 |
|
Otolaryngology |
Symptoms of ENT
Disorders |
|
How to Prevent ENT
Disorders |
What Are ENT Disorders? |
|
Ear, Nose, and
Throat(ENT) Disorders
|
Diagnosis of ENT
Disorders |
|
Symptoms and Diagnosis of ENT Disorders |
|
|
| |
|
Otolaryngology(ENT Examination Unit) |
Definition: Otolaryngology is the medical
specialty which focuses on the treatment of
diseases, disorders, and conditions of the ears,
nose, and throat (ENT). A physician in this
specialty is called an otolaryngologist, or "an ENT".
General ENTs treat allergies, sinus issues, voice
disorders, cancers of the head and neck, and more.
Subspecialties of otolaryngology include allergy and
asthma, facial plastics, head and neck cancer, and
voice disorders, to name a few.
Also Known As: ENT (abbreviation for ear, nose, and
throat) |
| Article Source: |
| http://healthcareers.about.com/od/n/g/Otolaryngology.htm |
|
Back To Top |
| |
|
How to Prevent ENT
Disorders |
There are many ways to prevent ENT disorders,
though it is not always possible, as in the case of
congenital conditions. However, multiple ENT
disorders can be prevented. Here are some things you
can do to prevent ENT disorders. Frequent hand
washing is the single most important thing you can
do to prevent infection. Avoid exposure to illness,
and practice good hygiene, such as covering your
mouth when you cough and staying at home when you
are sick. Since it is difficult to teach good
hygiene to small children, toddlers who attend
daycare or preschool are at a higher risk of
developing chronic ENT disorders.
Preventing Ear Infections
Ear infections are a common ENT disorder. They occur
when germs enter the ear and become trapped there.
Due to their infectious nature, there are many
things you can do to prevent ear infections. Certain
inherited traits, though, make some people,
especially children, more prone to ear infections.
Here are a list of ways to prevent ear infections:
■Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
■Identify and treat allergies.
■Keep your child’s immunizations up to date.
■Do not remove earwax unless your physician tells you
to.
■Preventing Sinus Infections
Sinus infections occur when germs enter one of the
hollow cavities in the skull surrounding the eyes
and nose. A sinus infection may feel like a very bad
cold that doesn't go away after the usual 2 to 3
weeks. Here are some ways you can protect yourself.
If you have a cold, use a saline nasal spray
(available over the counter) to keep your nasal
passages from becoming blocked.
Do not fly if you have a cold. If you must fly,
consider use of a decongestant and nasal spray 30
minutes before take-off.
Identify and treat allergies; long-term sinusitis is
usually caused by allergies, while acute sinusitis
is usually caused by bacteria.
Try using saline nasal spray daily for chronic
sinusitis.
Preventing Sore Throat
There are many causes of sore throat, including
infections, acid reflux, sleep apnea or more severe
and rare disorders, such as cancer. A very common
cause of sore throat is a bacterial or viral
infection, so practicing good hygiene, such as
frequent hand washing, is a good way to prevent sore
throat. Here are some other suggestions:
Get plenty of rest and exercise to bolster your
immune system.
Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
Do not spend long periods of time outside when the
air quality in your area is poor.
Treat esophageal reflux.
Preventing Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops
breathing for brief periods of time while asleep. It
is very common in the United States and can be
harmful if left untreated. Fortunately, there are
many treatments available, and sleep apnea can often
be cured. Here are some good ideas to prevent or
keep sleep apnea at bay.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Avoid alcohol or sedatives at bedtime.
Identify and treat tonsillitis, nasal polyps or
other disorders that can cause airway obstruction.
Quit smoking.
Not all ENT disorders can be prevented. Many depend
on inherited traits; however, following these
suggestions may serve to keep you healthier in the
future. Hand washing remains at the forefront of
disease prevention, along with other isolation
practices, including coughing in to your sleeve and
staying at home while you are sick. These guidelines
can also help strengthen your immune system,
decreasing the likelihood of catching an illness and
limiting the amount of time you spend sick. |
| Article Source: |
| http://ent.about.com/od/preventionandriskfactors/a/preventbasics.htm |
|
Back To Top |
| |
|
Ear, Nose, and
Throat(ENT) Disorders |
Coping
By Kristin Hayes, About.com Guide to Ear, Nose, and
Throat Disorders
Learn how to cope with disorders of the ear, nose
and throat, and how to prevent them in the future.
Here you will find information on proper hygiene and
changes you can make in your daily routine to
prevent ear infections, sinus infections, strep
infections, swimmer's ear and more.
