Why do ears constantly hurt. What conditions do otolaryngologists treat. How are ENT doctors trained. How to find an otolaryngologist. What are common ear, nose, and throat problems.

Understanding Otolaryngology: The Specialty of Ear, Nose, and Throat

Otolaryngology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Doctors who specialize in this field are known as otolaryngologists, or more commonly as ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctors. This specialized branch of medicine emerged in the 19th century when physicians discovered the intricate connections between these areas of the body.

The interconnected system of tubes and passages linking the ears, nose, and throat led to the development of specialized tools and treatment methods. This breakthrough gave birth to a new medical specialty that continues to evolve and provide crucial care for millions of patients worldwide.

The Scope of Otolaryngology

ENT specialists are equipped to handle a wide range of conditions affecting the head and neck region. Their expertise covers:

• Ear conditions (infections, hearing loss, balance disorders)
• Nasal and sinus problems (allergies, sinusitis, nasal obstructions)
• Throat issues (tonsillitis, swallowing difficulties, voice disorders)
• Sleep-related breathing disorders (snoring, sleep apnea)
• Head and neck tumors (both benign and malignant)

It’s important to note that while otolaryngologists treat many head and neck conditions, certain areas are managed by other specialists. For instance, neurologists handle brain and nervous system disorders, while ophthalmologists focus on eye and vision care.

Common Ear Problems: Why Do Your Ears Always Hurt?

Persistent ear pain can be a troubling symptom that affects quality of life. There are several reasons why your ears might be hurting regularly:

Ear Infections

One of the most common causes of ear pain is infection. Ear infections can occur in the outer ear (swimmer’s ear), middle ear, or inner ear. These infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses and often result in pain, inflammation, and sometimes discharge.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

The Eustachian tubes connect your middle ear to the back of your throat, helping to regulate ear pressure. When these tubes become blocked or don’t function properly, it can lead to pain, pressure, and a feeling of fullness in the ears.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

The temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull, is located close to the ear. Problems with this joint can sometimes cause pain that feels like it’s coming from the ear.

Earwax Buildup

While earwax is natural and protective, excessive buildup can cause pain, pressure, and even temporary hearing loss. Never attempt to remove earwax with cotton swabs, as this can push the wax deeper and potentially damage your eardrum.

Barotrauma

Changes in air pressure, such as during air travel or scuba diving, can cause ear pain. This occurs when the pressure inside your ear doesn’t equalize with the outside pressure, leading to discomfort and sometimes injury to the eardrum.

If you’re experiencing persistent ear pain, it’s crucial to consult an otolaryngologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate interventions to alleviate your discomfort.

The Training and Expertise of ENT Doctors

Becoming an otolaryngologist requires extensive education and training. The path to specialization includes:

1. Four years of medical school
2. At least five years of specialized residency training
3. Passing a certification exam by the American Board of Otolaryngology

This rigorous training ensures that ENT doctors are well-equipped to handle the complexities of ear, nose, and throat disorders. Many otolaryngologists also pursue additional training in subspecialties to further hone their expertise.

Subspecialties in Otolaryngology

ENT doctors can choose to specialize in various areas within otolaryngology, including:

• Allergy: Treating environmental and food allergies
• Facial and reconstructive surgery: Performing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures
• Head and neck: Managing tumors and complex conditions in these areas
• Laryngology: Focusing on voice box and vocal cord disorders
• Otology and neurotology: Specializing in ear-related conditions
• Pediatric ENT: Treating ear, nose, and throat issues in children
• Rhinology: Concentrating on nose and sinus problems
• Sleep medicine: Addressing sleep-related breathing disorders

This diverse range of subspecialties allows ENT doctors to provide highly specialized care for specific conditions, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for their unique needs.

Finding the Right Otolaryngologist for Your Needs

When seeking an ENT specialist, it’s essential to find one who aligns with your specific health concerns. Here are some steps to help you find the right otolaryngologist:

Consult Your Primary Care Physician

Your primary care doctor can provide a referral to a trusted ENT specialist based on your symptoms and medical history. They may have established relationships with local specialists and can guide you towards the most suitable option.

Utilize Online Resources

The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery website offers a comprehensive directory of certified ENT doctors. You can search for specialists in your area and filter by subspecialty if needed.

Consider Specialization

Look for an otolaryngologist who specializes in treating your specific condition. For example, if you’re experiencing chronic sinusitis, a rhinology specialist might be the best choice.

