Otolaryngology is the medical and surgical care of the ear, nose, and throat as well as the head and neck. Conditions of these areas can happen to anyone of any age. An otolaryngologist is also called an ENT; doctors in this field diagnose and treat these areas while consulting on Newport Beach facial plastic surgery cases related to the selected subjects
Ears
There are many conditions of the ear that need to be treated. Otolaryngology covers infections, hearing loss, balance problems, tinnitus, nerve, and congenital problems. Treating the congenital issues cover both the inside and outside of the ear. Hearing loss can have a wide variety of reasons like earwax and infections, but there can be more serious causes behind the selected problems. Diagnosis for balance problems may find fluid from the inner ear in the middle ear.
Nose
The nose not only is affected by allergies but many other conditions like polyps or growths, or even sinus issues. Doctors will address the problems that can affect breathing, smell, and even the way the nose looks. An allergy can be triggered by many things, it can be as simple as a seasonal allergy to one that is ongoing like dust. Sinusitis is inflammation in the sinus area and is usually treated with decongestants or with antibiotics for more serious cases. A common symptom for doctors in this field is the lack of ability to look down or to turn the head in that direction for long periods of time. For most, it is a sure sign that something is wrong in the area of the sinuses.
Throat
Areas of the throat cover everything from the tonsils all the way to the esophagus. The tonsils can swell and/or become infected; when that happens, a tonsillectomy is called for in certain cases. Removal of the tonsils is usually done because of an infection, but other reasons could include tonsils pain or enlargement. There can be a large number of problems with the esophagus that involve swallowing or a build-up of phlegm. Issues involving this part of the body can be anything from a problem with muscle movement, to nerves or cancer. Stress and strain can affect the vocal cords and lead to overall loss of vocal control if left untreated.
Head and Neck
The head and neck can require specific treatment. For infections, a patient can be treated in or out of the hospital, but it is important that a specialist supervise care. PE tubes are used for ear infections in both adults and children; infections can occur in the soft tissue of the neck which needs antibiotics. If cancer is present it is treated with chemotherapy and surgery. When there is trauma to the face or neck cosmetic surgery is performed; if needed, reconstructive surgery can be done if there is too much damage to any area. For problems with the nerves in the head and neck, otolaryngology is also an option. The nerves control senses such as hearing, smell, sight and movements of the face.