Otorhinolaryngology is the field of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and throat. The combination of otorhinolaryngology, rhinology and otology into a single scientific and medical discipline reflects the functional interconnection and anatomical proximity of the ENT organs, as well as the fact that many ENT diseases are closely linked.

An ENT doctor treats the closely connected, complex organs of the ear, nose and throat.

Treating diseases of the ENT organs is recommended to maintain health and the proper functioning of the human body: the nose performs respiratory, olfactory, vocal and protective functions; the ear is responsible for perceiving, conducting and analysing sound; the larynx and trachea provide voice control, breathing and protection.

Consult an ENT specialist promptly if you have the following symptoms:

  • difficulty swallowing, pain and redness in the throat;
  • a cough of any type (productive or dry);
  • persistent colds;
  • chronic diseases of the nasopharynx;
  • problems breathing through the nose;
  • disorders of the sense of smell;
  • a blocked nose or frequent runny nose;
  • earache;
  • nosebleeds.

Conditions for which you should see a specialist:

  • Runny nose (rhinitis);
  • Maxillary sinusitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus);
  • Pharyngitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat);
  • Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils);
  • Otitis (inflammation of the ear);
  • Nasal polyps (benign growths);
  • Earwax plugs (excessive build-up of wax in the ear canal);
  • Removal of foreign bodies from the ENT organs.

Specialist consultation and diagnosis

  • the doctor will listen to your symptoms and health concerns;
  • all the ENT organs are then examined;
  • further examinations will be arranged if necessary;
  • a diagnostic conclusion is then made and a course of treatment prescribed, such as medication and physiotherapy;
  • the specialist will give recommendations for the future to prevent the condition from flaring up and will schedule your next appointment.

An appointment with an ENT doctor and the examination itself are completely safe and painless. If the ENT specialist has any doubts about the diagnosis, they may refer you for further instrumental diagnostics.

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

ENT conditions deserve careful attention: left untreated, they carry a risk of complications that may lead to surgery.