The ENT medical speciality is the oldest in the United States, mostly because problems of the ears, nose and throat are so exceedingly common. Officially known as an otolaryngologist, your ENT doctor Litchfield Park is there to address problems with sinus infections, voice box or larynx irritations, and other common ailments of the mouth, face and neck. A general practice doctor often refers his regular patients to this kind of specialist.
One of the most unpleasant ailments these specialists treat are infections of the ears. Extremely common in small children, infections can can be very serious, sometimes even leading to permanent deafness. Adult hearing loss actually affects up to one tenth of the American population, much of it stemming from childhood problems.
Other treatable ear disease includes tinnitus (hearing a constant noise), balance disorders caused by inner ear problems, or facial nerve pain that affects the ear structure. Many of these individuals also are able to correct birth defects that play a role in hearing loss. Those who still experience problems with pain or undiagnosed hearing loss should ask a general physician for a referral.
The nose can be another problem area for many of us. Problems commonly associated with the nose often originate in our sinus cavities, which may become chronically infected or irritated. While some problems are allergy-related, chronic sinusitis affects nearly thirty-five million people each year, making it among the most common health complaints in the United States. A good ENT will be able to tell if there is an allergic reaction or infection, and can recommend surgery if necessary.
Throat disorders are not as common, but can be extremely unpleasant. Speaking and eating are two functions that rely on a healthy throat, and can be affected by infections as well as certain kinds of cancers. Patients may be troubled by conditions in the upper gastric system, and can be subject to problems with normal swallowing. These specialists are able to differentiate between minor, irritating problems and long term conditions that may be made worse by external factors such as smoking.
The neck and head area is sometimes vulnerable to infection, and nerve endings and links controlling facial expressions may be impacted, as well as a normal range of sensory input governing sound, sight and smell. These symptoms can also be the result of growing tumors, either cancerous or benign. Some ENT doctors pursue a specialty in plastic surgical repair of they damage those tumors can cause.
It takes a serious investment in both time and money to become a specialist in this field. Your ENT doctor Litchfield Park has spent at least fifteen years in various kinds of study and post-graduate education. Even after becoming certified, many opt to specialize even further in such studies as rhinology, or pediatric otolaryngology. If you are still afflicted by a nose, head or throat problem that will not disappear after regular treatment, ask your personal physician for a referral.
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