Coping With ENT Disorders
Coping with any ENT disorder can be difficult
particularly if the problem is ongoing. Our goal is
to provide you with information to improve your
quality of life. We hope you find the following tips
helpful. Through our forum and other resources, you
can find other individuals who may be in your
situation and can offer support.
Prevention of ENT Disorders
Not all ENT disorders can be prevented but many can.
If you have recurring infections or other chronic
ENT problems, you may be able to make simple changes
in your daily routine to improve your quality of
life and start feeling better. |
| Article Source: |
| http://ent.about.com/od/preventionandriskfactors/a/preventbasics.htm |
|
Back To Top |
| |
|
Symptoms of
ENT
Disorders |
There are many ENT disorders, and even more
signs and symptoms associated with each one. The
following is a list of symptoms of the most common
ENT disorders. Not all people will experience the
same set of symptoms, and you may have only some of
the symptoms on the list.
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
Ear infections are one of the most prevalent ENT
disorders. They occur when germs become trapped
inside the inner ear. The Eustachian tube, a tiny
tube that originates in the ear and drains in to the
back of the throat, usually keeps unwanted germs
out. If this tube is too small or becomes clogged by
fluid and mucus, bacteria or other microbes may be
able to enter the ear and cause an infection. Signs
& symptoms of an ear infection include:
■recent history of an upper respiratory infection
■pain and pressure
■fever
■loss of balance
■difficulty hearing
■ausea and vomiting
■fluid discharge from the ear (this indicates
perforation of the tympanic membrane)
Ear infections are more common in children. In fact,
it is the most common infection in infants and
toddlers. If your child has an ear infection, it may
be difficult to detect. Here are some things you may
notice about your child:
■pulling or tugging on the ears
■increased fussiness, especially at bedtime
■fails to startle at loud noises or does not
consistently respond to name
■eating or drinking abnormally
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep is an abbreviation for a family of bacteria
called "streptococci." Strep throat occurs when the
throat and surrounding structures become infected
with this germ. While strep throat is a common
infection, many other infections have the same
symptoms. You must have an actual strep test at your
doctor's office to be certain that your symptoms are
associated with a streptococcal infection versus a
different bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms are
usually abrupt in onset including:
■red, sore throat
■difficulty swallowing
■enlarged tonsils
■enlarged lymph nodes
■white patches on the tonsils or in the back of the
throat
■fever
■body aches
■fatigue
■skin rash (rare)
Notably absent in strep throat are a runny nose and
cough. You may also suspect strep throat if you have
been exposed to someone with a strep infection in
the last two weeks. Children between the ages of 5
and 15 are most at risk. You are also more likely to
get a strep infection during the winter months.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when a germ finds its way in to the
hollow recesses of the skull that surround your eyes
and nose. The infection can then become trapped
there, causing inflammation, pressure and pain.
Acute sinusitis is often secondary to a common cold,
so you are more likely to get sinusitis during the
winter months. Chronic sinusitis is sometimes an
inflammatory disorder caused by untreated allergies
or conditions, such as bronchial asthma. Sinusitis
can last from weeks to years if left untreated.
Symptoms of sinusitis are:
■headache
■cough
■nasal discharge of various colors and consistency
■congestion
■toothache
■fever
■fatigue
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Apnea is a medical term meaning to stop breathing.
Sleep apnea is a disorder causing one to stop
breathing for brief periods of time while sleeping.
Sleep apnea is a common disorder and can cause
severe health problems if left untreated. If you
suspect that you have sleep apnea, see a doctor.
Symptoms include:
■waking up frequently in the middle of the night
■feeling unrefreshed upon awakening
■daytime drowsiness
■mood swings
■depression
■waking up with a dry, sore throat
■morning headaches
In addition to these symptoms, many individuals with
sleep apnea have often been told by a spouse or
other family member that they snore, gasp or choke
while sleeping. Family members may have observed an
episode in which you stopped breathing while asleep.
You are more likely to have sleep apnea if you are
overweight, have enlarged tonsils, take sedatives at
bedtime or have inherited a shorter airway than the
general population. People who are obese and have
uncontrolled hypertension are more likely to have
obstructive sleep apnea.
The majority of people will experience one or more
of these disorders in their lifetime. While visiting
with your physician, discussion of your symptoms may
help your doctor to come up with a diagnosis of an
ENT disorder. |
| Article Source: |
| http://ent.about.com/od/diagnosingentdisorders/a/symptomsofent.htm |
|
Back To Top |
| |
|
What Are
ENT Disorders? |
ENT is a medical abbreviation for ears, nose and
throat. A doctor who specializes in treating these
disorders is called an "ENT," or less commonly an
otolaryngologist. Here are some examples of ENT
disorders:
Tonsillitis
When the tonsils become inflamed for long periods of
time, they may have to be surgically removed; this
procedure is called a "tonsillectomy." Though
tonsillitis used to be treated with tonsillectomy
frequently, it is no longer the practice and is now
only done in specific instances. When inflammation
is severe enough, it can interfere with swallowing
and breathing. Tonsil removal is indicated in cases
of extreme obstruction of the airways or swallowing.
