Unless you’ve studied medicine or have had a history of ENT issues, you wouldn’t know who an Otolaryngologist is. Basically, they’re doctors who treat conditions of the ears, nose, and throat – more commonly known as ENT specialists. If you’re living in Dubai, you’d know just how many times you sneeze in a week, or have blocked ears, or a sore throat – requiring visits to a GP or an ENT specialist.
Let’s explore a bit more in depth about the role of an otolaryngologist and why you should have regular ENT appointments at any of the best hospitals in Dubai.
The Role of an Otolaryngologist
They diagnose and treat disorders of the head and neck. These illnesses range from minor (cough and runny nose) to severe (head and neck cancer). Because otolaryngologists treat such a broad spectrum of disorders and illnesses, doctors are educated to undertake both nonsurgical and surgical therapies.
There are several reasons why a person may need to consult an otolaryngologist. If you have specific symptoms, your GP (general physician) may recommend that you see an otolaryngologist, such as:
- Chronic sore throat
- Persistent runny nose
- Persistent cough
- Nasal congestion
- Hearing loss
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
- Tonsillitis
- Sleep Apnea
Now, let’s read about some of the most common ENT conditions and their treatment procedures.
Chronic Ear Infections
This infection occurs in the air-filled area behind the eardrum. Some people are more likely to get ear infections than others, especially children aged 6 months to 2 years. Due to the size and shape of their middle ears and eustachian tubes, they are the most vulnerable to infections.
Treatment
Ear tubes are a commonly used therapy for persistent ear infections. During this operation, an ENT surgeon makes a small hole in the eardrum to suction fluid from the middle ear. Then, another small tube is inserted into the hole to ventilate the ear and avoid further fluid accumulation. Tubes often last four to 18 months before falling out of the ear alone.
Hearing Loss
If you find yourself increasing the level on your gadgets or noticing that voices are too quiet or muttering, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a specialist to probe your hearing issues.
Treatment
ENT specialists collaborate with audiologists to identify the source of your hearing loss, which can range from an ear infection and earwax accumulation to a ruptured eardrum or inner ear damage.
It’s also worth noting that if you suffer a complete and sudden hearing loss, you might have suffered a condition called ‘sudden sensorineural hearing loss’, which would require an otolaryngologist to conduct several advanced tests.
Vertigo
Also known as persistent dizziness, vertigo can manifest itself due to a number of factors. It might be a short-term issue arising from rising up too quickly, taking medication, or experiencing a migraine.
The most common cause of vertigo is calcium crystals in your inner ear becoming dislodged from their proper place. This is known as ‘benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.’ People frequently feel symptoms with changes in head posture, such as leaning over, gazing up, or turning over in bed.
Treatment
An ENT specialist can help you develop a treatment plan to help you maintain your balance and alleviate your symptoms.
Persistent Sore Throat
It is primarily caused by Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue in the back of the throat. Symptoms include enlarged tonsils, a painful throat, trouble swallowing, and sensitive lymph nodes on the neck’s sides.
Treatment
Because optimal therapy for tonsillitis is determined by the condition’s origin, it is critical to obtain a timely and correct diagnosis. Surgery to remove tonsils, which was historically a standard operation for treating tonsillitis, is now reserved for cases when tonsillitis arises frequently, does not respond to alternative therapies, or causes major consequences.
Tinnitus
Any distinguished ear specialist in Dubai will agree that tinnitus, or persistent ringing in the ears, is one of the most frustrating illnesses to befall someone. It is positively diagnosed if the ringing lasts for more than 5 minutes, and occurs more than once a week. For a lot of people, tinnitus can negatively affect the quality of their lives.
Treatment
While there is no definite cure for tinnitus, an otolaryngologist can help you with a variety of treatment measures to reduce your impression of the ringing sound.
