ENT is an abbreviation in the field of medicine for ears, nose, and throat. The doctor specializing in disorders related to ENT is simply called “ENT,” though the proper name for such a specialist is an otolaryngologist.
Anatomy and function of ENT
The ear, nose, and throat are vital organs that we use on a daily basis. The ears do not just let you hear. They also provide you with a sense of balance so that you hold steady without tripping. The nose is also a sensory organ like the ear that does not only allow you to smell but also partially taste. It humidifies the air we breathe to keep germs and dirt out of our bodies.
Throat routes the air to the lungs and is the pathway for the food and water to enter the digestive tract.
Dysfunction of any of these organs affects the quality of the patient’s life dramatically. Sometimes, this is even a cause for a medical emergency. If you are experiencing a chronic nose, ear, or throat problem, it is advisable to include an ENT in the management of your disorder if it is only a physician you’re currently consulting with.
Here is some basic information on common ENT disorders
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils commonly caused by strep throat, mono, or the common cold. It is a prevalent condition that causes severe throat pain. When the tonsils are left inflamed or infected for long periods, it requires surgical intervention for its removal. The procedure is called “tonsillectomy.” One of the conditions that can be treated with tonsillectomy is sleep apnea.
Ear infections
When the germs enter the ear and become trapped, it leads to an ear infection. It may cause mucous build-up, breeding viruses, and bacteria. Symptoms for ear infections include pain, hearing loss, balance problems, and drainage from the ear.
Ear infections are more prevalent in children than in adults. If left untreated, the infection can cause delays in the development of the child.
Sinus infections
The cavities in the skull that surround the nose and the eyes are called Sinuses. Sinusitis occurs when these cavities are infected by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. They could even be inflamed due to allergens or other conditions. The symptoms include headache, runny nose, sneezing and coughing, pain around the eyes, and toothaches.
Sleep apnea
It is a debilitating condition that causes a brief cessation of breathing, occurring both in adults and children. The common causes of sleep apnea are obesity, enlarged tonsils, and having naturally shorter than usual airways. The symptoms include snoring, headaches, fatigue, depression, waking up with a dry throat, waking up several times in the night and fatigue during the day,