What is the science of otorhinolaryngology and when should I see an otolaryngologist?

Otorhinolaryngology is the field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ears, throat and nose. The unification of otorhinolaryngology, rhinology and otology into a scientific and medical discipline is due to the functional relationship and anatomical proximity that characterise the ENT organs, as well as the fact that many ENT diseases are closely related.

ENT doctor - is a doctor who treats the closely related, complex organs of the ear, throat and nose.

Treatment of diseases of the ENT organs is recommended to maintain the health and proper functioning of the human body, as the nose performs respiratory, olfactory, vocal and protective functions; the ear is the perception, guidance and analysis of sound; the larynx and trachea perform the functions of voice control, breathing and protection.

Consultation with an ENT specialist is urgently required if the following symptoms occur:

• difficulty swallowing, pain and redness in the throat;

• cough of different types (wet, dry);

• persistent colds;

• diseases of the nasopharynx of a chronic nature;

• nasal breathing problems;

• olfactory disorders;

• stuffy nose, frequent runny nose;

• earache;

• nose bleeding.

Conditions to see a specialist for:

• Runny nose (rhinitis);

• Gaymoritis (inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus);

• Pharyngitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat);

• Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils);

• Otitis media (inflammation of the atrium);

• Nasal polyps (benign neoplasms);

• Sulphur plugs (excessive accumulation of sulphur in the ear canal);

• Removal of foreign bodies from the ENT organs.

Specialist consultation and diagnosis of diseases 

• The doctor will listen to your symptoms and health problems;

• followed by an examination of all ENT organs;

• If necessary, additional tests will be organised;

• after that, a diagnostic report is made and a treatment package is written down - medications, physiotherapy;

• the specialist will give recommendations for the future to prevent exacerbation of the disease and make an appointment for the next visit.

An appointment with an ENT doctor and the examination process itself are absolutely safe and painless. If the ENT has doubts about the diagnosis, he can write a referral for further instrumental diagnostics.

Chronic inflammatory processes in the ear, throat and nose can seriously damage other human organs: joints, kidneys, heart. In addition, the anatomical structure and proximity of the ENT organs to the eyes and brain make diseases of the throat, pharynx and nose one of the most dangerous.

If diseases of the ENT organs are treated carelessly, there is a risk of complications that can lead to surgery.