Doctors specialize in a variety of practices, including treating the ear, nose, and throat, or in medical terms— otorhinolaryngology. This practice focuses on treating complications and illnesses in the ear, eye, and throat area. If you have problems with your sense of sight, hearing, smell, or your voice, your Surprise ear, nose & throat doctor can help. In the meantime, read on to find out more about the ear, nose, and throat medical practice.
What do ear, nose and throat doctors do?
ENT doctors use surgical and non-surgical treatments to treat issues with sinuses and senses. You can consult an ENT doctor for allergies, sinusitis, tonsillitis, hearing loss, sore throat, taste and smell disorders.
Allergies
An allergy occurs when your body is rejecting an allergen, usually a substance in the air, food or beverage you are consuming. Some people are allergic to pollen, dust, peanuts, animal fur, eggs and more. While the substances may be inherently harmful, the body reacts as if it’s in danger. Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, hives, vomiting, and even difficulty breathing. Treatment helps you manage severe allergic reactions, especially if you are frequently exposed to an allergen.
Sinus Surgery
Sinuses are cavities in your nasal cavity that produce mucus to lubricate the airways and trap dirt. Sinus surgery widens the cavity and removes blockages that make it hard to breathe. Infections and blockage may occur due to allergies, smoking, or common cold. In kids, pacifiers and drinking from a bottle while lying on the back can also cause sinusitis. Your doctor may also recommend sinus surgery for dealing with nasal polyps, sinusitis, and tumors.
Nasal congestion
A stuffy nose is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as sinusitis. Nasal congestion causes blockage in your sinuses and airways giving you a runny nose while making it difficult to breathe. While we’ve all faced some nasal congestion once in a while, it can get severe if it doesn’t resolve, or for children when sleeping or eating.
Voice disorder
Your voice may feel different in the morning or when you have a cold, but the changes are temporary. If you notice your voice deeper or softer than usual, you may have a voice disorder. It could be an organic voice disorder, which happens when the structure of the vocal fold tissue or larynx gets damaged. The second is a functional voice disorder, which happens due to voice fatigue from improper and excessive use of your voice.
Hearing disorders
If you are experiencing trouble with your sense of hearing, including asking people to repeat themselves, and occasional ear ringing and buzzing, you may have a hearing disorder. Hearing loss can occur slowly, but is not a natural part of aging. Any problems require advanced audiology services and treatments. Treatments may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or earwax removal to open your ears.
Visit an ENT specialist today
Issues with your ears, nose, and throat need special medical attention. Consult Oasis EAT for more information.