What is ENT?
ENT is the short form for Ear, Nose and Throat. In the medical field, ENT refers to the ear, nose, and throat and the related area of the neck and head, including the sinuses, oral cavity, larynx and upper pharynx.
An otolaryngologist (mostly known as ENT) is a specialist who deals with and treats the various conditions of the ENT.
Different ENT Conditions
ENT specialists treat various disorders related to the ear, nose, throat, head and neck. The conditions may range from mild to severe, affecting people of all ages.
Some of the most common conditions of ENT are:
Ear Infections:
These occur when bacteria or viruses contaminate and trap fluid behind the eardrum, which results in pain and swelling.
Treatment: An ENT might recommend taking antibiotics, pain relieving medicine or draining the fluid, depending on your condition.
Dizziness And Vertigo:
Dizziness is a sensation of unsteadiness and imbalance, while vertigo gives you the false sense that everything is spinning. Both these conditions are seemingly harmless but can affect your quality of life if they occur frequently.
Treatment: Since dizziness and vertigo can be caused by a number of factors, the ENT will determine your treatment based on the reason and symptoms.
Swallowing Disorder:
Dysphagia or swallowing difficulty can be caused by several reasons. Occasionally, it is because you don’t chew your food properly. But if it is persistent and causes pain, cough or gagging when you swallow, you may need to see an ENT who can provide you with proper medication.
Treatment: It includes dietary modifications, swallowing therapy, and, if necessary, medical intervention or surgery provided by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.
Cancer:
ENT cancers are mostly referred to as head and neck cancers and can develop at over 30 sites. They mainly affect the mouth, lips, larynx, throat, nose, sinuses, and nasopharynx. Although head and neck cancers are uncommon, it is crucial to get diagnosed by an ENT specialist and seek specialized treatment if necessary.
Treatment: Typical treatment involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy based on the location and stage of the cancer.
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus:
The most common causes of hearing loss are age, noise, or disease, or it may be hereditary. Tinnitus is a common condition in which you hear ringing, buzzing or humming sounds in your ears. It’s also caused by exposure to loud noises. Both of these conditions severely disrupt living.
Treatment: Your ENT may suggest you use a hearing aid such as a listening device.
Tonsillitis:
Tonsillitis is the swelling of the tonsils, often caused by a viral infection or sometimes by bacterial infection. It is commonly found in children, teenagers and young adults.
Treatment: In case of viral infection, your doctor may advise you to rest, drink warm fluids and take lozenges. However, he may prescribe antibiotics like penicillin or clindamycin if the infection is bacterial.
Neck Masses:
Mumps, goitre, strep throat and some infections often cause neck masses. They can also result from benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumours.
Treatment: Your ENT can diagnose the root cause of the mass and advise chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery as per your condition.
Allergies:
Conditions like nasal congestion, sinus congestion, headaches, sore throat, raspy voice, and difficulty breathing can be symptoms of allergies.
Treatment: ENT will help you determine the cause of these symptoms and prescribe you a treatment plan accordingly.
Sleep Apnea:
It is a condition in which you experience regular stopping and starting of breathing during sleep and very loud snoring. Treatment: Your ENT will prescribe a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. This machine, which looks like a nasal mask, opens your airways during sleep.
