear?

A myringotomy is a method to create a hole in the eardrum to allow fluid trapped in the middle ear to drain out. The fluid may be blood, pus, and water. Many cases use a small tube that is placed into the eardrum hole to help maintain drainage.

A myringotomy may be done:

  • To restore hearing loss induced by a chronic fluid build-up and prevent delayed speech development caused by hearing loss in children.
  • To place tympanostomy tubes — these tubes help to equalize pressure. It may also help stop recurring ear infections and the accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum.
  •  To help cure an ear infection that is not answering to the medical treatment.
  • To take sample fluid from the middle ear to examine in the lab for the presence of bacteria or other infections.

Can A Doctor See Your Eustachian Tube?

 

 

ETD is often readily diagnosed during a visit to a doctor. The doctor may question you about hearing changes, pain in the ears, or feelings of pressure. They will also look internally at the ear using an otoscope, checking for any infection signs or blockages.

Suppose another illness or disorder is causing ETD. In that case, the doctor may ask questions about that as well to determine the correct treatment.

Which Doctor Is Best For Vertigo?

Your family doctor or primary health care contributor will probably be able to identify and treat the cause of your dizziness. He or she may mention you to an ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist or a doctor trained in the brain and nervous system (neurologist).

How Does An Ent Clean Ears?

"In an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) 's office, the physician will inspect the ear canal and wax using a microscope. Earwax can then be taken out using small instruments or suction. Some providers use irrigation as a procedure for removing wax."

Tips To Conserve Healthy Ears

Ears usually conserve themselves. There are some ways you can shield them from infection:

  • Use a washcloth to wipe and clean the outside of your ears.
  • Never put cotton swabs (Q-tip), hairpins, or any small objects into your ears.

Is A Nasal Endoscopy Painful?

Extensive lengths are used to make the procedure is as comfortable as possible. The procedure is rarely painful. We numb the area before placing the endoscope in. We apply a nasal decongestant, which lessens swelling. It enables the endoscope to pass easily through the nasal membranes.

How Does An Ent Check Your Throat?

Direct laryngoscopy utilizes a tube called a laryngoscope. The instrument is position at the back of your throat. The tube is either flexible or stiff. The procedure allows the doctor to see more in-depth in the throat to take out a foreign object or sample tissue for a biopsy. It is executed in a hospital or medical center setting, meaning you will be asleep and pain-free.

What Is Best For Throat Infection?

  • Gargle with a mixture of warm water with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Drink warm liquids that feel calm to the throat, such as hot tea with honey, soup broth, or warm water with lemon. Herbal teas are incredibly soothing to a sore throat (5
  • Trusted Source
  • Cool your throat by eating a chilly treat like a popsicle or ice cream.
  • Suck on a chunk of hard candy or a tablet.
  • Switch on a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
  • Do not speak until your throat feels better.

What Is The Reason For Throat Infection?

Viral infection, such as cold or flu, is the most common cause of sore throat. A sore throat created by a virus resolves on its own. Strep throat is a less common type of sore throat produced by bacteria, requires antibiotics to prevent complications. Other less common causes of the sore throat might require more complex treatment.

What Kills Infection In The Throat?

Salt Water

Gargling with warm salt water can help calm a sore throat and break down leakage. Also, it's known to help eliminate bacteria in the throat. Produce a saltwater solution with a half-teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water. Gargle it to help lessen swelling and keep the throat clean. It would help if you did this every three hours or so.

Garlic

Garlic also has natural antibacterial properties. It contains allicin, an organosulfur compound known for its ability to fight off infections.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek has countless health benefits. It also has numerous forms. You can consume fenugreek seeds, use the topical oil, or drink fenugreek tea. Fenugreek tea is a natural cure for sore throats.

How Can I Clear My Eustachian Tube Naturally?

