ENT: when should you contact?

Salary as of 09/07/2020Important qualitiesWhere to study ENT (otolaryngologist) courses

An otolaryngologist, or abbreviated ENT (from the Greek otorhinolaryngologia ot[os] - ear; rhin[os] nose; laryng[os] larynx; logos teaching.) is a doctor, specialist in the treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and throat. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in chemistry and biology (see choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects). In 2020, the ProfGid career guidance center developed an accurate career guidance test. He himself will tell you which professions are suitable for you, and give an opinion about your personality type and intelligence.

In colloquial speech, such a specialist is called an ENT doctor (from laryngo-otorhinologist) or, even more simply, an ear, nose and throat doctor.

Features of the profession

As the name suggests, otolaryngology is a branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the ears, nose and throat. However, we are not talking about three separate organs, but about three systems. The ear includes the pinna, middle and inner ear, as well as the auditory nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sound to the brain. An ENT doctor treats all diseases related to these important “details”.

The nose is also a complex system, which includes the paranasal sinuses. And the throat includes not only the pharynx and larynx, but also the esophagus and trachea. Why were these three organ systems (ear, nose and throat) combined into one medical discipline? Because they are inextricably linked with each other. Inflammation of the nasal mucosa, i.e. A runny nose can cause serious otitis media. And if the ear is not treated, a person can become deaf. But if you deal only with the ear, leaving the nose aside, there will be no benefit from the treatment.

Sore throat (inflammation of the palatine tonsils), pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa), adenoids (enlargement of the nasopharyngeal tonsils), sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary sinus), otitis (inflammation of the ear) - this is the shortest set of diseases that an ENT doctor has to cope with. In fact, there are much more diseases. Some of them are associated with colds, while others have completely different causes that are not obvious to a non-specialist. For example, Meniere's disease (a disease of the inner ear in which a person suffers from dizziness and hearing loss) is often associated with head trauma or vascular disease. These non-inflammatory diseases also include malignant tumors.

What diseases does an otolaryngologist treat?

Typical ENT diseases:

• Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Simply put, rhinitis is a runny nose. The main reason is hypothermia. Although there are also allergic rhinitis.
• Otitis . Ear infection. Otitis often refers to inflammation of the middle ear, limited from the outer ear by the tympanic cavity.
• Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx or its parts, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
• Laryngitis is an inflammatory process in the larynx. Laryngitis mainly affects young children under 5 years of age.
• Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses ( sinusitis ) - sinusitis, sinusitis, ethmoiditis, sphenoiditis.
• Inflammation of the tonsils - tonsillitis, acute (tonsillitis) and chronic.
• Adenoids (enlargement or hyperplasia of the pharyngeal tonsil).
• Abscesses of the almond, retropharyngeal and peripharyngeal spaces.
• Deviation of the nasal septum.
• Polyps, cysts, and other benign tumors and tumor-like formations of the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, external auditory canal, auricles.
• Malignant neoplasms ( cancer, sarcoma ) of similar localization.

In addition, the ENT doctor provides assistance with injuries involving damage to the nose and ears, eliminates cosmetic defects of the nose and ears of an acquired (after injury) and congenital nature. The doctor also removes wax plugs from the external auditory canal, and in young children, removes foreign bodies from the nasal passages and external auditory canal.

In addition, an otolaryngologist provides advisory assistance to categories of people susceptible to diseases of the ENT organs. This:

• often suffer from colds;
• those suffering from allergies;
• working in hazardous industries;
• experiencing regular hypothermia due to lifestyle or occupation.

In addition, the ENT doctor, along with other specialists, carries out expert activities. He participates in medical examinations: when hiring, scheduled, and to determine professional suitability.

Training to become an ENT (otolaryngologist)

To become an otolaryngologist, you need to obtain a higher medical education with a specialization in Otolaryngology or undergo postgraduate training in this specialty.

Courses

MUIR

The educational direction “Otorhinolaryngology” is implemented by the Medical University of Innovation and Development (MUIR). At MUIR you can undergo advanced training (certification cycle) in part-time or part-time form using distance technologies. Standard duration of the training program: from 16 to 249 hours. At the end of the training, a certificate is issued.

AMO (Academy of Medical Education)

The Academy of Medical Education invites you to take an advanced training course or major in Otorhinolaryngology. Training takes place on a part-time basis using distance learning technologies, which allows you to combine study with work. The training program is based on relevant educational and professional standards.

