Scope of ENT

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Otorhinolaryngology, also known as ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), is a specialized branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. ENT specialists, or otorhinolaryngologists, provide both medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions across all age groups—from newborns to the elderly.

The scope of otorhinolaryngology is broad, covering essential functions such as hearing, balance, breathing, speech, swallowing, and facial aesthetics. Common conditions managed by ENT specialists include:

• Hearing loss, ear infections, and balance disorders
   
• Sinusitis, nasal obstructions, and allergic rhinitis
   
• Tonsillitis, voice disorders, and swallowing difficulties
   
• Snoring and sleep apnea
   
• Benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck
   
• Congenital abnormalities in children
   
• Facial trauma and cosmetic concerns
   

ENT specialists often collaborate with audiologists, speech therapists, allergists, and oncologists to provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary care.

To provide advanced care in specific areas, otorhinolaryngology is divided into several subspecialties:

This subspecialty focuses on conditions affecting the ear and auditory system, including hearing loss, chronic ear infections, tinnitus, vertigo, and balance disorders. Procedures may include ear drum repair, cochlear implants, and surgery for acoustic neuromas.

Rhinologists manage nasal and sinus problems such as chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, and smell disorders. Treatments often involve medical management and minimally invasive sinus surgery using endoscopic techniques.

Laryngologists treat disorders of the voice box, throat, and upper airway, including hoarseness, vocal cord nodules, laryngitis, and swallowing issues. They may perform voice restoration surgery or coordinate voice therapy.

This area covers the diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancers in the head and neck region, including the thyroid, salivary glands, oral cavity and throat. Surgeons perform both tumor removal and reconstructive procedures.

Pediatric ENT focuses on ENT disorders in children, such as frequent ear infections, tonsil and adenoid enlargement, airway issues, and congenital abnormalities. Treatments are tailored to the unique needs of younger patients.

This subspecialty includes both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck. It encompasses procedures like rhinoplasty, scar revision, facial trauma repair, and facial nerve reconstruction.

ENT specialists often treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.Newer diagnostic modalities like Polysomnography,Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy have simplified the complexities of sleep related disorders.