 

 

 

First, close your mouth, then hold your nose, and lastly, gently blow like you are blowing your nose. Yawning and chewing gum may help as well. You could hear or feel a "pop" when the tubes open to making the pressure identical in between the inside and outside of your ears.

If you can't unlock the tubes, your doctor might suggest an over-the-counter pain medicine. If you have allergies, the doctor may advise a steroid medicine that you spray into your nose. Using decongestants that you take by mouth or spray into your nose may be helpful. You may need antibiotics if you possess an ear infection.

Using a warm washcloth or using a heating pad set on low can assist with healing ear pain. Put a cloth in between the heating pad and your skin as not to burn your skin. Also, do not use a heating pad with children.

How Can I Clear My Ears?

There Are Several Techniques You Can Try To Unclog Or Pop Your Ears:

  1. Swallowing. 
  2. Try yawning
  3. Valsalva maneuver. 
  4. Toynbee maneuver. 
  5. Apply a warm washcloth. 
  6. Nasal decongestants. 
  7. Nasal corticosteroids. 
  8. Ventilation tubes.

What Are The Side Effects Of Sinus Surgery?

Sinus surgery has multiple risks and complications. Examples include:

  • Failure to fix the infection.
  • Original sinus problem reoccurring.
  • Bleeding.
  • Chronic nasal drainage.
  • Failure to fix all original sinus problems.
  • Injury to the eyes or base of the skull.
  • Pain.
  • Reduced or loss of sense of smell or taste.

How Do They Clean Out Sinuses?

To Clear Your Sinuses, Follow These Steps:

  1. First, stand with your head over a sink or in the shower and turn your head to one side.
  2. Using a squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, or neti pot, pour or squeeze the saline solution steadily into the upper nostril.
  3. Allow the solution to flow out your other nostril and into the drain.

How Can I Permanently Cure Sinusitis?

Treatment

  1. Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help stop and treat inflammation. 
  2. Saline nasal irrigation. Use with nasal sprays or solutions lessens drainage and rinses away irritants and allergies.
  3. Oral or injected corticosteroids. 
  4. Aspirin desensitization treatment. Use this if you have reactions to aspirin that cause sinusitis.

What Is The Root Cause Of Vertigo?

Vertigo is regularly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the inner ear. At the same time, it moreover is produced by problems in certain parts of the brain. 

Vertigo may be produced by:

  • benign paroxysmal positional vertigo – where particular head movements trigger vertigo
  • migraines – severe headaches
  • labyrinthitis – an inner ear infection
  • vestibular neuritis – swelling of the vestibular nerve, which travels into the inner ear and conveys messages to the brain that help to control balance

Depending on the condition producing vertigo, you may experience additional symptoms, such as a high temperature, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss.

Why Do I Feel Unbalanced When I Walk?

Losing 1balance while walking, or feeling imbalanced, arise from:

  • Vestibular Problems. Anomalies in your inner ear can cause a sensation of a floating or heavy head and instability in the dark.
  • Nerve Damage To Your Legs. The damage can lead the way to difficulties with walking.
  • Joint, Muscle, Or Vision Problems. Muscle weakness and unstable joints can provide to your loss of balance. Difficulties with eyesight can lead to instability as well.
  • Medications. Loss of balance or unsteadiness can be an aftermath of medications.
  • Certain Neurological Conditions. These include cervical spondylosis and Parkinson's disease.

How Much Does An ENT Surgeon Make In India?

Employees as Ent Specialist earn an average of ₹21.9lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹12.0lakhs per year to ₹46.7lakhs per year based on 17 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹36.2lakhs per year.

How Can I Become An ENT Specialist In India?

Courses offered in the field of ENT include:

  1. Diploma in ENT – 2 years.
  2. Otorhinolaryngology Diploma – 2 years.
  3. Doctor of Medicine in ENT – 3 years.
  4. Master of Surgery in ENT – 3 years.
  5. Otorhinolaryngology Postgraduate Diploma – 2 years.
  6.  Laryngology & Otology Diploma – 2 years.

