Why Do People Need An ENT?
Quick answer: An ENT (otolaryngologist) is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats problems of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck, including balance. See one for symptoms that last a long time or keep coming back, such as sinus infections, chronic congestion, snoring that has not improved with lifestyle changes, tinnitus, dizziness, voice or hearing changes, trouble swallowing, or frequent nosebleeds. Evaluation often includes a painless in-office nasal endoscopy. Treatment ranges from allergy care and medications to CPAP and, when needed, minimally invasive surgery.
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists treat a variety of problems. You may need to see one if you have a condition that is impacting on your day-to-day life, such as persistent sinus infections or chronic nasal congestion.
ENT specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, are highly trained medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of problems relating to the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck, and with balance. They work with patients of all ages and use a variety of advanced medical and surgical treatments to relieve both acute and chronic ENT conditions.
Common ENT Problems
Some ear, nose and throat problems, such as a mild allergy or infection, may be treated with self-care, over-the-counter medication, or by your primary care doctor. However, there are many occasions when you may need to visit an ENT specialist for further evaluation. If you have any of the following problems or are concerned about your symptoms, you should have it checked by an ENT specialist:
- A sore throat, earache, or sinus pain that lasts a long time or keeps coming back
- Persistent sinus infections
- Snoring or breathing problems at night that haven't improved with lifestyle changes, such as losing excess weight or changing sleep position
- Tinnitus (hearing ringing or other noises in one or both ears; see the AAO-HNS tinnitus guideline)
- Vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems
- Problems or changes in your voice, sense of smell, or hearing
- Blockages in your airway or other breathing problems that do not require emergency treatment
- An injury, growth, or deformity affecting the head and/or neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Persistent allergies
Some symptoms should not wait for a routine visit. Sudden hearing loss in one ear should be seen as soon as possible, and definitely within two weeks (AAO-HNS sudden hearing loss guideline). For a nosebleed that will not stop with firm pressure, trouble breathing, or dizziness with stroke warning signs such as trouble speaking, weakness, or a drooping face, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
To successfully evaluate and diagnose your condition, your otolaryngologist will perform a variety of tests, such as a nasal endoscopy, a painless procedure that can be carried out in their office and one of the exams the AAO-HNS adult sinusitis guideline uses to confirm chronic sinusitis. It uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light) to look at the nasal and sinus passages.
How Are ENT Problems Treated?
ENT specialists use a variety of advanced treatments depending on the condition. Conservative and medical treatments may be used to treat conditions such as seasonal allergies, persistent sinus infections, nasal congestion, and sleep apnea.
They can include:
- Allergy treatments and immunotherapy
- Topical medications
- Culture-directed antibiotic/antifungal therapy and nasal sprays
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnea, especially when it causes daytime sleepiness (AASM guideline)
- Surgery
Sometimes, surgery may be recommended to treat chronic or structural ENT problems. Surgery is usually considered after appropriate medical treatment has been tried without enough relief, though some conditions are best treated surgically from the start (AAO-HNS surgical management guideline). For certain sinus conditions, an ENT can use endoscopic surgery through the nostrils without an external incision.
Endoscopic Nasal and Sinus Surgery
Endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery is an outpatient procedure, usually done under general anesthesia, and most patients go home the same day. Some limited procedures, such as balloon sinuplasty, can be done in the office under local anesthesia. It may be used to relieve symptoms associated with:
- Sinusitis
- Nasal polyps
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Nasal obstructions
- Recurrent or chronic sinus infections
- Nasal tumors
Blockages in the sinuses may cause pain, recurring infections, drainage, impaired breathing, and loss of smell. Endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery involves the use of an endoscope and very small, specialized instruments to view and treat the problem. This type of surgery is performed entirely through the nostrils and does not involve cutting the skin. There is typically no bruising and no change to the outside of the nose, and patients are usually able to go home the same day. Surgeons may use image guidance (surgical navigation) based on your CT scan to improve accuracy during surgery.
ENT Specialists in Austin, Lakeway, and Marble Falls, TX
At Capital ENT & Sinus Center, our otolaryngologists have extensive knowledge in the medical evaluation and treatment of the full spectrum of nasal and sinus problems, from allergies and sinus infections to snoring and sleep apnea.
If you would like to find out more about our services, or request an appointment, call us at (512) 339-4040. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to bringing you relief!
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation.
Need to See an ENT Specialist?
Capital ENT's board-certified otolaryngologists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for all ear, nose, and throat conditions.