CHTA (Modern Science and Technology Academy)

The modern scientific and technological academy organizes on-the-job and residential training according to accredited educational programs: 1) Advanced training in the course “Otolaryngology” (144 academic hours). 2) Professional retraining (542 academic hours) for specialists with any higher medical education. A state diploma allows you to conduct professional activities in the new field of Otolaryngology.

ENT

Otorhinolaryngologist - who is he? This doctor is called ENT in short. It is the combination of these letters that a person discovers on the door of a specialist’s office. The term otolaryngology translated means “the science of the ear, nose and throat.” Based on this, a simple conclusion can be drawn. Otorhinolaryngologist - who is he? This specialist is a doctor who treats and prevents various diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.

Finally, at the end of the examination, you can feel a feeling of swelling in the mouth, an anesthetic that is destined to disappear within a few tens of minutes. Does the exam involve any immediate risks? Laryngoscopy is a safe exam. During the examination, the patient usually breathes normally without any difficulty and can speak; indeed, the doctor may ask him to do so in order to assess the correct functioning of the larynx. There is a small risk that inserting a laryngoscope into the airway will cause swelling or, very rarely, temporary breathing difficulties, but this can be easily managed by doctors.

In addition, the doctor also specializes in the treatment of movement and coordination disorders. Patients who have problems with the vestibular system often turn to an ENT specialist.

What does an otolaryngologist treat?

Otolaryngologist – ear, nose and throat doctor. The specialist’s tasks are to identify the causes of the development of pathological processes, make a diagnosis based on examination and test results, prescribe adequate therapy, prevent complications, and conduct consultations.

What diseases does ENT treat:

• ear pathologies – all types of otitis, ear injuries, removal of plugs;
• problems of the throat and pharynx - acute and chronic forms of sore throat, pharyngitis, laryngitis, laryngeal stenosis;
• diseases of the nose - adenoids, polyps, various forms of runny nose, sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, injuries and damage;
• removal of foreign bodies from the ear canal, nose, larynx, trachea;
• An ENT oncologist deals with the treatment of laryngeal cancer, the removal of tumors of various origins in the pharynx, nasal cavity, and ears;
• otolaryngologist - carries out medical and surgical treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and throat, straightens the septum, a doctor who operates on various tumors, he monitors patients after operations, and deals with the prevention of complications.

ENT specialists treat diseases of the nose, ears, throat and lymph nodes, as well as oncological diseases

In children, the anatomical structure, clinical picture and course of many diseases differ from adult patients, therefore in otolaryngology there is a pediatric ENT specialist. Often, in parallel with the otolaryngologist, a child’s treatment can be treated by a phoniatrist - a doctor who treats diseases associated with vocal cord defects and speech disorders.

The ears, throat and nose are closely interconnected, so damage to one of the organs almost always leads to disruption of the functionality of the remaining components of the system.

History of the profession

Otorhinolaryngology emerged as an independent specialty at the end of the 19th century. In 1841, the German doctor Hoffmann invented a special method of lighting: a directed beam of light reflected from a mirror. 20 years later, Troeltsch and Garcia improved the examination technology, figuring out how to attach a mirror to the doctor’s head and examine the oral cavity using a long-handled mirror.

Ear specialists (otiologists) were able to examine the ears, nose and throat separately through the use of instruments. Related examination improved the quality of treatment and allowed the development of surgical intervention techniques. The first otolaryngologist in Russia, A. Anrepa, instead of general anesthesia, suggested using local anesthetic applications during surgery on the ENT organs. In the 20th century, the first ENT hospitals appeared, and the concept of otorhinolaryngology was officially established.

Who needs a consultation with an otolaryngologist?

Symptoms of disturbances in the functioning of the ENT organs cannot be ignored. A visit to an otolaryngologist should not be postponed if you are concerned about:

• dry nasal mucosa, difficulty breathing through the nose;
• prolonged runny nose and/or cough;
• frequent nosebleeds;
• bad breath;
• restless sleep, tiredness in the morning, dizziness;
• fast fatiguability;
• snore.

Urgent consultation with an ENT doctor is necessary for the following symptoms:

• pain in the sinuses, purulent discharge;
• hearing and smell impairments;
• unusual discharge, noise, pain, or pressure in the ears;
• redness of the throat, difficulty swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes under the jaw.

