What is otolaryngology-head and neck surgeon ?

Otololaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.

 

Their special skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.

 

What Do Otolaryngologists Treat ?

 

The Ears

Hearing loss affects one in ten North American. The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections balance disorders, ear nose (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.

 

The Nose

About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose are part of otolaryngologists.

 

The Throat

Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (vice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.

 

The Head and Neck

This center of the body including the important nerves that control sight, smell hearing, and the face. In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

 

Training and Patient Care

Otolaryngologists are ready to start practicing after compelling up to 15 years of college and post-graduate training. To qualify for certification by the American Board of Otolaryngologists, an applicant must first complete college, medical school (usually four years), and at least five years of specialty training. Next, the physician must pass the American Board of Otolaryngology (children), otology/neurotology (ears, balance, and tinnitus), allergy, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck, laryngology (throat(, and rhinology (nose). Some otolaryngologists limit their practices to one of these seven areas.

 

What makes otolaryngologists the most appropriate physicians to treat disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck ?

These specialists differ from many physicians in that they are trained in both medicine and surgery. Otolaryngologists do not need to refer patients to other physicians when ear, nose, throat, or head/neck surgery is needed and, therefore can offer the most appropriate care for each individual patient.

 

 

Diagnosis and Treatment in Seven Areas of Expertise

 

Otology / Neurotology:

Disease of the ear, including trauma (injury), cancer, and nerve pathway disorders, which affect hearing and balance.

 

             Example:           ear infection; hearing loss; ear, face, or neck pain; dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

 

Pediatric Otolaryngology:

Disease in children with special ENT problems including birth defects in the head and neck and developmental delays.

 

             Example:           ear infection (otitis media), tonsil and adenoid infection, airway problems,

                                       Down’s syndrome, asthma and allergy/sinus disease.

 

Head and Neck:

Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in the head and neck, including the thyroid parathyroid.

 

 

             Example:           lump in the neck or thyroid, cancer of the voice box.

 

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery:

Cosmetic, functional, and reconstructive surgical treatment of abnormalities of the face and neck

 

             Example:           deviated septum, rhinoplasty (nose), face-lift, cleft palate, drooping eyelids, and hair loss.

 

Rhinology:

Disorder of the nose and sinuses.

 

             Example:           sinus disorder, nosebleed, stuffy nose, loss of smell.

 

Laryngology:

Disorder of the throat, including voice and swallowing problems.

 

             Example:           sore throat, hoarseness, swallowing disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

 

Allergy:

Treatment by medication, immunotherapy (allergy shots) and/or avoidance of pollen, dust, mold food and other sensitivities that affect the ear, nose, and throat.

 

             Example:           hay fever, seasonal and perennial rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, laryngitis, sore throat,

                                       otitis media, dizziness.