Often tonsils are enlarged, swollen and painful
during tonsillitis. Less absolute indications for
tonsillectomy include: recurrent acute throat
infections, chronic tonsillitis that does not
improve with antibiotics, obstruction leading to bad
breath or changes in voice. There are many causes of
tonsillitis.
Ear Infections
Ear infections occur when germs enter the ear and
become trapped there. Symptoms of ear infections
include:
>pain
>hearing loss
>balance problems
>recent upper respiratory infections
>drainage from the ear (perforation of the tympanic
membrane)
Small children are more likely to have ear
infections. Signs of an ear infection in your child
may include:
>irritability that escalates at bedtime
>balance problems
>fever
Some children may pull or tug at their ears. If the
infection goes untreated for long periods of time,
it can cause delays in their development, such as
hearing and speech delays. If your child has chronic
ear infections, your doctor may choose to surgically
put small tubes inside your child's ear; these are
called "myringotomy tubes."
Sinus Infections
Sinuses are cavities in the skull that surround the
eyes and nose and are responsible for vocal
resonance. Sinusitis occurs when these cavities
become infected by a bacteria or virus. Symptoms of
sinusitis include:
>difficulty breathing
>headache
>runny nose
>sneezing and coughing
>bad breath
>pain around the eyes or across the bridge of the
nose
>toothaches
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a brief cessation of breathing while
asleep. It can occur in both adults and children.
Common causes of sleep apnea include:
>being overweight
>enlarged tonsils or other structures in the nose and
throat
>having a naturally shorter airway than usual
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
>snoring
>witnessed episodes of snoring and gasping during
sleep
>waking up feeling unrested
>headaches
>fatigue
depression
waking up with a very dry or sore throat
waking up several times during the night
If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause heart
failure, depression, mood changes and other
diseases. Treatment recommendations often include
lifestyle and diet changes, continuous positive
airway pressure (CPAP) or in the case of airway
abnormalities, ENT surgery.
It should be noted that while some ENT doctors are
comfortable treating any disease involving the ear,
nose and throat, others are more specialized. Be
prepared to discuss your symptoms when you visit
with your specialist. Other ENT disorders include
hearing loss, vertigo, acid reflux, cancers of the
ear, nose and throat and many more. |
| Article Source: |
| http://ent.about.com/od/diagnosingentdisorders/a/entdisorders.htm |
|
Back To Top |
| |
|
Diagnosis of
ENT
Disorders |
Many tests are used to diagnose ENT disorders.
Regardless of your particular ailment, there is
specific information you should always have ready
for your physician to help him diagnose your
problem. Here are some of the questions your doctor
may ask:
What are your symptoms and when did they start?
Have you been taking any medications (over the
counter, including vitamin and herbal supplements or
prescription)? If so, your doctor will want to know
the dosage.
Are you allergic to any medications? If so, what are
they and what kind of reaction did you have?
Do you have a previous history of ENT disorders?
Do you have a family history of ENT disorders?
Do you have any other medical conditions?
Have you been running a fever?
Here are additional questions if the patient is a
small child:
Has the child had nausea and vomiting? If so, has
the child continued to have wet diapers?
Has the child been abnormally fussy or lethargic?
Has the child had balance problems?
Has the child's eating and drinking habits changed?
Has the child shown signs of decreased hearing, such
as not responding to their name immediately or not
startling at loud noises?
Diagnosis of Ear Infections
If you have signs and symptoms of an ear infection,
your doctor will use an otoscope to visualize the
outer ear and eardrum. If an infection is present,
the ear may appear red and swollen. There may also
be a fluid discharge. Unlike other infections, the
exact bacteria that is responsible cannot always be
determined. As such, doctors choose antibiotics that
will cover the most likely organisms when they
suspect a bacterial source. This is because it can
be difficult to obtain a sample from the ear for a
culture. Antibiotics will not cure a viral
infection, and it can take as long as three weeks
for your body to fight off the virus.
Diagnosis of Swimmer's Ear
With swimmer's ear, the outer ear and ear canal may
be red. Upon examination, the doctor may notice pus
in the ear canal, and the skin may be scaly or
shedding. The doctor may be able to obtain a fluid
sample for culture.
