Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians are doctors who specialize in treating conditions associated with those features. The field of medicine that ENTs practice is called “otolaryngology.”

Some of the issues that ENT doctor treat might seem obvious (sore throat, ringing ears, etc.) while others might surprise you. In this article, we’ll discuss both the more common, well-known health issues that ENT specialists can treat as well as lesser-known conditions that might benefit from the expertise of an ENT specialist.

Understanding the Interconnection of the Ear, Nose, and Throat

Understandably, many newcomers to the ENT profession are confused by the seemingly random grouping under one medical umbrella.

However, when you understand human physiology, the reasons for the ENT grouping becomes clearer. The ear, nose, and throat actually share structures and functionality.

For example, the “Eustachian tube” is a canal-like structure in the middle ear. Its job is to connect the middle ear to the rear of the nose. Many other examples illustrate the connection between the ear, nose, and throat in humans.

As a result, what affects one likely affects another. ENT specialists are trained to detect and treat issues with all three concurrently.

Throat

The simplest definition of the throat is that it is a tube that facilitates the passage of air, water, and food from the head to the body.

Due to the prevalence of upper respiratory infections of humans, the throat is particularly susceptible to sickness.

ENT specialists treat the following throat-related conditions:

Swallowing issues.
Swollen throat (inflammation).
Tonsil infection.
Asthma.
Adenoid infection.

Ear

The ear is the human organ responsible for absorbing sound waves, processing them, then transmitting them to the brain where they are interpreted.

The ear is essentially comprised of three parts: the inner ear, middle ear, and outer ear. Each region of the ear is susceptible to different illnesses and injuries.

ENT specialists treat the following ear conditions:

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Swimmer’s ear.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) .
Ménière’s disease.
Ataxia (balance disorder).
Ear infections.

Nose

The nose, the most important component of the human olfactory system, is the organ responsible for collecting and disseminating information regarding smell in the environment.

ENT specialists treat the following nose conditions:

Deviated septum.
Allergies.
Sinus infections.
Frequent nose bleeds.
Congestion in the nasal cavity.
Breathing troubles.

Other Specialties of ENT Doctors

Many ENT doctors specialize in the treatment of head or neck injuries, especially as they relate to impacts on the senses. Here are a couple of examples.

Neurotology Surgery

Neurotology is the term for a sub-field of the discipline, sometimes used interchangeably with ENT, that includes doctors who perform related surgery – for example, to repair ruptured eardrums in patients.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is an intricate member of the human hormone (endocrine) system that is closely involved in energy metabolism, among other functions. When the thyroid is damaged or diseases, it may significantly impact health. ENT doctors who specialize in treating thyroid disorders can assist in resolving thyroid issues.

When to See an ENT Specialist

If you have been experiencing any ongoing issues with your ear, nose, or throat, consider consulting an ENT specialist.