- What is Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck surgeon?
- An Otolaryngologist - head and neck surgeon is a medical
doctor who specializes in medical disorders of the head and neck, especially those related
to the ear, nose and throat. Although it is hard for many to believe, Otolaryngology is
abbreviated from a still longer name - otorhinolaryngology, the latter derives more aptly
from the Greek base words: oto -ear, rhino - nose, and laryn - throat.
-
- What Are Otolaryngology Specialties?
- In the past 50 years, Otolaryngology has expanded from the
"ears, noses and throats" to a regional specialty of the head and neck. More
recently, Otolaryngology - head and neck specialists sub-specialize in otology, rhinology,
laryngology, facial plastic surgery, allergy and broncho - esophagology.
-
- What Kind of Training Is Required?
- An Otolaryngologist is ready to start practicing after 13 or
more years of college and post-graduate training. To receive certification from the
American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO), one must usually have four years in medical
school, and at least five years of specialty training.
The physician must pass the ABO examination to receive certification. Some
pursue a one or two year fellowship for more specialized training especially in a
subspecialty area. The well-trained otolaryngologist has a thorough knowledge of the
anatomy, physiology, neurology, biochemistry, bacteriology, pharmacology, and pathology of
all the organs and physical structures in the head and neck region.
- What Do Otolaryngologist Do?
- They perform a great variety of surgical procedures in the
daily treatment of the ear, nose sinuses, pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, neck, thyroid,
salivary glands, bronchial tubes and esophagus, as well as cosmetic surgery of the face
and neck. Those trained in ear work are well equipped to restore hearing through modern
microsurgery. They may perform other operations used to correct deafness such as
surgically inserting a cochleas implant to help those with severe hearing loss.
-
- Do They Perform Plastic Surgery?
- With their extensive knowledge of the head and neck, many
otolaryngologist are proficient in plastic surgery. This is important for reconstructing
the nose, ears, jaw, and facial area to restore function and appearance. Grafts, flaps,
and plastic material are used by otolaryngologist to solve many surgical problems.
Techniques used for cosmetic facial surgery
include face and brow lifts, improving the shape and size of the nose or the ear, chin
augmentation, wrinkle removal, scar camouflaging and hair transplantation.
-
- What is Swimmer's ear, earache,
and perforated eardrum?
- These are a few problems related to the ear which can impact
hearing, and overall health. Today, however, there are various procedures that can
effectively address these medical conditions.
- Swimmer's Ear - Is one of number of names for
infection of the outer ear canal. Although painful, it can be treated effectively and
quickly by an ear specialist. When water gets in the ear, it may bring with it bacteria or
fungus particles. Usually the water washes out. If the ear dries out and bacteria or
funguses remain won't cause problems. Sometimes, the water is trapped in the ear canal and
the skin remains wet. Conditions like bacteria and fungus can grow, flourish, and can
infect the ear.
- Tip - Use antiseptic eardrops whenever you fell that
water is trapped in your ears. Such eardrops are inexpensive and sold without a
prescription under various names such as Aqua Ear, Ear Magic, or Swim
Ear, etc.
- Earache - Ear Infections (otitis media) are
the most frequent diagnosis recorded for children who visit physicians for illness.
Approximately one third of all children have more than three infections during the first
three years of life. This results in 30 million doctor visits per year. Otitis media
is also the most common cause of hearing loss in children. It can occur in one or both
ears and is caused by bacteria or viruses that enter from the nose or throat and ascend
through the Eustachian tube to reach the middle ear. The most common symptom is earache
(usually moderate to severe) which is associated with a feeling of pressure and blockage
of the ear.
Earache is generally not serious
if it is properly and promptly treated. Most of the time, it will clear up with proper
medication and home treatment.
- Perforated Eardrum - Is a hole or rupture in the
eardrum. This thin membrane separates the ear canal and the middle ear. The middle ear is
connected to the nose by the Eustachian tube, which equalizes pressure in the middle ear.
A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional discharge.
Pain is usually not persistent. Moderate to severe hearing loss can result from
perforations.
-
- Sinusitis
- is a medical term for infection or inflammation. A typical case of acute sinusitis
begins with a cold, flu or allergy attack. The membranes can swell resulting in blockage
of the tiny openings in the sinuses. Medical treatment is the best method to address the
problem.
The key factor in combating sinus
problems is the management of allergies. Use a humidifier when you have a cold. Sleep with
your bed elevated. Avoid pollutants. Seek medical help to surgically correct blockage of
sinus openings.
|
