Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT): what they do and when to see one

An otorhinolaryngologist treats the ear, throat, and nose — three organs connected anatomically and functionally. People see this doctor when a sore throat does not go away within a week, the nose is congested, or the ear is bothering them. Below are the boundaries of the specialty, common complaints, and how an appointment proceeds.

Otorhinolaryngologist and otolaryngologist: the same or not

Both words denote one specialty: otorhinolaryngology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the ear, throat, and nose, as well as the head and neck. The term is assembled from Greek roots: οὖς — ear, ῥίς — nose, λάρυγξ — larynx.

There is no difference between "otorhinolaryngologist" and "otolaryngologist": they are variants of the name of one specialty; colloquially it is called "ear-nose-throat."

Which organs fall within the ENT doctor's scope: ear, throat, nose

The specialty unites these organs by anatomical and functional kinship — this is how the discipline took shape since the mid-19th century. The ear, throat, and nose are connected like the registers of one instrument: a malfunction in one is heard in another. The head and neck are also included in the scope.

ENT diseases that prompt visits most often

The most common complaint is a sore throat. Such conditions are usually caused by viruses, less often by bacteria; causes also include laryngitis, tonsillitis, streptococcal throat infection, and infectious mononucleosis, as well as smoking.

In children, adenoids are often enlarged — a patch of tissue deep in the nasopharynx, part of the lymphatic system. They trap microbes entering through the mouth and nose, gradually shrink after age five, and almost disappear by adolescence.

Pediatric ENT: specifics of the appointment and when to bring a child

Enlarged adenoids make nasal breathing difficult, and the child breathes through the mouth. Then dry mouth, bad breath, cracked lips, runny nose, loud breathing, snoring, restless sleep, and sleep apnea appear; ear infections also occur.

The adenoids lie higher than can be seen through the mouth, so their size has to be assessed separately.

If symptoms are not severe, treatment may not be needed; the decision on management is made by the doctor.

How the consultation proceeds and what examinations are prescribed

At the appointment, the doctor asks about symptoms and medical history, examines the ears, throat, and mouth, and palpates the neck.

If the size of the adenoids needs to be assessed, the doctor may use a special mirror, an endoscope, or an X-ray.

Symptoms for which it is better not to delay seeing an ENT

An adult with a sore throat that does not go away within a week, and a child under five years old with such a complaint, need a doctor; other situations are also reasons for consultation.

• sore throat that does not go away within a week;
• frequently recurring sore throats;
• a lump or mass in the mouth or on the neck against a background of sore throat;
• an ulcer in the mouth lasting longer than three weeks against a background of sore throat;
• difficulty with nasal breathing in a child with enlarged adenoids.

A sore throat by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. You should call 103 or 112 if it is difficult to breathe or impossible to swallow, if the person cannot swallow saliva and it runs out of the mouth, if a high-pitched whistling sound is heard on inhalation (stridor), and also with severe symptoms that rapidly worsen.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: only a specialist at an appointment can make a diagnosis and prescribe examinations.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer