An ENT doctor, also known as an otolaryngologist, provides treatments for people facing issues in their nose, throat, neck, and ear. Issues in these areas often relate to each other, so it is best to go to an ENT doctor. ENT specialists provide different services in each field. Here, you will learn about the services they provide for the throat.
From a hoarse voice to difficulty in swallowing, ENT specialists offer a variety of services and treatments that you can benefit from. Read further below to learn everything you need to know about ENT doctors and the treatments they provide for the throat.
Throat Issues Treated by an ENT Doctor
As mentioned earlier, ENTs provide various services that address issues of the throat. The throat tissues connect to the ear and nose as they are all linked to the same tubes and passages. Mentioned below are the different services ENTs provide for the throat:
Hoarseness
Hoarseness is a very common condition that affects the throat and changes the tone of voice. With a hoarse throat, your voice becomes strained, raspy, and low or high in pitch. You may have to make a special effort to speak without feeling uncomfortable. Hoarness indicates an issue in the vocal cords of your larynx. Fortunately, this is completely treatable with the help of an ENT. Your ENT will help you by first taking your entire medical history and checking your larynx with special equipment. This tool will help the ENT detect the reason behind the hoarseness. Based on that, they will suggest appropriate treatment.
The ENT will need to take a closer look at your vocal cords. For this, they will use a fiberoptic scope that passes through your nose and helps them see your vocal cords. This instrument helps measure the airflow, irregularities, and other characteristics of the voice box to effectively treat the hoarseness.
There are different types of hoarseness, each of which requires a different treatment. If you have acute laryngitis, you will most likely be put on steroids or antibiotics. If you’re facing laryngitis due to a neurological disease or disorder, you might need vocal cord augmentation or any other treatment that your ENT specialist finds suitable.
Difficulty in Swallowing
Difficulty in swallowing, also known as dysphasia, is a condition in which you are unable to swallow properly due to an issue in your muscular tube in the esophagus or throat. This issue usually occurs in babies and the elderly. However, if the difficulty in swallowing only lasts two days, it’s not a major issue. However, if it continues to persist and grows painful with time, you can get it treated by an ENT.
Your ENT will perform different types of tests to know the exact problem and what is the main thing that is causing this issue. The doctor will conduct different tests, such as x-ray, manometry, Laryngoscope, barium swallow, and fluoroscopy, esopagoscopy, and AP monitory. Once the ENT specialist detects the main issue and the cause behind it, he/she will continue with the appropriate treatment.
There are different types of treatment options recommended to patients suffering from dysphasia, such as dilation, endoscopy, medicines, and surgery. The ENT will perform surgery if they feel something blocking your esophagus, and to remove that, you need to go through surgery. One of the main treatments your ENT will recommend is switching to a liquid diet.
Throat Cancer
Cancer can affect the throat too and is known as Laryngeal cancer. ENTs are the first medical professionals to approach when it comes to treating your throat cancer. However, this depends on the stage of your illness. That’s why it’s best to consult a doctor the moment you start experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. The earlier your ENT detects the problem, the better the provided treatment will work. Your ENT will help diagnose your throat cancer by first taking a full medical history from you and then examine your head.
They will also conduct a nose and ear examination, as all three areas, including the throat tubes, are connected. Next, the ENT will perform a Laryngoscopy to directly inspect the larynx. You may also require a nasendoscopy to examine your larynx and hypopharynx. After all the tests are complete, your ENT will suggest proper treatment. Based on the severity of your condition, they might also suggest undergoing surgery if there is a high chance of survival. It is very important that you visit an ENT on a regular basis so that you can get the best treatment on time.
ENT Doctor For Throat: Takeaway
As you can see, from diagnosing and testing to treating, ENT’s provide essential services when it comes to issues related to the nose, ear, or throat.
If you’re having any trouble with your throat, get in touch with the best ENT Doctor in New York City at Ear Nose & Throat of New York.
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