You can make an appointment with an ENT specialist at SM-Clinic around the clock; doctors are available on any day, including weekends and holidays.

When is it necessary to consult a specialist in the field of otorhinolaryngology?

You should immediately consult an otolaryngologist if you suspect the following pathological processes:

• Otitis (fullness, swelling and pain in the ear, radiating to the throat, neck, teeth or eyes).
• Sore throat (redness of the mucous membrane of the throat or plaque on it, soreness, as well as pain when swallowing food, water or saliva).
• Rhinitis (severe sneezing, red eyes, congestion and discharge from the nasal passages).
• Sinusitis (toothache and headache, profuse nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, pain in the inflamed maxillary sinuses).
• Tonsillitis (loss of voice, fever, fever, pain when swallowing, headache, redness and enlargement of the tonsils, enlarged lymph nodes in the jaw and neck).
• Inflammation of the adenoids (most often observed in children from 5 to 15 years old). Main symptoms: snoring, mouth breathing, nasal discharge, sneezing, voice changes and hearing loss.

A pediatric otolaryngologist is not just a doctor specializing in diseases of the ear, nose and throat, he is a good medical specialist who is an insightful psychologist who is able to win the sympathy and trust of a child, knows how to correctly diagnose and prescribe competent treatment.

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How is a doctor's examination carried out?

If you are planning an appointment with this specialist, you should know how the consultation will proceed. To begin with, the doctor asks the patient what exactly is bothering him and enters the data into the card. After this, the inspection begins. If a person names any complaints, the doctor pays special attention to these organs.

Do you need to see an otolaryngologist?

Otolaryngologist required. It is worth bringing with you all current laboratory and imaging tests, including previous ones. The otolaryngologist must thoroughly clean the ears so that earwax does not enter the ear canal and that the eardrum can be assessed.

What diseases require an ENT consultation?

Want to share your experience? Do you want to find a doctor? Laryngologist is a rather complicated name. However, when we delve deeper into the origins of the word, we find even more complex words - otolaryngologist and otorhinolaryngologist. All three mean the same thing, and their roots must be sought already in Ancient Greece. Laryngology is a field that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nose, ears, sinuses, bronchi, larynx, trachea, throat or esophagus. Generally speaking, a doctor in this specialty is a head and neck surgeon.

First, the ear area is examined. To do this, the physician uses a special endoscope of suitable size and a headlamp. Next, the condition of the nasal passages is diagnosed and assessed. The doctor uses an endoscope and asks the patient to breathe first through one nostril, then the other. At the end of the examination, the otolaryngologist asks the patient to open his mouth and stick out his tongue. Using special spatulas, the doctor assesses the condition of the tonsils and laryngeal mucosa.

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe additional tests. These include:

• ultrasonography;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• endoscopic diagnostics;
• audio screening and so on.

The results of such studies allow the doctor to make the most accurate diagnosis and select the right treatment.

What is another name for an ENT doctor?

Since these systems are inextricably linked with each other, they are combined into one direction, in which the ENT doctor or, as he is correctly called, an otolaryngologist, works. The name ENT is a common abbreviation formed by the first letters of the term “laryngo-otorhinologist”, which in Greek means:

• “laring” – larynx, throat;
• “from” – ear;
• "rino" - nose.

As the name suggests, an otolaryngologist deals with the pathological processes of the ears, nose and throat. However, in this case we are talking not just about three separate organs, but about three complex systems of the human body.

ENT doctor – what does he treat?

Patients of all ages come to see an otorhinolaryngologist, because it is within his competence to treat a variety of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat. Among the most common pathologies that people consult with this doctor are:

• laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and other throat diseases;
• ear infections;
• acute and chronic sinusitis, rhinitis;
• allergy;
• injuries to the ears, nose, throat;
• hearing loss;
• nosebleeds;
• problems with voice and swallowing;
• frequent dizziness;
• malignant and benign formations in the neck and head.

You definitely need an ENT specialist, or as the doctor is called correctly, an otolaryngologist, if the following symptoms occur:

• difficulty breathing through the nose;
• mucous, mucopurulent, bloody discharge from the nasal passages;
• disturbances of smell, hearing, swallowing;
• pain in the throat, ear, nose and forehead;
• frequent nosebleeds;
• enlargement of regional lymph nodes (submandibular, behind-the-ear).

Using special instruments, the otolaryngologist will conduct a thorough examination and give all the necessary recommendations regarding treatment and prevention of the development of the disease.