When should you see an otolaryngologist instead of a primary care doctor?
A primary care doctor can often help with conditions that affect your ears, nose, and throat. This is typically the case if you’re experiencing an acute (short-term) condition like a sinus infection, ear infection, or sore throat. However, sometimes it’s a good idea to see an otolaryngologist instead. Examples include:
What is an otolaryngologist and what do they treat?
Otolaryngologists are doctors who specialize in problems of the head and neck, especially the ears, nose, and throat. Learn more about the conditions they treat and when you might need to see an otolaryngologist. Skip to main content Check Your Symptoms
What kind of Doctor do I See for ear problems?
They also can help diagnose and treat swallowing problems. Otology and neurotology: If you have any kind of issue with your ears, these specialists can help. They treat conditions like infections, hearing loss, dizziness, and ringing or buzzing in your ears ( tinnitus ).
What is otology/neurotology?
Otology/Neurotology: diseases of the ear, including trauma (injury), infection, benign tumors, cancer and nerve pathway disorders, which affect hearing and balance. Treating: ear infection, swimmer’s ear, hearing loss, ear, face or neck pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
What diseases does an otolaryngologist treat?
What do Otolaryngologists Treat? Ear: Otolaryngologists are trained in the medical and surgical treatment of hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise (tinnitus), nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. They also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.
What otolaryngology means?
ear, nose, and throatDefinition of otolaryngology : a medical specialty concerned especially with the ear, nose, and throat and related parts of the head and neck When needed for a middle ear reconstruction, the cartilage can easily be tailored further in the operating room to meet the patient's precise anatomic needs, says Dr.
What does a Otorrinolaringologo do?
The Otorhinolaryngologist is the medical specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases that affect the ear, nose and throat, including voice, salivary glands and neck. In this sense ENT doctors do, among others, hearing tests and endoscopic procedures.
What is the root of otolaryngology?
The word otorhinolaryngology or its shorter form, otolaryngology, is derived from the Greek root words: otos (ear), rhino (nose), laryngo (windpipe) and logos (science).
Do otolaryngologists treat thyroid?
When you visit ENT specialists, they will usually take you through thyroid function tests, thyroid scans and ultrasonography. All the above procedures are followed to verify whether the thyroid nodules are cancerous. Cancerous thyroid conditions often require entirely different treatment options.
What is the difference between otolaryngology and otorhinolaryngology?
Otolaryngology vs Otorhinolaryngology Otorhinolaryngology is the same as otolaryngology. The word 'rhino' refers to the nose, and hence, when the three are combined, they form the study of ear, nose and throat. Otorhinolaryngology is a medical specialty and needs further studies after basics of human medicine.
How do you pronounce Otorrinolaringologo?
otorrinolaringólogooh. - toh. - rree. - noh. - lah. - reeng. - goh. - loh. - goh.o. - to. - ri. - no. - la. - ɾiŋ - go. - lo. - ɣo.o. - to. - rri. - no. - la. - rin. - gó - lo. - go.
What is a consultant otolaryngologist?
An otolaryngologist is a surgeon who specialises in managing patients with diseases affecting the senses such as hearing, balance, smell and taste, as well as problems with breathing, swallowing, and voice. They may also treat head and neck tumours, including skull base and interface with the brain.
What is otologic surgery?
Otologic surgery generally refers to surgery of the middle ear and mastoid related to chronic otitis media, such as tympanoplasty, or ear drum surgery, ossiculoplasty, or surgery of the hearing bones, and mastoidectomy.
What is the name of the doctor for the nose?
A Rhinologist is a physician who practices Rhinology, the medical science devoted to the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the nose and the paranasal sinuses. Rhinologists are ENT subspecialists who have unique expertise in the medical and surgical treatment of nasal and sinus disorders.
What are some examples of conditions that otolaryngologists treat?
Otolaryngologists can treat a wide variety of conditions. Examples include chronic or fungal sinusitis, hearing loss, oropharyngeal cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Who can refer you to otolaryngologists?
Get a referral from your primary care doctor: Your primary care doctor can refer you to one or more otolaryngologists in your area.
What is the oldest medical specialty in the United States?
Specialists in otolaryngology (sometimes also called otorhinolaryngology) have been organized since 1896, making it the oldest medical specialty in the United States. In addition to being a medical doctor, an otolaryngologist is also a surgeon.
