Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

The Department of Otorhinolaryngology, commonly known as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), is a surgical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the head and neck region. This includes the ears, nose, sinuses, throat (pharynx and larynx), and related structures of the head and neck.

ENT specialists manage a diverse range of conditions. For the ears, common issues include hearing loss, ear infections (otitis media), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and balance disorders like vertigo. For the nose and sinuses, they treat chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergies, and nasal obstruction including deviated septum. Throat-related conditions include tonsillitis, voice disorders, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), and laryngitis. They also manage head and neck cancers involving the thyroid, vocal cords, or salivary glands.

Diagnosis in ENT involves specialized examinations. Audiometry tests hearing function. Tympanometry assesses middle ear health. Nasal endoscopy uses a small camera to examine the nasal passages and sinuses. Laryngoscopy visualizes the throat and vocal cords. Imaging studies like CT scans help evaluate sinuses and head and neck structures.

Treatment approaches range from medication to surgery. Many conditions are managed with antibiotics, antihistamines, or steroid sprays. When surgery is needed, ENT surgeons perform procedures from tonsillectomy and sinus surgery to more complex operations like cochlear implantation for hearing loss and microsurgery for vocal cord disorders. Many procedures are now performed using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes. The goal of ENT is to restore sensory functions and improve patients' quality of life.