If you have a health problem that affects the ears, nose, throat or related areas of the head and neck, your primary care doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist. You can also find one yourself by asking a family member or friend for a recommendation.
These specialists treat the following:
Ear Surgery
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that can correct a number of issues related to the ears. It can reposition or reshape the cartilage of your ears so they sit closer to your head, which may reduce problems like ear sensitivity or a feeling that your ears are too large.
It can also help reduce the prominence of a person’s ears by creating a more balanced appearance. This surgery typically involves making small incisions behind the ears to trim and shape the cartilage. The surgeon will then use sutures to secure the new shape.
It is important to avoid taking medicines that affect blood clotting before this surgery. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and vitamin E.
Nose Surgery
A nose surgery called rhinoplasty can change the shape of your nose, improve breathing and correct other medical problems such as a deviated septum. This procedure is also sometimes called a “nose job.”
Before surgery, you discuss your goals and medical history with your surgeon. Your doctor does a physical exam and takes pictures of your nose from several angles.
The surgery is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. During the operation, small incisions are made inside your nose or across the narrow strip of tissue that separates your nostrils. Then, your surgeon reduces, adds or moves bones and cartilage to get the desired nose shape.
Larynx Surgery
If cancer has damaged your larynx, you might need surgery. Your surgeon may remove only part of your larynx (called a partial laryngectomy) or the whole larynx. You might be able to speak afterward, if you keep at least one vocal cord.
You might also need a voice prosthesis. A speech and language therapist can teach you how to speak with this device, which sounds like your natural voice but doesn’t move your vocal cords.
If you have a total laryngectomy, the surgeon makes a hole in your neck to breathe through, called a stoma. A plastic tube — called a tracheostomy tube — stays in place until your throat heals.
Sinus Surgery
If a sinus infection persists, it can be treated with in-office sinus surgeries that reopen blocked drainage pathways. These may include polypectomies or insertion of steroid-eluding stents. It’s important to avoid medications that promote bleeding before these procedures. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs. It’s also best to stop St. John’s wort and high-dose vitamin E before sinus surgery.
After sinus surgery, a person might experience mild pain or pressure and a congested feeling for a few days. Extra-strength acetaminophen usually helps control this discomfort. Patients should rest with their heads elevated on pillows to prevent edema (swelling). Follow-up visits help ensure that the sinuses heal properly.부산수면클리닉
Head and Neck Surgery
Otolaryngologists treat a wide variety of conditions related to the nose, throat and head. These include diseases, neoplasms and defects of the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, neck and face.부산이비인후과
They may run tests such as a tympanometry test to determine whether fluid in the middle ear is causing hearing loss or an otolaryngologist might drain the fluid with a myringotomy procedure. They can also remove adenoids and tonsils in children to prevent chronic ear infections.
Otolaryngologists also conduct research that addresses unmet clinical needs. They identify long-term solutions to cancer, chronic sinus problems, snoring and sleep disorders and speech difficulties. These discoveries have improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Ear Nose and Throat Surgery
Otolaryngologists perform surgical procedures to correct defects in the ears, nose and throat. They also repair facial injuries from accidents or sports. They use grafts, flaps and man-made materials to reconstruct the face, ears and jaws. They can correct a crooked nose and perform rhinoplasty (“nose job”).
They can also help you regain your hearing with cochlear implants. They may also place ear tubes to prevent fluid accumulation behind the eardrum.
To become an otolaryngologist, doctors must complete four years of college and medical school and then spend 51 months in a residency program specializing in the field. Then they must pass rigorous written, oral and clinical tests to earn board certification.