What is ENT?
ENT is the specialty of medicine which deals with ear, nose and throat problems, ranging from their diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Furthermore, they are also specialized in dealing with the ENT-related conditions of the head and neck.
What are the Doctors of ENT called?
ENT doctors are also known as Otologists/ENT Physicians. Most of these ENT specialists have specialized in any of the following sub-specialty:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT problems in children)
- Otology/Neurotology/audiology (Ears, balance, and tinnitus)
- Allergy
- Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Head and neck surgery (Tumors of the head and neck)
- Laryngology (Throat, voice, and swallowing)
- Rhinology (Nose and sinus cavity)
Moreover, if these doctors go on to acquire additional training in the medical and surgical management of common ENT problems including dizziness, ear tumors or hearing loss, then they are referred to as Otolaryngologist/ENT Surgeons.
When Is It Time To See An ENT?
You will need to book an appointment with an ENT as soon as you detect any of the following signs or symptoms related to ear, nose or throat appear:
Ear:
Ear disorder or condition including:
- Hearing impairment
- Ear infections
- Disorders affecting balance
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Pain in ear
- Congenital disorders of the ear (diseases/ disorders you are born with)
Nose:
- Changes in the in smelling, breathing or physical appearance of the nose.
- Sinuses
- Nasal cavity blockage.
Throat:
Disorders or conditions affecting:
- Singing
- Eating
- Swallowing
- Digestion
All in all, the following signs and symptoms should prompt you to book an appointment instantly with an ENT specialist and have yourself thoroughly checked up:
- Injury to your ears, nose, or throat
- Nerve problems in your ears, nose, or throat
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Hearing impairment
- Ear infection
- Tonsil or adenoid infection
- Swimmer’s ear
- Pain in your ears, nose, or throat
- Tinnitus
- Ear, nose, or throat birth defects
- Breathing problems
- Down’s syndrome
- Asthma
- Allergy
- Sinus problem
- Growth or tumor in your ears, nose, or throat
- Deviated septum
- Undesired appearance of the nose or face
- Cleft palate
- Drooping of the eyelids
- Hair loss
- Nose bleeds
- Nasal congestion
- Problems with smell
- Voice or swallowing problems
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
What do the ENT treat?
The additional list of medical conditions and disorders that ENT specialists treat include:
- Adenoiditis
- Airway Stenosis
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Chronic Ear Disease
- Chronic Tonsillitis
- Cleft Palate/Cleft Lip
- Complex Airway Diseases (choanal atresia, airway tumors, masses)
- Ear Infections (otitis media) or Ear Tubes
- Facial Paralysis
- Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
- Food Allergies
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Head and Neck Masses
- Hearing Loss & Impairment
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
- Laryngomalacia
- Lymphatic Malformations
- Nasal Deformities
- Nasal Obstruction
- Salivary Disease
- Sinus Disease
- Sleep Apnea
- Speech Disorders
- Stridor
- Thyroid Conditions
- Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
- Tracheomalacia
- Vascular Malformations
Now you can find best Otologists/ENT Physicians near you in all major cities of Pakistan.