It is common to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about 20 million visits to ENT doctors in 2010, with many patients being children. ENT doctors treat a wide variety of conditions, ranging from chronic sinus infections to hearing loss, throat cancer or sleep apnea. Their medical experience helps patients of all ages manage these complex issues and improve their quality of life.

What Is ENT?

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) or otolaryngology is a specialized branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating problems of the ears, nose and throat, as well as related areas of the head and neck. ENT doctors, or otolaryngologists, are medical doctors trained in managing a wide range of conditions, including chronic ear infections, sinusitis, hearing loss and voice or swallowing disorders. They also treat complex issues like head and neck growths, such as masses, tumors or cysts.

What Is an Ear, Nose and Throat Provider?

An ear, nose and throat provider, also known as an otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating and preventing conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat, as well as the head and neck. An ENT doctor’s extensive training includes four years of college, four years of medical school and five years of residency training. Their residency involves one year of general surgery and four years focused on otolaryngology. Some may further specialize in areas like pediatric care, head and neck or plastic/reconstruction surgery through additional fellowship training. As both doctors and surgeons, otolaryngologists can perform surgeries to address complex conditions in these areas.

What Do ENT Doctors Do?

ENT treatment covers a wide range of conditions, using both medical and surgical approaches. Common conditions treated include:

• Ear conditions: Chronic ear infections, hearing disorders and deafness and balance disorders
• Nose conditions: Sinus infections, allergies, nose injuries and disorders and taste and smell disorders
• Throat conditions: Sore throat, voicebox disorders, swallowing difficulties and cancers of the mouth and throat
• Head and neck: Thyroid problems, cancers, trauma affecting the head and neck and facial injuries or deformities, including reconstructive or plastic surgery

ENT treatment includes routine and complex procedures, such as sleep apnea, snoring, tonsillectomies and sinus surgery. Robotic and laser surgery advancements have made ENT treatment procedures for the head and neck less invasive.

When To See an Ear, Nose and Throat Provider

It is a good first step to consult your primary care physician for acute conditions that affect your ear, nose and throat, like sinus or ear infections or sore throat. However, you should consider seeing an ear, nose and throat provider if you frequently experience any of the following symptoms:

• Recurrent issues, such as nasal congestion, sinus infections, ear infections or strep throat
• Dizziness
• Changes in hearing
• Persistent hoarseness or wheezing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Noticeable lump in the face or neck that does not go away

Additionally, conditions that affect your sleep, such as snoring or sleep apnea, may require a visit to an ENT doctor.

Find an ENT Doctor in the Rio Grande Valley

Healthcare is better together.

At Valley Baptist Physician Network, we provide comprehensive care for conditions related to the ears, nose, throat and areas of the head and neck. If you have symptoms related to an ENT condition and want to explore options, we can help guide you through decision-making from diagnosis to recovery.