What is ENT
Otolaryngology, commonly known as ENT, is a medical specialty field that deals with the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders related to the ear, nose, and throat.
An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in the medical and surgical branches of otolaryngology. They are also commonly called ENT doctors.
Common ENT Disorders:
‣ Tonsillitis: Tonsils are two oval-shaped, pad-like tissues present at the back of the throat. These tissues can commonly be inflamed due to viral or bacterial infections. In most cases, tonsillitis can be cured by medication, but in severe cases, it might need surgery.
‣ Sinus: Sinuses are the hollow spaces present within the bones of the cheekbones, eyes, and forehead. These should ideally be filled with clean air, but due to infections and pollutants, they can develop mucus. Sinus can cause headaches, allergic reactions, and watery eyes.
‣ Ear Infections: An ENT doctor most commonly treats ear infections. These can be caused due to bacteria, fungi, or even colds.
‣ Vertigo: Vertigo is generally caused by underlying diseases in the ear, like acute labyrinthitis. In this disorder, an individual may feel nauseous, a ringing sound in the ears, a sensation of spinning, etc.
‣ Throat Infections: When agents like hot or cold food/beverages, changing weather, and bacteria affect the throat, they can cause an infection. This may irritate the throat, cause pain in swallowing, and difficulty in talking.
How to prepare before surgery?
You must be empty before your procedure. A minimum of eight hours should pass between your last meal and the operation. Normally, we advise staying off the internet after midnight. You can sip water while taking your morning meds.
What can you anticipate from your initial ENT appointment?
The ENT specialist conducts a physical and visual examination during the initial appointment, palpating your neck, throat, cheekbones, and other parts of your face and neck in addition to looking in your ears, nose, and throat.
Common Procedures in Otolaryngology:
Otolaryngological diseases can be treated in a number of ways. While some acute diseases may go away with medicines and antibiotics, others may need surgery or other procedures to be treated. Some common procedures in ENT are:
‣ Myringoplasty: It is a small surgical procedure that is conducted to cover up holes in the eardrum. The fat or gel-like substance is extracted from another part of the body and applied to these holes.
‣ Laryngoplasty: When the vocal cords are weakened or paralyzed, Laryngoplasty is conducted. In this procedure, collagen is injected into the vocal cords, which helps them to get thickened again.
A more advanced stage of Laryngoplasty involves a surgical procedure. Through 2 small incisions in the throat, the vocal cords are moved to their original position.
‣ Tonsillectomy: In severe cases of tonsillitis, the removal of tonsilitis tissues is required. This is done through Tonsillectomy surgery.
‣ Septoplasty: Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that treats a deviated septum. The septum can get misshapen due to congenital defects, accidents, or physical trauma.
‣ Thyroidectomy: In a thyroidectomy, the thyroid gland is surgically removed entirely or in part. When a patient has thyroid cancer, another ailment of the thyroid gland, or goiter, endocrine, or head and neck surgeons frequently conduct a thyroidectomy during general surgery.
‣ Tympanoplasty is a surgical treatment used to fix the eardrum deformity. It not only plugs the hole or perforation but also enhances hearing.
‣ Adenoidectomy: The surgical removal of the adenoid is known as an adenoidectomy, and it may be necessary for conditions such as chronic infections, recurring earaches, or difficulty breathing through the nose.
‣ Myringotomy: To relieve pressure brought on by an excessive accumulation of fluid or to drain pus from the middle ear, a myringotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the eardrum.
Conclusion:
Therefore, having one of the best hospitals, resources, technology, and ENT surgeons, the scope of ENT surgery in India has vastly increased.