Diagnosis of Sinus Infections
If a sinus infection is suspected, an endoscope may
be used to go up the nose and visualize the opening
in to the sinus cavity and take a direct sinus
culture. Nasal swabs are not useful due to false
positive results that do not reflect the sinus
pathogen. By endoscope, the doctor will be looking
for inflammation and/or discharge. Four view x-rays
or a CT scan may be indicated if other tests are
inconclusive.
Diagnosis of Strep Throat
Strep throat causes enlarged reddened tonsils that
sometimes have white patches on them; however, many
viral infections can cause this as well. If strep
throat is suspected, a throat culture will be taken
and sent to the lab. This test is quick and easy to
perform with only mild discomfort as it may cause a
gagging sensation. A cotton swab is brushed against
the back of the throat then sent to the lab to test
for streptococcal bacteria, the cause of strep
throat. The standard test can take 1 to 2 days;
however, a rapid strep test can also be performed,
which only takes a few minutes. If the rapid strep
test is positive, antibiotics will be started. If
the rapid strep test is negative, you will be sent
home and the standard culture will still be
performed. About 20% of negative rapid strep tests
will become positive after a day or two in the
laboratory. Sometimes your doctor may make the
diagnosis based on classic symptoms and signs to
treat you presumptively even without a swab.
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder causing one to stop
breathing for brief periods of time while sleeping.
In your first visit, the doctor will begin by
obtaining a comprehensive medical history. Before
ordering a sleep study, he or she will likely ask
some of these questions:
Have you ever been told that you snore?
Have you ever been told that you have stopped
breathing while asleep?
Do you awake refreshed in the morning or do you
suffer from daytime drowsiness?
Do you suffer from mood swings or depression?
Do you wake up frequently in the middle of the
night?
The doctor will look inside your mouth for evidence
of enlarged tonsils, uvula(a bell-like piece of
tissue that hangs down from the roof of the mouth
toward the back of the throat) or other structures
that may be blocking the airway. The uvula contains
some glands and affects vocal resonance. If the
doctor suspects sleep apnea, they may order a sleep
study. Sleep studies are usually conducted at a
sleep center. After you fall asleep, a monitor,
which measures the oxygen concentration in your
blood, will be placed on your finger. Normal oxygen
saturation during sleep in otherwise healthy men and
women is 95% to 100%. If you stop breathing while
asleep, this number will drop. Another sleep study
used to diagnose sleep apnea is called a "polysomnogram."
It measures not only the amount of oxygen in your
blood, but brain activity, eye movement and muscle
activity, as well as your breathing and heart rate.
Based on your present symptoms, your doctor may
choose to use a combination of these tests to
diagnose your specific disorder. He will then use
this information to create an effective treatment
plan. |
| Article Source: |
| http://ent.about.com/od/diagnosingentdisorders/a/basicdiagnosis.htm |
|
Back To Top |
| |
|
Symptoms and Diagnosis of ENT Disorders |
By Kristin Hayes, About.com Guide to Ear, Nose,
and Throat Disorders
Here you will find information about symptoms and
diagnosis of common ear, nose and throat disorders
including breathing problems like snoring, sleep
apnea, and deviated septum. Learn how to manage
other symptoms such as pain and dizziness. Find out
how these disorders are diagnosed and how to find a
great doctor who will assist you in getting the help
that you need.
ENT-Related Breathing Problems
 Many
ear nose and throat disorders cause difficulty
breathing. For example, enlarged tonsils and
adenoids are a cause of sleep apnea. Deviated septum
and nasal polyps can cause a constant feeling of
stuffiness. Seasonal allergies also cause congestion
and stuffiness. Here is some information on common
ENT-related breathing disorders.
Pain in the Ear, Nose and Throat
Many ENT disorders can be painful. You may be
wondering what your pain means and what you can do
about it. Here is some basic information.
ENT Disorders That Cause Dizziness
Many ENT disorders cause dizziness (vertigo). If you
are experiencing this for the first time, it can be
frightening and debilitating. Because so many ENT
disorders are accompanied by vertigo, it can
sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the cause.
When to See a Doctor
Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate a
mild ENT disorder like the common cold from a
serious condition. You should be aware of some
specific symptoms that indicate professional medical
intervention. Many tests are used to diagnose ENT
disorders. Regardless of your particular ailment,
there is specific information you should always have
ready for your physician to help him diagnose your
problem.
How To Find a ENT Doctor
If you're looking for a doctor, you may be at a loss
as to where to start. The following tips will help
you on your path to finding a physician who is right
for you. |
| Article Source: |
| http://ent.about.com/od/livingwithentdisorders/u/symptomstab.htm |
|
Back To Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