Check Credentials and Reviews

Verify the doctor’s board certification and read patient reviews to get a sense of their expertise and bedside manner. Keep in mind that while reviews can be helpful, they should not be the sole factor in your decision.

Insurance Coverage

Ensure that the ENT specialist you choose is covered by your insurance plan to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

By taking these steps, you can find an otolaryngologist who is well-suited to address your specific ear, nose, or throat concerns, providing you with the specialized care you need.

Diagnosing and Treating Common ENT Conditions

Otolaryngologists use a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques to identify and treat ear, nose, and throat conditions. Understanding these processes can help patients feel more prepared when visiting an ENT specialist.

Diagnostic Procedures

ENT doctors may employ several diagnostic methods, including:

• Otoscopy: Examining the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope
• Nasal endoscopy: Visualizing the nasal passages and sinuses with a thin, flexible tube
• Laryngoscopy: Inspecting the voice box and vocal cords
• Audiometry: Assessing hearing function through various tests
• Imaging studies: Using X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to visualize internal structures

Treatment Approaches

Treatment options vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. Common approaches include:

• Medications: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antihistamines for allergies, etc.
• Surgical interventions: From simple procedures like ear tube insertion to complex reconstructive surgeries
• Therapy: Speech and language therapy, vestibular rehabilitation for balance disorders
• Lifestyle modifications: Dietary changes, environmental adjustments to manage allergies

ENT specialists tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs, often combining multiple approaches for optimal results.

The Impact of ENT Disorders on Quality of Life

Ear, nose, and throat conditions can significantly affect a person’s daily life and overall well-being. Understanding these impacts can highlight the importance of seeking timely care from an otolaryngologist.

Physical Effects

ENT disorders can cause various physical symptoms that interfere with daily activities:

• Chronic pain or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing or sleeping
• Impaired sense of smell or taste
• Balance problems leading to fall risks
• Hearing loss affecting communication

Emotional and Social Impact

Beyond physical symptoms, ENT conditions can have profound emotional and social consequences:

• Anxiety or depression related to chronic symptoms
• Social isolation due to hearing loss or speech difficulties
• Reduced self-esteem from visible conditions or surgical outcomes
• Stress from managing ongoing treatments or lifestyle changes

Recognizing these impacts underscores the value of expert care from otolaryngologists in improving patients’ overall quality of life.

Advancements in Otolaryngology: The Future of ENT Care

The field of otolaryngology continues to evolve, with new technologies and treatment approaches emerging regularly. These advancements are shaping the future of ENT care and offering hope for improved outcomes for patients.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Innovations in surgical techniques are allowing for less invasive procedures with shorter recovery times. Examples include:

• Endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis
• Laser procedures for removing throat tumors
• Robotic-assisted surgeries for hard-to-reach areas

Hearing Technology

Advancements in hearing aids and implantable devices are dramatically improving outcomes for those with hearing loss:

• More sophisticated cochlear implants
• Bone-anchored hearing aids for specific types of hearing loss
• Smart hearing aids that adapt to different environments

Personalized Medicine

The growing field of genomics is allowing for more tailored treatment approaches:

• Genetic testing to predict treatment responses
• Targeted therapies for head and neck cancers
• Individualized allergy treatments based on genetic profiles

These advancements promise to enhance the precision and effectiveness of ENT treatments, potentially leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients with ear, nose, and throat disorders.

As the field of otolaryngology continues to progress, patients can look forward to more effective, less invasive treatments for a wide range of ENT conditions. Staying informed about these developments and maintaining regular check-ups with an ENT specialist can help ensure you receive the most up-to-date and appropriate care for your ear, nose, and throat health.

Otolaryngologists: Ear, Nose, Throat Doctors

Written by Regina Boyle Wheeler

• What Conditions Do Otolaryngologists Treat?
• How Are ENT Doctors Trained?
• How Do I Find an Otolaryngologist?

If you have a health problem with your head or neck, your doctor might recommend that you see an otolaryngologist. That’s someone who treats issues in your ears, nose, or throat as well as related areas in your head and neck. They’re called ENTs for short.

In the 19th century, doctors figured out that the ears, nose, and throat are closely connected by a system of tubes and passages. They made special tools to take a closer look at those areas and came up with ways to treat problems. A new medical specialty was born.

