An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases affecting the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Ear disorders such as hearing loss, ear infections, and tinnitus
- Nose and sinus disorders such as allergies, sinusitis, and nasal polyps
- Throat disorders such as sore throat, hoarseness, and tonsillitis
- Head and neck disorders such as thyroid problems, head and neck cancer, and facial trauma
- Sleep apnea and snoring
Some of the main tasks that an ENT specialist performs include:
- Performing physical exams and diagnostic tests to evaluate symptoms and identify underlying conditions
- Prescribing medication, such as antibiotics or antihistamines, to manage the symptoms of ear, nose, and throat disorders
- Performing surgical procedures, such as tonsillectomy, to remove tumors, correct structural abnormalities, and repair injuries in the head and neck
- Advising patients on lifestyle changes and management strategies to help reduce symptoms
- Coordinating care with other specialists such as audiologists, speech therapist,s and pulmonologists