Otolaryngologist

A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating, including surgery, of a variety of disorders of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). Otolaryngologists’ skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx, oral cavity, and upper pharynx, as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specific disorders along with many primary care problems in children and adults. Otolaryngologists offer a very special skill set that is not readily available in the developing world.

Most otolaryngologists’ education can last up to 15 years with basic medical education and postgraduate studies. In addition, there is an option for otolaryngologists to pursue a fellowship for more extensive training in one of many subspecialty areas such as in pediatrics or facial reconstructive surgery. This advanced and highly specialized education is not available in many developing nations. Many doctors must leave their home country to pursue such education.

Otolaryngologists can treat hearing loss, infections, balance disorders, nerve pain in the face, ear, and head, and various other disorders. Otolaryngologists can also treat and manage congenital birth disorders that involve the ear, nose, and throat. In the nose, otolaryngologists treat nasal allergies, sinus infections, and disorders associated with sense of smell. Breathing and appearance of the nose are a major area of management for the otolaryngologist. These disorders may be significant in areas with high air pollution such as crowded urban neighborhoods in the developing world.

In the throat, an otolaryngologist is responsible for management and treatment of disorders that would affect speech, eating, and singing. These also include the management of the larynx and the esophagus such as breathing and swallowing disorders that can be life threatening. In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are able to treat infectious diseases, cancerous tumors, facial trauma, and deformities. This can be in the form of both cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery.