What does an ENT doctor do? It’s spring; flowers are blooming, the air is fragrant, but you can’t smell it. Your mum is cooking your favorite meal, but you are unable to taste it because of a sore throat. You are probably staying up all night due to nasal congestion. These are all routine problems, which people usually do not even categorize as  “diseases.”

But these conditions can affect our daily routine greatly, leaving us furious or anxious sometimes. Your go-to-person for all these minor issues is an ENT –Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. An ENT doctor or an otolaryngologist diagnoses and manages all head and neck disorders and diseases.

Who Is An Otolaryngologist?

You may have visited an ENT specialist for a stuffed nose, a sore throat, or clogged ears. But, there is a wide range of diseases and disorders –related to ear, nose, throat, head, and neck –that ENT doctors treat. An ENT specialist does not only provide medical care, but also performs surgeries.

Otolaryngology is one of the oldest medical specialty in America, dating back to 1896. An expert in otolaryngology can help to clear blocked airways or restore middle ear hearing.  An otolaryngologist has expertise in treating sinus headaches, sleeping issues, and a swimmer’s ears.

He can also perform complicated surgeries for removing tumors from head, neck, or throat. After the surgery, the ENT doctor rebuilds the structure of the area treated.

What Conditions ENT’s Treat?

Otolaryngological diseases are not age-specific. They can occur at any point in life, in all genders. Most of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions are easy to identify through physical examination. Thus, an ENT takes a hand-on approach to treat patients.

Most ENTs are trained to diagnose and treat all otolaryngological conditions. Some doctors go for additional training in one of the areas of otolaryngology.

·      Ear (Otology)

ENT doctors treat all issues related to the ears. You may visit an ENT for muffled hearing, hearing loss, an ear infection or ear ache, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

·      Nose (Rhinology)

The nose facilitates the breathing process. Our nose structured keeps harmful irritants –such as dirt, pollens, allergens, or foreign substances –at bay. Allergies are common to US citizens. Nearly 35 million Americans fall prey to chronic sinusitis each year; ENTs help to alleviate this illness.

ENT specialist also treats deviated septum, nasal congestion (with medical and surgical skills), and other problems.

·      Throat (laryngology)

Can you imagine to live a day without uttering a word from your mouth? It’s frightening. But, a throat infection may affect your vocal cord. Some disorders may affect our speaking ability, or make swallowing difficult.  ENTs manage all such disorders –including hoarseness, infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and throat tumors.

·      Head and Neck/Thyroid

The head and neck region is home to some of the essential organs of the body vulnerable to cancer and tumors. An ENT specialist can remove the tumors by performing surgeries. You can rely on an Otolaryngologist for disorders –infections, deformities (especially in children), or trauma –affecting the region. An ENT has the training and experience to treat enlarged thyroid glands, neck masses, and Grave’s disease too.

Bottom Line

 If you want to enjoy life to the fullest, it’s important that you keep your health intact. If you are experiencing discomfort, nasal congestion, earache, or a sore throat, it’s time to seek help. Contact us today and schedule an appointment with the best Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Doctor in NYC.