An otorhinolaryngologist is a specialist who treats disorders of the throat, ears and mouth. Behind this complicated name lies a doctor who is an expert on the entire structure and organs of the face and neck (excluding the brain and eyes).
What does an ENT specialist do?
ENT specialists treat conditions affecting the throat, mouth and ears. As these areas are closely linked, the specialist has in-depth knowledge of how they function as a whole. They then choose an additional specialisation, such as cervico-facial surgery, phoniatrics, audiometry or plastic surgery. There are also paediatric ENT specialists.
What illnesses are treated by ENT?
There are many pathologies linked to the ENT area. They can be more or less serious, ranging from benign conditions such as the removal of tonsils to tumours or even cancer.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of conditions treated by ENT specialists:
Mouth and throat (laryngology) :
- Tonsil removal
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Dysphonia (altered voice)
- Oesophageal atresia
- Tumours of the tongue and mouth
- Cancers
Nose (rhinology) :
- Recurrent colds
- Sinus surgery
- Rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa)
- Sinusitis
Ears:
- Dizziness
- Hearing problems
- Perforated eardrum
- Ear infections
- Vestibular disorders
When should you see an ENT specialist?
As ear, nose and throat conditions affect several organs, there are several types of symptoms that may require a visit to a specialist:
- You experience ear discomfort, pain or tinnitus for more than 24 hours.
- Your hearing is suddenly impaired
- Your nose is bleeding regularly and profusely.
- Your voice is altered for no apparent reason
- Your nose is constantly blocked
- You snore or suffer from sleep apnoea
- You lose your balance or feel dizzy
- You suffer from an ENT disease (otitis, sinusitis, etc.)
If you go to your GP, he or she will be able to judge whether a diagnosis by an ENT specialist is necessary.
How do I make an appointment with an ENT specialist?
In general, your GP will decide whether you need to see an ENT specialist. He or she will give you a prescription. However, if you want to make an appointment on your own, that’s perfectly possible! Try to gather as much information as possible about your symptoms (duration, frequency, onset, pain, etc.). The same applies if you have a previous history. This will save you time at the consultation.
Don’t know which ENT specialist to go to? OneDoc.ch lets you choose your doctor and make an appointment directly online (no more stressful phone calls).
What happens during an ENT consultation?
The ENT specialist will start by asking you questions about your problems: when did they start? How intense are they? Do they occur with any particular frequency?
He will then examine the affected area using specific tools. Additional examinations, such as endoscopies, may be carried out to dig deeper or to confirm the diagnosis.
Once your diagnosis has been established, you can be treated with medication. In the case of a more severe pathology, surgery may be performed. This is particularly the case for tumour, repair or reconstructive surgery.
The ENT specialist can also provide you with prostheses or implants if necessary, as well as rehabilitation.
Don’t know which ENT to go to? OneDoc.ch lets you choose your doctor and book an appointment directly online (no more stressful phone calls).