What Is An Emergency?

  • Annalise findings consistent with the following common ENT emergencies: complicated otitis (mastoiditis, intracranial abscess, facial nerve paralysis), auricular hematoma, nasal fracture, complications of sinusitis, mucormycosis.
  •   Identify assessment findings consistent with peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess, Ludwig's angina, periorbital cellulitis, angioedema, adult epiglottitis.

How Does An ENT Doctor Check Your Throat?

Direct laryngoscopy utilizes a tube called a laryngoscope. The instrument is positioned in the back of your throat. The tube is either flexible or stiff. This procedure allows the doctor to observe deeper in the throat. It also removes a foreign object or sample tissue for a biopsy. The procedure is executed in a hospital or medical center under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep and pain-free.

What Are Common Ear Problems?

Conditions Treated

Balance Disorders

Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV)

Labyrinthitis

Meniere's Disease

Vestibular

Cholesteatoma

Ear Infections

Middle Ear Infections

Outer Ear Infections

Ear Ringing (Tinnitus)

Hearing Loss

Otitis

Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)

Otitis Media

  • Perforated Eardrum

Is A Throat Biopsy Painful?

The doctor places an instrument called an endoscope into your throat and down your esophagus to get tissue samples during the procedure. Many people can return home within a few hours of the test and report little to no pain or discomfort.

Does A Throat Endoscopy Hurt?

An endoscopy is not usually painful. However, it can be uncomfortable. Most people only experience mild discomfort, similar to indigestion or a sore throat. The procedure is usually executed while you're awake. To numb a particular area of your body, you may be given a local anesthetic.

It might be in the form of a spray or lozenge to numb your throat, for example.

You might be offered a sedative to help you relax and make you barely aware of what's going on around you.

The endoscope will be carefully placed into your body. It depends on the part of your body being observed. It may be position into your:

  • Mouth and down your throat.
  • Bottom.
  • Urethra. The tube that you pee through.

Usually, an endoscopy takes between 15 and 45 minutes, mostly depending on what it's being used for. You will typically go home on the same day and do not have to stay in the hospital overnight.

Why Would An ENT Order An MRI?

 

 

MRI Scans. Suppose hearing loss affects one ear but not the other; it's called unilateral hearing loss. Suppose the hearing test results show that sensorineural hearing loss is creating your symptoms. In that case, doctors may recommend an MRI scan to envision the inner ear and surrounding structures.

MRI scans utilize radio waves and magnetic fields to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It includes the interior components of the ear. An MRI scan might reveal a growth on the nerve pathway that connects the ear to the brain. Like an acoustic neuroma. These growths can stop the ear from functioning well and may cause hearing loss.

How To Recognize If You Have A Tumor In Your Ear?

Common Signs And Symptoms Of Acoustic Neuroma Include:

  1. Hearing loss, usually gradual — although in some cases sudden — and occurring on only one side or more pronounced on one side.

  2. Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear.

  3. Unsteadiness, loss of balance.

  4. Dizziness (vertigo)

In rare cases, an acoustic neuroma may grow large enough to compress the brainstem and become life-threatening.

What Is A Full ENT Examination?

A complete ENT examination includes observation of the face, ears, nose, throat, and neck. We generally screen for hearing loss. We use pressure testing to inspect the eardrum for fluid. Typically, the nasal exam is done with a headlight or mirror and a handheld speculum that closely inspects the nasal septum and turbinates. Your doctor will often examine the nose before and after the application of a decongestant nose spray. The ENT visit's unique part examines the voice box, and the nose's back using handheld mirrors in the mouth. The neck examination is carefully conducted and includes the salivary glands, thyroid gland, and lymph nodes. Examination of general health and the cardiopulmonary system concludes the routine examination. Ears, nose, and throat examinations are usually painless. However, some patients find that examining the mouth makes them gag.

References & Citation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otorhinolaryngology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ENT

https://iaohns.in/