ENT is a health abbreviation used for Ears, Nose and Throat. A physician who specializes in handling these illnesses is known as an "ENT," or less typically an otolaryngologist. Below are examples of ENT illnesses.
Problems Related to ENT Disorders
Whenever the tonsils get inflamed for extensive periods, they may need to be surgically taken out, and this procedure is known as a "tonsillectomy." Though tonsillitis was previously addressed with tonsillectomy, this is no longer the conventional method and is now exclusively for specific cases. When inflammation is extreme enough, it could create problems with swallowing and respiration.
Tonsil removal is suggested in instances of severe obstruction of the air passages or swallowing. Tonsils are thickened, swollen and irritating during tonsillitis. Less conclusive indications for tonsillectomy are: repeated acute throat problems, long-term tonsillitis that doesn't get better with antibiotic drugs, blockage leading to bad odors, or alterations in voice. There are numerous causes of tonsillitis.
Ear infections develop whenever germs get into the ear and become entrapped there. Symptoms of ear infections are:
- Discomfort or pain
- Mild deafness
- Balance issues
- Recent upper respiratory tract infection
- Draining from the ear perforation of the tympanum (also called tympanic membrane)
Small younger patients are more likely to experience ear infections. Signs of an ear infection in a baby may include:
- Agitation that increases at bedtime
- Balance issues
- High fever
Some toddlers may pull or tug at their ears. When the problem goes neglected for long periods, it could bring about delays in their advancement, like auditory sense and spoken language delays. If your son or daughter has long-term ear infections, your physician may prefer to surgically place small tubes in your baby's ear. These tubes are known as myringotomy tubes.
Sinusitis, a Type of ENT Disorder
Sinuses are designated areas in the skull that surround the nose and eyes and are important for vocal resonance. Sinusitis happens when these areas get infected by viruses or bacteria. Signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Trouble breathing
- Cephalalgia (headache)
- bad breath
- runny nose
- Coughing and sneezing
- Discomfort or pain around the nose or in between of the eyes
- Odontalgias (toothaches)
Sleep Apnea, an ENT Disorder
Sleep apnea is also considered an ENT disorder. It is a short-lived obstruction of breathing when someone is sleeping. It could happen in both grownups and babies. Common factors of sleep apnea include:
- Being obese (extremely overweight)
- Large tonsils or other parts of the throat and nose
- Suffering from a naturally narrowed airway
Additional characteristics of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring excessively
- Observed episodes of snoring and breathing heavily when sleeping
- Awakening feeling unrefreshed
- Cephalalgias
- Weakness
- Depression
- Awakening with an extremely dry or sore throat (pharynx)
- Waking up numerous times in the night
If left alone untreated, sleep apnea could cause heart problems, depression, temper changes and other illnesses. Treatment options often involve lifestyle and eating properly shifts, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or in the case of airway abnormalities, ENT surgical repair.
It should be remarked that though some ENT physicians are comfortable treating any disorder involving the ear, throat and nose, others are more specialized. Always be prepared to talk over your symptoms when you consult with your medical specialist. Additional ENT disorders include mild deafness, dizziness, acid reflux, and cancers of the ear, throat and nose.
More from this Author:
References:
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Public Education: "Sinusitis." Accessed: April 25, 2009.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Diseases and Conditions Index: "Sleep Apnea." Accessed: April 25, 2009.
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