What is holistic otolaryngology?
Finding a doctor. Summary. An otolaryngologist is a doctor that specializes in treating conditions that affect the ears, nose, and throat, as well as head and neck surgery.
How many years of schooling do you need to become an otolaryngologist?
Otolaryngologists receive years of education and training before they can practice, including: a 4-year college degree. 4 years of medical school. at least 5 years of specialty residency training in otolaryngology.
What is the function of the tissues of the throat?
The tissues of our throats help us to breathe, speak, and swallow. Throat conditions that an otolaryngologist treats include:
What is an aud degree?
Although this may sound similar to otolaryngology, audiology is different. Most audiologists receive a doctoral degree in audiology , called an AuD. They’re also certified by national and state associations.
What is the specialty of otolaryngologists?
What Do Otolaryngologists Treat? Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/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.
How many years of schooling do you need to become an otolaryngologist?
Otolaryngologists are ready to start practicing after completing up to 15 years of college and post-graduate training. To qualify for certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology, an applicant must first complete college (four years), medical school (four years), and at least five years of specialty training.
What is the head and neck area?
This area of the body includes the important functions of sight, smell, hearing and the appearance of the face. In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infections, benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic ...
How many people develop sinusitis each year?
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.
What are the problems with the nose?
Problems in the nasal area include allergies, smell disorders, polyps and nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum. Otolaryngologists can also correct the appearance of the nose (rhinoplasty surgery). Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area.
What is the treatment for allergies?
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. Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: cosmetic, functional and reconstructive surgical treatment of abnormalities of the face and neck and ear.
Do otolaryngologists refer patients to other doctors?
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. Otolaryngologists are the most appropriate physicians to treat disorders of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.
What Conditions Does an Otolaryngologist Treat?
Otolaryngologists provide treatment for benign tumors and cancers of the head and neck, except for eye and brain cancers. They treat tonsil and adenoid problems, chronic reflux (stomach acid flowing into your esophagus), and disorders related to thyroid, nerve, voice, swallowing, and sleep. They perform reconstructive plastic surgery after facial injury or surgery and cosmetic plastic surgeries of the face and neck. Some of the more common problems they treat are:
Why do you need to see an otolaryngologist?
Check with your insurance provider about going directly to an otolaryngologist if you or your child have any of the following symptoms: Frequent ear or tonsil infections. Sudden hearing loss.
What is the name of the doctor who specializes in the head and neck?
An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in problems of the head and neck. Otolaryngology is a shortened form of the term otorhinolaryngology, which comes from Greek words for ear (oto), nose (rhino), and throat (laryn). Otolaryngologists used to focus solely on problems of the ear, nose, and throat.
What can an otolaryngologist do for ear infections?
An otolaryngologist can prescribe antibiotics for infections that don’t clear quickly. If fluid in your middle ear is causing frequent ear infections or hearing loss, they may perform a painless surgery to place tiny ear tubes in your eardrums. This allows fluid to drain from your ears, reducing the number of ear infections and restoring hearing.
What is the best doctor for tinnitus?
An otolaryngologist works to uncover the cause of the tinnitus and treat it or provide management techniques and devices. Loss of smell can result from a number of problems such as sinusitis, polyps (abnormal tissue growth), and allergies.
How long does it take to become an otolaryngologist?
Otolaryngologists are highly specialized. Their education takes at least 13 years and includes:
What is the condition that causes breathing problems?
Sinusitis is a chronic disease that causes trouble breathing through your nose, drainage, and frequent sinus infections. An otolaryngologist will prescribe medications that can help. If the problem persists, they can do endoscopic sinus surgery to remove blockages. Polyps are small, noncancerous growths inside the nose or sinuses ...
Why do otolaryngologists visit?
The most common reasons for otolaryngology visits were problems with hearing, earache or ear infection, and nasal congestion. Most otolaryngological conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination, meaning that otolaryngologists take a hands-on approach to patient care.
Which doctor is best suited for treating disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and any structures related to the answer?
The AAO-HNS states that otolaryngologists are the most appropriate physicians for treating disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and any structures related to the head and neck.
What is the ABOTO exam?
