An ENT visit: what it is and who handles it.
An ENT examination is a painless test used in medicine to prevent, diagnose, and carefully treat problems or disorders that primarily affect the ear, nose, tonsils, and throat, but also certain areas of the head and neck.
In technical jargon, this important branch of medicine is called otorhinolaryngology and is also able to surgically intervene on pathologies affecting hearing, breathing, swallowing, and the voice, and therefore verify the general balance between the various parts of the human body. The specialized medical figure who carries out the visit is the otorhinolaryngologist, also known as ear nose and throat specialist, who, thanks to his training and specific skills, is highly qualified in the treatment and care of numerous types of illnesses, ranging from ear infections to sinus problems and breathing difficulties, up to more complex, albeit less frequent, disorders such as head and neck tumors.
The body parts examined during an ENT visit are of utmost importance to the well-being of every citizen or patient, as the ears, nose, and throat allow us to better perform daily activities such as listening, speaking, eating, and breathing.
Why an ENT Examination Is Important
An ENT examination is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating medical conditions that can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and psychological well-being. Among the most common are ear infections in children, rhinitis, sinusitis, voice or hearing disorders, and seasonal allergies.
Furthermore, an ENT examination allows for the identification of symptoms of more worrisome conditions that require prompt intervention, such as changes in voice or a sudden loss of hearing. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and condition, the ENT doctor may order additional tests, such as audiometry to evaluate hearing or endoscopic examinations to obtain a more accurate overview of the upper airway.
An ENT examination is performed by the patient in specialized medical practices, hospitals, or private clinics. Typically, the primary care physician (GP) prescribes the examination if he or she deems a more in-depth examination necessary due to the type of symptoms the patient is experiencing.
ENT Visit: How It Works
An ENT visit consists of several phases during which the specialist performs a thorough assessment of the patient’s symptoms, a detailed examination of the areas to be investigated, and other specific tests.
The first step in an ENT visit is the patient’s medical history, through which the doctor gathers valuable information about recent or chronic ailments affecting the ears, nose, and throat, hearing problems, ringing in the ears, nasal congestion, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or changes in voice pitch.
How the Ear, Nose, and Throat Is Examined
The ENT specialist then performs a basic physical examination to assess the condition of the ear, nose, and throat, including a neck palpation to ensure there are no suspicious swellings. The specialist uses special devices, such as an otoscope equipped with a magnifying lens and a light, which can examine the eardrum and ear canal. For the nose, an instrument called a nasal speculum is used to slightly dilate the nostrils and carefully observe the nasal cavities inside. Finally, the throat is inspected with a laryngoscope, which allows visualization of the vocal cords and larynx.
Depending on the patient’s symptoms, the ENT specialist may order additional, specific tests. If concerns about hearing arise, audiometry may be performed, which assesses the ability to hear various tones and intensities. In cases of nasal or sinus problems, endoscopy provides a detailed overview of the internal structures of the nose and paranasal sinuses.
During the ENT examination, the specialist also acquires knowledge of the patient’s emotional and psychosocial condition, inquiring about how ENT conditions negatively impact daily activities. At the end of the examination, the ENT doctor makes a diagnosis and identifies the most effective type of treatment, which may include drugs, therapies, and surgical interventions depending on the case.
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