ENTs can do surgery and treat many different medical conditions. You would see one if you have a problem involving:

• An ear condition, such as an infection, hearing loss, or trouble with balance
• Nose and nasal issues like allergies, sinusitis, or growths
• Throat problems like tonsillitis, difficulty swallowing, and voice issues
• Sleep trouble like snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, in which your airway is narrow or blocked and it interrupts your breathing while you sleep
• Infections or tumors (cancerous or not) of your head or neck

Some areas of your head are treated by other kinds of doctors. For example, neurologists deal with problems with your brain or nervous system, and ophthalmologists care for your eyes and vision.

Otolaryngologists go to 4 years of medical school. They then have at least 5 years of special training. Finally, they need to pass an exam to be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Some also get 1 or 2 years of training in a subspecialty:

• Allergy: These doctors treat environmental allergies (like pollen or pet dander) with medicine or a series of shots called immunology. They also can help you find out if you have a food allergy.
• Facial and reconstructive surgery: These doctors do cosmetic surgery like face lifts and nose jobs. They also help people whose looks have been changed by an accident or who were born with issues that need to be fixed.
• Head and neck: If you have a tumor in your nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, voice box, or upper esophagus, this kind of specialist can help you.
• Laryngology: These doctors treat diseases and injuries that affect your voice box (larynx) and vocal cords. They also can help diagnose and treat swallowing problems.
• Otology and neurotology: If you have any kind of issue with your ears, these specialists can help. They treat conditions like infections, hearing loss, dizziness, and ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus).
• Pediatric ENT: Your child might not be able to tell their doctor what’s bothering them. Pediatric ENTs are specially trained to treat youngsters, and they have tools and exam rooms designed to put kids at ease.

Common problems include ear infections, tonsillitis, asthma, and allergies. Pediatric ENTs also care for children with birth defects of the head and neck. They also can help figure out if your child has a speech or language problem.

• Rhinology: These doctors focus on your nose and sinuses. They treat sinusitis, nose bleeds, loss of smell, stuffy nose, and unusual growths.
• Sleep medicine: Some ENTs specialize in sleep problems that involve your breathing, for instance snoring or sleep apnea. Your doctor may order a sleep study to see if you have trouble breathing at times during the night.

Ask your primary care doctor or go to the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery website to find one in your area. Look for one that specializes in your specific problem.

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Pictures To Distinguish Strep Throat From A Sore Throat

Medically Reviewed by Gabriela Pichardo, MD on November 19, 2022

We all know that raw, scratchy feeling in the back of the throat. It could just be dry winter air, seasonal allergies, or a plain old cold. But it also could be a bacterial condition, like strep, or a viral infection or something else. Only your health care provider can tell for sure. But you can look for a few signs on your own.

Grab a flashlight, look in the mirror, and say, “Ahhh.” You could find some important clues. You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat. Your tonsils — the bumps on either side at the back of your throat — might be red and swollen, too. These could be signs of bacterial infection like strep throat or oral thrush, or a viral infection like oral herpes or mononucleosis. They also might be something else, like tonsil stones, which are painful calcium deposits on your throat.

If you have a cough and drippy nose along with your sore throat, that could be good news. You may feel crummy, but you’re less likely to have a serious infection. You probably just have a common cold virus and post-nasal drip.

Colds can cause a fever, but it’s usually just a mild one. If you have a sore throat and a fever over 101 F, it’s more likely to be a throat infection like strep than a simple cold. But these don’t always raise your temperature — so watch for other symptoms. 

The most common reason is infection — viral or bacterial. Lymph nodes trap and destroy germs, and they can swell up when they start to fight an infection. You might feel them under your jaw or on either side of your neck. But it doesn’t always mean anything serious. Even the common cold can cause swollen lymph nodes.

When a cold causes your sore throat, it can be plenty painful, but it usually goes away after a couple of days. Bacterial infections, like strep throat, tend to cause more severe pain that doesn’t get better. With strep, it may hurt so much that you can barely swallow. Sometimes, it can cause nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, or stomach pain as well.

A rash on your neck and chest that sometimes spreads to the rest of your body can be a sign of a group of bacterial infections called streptococcal infections. The most minor of these is strep throat, but they also include more serious ones, like scarlet fever, bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), and toxic shock syndrome. They all need to be treated by a doctor — usually with antibiotics — as soon as possible. 

They may feel the same, but a common sore throat and bacterial infections are very different. Most sore throats are caused by viruses, like the cold virus. No medication will cure a cold virus — you have to let your body heal on its own. But antibiotics can fight a bacterial infection, such as strep, and stop it from spreading.