After this training, a trainee otolaryngologist can take the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) examination for board certification, consisting of both a written and oral exam. Otolaryngologists can also choose to continue their studies and complete a fellowship.
What age group is the most common to visit otolaryngology?
to non-federally employed otolaryngologists over the course of 2010. Adults aged between 45 and 64 years old were the most common visitors of otolaryngology clinics, although people under the age of 15 years made of 20 percent of visitors. The most common reasons for otolaryngology visits were problems with hearing, earache or ear infection, ...
What is the oldest medical specialty in the United States?
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngological diseases and disorders can occur in people of any age or gender. In the U.S., people made an estimated 20 million visits.
What is the medical term for a doctor who treats the ear, nose, and throat?
Common procedures. When to see a doctor. Summary. Otolaryngologists are physicians that specialize in the treatment and management of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related bodily structures. People also refer to otolaryngologists as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors. They provide both medical and surgical care.
What is the specialty of otolaryngology?
In this area, otolaryngology might cross over with other specialties, such as dermatology and oral surgery. The field of otolaryngology focuses on seven different areas.
What Conditions Do Otolaryngologists Treat?
ENT's can do surgery and treat many different medical conditions. You would see one if you have a problem involving:
What is the name of the doctor who treats ears, nose, and throat?
If you have a health problem with your head or neck, your doctor might recommend that you see an otolaryngologist. That's someone who treats issues in your ears, nose, or throat as well as related areas in your head and neck. They're called ENT's for short.
How Do I Find an Otolaryngologist?
Ask your primary care doctor or go to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery website to find one in your area. Look for one that specializes in your specific problem.
What is a pediatric ENT?
Pediatric ENTs are specially trained to treat youngsters, and they have tools and exam rooms designed to put kids at ease. Common problems include ear infections, tonsillitis, asthma, and allergies. Pediatric ENT's also care for children with birth defects of the head and neck.
How many years of school do otolaryngologists go to?
Otolaryngologists go to 4 years of medical school. They then have at least 5 years of special training. Finally, they need to pass an exam to be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.
What is the name of the doctor that treats nose bleeds?
Rhinology: These doctors focus on your nose and sinuses. They treat sinusitis, nose bleeds, loss of smell, stuffy nose, and unusual growths.
What is the name of the doctor who treats swallowing problems?
Laryngology: These doctors treat diseases and injuries that affect your voice box (larynx) and vocal cords. They also can help diagnose and treat swallowing problems.
What is chronic inflammatory hyperresponsive of the airways?
a chronic inflammatory hyper responsive of the airways that is characterized by episodic wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and cough triggered by a variety of stimuli
Is tuberculosis considered an infection?
Individuals with tuberculosis are no longer considered infections to others:
What is the name of the doctor who treats the ear, nose, throat, face, and neck?
So an otorhinolaryngologist is a physician who studied, trained in, and treats diseases of the ear, nose, throat, face, head and neck. The popular acronym for this specialty branch of medicine is ENT, or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. All three terms are used interchangeably.
What is an otolaryngologist?
Otolaryngologists are experts in managing diseases of the throat, larynx, and esophagus, including voice, speech, and swallowing difficulties.
What Body Parts do Otorhinolaryngologists Treat?
Otorhinolaryngologists diagnose, treat and manage diseases of the ears, nose, sinuses, larynx (voice box), mouth , and throat , as well as structures of the neck and face.
What is the oldest medical specialty in the United States?
The American Academy of Otolaryngology -Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), claims that otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. The word otorhinolaryngology or its shorter form, otolaryngology , is derived from the Greek root words: otos (ear), rhino (nose), laryngo (windpipe) and logos (science).
What is the treatment for allergies?
Allergy – treatment by medication, immunotherapy, or controlling of trigger factors. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery – on face, neck, or ear for medical, cosmetic, functional or reconstructive reasons. Head and Neck – diseases, tumors, trauma, infectious diseases and deformities of the head, neck, and face.
What is the importance of attention to detail in the treatment of the relevant organs?
Hence highly specialized training, precision and attention to detail is needed in the treatment of the relevant organs to maintain functions like speech, voice, hearing, tasting, and breathing.
What is the term for the disorder of the ear?
Otology/neurotology – disorders of the ear, including nerve disorders, hearing and balance.