This medical field deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the organs located in the head and neck region and there forming a close unit: diseases of the ear, nasal and paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, salivary glands and, to some extent, esophagus and neck.
Ear-nose-throat specialty
Ear-nose-throat complaints are very common, with almost every person experiencing some form of upper respiratory disease several times in their lifetime. They occur in both children and adults. Examples are:
- Inflammation of the external auditory canal, cerumen, otitis media, diseases of the inner ear
- Allergies - respiratory and food allergies
- Acute/chronic tonsils and pharynx inflammation, search for foci of infection
- Acute and chronic inflammation of the nasal and paranasal sinuses, nasal polyposition
- Nasal respiratory complaint, nasal constriction, nasal polyps, chronic rhinitis
- Salivary gland lesions, salivary gland stones, benign and malignant tumors
- Laryngeal complaints - acute, chronic inflammation of vocal cords, insufficient vocal fold closure
- Neck swellings/lumps - medial, lateral cysts, thyroid diseases
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
When should you consult an ear-nose-throat specialist?
- In cases of acute inflammation, fever, pain, swallowing or breathing complaints
- For prolonged hoarseness, nasal congestion, nasal discharge
- Swallowing and aural disorders
- Allergic rhinitis - bilateral watery runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose, eyes or throat, watery eyes
- Ear pain, blocked ears, hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus
- Snoring
- Throat complaints - hoarseness, foreign body sensation, cough
- Swelling and pain in the head and neck regions
- Swelling of the salivary glands, pain, dry mouth
- Sensation of lumps in the throat, hacking, nightly cough
What happens during an ear-nose-throat examination?
The examination begins with a review of the patient's detailed medical history. The order in which the symptoms develop is important. The patient is interviewed about their previous ear-nose-throat diseases and medication habits. This is followed by a general otolaryngology examination. When the ear is examined, the earlobe and external auditory canal are examined, and the eardrum is inspected with an ear funnel. Where appropriate, ear washing or syringe irrigation may be performed. When examining the nose and paranasal sinuses, the external nasal skeleton is inspected for pressure sensitivity above the paranasal sinuses. A nasal speculum and a nasal endoscope may be used to examine the nose. If appropriate, nasal secretions are also taken. A tongue depressor spatula is used to examine the throat and oral cavity. With the cooperation of the patient in sticking out their tongue, the larynx and the vocal cords are examined with the help of a laryngeal mirror. Examination of the neck, cervical lymph nodes and thyroid is done by cervical palpation.
Depending on the medical history and clinical picture, additional tests may be required, e.g. blood test, hearing exam, sinus CT, but we can also request a consultation with associated medical professions, e.g. allergology, neurology, gastroenterology.
How should I arrive for the examination?
No special preparation is required for an ear-nose-throat examination, the patient should bring their previous medical records and a list of their regular medications.
WHY CHOOSE DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPITAL?
- Highly qualified specialists. In our urology department, we have highly skilled, experienced doctors and the latest diagnostic equipment.
- Personalized care for all our patients. We not only focus on medical history and family history of similar diseases, but also on the individual needs of the patient, and develop an appropriate treatment plan accordingly.
- An empathetic approach. From the first examination to the therapeutic period, we treat our patients with patience and always provide detailed and transparent information about the diagnosis and treatment options.
For all your ear-nose-throat questions, please feel free to contact the doctors at Dr. Rose Private Hospital.