Otolaryngologists

What is an ENT doctor?

An ENT doctor, also known as an otorhinolaryngologist, is a specialist in the health of the ears, nose, and throat. These professionals are highly trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect these areas of the body. The training of an ENT doctor involves years of study and practice to understand the complexity and interconnection of these body parts, as well as develop skills to treat problems when they arise.

The full name, "otorhinolaryngologist", may seem complicated, but "ENT" is the abbreviated and more commonly used form.

When to see an ENT doctor?

It's important to consider consulting with an ENT doctor when problems related to the ears, nose, or throat persist, even after home or simple treatments. Symptoms such as ear pain that lasts more than two days, frequent nasal congestion without a cold, or intense pain when swallowing are clear signs that a specialized evaluation is necessary.

Additionally, if you experience dizziness, ringing in the ear, or hearing difficulties, the ENT doctor is the professional indicated to investigate and treat these conditions. Early intervention is essential to prevent problems from worsening and to provide faster and more effective relief.

Main problems treated by an ENT specialist

Middle and External Otitis

Middle otitis is an inflammation of the middle ear, frequently observed in children, causing intense pain, fever, and sometimes temporary hearing loss. External otitis affects the external ear canal and is known as "swimmer's ear". This condition causes itching, pain, and discharge, requiring appropriate treatment to avoid complications. Both forms of otitis require medical attention to alleviate discomfort and prevent more serious problems.

Hearing loss and tinnitus

Hearing loss can happen gradually, usually due to aging, or suddenly, from exposure to loud noises, infections, or medication side effects. Tinnitus, an annoying sound that seems to come from inside the ear, affects millions of people and can significantly impact quality of life. The ENT doctor evaluates each case in detail to offer treatments that range from hearing aids to specific therapies to alleviate tinnitus.

Sinusitis and rhinitis

Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses, which are cavities around the nose, causing symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa and can be allergic, non-allergic, or mixed. Both conditions, despite being common, significantly impact daily life. There are effective treatments that help control symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.

Deviated septum and snoring

A deviated septum is a condition where the wall that divides the nostrils is crooked, making breathing difficult. Snoring, often associated with sleep apnea, occurs due to partial obstruction of the airways during sleep. Although they may seem like mere annoyances, these conditions can lead to serious health problems, such as hypertension and heart disease, when not properly treated.

Tonsillitis and pharyngitis

Throat inflammations are common and include tonsillitis, which is inflammation of the tonsils, and pharyngitis, inflammation of the pharynx. Both cause intense sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. They can have viral or bacterial causes, and treatment varies according to the origin. In more severe or recurrent cases, removal of the tonsils may be recommended.

Laryngitis and vocal problems

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx, where the vocal cords are located. Its symptoms include hoarseness, pain when speaking, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Professionals who use their voice intensively, such as teachers and singers, frequently face vocal problems such as nodules or polyps on the vocal cords. ENT doctors offer specific treatments and guidance to preserve and care for vocal health.

What is a consultation with an ENT doctor like?

During the consultation, the ENT doctor begins with a conversation about your symptoms, encouraging a detailed description of all of them, even those that seem irrelevant. Then, a physical examination is performed using special instruments to examine the ears, nose, and throat. These exams are generally painless.

Depending on your complaints, the doctor may request additional tests, such as hearing tests or detailed images. The goal is to accurately diagnose the cause of discomfort and offer the most appropriate treatment.

Common treatments performed by ENT doctors

Treatments offered by ENT doctors vary according to the diagnosed problem. In many cases, medications, such as antibiotics for infections or antiallergics, are sufficient. For other cases, small procedures can be performed in the office, such as ear wax removal or drainage of inflamed sinuses.

For more complex conditions, such as a deviated septum or large tonsils, surgical intervention may be necessary. The ENT doctor will always explain the treatment options clearly, allowing you to actively participate in decisions about your care.

Specific exams performed by an ENT specialist

In ENT offices, various examinations are performed that assist in accurate diagnoses. Videotoscopy allows an enlarged view of the inside of the ear. Nasofibroscopy uses a small camera to examine the inside of the nose and throat. Hearing tests, such as audiometry and impedanciometry, evaluate hearing capacity and eardrum function.

To investigate balance problems, tests such as vectoelectronystagmography are performed. These procedures are painless and provide valuable information to define the best treatment.

How to choose a good ENT doctor?

Choosing the right ENT doctor is crucial to ensure effective and safe care. Check if the doctor has complete training and experience in your area of need. It is important that the professional is registered with the Regional Council of Medicine and has the specialist title from the Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery. Additionally, seeking recommendations and evaluations from other patients can help ensure the choice of a professional who offers quality and humanized care.

Importance of prevention and continuous care

Maintaining regular visits to an ENT doctor, even in the absence of severe symptoms, can be an effective strategy to prevent future problems. Continuous monitoring allows early detection of conditions that can be treated more effectively in the initial stages. Additionally, receiving guidance on daily care, such as proper ear hygiene and protection against loud noises, can help maintain the health of ears, nose, and throat throughout life.

Why choose a consultation at AvaliaMed?

Opting for AvaliaMed for your consultations with ENT doctors is a wise decision for several reasons. At AvaliaMed, you will find a team of highly qualified professionals committed to individualized and humanized care. The AvaliaMed platform offers professionals from various medical areas, with real evaluations and ratings for each professional, providing confidence, credibility, and convenience to patients.

Additionally, the commitment to content and constant updating in medical practices ensures that you receive treatments based on the latest scientific evidence. Choosing AvaliaMed is ensuring that your health is in the hands of good professionals.