ENT specialists, also known as Otolaryngologists, are highly trained in Otolaryngology; the study and treatment of the ear, nose, and throat. To become an ENT doctor, you need to go through four years in college and then four years in medical school. After this phase, you must complete a five-year residency program. The first year of this program is spent learning emergency medicine, basic surgery, anaesthesia, and emergency medicine. Once you are through with your residency program, you will undergo an extra 51 months of progressive education in this field. You will spend your final year as a chief resident in a recognized institution. After this stage, you can take a medical examination from the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) to receive board certification in Otolaryngology. The exam is divided into two parts: written and oral.
If you decide, you can further your education and complete a fellowship – this comprise a year or two of extensive training in any of the eight subspecialties. ENT doctors are known to treat medical conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat, neck, and head. They provide a wide range of treatment for various health conditions with the aid of medical and surgical expertise. These doctors are well-grounded in medical science relating to the head, neck, throat, communication systems, the upper respiratory and alimentary systems, and chemical senses. They provide medical and surgical care to patients with diseases and disorders that affect these areas.
Common Conditions That Are Treated By ENT Specialists
Here are some of the common conditions that are covered by Otolaryngologists or ENTs.
Cancer:
Based on a report by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-NHS), over 55,000 people in the United States are more likely to develop cancer of the head and neck this year. Out of this overwhelming figure, about 13,000 of them are likely to die from it.
Airway Issues:
Some individuals experience problems breathing: this problem can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the condition and medical attention given to it. There are factors that result in these health problems, like virus infection, bacterial infection, accidents that lead to traumas in the airway, allergic reactions, and many more.
Chronic Sinusitis:
People with this health problem experience chronic inflammation and swelling around their nasal passages. It is also accompanied by breathing difficulties via the nose and a build-up of mucus in the region as well. Chronic Sinusitis also stem from a deviated septum or the growth of polyps within the nose.
Deviated Nasal Septum:
The nasal cavity is divided by a wall known as the nasal septum. When this wall is severely misaligned, an individual can experience difficulty breathing and chronic sinusitis. Hence, such a person is said to have a deviated septum. This medical condition can be present from birth or caused by an injury to the nose, which affects the septum.
Cleft Palate or Cleft Lip:
People with either cleft palate or cleft lip, or both, experience it from birth. In this condition, the mouth is split, disallowing the lips and palate from fully developing during fetal growth. Depending on how severe the problem is, individuals have clefts of varying sizes that can affect speech, feeding, and breathing.
An ENT doctor can treat these health conditions and disorders, and many more. If you would like to get in touch with an ENT specialist today, please visit this link: ENT Specialist Singapore.