If you have a sore throat from a cold, antibiotics won’t help at all. They only help against bacteria not viruses. Taking antibiotics when you don’t really need them has a risk, too. Too much exposure to antibiotics can turn regular bacteria into “super bugs” that don’t respond to treatment.

To figure out if strep — the most common bacterial throat infection — is causing your sore throat, your doctor may use a rapid strep test. Results are ready in 5 to 10 minutes, but the test doesn’t pick up all cases of strep. If yours is negative, your doctor may send a throat culture to the lab to be sure. That’s more thorough, but you won’t get the results for a few days.

If you do have a positive strep test, your doctor will give you oral antibiotics. You’ll probably feel better in a day or two, but don’t stop taking the medication — finish the whole course, which is usually 10 days. If you stop too soon, some of the bacteria could survive and get you sick again. You’ll still be contagious up to 24 hours after you start antibiotics, so wash your hands often to protect people around you. And throw away your toothbrush.

No matter the reason for your sore throat, simple home remedies can make you feel better. One thing that might work is a saltwater gargle. Just mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of water, then gargle, and spit it out. It can keep your throat moist, help with swelling, and ease that raw, scratchy feeling.
 

Steam from a humidifier or vaporizer can keep your scratchy throat moist and cut down on pain. You can also lean over a sink with hot running water. Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam, and breathe deeply. Try this for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day.

Try a warm water bottle or heating pad against the outside of your throat. Or wet a towel with hot water to make your own warm compress. It can help soothe tender lymph nodes in your neck.

If you need an excuse to eat ice cream, a sore throat is a great one. The cold has a numbing effect, and the creamy texture makes it easy to swallow. Other soothing foods include milkshakes, gelatin, and hot soup. If your sore throat is especially painful, stay away from crunchy or spicy foods.

If you have a fever and don’t drink enough fluids — because it hurts to swallow — it can make you dehydrated. Choose drinks that are easy on your throat: Water and warm tea are good choices. Stay away from citrus drinks, though, because they may sting your sore throat.

Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help dull the pain of a sore throat. But be careful if you’re taking something for a cold or the flu — some of those medications already include a painkiller. You don’t want to take a double dose.

You can soothe a painful sore throat with a numbing spray or lozenge. (But don’t give lozenges to small children.) Carry a travel-size throat spray in your purse or briefcase for relief on the go. Sucking on ice chips can also bring some relief.

If you have a cold — and fluid draining from your nose irritates your throat — you could try a decongestant nasal spray or oral decongestant. They help dry up postnasal drip and give your throat some relief. Just follow the directions and don’t take them longer than recommended. If you use any other regular medications — or have high blood pressure or heart problems — check with your doctor first.

If it lasts longer than a week or gets worse, check with your doctor, even if you had a negative strep test. A throat swab may miss bacteria, so you may need another one. A sore throat that doesn’t go away could also be a sign of acid reflux, mononucleosis, or another condition.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1. BakiBG / Thinkstock
2. Tom Grill / Getty Images
3. stacey_newman / Thinkstock
4. Bruce Ayres / Getty Images
5. hoozone / Thinkstock
6. lolostock / Thinkstock
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
8. photoworldwide / iStockphoto
9. Kenneth Eward / Science Source
10. BSIP/UIG / Getty Images
11. amphotora / Getty Images
12. Food Collection / Photolibrary
13. Halfdark / Photolibrary
14. Widmann Widmann / F1 Online / Photolibrary
15. Jon Feingersh / Cusp / Photolibrary
16. BlueMoon Images / Photolibrary
17. images4 / iStockphoto
18. Alexh / iStockphoto
19. Alliance / Thinkstock
20. Sunlight19 / Thinkstock

SOURCES:

American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery: “Sore Throats. “

Bradley University: “A ‘superbug’ approach to antibiotics.”

CDC: “Sore Throat,” “Symptom Relief.”

Cleveland Clinic: ““Group A Streptococcal Infections.”

HealthyChildren.org: “When a Sore Throat is a More Serious Infection.”

Mayo Clinic: “Swollen lymph nodes.”

National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health: “Eating Problems and Ways to Manage Them.”

National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health: “Strep Throat.”

New Health Advisor: “White Spots on Throat”

Rutgers Health Services: “Cold & Flu.”

