It can be difficult determining which type of doctor you need when you have a health issue. While you may be aware of a primary care physician, cardiologist, and endocrinologist, do you know what an otolaryngologist is? An otolaryngologist, commonly called an ENT, is a doctor who specializes in conditions and illnesses of the ear, nose, throat and neck. This type of doctor deals with a very broad range of issues related to these specific parts of the body. But how do you know when you need to see an ENT? Let’s take a look at what kind of issues ENTs treat to get a better understanding.
What Do Otolaryngologists Treat?
ENTs treat a variety of issues, diseases, and conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and neck. Here is a quick look at them:
The Ear – ENTs regularly deal with ear and hearing problems like otosclerosis (when one of the small bones in the ear gets stuck), perforation of the eardrum, and tinnitus. They also deal with balance disorders, chronic ear infections, hearing loss, nerve pain, and congenital disorders of both the inner and outer parts of the ear. The inner ear is responsible for our balance and problems with the inner ear, such as vertigo, require an ENT’s examination and treatment.
The Nose – They also treat people with nasal issues such as a deviated septum, sinusitis, polyp removal from the sinus cavities, stuffy nasal cavities, nasal tumors, chronic nosebleeds, rhinosinusitis or infections of the nasal and sinus cavities. Sinus problems and allergies affect many people, and ENTs can help treat these issues so you get good long-term results.
The Throat – ENTs deal with a variety of throat-related issues such as tonsillitis, simple or chronic laryngitis, tracheostomy (permanent or temporary opening in the neck to permit air to enter the lungs), and throat cancer. They also manage conditions of the larynx (voice box) and the upper digestive tract or esophagus. ENTs also treat people who have difficulty swallowing (deglutition) and problems with speaking or communicating (dysphonia).
Other Issues – ENTs also deal with facial trauma issues. They also treat issues such as diseases, deformities, and cancers in the head or neck. Children born with a cleft palate or any congenital deformity of the mouth or any structure above the neck are also treated by ENTs. ENTs also treat issues such as sleep apnea, snoring, allergies, and salivary gland dysfunction. They also work with other types of doctors on complex conditions, diseases, and illnesses that cross the line into other areas of medicine.
Otolaryngologist or ENT in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida
ENTs deal with a lot of issues related to the ear, nose, throat, and neck. If you have an issue that an ENT can help treat, contact Intercoastal Medical Group to make an appointment. Our ENTs would love to help you feel better. You can make an appointment by calling our Bradenton office at (941) 538-0018 or our Sarasota office at (941) 379-1800. You can also request an appointment online.
