The doctor "ear, throat, nose" is called? This question is often asked by patients who have problems with these organs. After all, such a phrase is the unofficial name of the doctor. In this regard, in this article we will give an exhaustive answer to the question of who the doctor is “ear, throat, nose”. Among other things, from the presented article you will find out what diseases this doctor treats, when you need to contact him, etc.
general information
Doctor "ear, throat, nose" - what is the name of this specialist? In official medicine, such a doctor is called an otolaryngologist. As you know, patients turn to him with complaints of ENT diseases. The work of such a doctor is associated with the organs of smell and hearing, as well as the throat, neck and head.
What is a doctor for?
An otolaryngologist is a specialist who diagnoses and then treats various diseases associated with ENT organs. Not without reason such a doctor is available in almost every clinic. After all, the health of the ears, nose and throat is of particular importance. It is these organs that create the crossroads of the digestive and respiratory tracts, which react to the effects of foreign agents, allergens, bacteria, and pathogenic viruses earlier than others.
Features of ENT diseases
Doctor “ear, throat, nose” - what is the name of such a doctor? If you urgently need this specialist, then in the hospital you should look for an office with the otolaryngologist sign. It should be specially noted that all inflammatory processes, which become the causes of diseases of the ENT organs, can occur in both young children and adults. Typically, such abnormalities indicate problems with the immune system. If it is lowered, then various viruses begin to freely enter the human body, which primarily affect the throat, nose and ears. If you do not immediately begin treatment of these organs, then pathogenic microorganisms will spread throughout the body, which will lead to irreversible consequences.
What does an ear, nose and throat doctor do?
What is the name of such a specialist, we found out. Now I want to talk about what the otolaryngologist does when a patient calls on him.
- Based on examination and analysis, he makes a diagnosis, and then prescribes the necessary treatment to the patient.
- Performs operations for abnormalities such as an abscess and a hematoma in the ear or nose. In addition, the otolaryngologist performs puncture of the maxillary sinus, opening of tumors, washing, removal of hematomas and polyps.
- Engaged in tonsillectomy and adenotomy, that is, conducts operations on the throat.
- Carries out operations on the middle ear.
- Carries out operations on the ears, as well as on the nose (to correct the position of the septum).
- Carries out hearing-improving procedures.
Otolaryngologist what treats?
Not everyone knows which diseases such a specialist treats. If you are planning an appointment with this doctor, you should definitely find out if you really need an otolaryngologist.
So, the competence of this doctor is the process of treating various diseases of the ear, nose, larynx, maxillary sinus and pharynx. In addition, it can be addressed with the following deviations:
- problems in the nasopharynx (for example, sinusitis, as well as acute, chronic and allergic rhinitis);
- with diseases of the throat (tonsillitis, purulent tonsillitis and inflammation of the tonsils);
- with ear diseases (otitis media, removal of sulfur plugs, etc.).
When should I see a doctor?
In modern clinics, there are two specialists in this area: an otolaryngologist for children and adults. They both treat ENT organs, but their approach to patients is completely different. After all, infants and older children require special attention from the doctor.
So when is it necessary to contact an otolaryngologist? Go to such a specialist if you or your child has manifested at least one of the following symptoms:
- Mild tingling in one ear, marked hearing loss or sulfuric secretions.
- Sore throat, perspiration, sore tonsils, pus, problems with the thyroid gland or larynx.
- Difficult nasal breathing, frequent dizziness, severe snoring, sleep disturbances, persistent low-grade fever and disturbances in the growth of the facial skeleton.
What tests should be taken to see an otolaryngologist?
If you are planning an appointment with an ENT doctor, it is recommended that you pass the following tests in advance:
- Smears and crops. They are taken from the nasopharynx, pharynx and nose to identify meningococci, staphylococci and streptococci.
- Taking material from tonsils, maxillary sinuses and discharge from the ear.
If these tests are not enough to make a diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe you another examination.
Diagnostic methods used by the otolaryngologist
To quickly diagnose and prescribe effective treatment, each doctor uses his own methods. As for the otolaryngologist, he applies the following:
- Endoscopic methods. They are considered the most accurate among all existing ones. They allow you to quickly determine the existing disease and its pathogen. To make a diagnosis, specialists take tissue for its further investigation.
- Computed tomography is a unique method that makes it possible to obtain a “flaky” image of organs and their tissues.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. Such a diagnostic method is carried out through exposure to the human body of electromagnetic waves.
- Ultrasonography. It is used to diagnose tissues due to ultrasonic waves. The positive side of this method is that it does not adversely affect the human body.
- Rhinoscopy and audiometry.