University of Michigan: “Infectious Mononucleosis.”

Wisconsin Department of Health Services: “Streptococcal Pharyngitis.”

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Why does my ear hurt? The main causes of ear pain. Ear shoots: what to do?

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Mishchenko Natalya Sergeevna

Leading physician

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Pain in the ear – an extremely unpleasant symptom. It can be a dull pain in the ear, throbbing, or, conversely, acute and sudden.

Why does my ear hurt?

Possible causes of ear pain

Ear pain is most commonly associated with inflammation of either the outer ear (pinna and auditory canal up to the eardrum) or the middle ear (tympanic cavity just behind the eardrum). In this case, they speak, respectively, of external or otitis media . If the auricle hurts, then most likely the cause of this is a bacterial or fungal infection that has entered the wound or the mouth of the sebaceous gland. Sometimes both the ear and the throat hurt at the same time. And this is not surprising: the ear is connected to the nasopharynx, and through the auditory tube, the infection can get from the nasopharynx to the middle ear, and then the inflammation that causes pain develops simultaneously in the throat and ear.

However, often the ear hurts for other reasons. In children, ear pain is sometimes associated with foreign objects entering the auditory canal . If this happens, you should not try to remove the object that has fallen into the ear on your own – you can damage the eardrum or injure the ear.

The thick earwax plug can also cause discomfort and pain.

Another possible cause of acute pain is tympanic membrane rupture .

There are quite common cases when pain felt in the ear indicates a disease of other organs. Doctors call such pain radiating, and people say that the pain “gives to the ear.”

Similar pains can occur with sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), arthritis of the jaw joint, inflammation of the trigeminal nerve.

With caries of the extreme teeth in the advanced stage, when the nerve or tissues adjacent to the tooth are inflamed, the pain often radiates to the ear, temple and neck. You can recognize the “dental origin” of pain by the fact that it intensifies when you press on the aching tooth, as well as when you take cold or hot food.

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Ear hurts: what to do?

Ear hurts

With ear pain, the main thing is not to self-medicate. Trying to determine the cause of ear pain on your own, it is easy to make a mistake. It is not always clear even where the source of pain is located – in the auditory canal or the tympanic chamber. Therefore, it is dangerous to start treatment without consulting a doctor – you can treat something else, but a disease left to itself, in the meantime, can take a more severe form.

If the pain in the ear has not gone away within two days, or if it bothers you especially, you should contact an ENT. Experienced ENT doctors of the “Family Doctor” will help determine the cause of the pain and prescribe an effective course of treatment for both an adult and a child.

Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.

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What not to do if your ear hurts

What not to do if your ear hurts – Polyclinic News

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October 15, 2020

Ear pain is considered one of the most unpleasant and excruciating pains. It can completely disrupt night sleep and significantly worsen the quality of life.

The main causes of ear pain are infections and injuries (improper cleaning of the ear canal, various bumps and injuries can lead to an inflammatory process).
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If the lesion is in the outer section, then you will feel itching in the auricle, pain (most often acute). As for the middle ear, here diseases can “come” from the nasopharynx. Most often, we experience shooting pain in the ear, a sensation of throbbing, hearing loss, a strong and unusual perception of our own voice. With damage to the inner ear, pain is extremely rare. Symptoms such as incoordination, nausea, noise are characteristic.

Sometimes excruciating pain can occur due to disease in neighboring organs (dental disease, trigeminal neuralgia, inflammation in the throat, nose or paranasal sinuses, diseases of the esophagus, cardiovascular pathologies, etc.). In this case, the pain simply “gives” to the ears.

Causes of ear pain can be caused by both infections and injuries

Do’s and Don’ts for ear pain:

⠀

• Warm up the ear. If the cause of the problem is not established (and it is very difficult to do it yourself), then you can seriously harm yourself. In the inflammatory process, the risk of spreading the lesion is high.
• Apply antibiotics. Antibacterial drops, at best, may be ineffective (with fungal otitis), at worst (in some pathologies they have a toxic effect on the nerve endings) – they can lead to deafness.

⠀
If there is no purulent discharge from the ear cavity, and the body temperature remains normal, you can take an anesthetic drug. Vasoconstrictor drops in the nose will also help. They reduce internal pressure on the membrane and thereby significantly reduce pain.

The best thing, of course, is not to get sick! So be sure to take care of your ears. Always wear a hat in the winter, carefully clean your ears from wax and do not start the disease.