Treatment of ENT diseases and their features
ENT (otolaryngologist) is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the ear, nose, paranasal sinuses, throat and larynx in adults and children. Diseases of the ear, throat and nose are among the most common human diseases.
Since the ENT organs are located close to each other and are functionally interconnected, complex treatment is required in many cases. Inattention to the first symptoms (pain in the throat or ears, an increase in submaxillary lymph nodes, difficulty in nasal breathing) can lead to the spread of the inflammatory process and the development of complications. A timely appointment with an otolaryngologist and the treatment prescribed by him will allow you to quickly restore health and avoid problems in the future.
With which diseases should you go for an appointment with an ENT doctor
The competence of an ENT doctor includes the following diseases:
- infectious diseases accompanied by damage to the ENT organs;
- nose, ear and throat injuries;
- deformation of the nasal septum;
- violation of smell;
- diseases and injuries of paranasal sinuses;
- pharyngitis – inflammation of the throat;
- tonsillitis - inflammation of the palatine tonsils;
- laryngitis - inflammation of the larynx;
- tracheitis - inflammation of the trachea;
- otitis - inflammation of the outer, middle and inner ear;
- hearing impairment;
- balance disorders associated with ear diseases;
- diseases of the vocal apparatus
Symptoms for which consultation with an ENT doctor is recommended
You may need to see an otolaryngologist if you experience symptoms such as:
- runny nose, sneezing, discharge from the nose, itching in the nose;
- violation of smell;
- frequent nosebleeds;
- pain in the nose, throat or ear;
- hoarseness of voice;
- difficulty breathing;
- swallowing disorder;
- extraneous sounds in the ear;
- dizziness, prolonged headache of unknown origin;
- prolonged hoarseness of the voice and others.
When the first symptoms appear, make an appointment with an ENT doctor. Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to detect ENT diseases in the initial stages and shorten the duration of treatment.
Methods of diagnosis of ENT diseases
Along with the collection of anamnesis and instrumental diagnosis of the ENT organs, the doctor may prescribe (or conduct) additional studies, including:
- X-ray of the paranasal sinuses for visualization of specific anatomical structures.
- Computed tomography of the additional sinuses of the nose, which allows obtaining three-dimensional images of the studied area.
- Audiometry and impedance measurement to determine the condition of hearing organs.
- Otoacoustic emission - performed on those patients who, for any reason, cannot give feedback during the research.
- Laboratory diagnostics (the doctor will collect biological material from the problem area right at the reception and send it to the laboratory for research).
Treatment of ENT diseases
Treatment will be prescribed to you immediately - based on the data of the initial examination. At the second appointment, the ENT doctor, having received the results of instrumental and laboratory diagnostics, will make changes if necessary to achieve the maximum result in the shortest possible time. Prescribed treatment may include methods such as:
- Drug therapy of ENT diseases.
- Hardware nasal irrigation for rhinitis and sinusitis.
- Rinsing of the lacunae of the tonsils, which allows you to quickly eliminate the exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis.
- Pneumomassage of the tympanic membrane for eustachianitis and deafness.
- Ear blowing according to Politzer for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
- Washing the ear to remove a foreign body in the ear or to remove a sulfur plug.
- Sinus puncture for sinusitis with subsequent washing and administration of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Do not forget that making an appointment with an otolaryngologist immediately after the first symptoms appear will help to start treatment on time, which will speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
