Someone who has ever suffered the effects of a cold know how debilitating and annoying it can be. When a cold sets in, over the counter medications can help to alleviate the symptoms until the cold passes. For those whose symptoms continue to cause pain after the cold leaves, or are experiencing these symptoms without a cold or sickness present, it may be time to visit the doctor.
Otolaryngologists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of conditions and diseases of the nose, ears, throat, head and neck. Which sounds oddly familiar to what an Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor (AKA ENT) may do. Well, you are not wrong! There actually is no alteration in the two job descriptions. Many of these doctors have adapted to the abbreviated ENT, which of course being a shorthand comes easier to the mind- not to mention a whole lot easier to pronounce.
Early on in the 19th century, physicians discovered that the head and neck, along with the ear, nose and throat, are all interconnected. Tools were soon developed to help examine the systems, in hopes to gain a better understanding of them, including care and treatment. It is known to be the United States oldest medical specialty according to a report in the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Otolaryngologists are also skilled surgeons when it comes to procedures related to the head and neck. Once referred there by a general or primary care doctor, your ENT should be able to both diagnose and treat (including surgery). Problems that an Otolaryngologist or ENT doctor can treat include:
• Earache
• Itchiness or burning in the ears
• Leaking ears
• Swimmers ear
• Ear infection
• Tinnitus
• Healing loss or sudden deafness
• Allergies
• Obstruction in nasal pathways
• Polyps
• Problems with sense of smell
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tonsillitis
• Voice changes
• Cancer in the mouth or throat
• Facial deformities
If experiencing any pain, pressure or discomfort in these areas, make sure to consult with a doctor immediately.
All Ears, Nose and Throat doctors have studied extensively with no less than 15 years of graduate and post-grad experience. Certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology must complete, college and medical school, five years of training and, of course, pass the American Board of Otolaryngology examination. After all these years of certification and learning, some go further still and may have a deeper specialization in:
• Pediatric otolaryngology
• Laryngology
• Otology/neurotology
• Facial, plastic and/or reconstructive surgery
• Rhinology
• Diseases related to the head and/or neck including cancer
If you have been experiencing any pain or difficulties with any of these areas, please schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. From there a better diagnosis can be made and a referral can be given. The Meyerson Sinus Clinic is dedicated to treating your ailments and providing you with the ultimate care and satisfaction. Call and schedule a consultation with us. The sooner you do, the quicker you will be on the road to better health.