Otolaryngologist
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An otolaryngologist is a medical specialist focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the ear, nose, throat, larynx, and other structures of the head and neck. This field is known as otorhinolaryngology (from the Greek: otos - ear, rhinos - nose, larynx - larynx). An otolaryngologist diagnoses both acute and chronic conditions, ranging from upper respiratory tract infections to hearing, voice, and breathing disorders. Their expertise also includes diagnostic and surgical procedures, such as endoscopic procedures and surgeries involving the sinuses, nasal septum, and palatine tonsils.
Otolaryngologist – who is that
A laryngologist is a doctor who, after completing medical studies, has undergone several years of specialization in the field of otorhinolaryngology. The training includes both internal medicine and surgical aspects since many conditions require surgical treatment.
This specialist deals with anatomical structures including:
- the outer, middle, and inner ear (organ of hearing and balance),
- the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses,
- the throat and palatine tonsils,
- the larynx (voice organ),
- selected areas of the neck and skull base.
In clinical practice, a laryngologist performs, among others:
- otoscopic examination (assessment of the auditory canal and tympanic membrane),
- rhinoscopy (assessment of the nasal cavity),
- fibroscopy or videolaryngoscopy (endoscopic assessment of the throat and larynx),
- audiometry (hearing test),
- tympanometry (assessment of middle ear function).
Modern otorhinolaryngology also includes subspecialties such as:
- otology (ear diseases),
- rhinology (diseases of the nose and sinuses),
- pediatric laryngology,
- head and neck surgery (including cancer treatment).
Otolaryngologist - what do they treat
The range of conditions diagnosed and treated by an otolaryngologist is broad and includes both infectious, inflammatory, as well as neoplastic or traumatic diseases.
The most common problems treated by an otolaryngologist:
1. Ear diseases:
- external and middle ear infections,
- exudative otitis media,
- perforation of the tympanic membrane,
- conductive and sensorineural hearing loss,
- tinnitus,
- dizziness (labyrinth disorders).
2. Nose and sinus diseases:
- acute and chronic sinusitis,
- deviated septum,
- nasal polyps,
- allergic and non-allergic rhinitis,
- nosebleeds.
3. Throat and larynx diseases:
- recurrent tonsillitis,
- enlargement of the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils (so-called adenoid),
- hoarseness and voice disorders,
- vocal nodules,
- laryngopharyngeal reflux,
- laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers.
It is important to note that chronic hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks, unilateral hearing loss, hemoptysis, or difficulty swallowing require urgent specialist consultation. Early diagnosis is crucial, especially in the context of head and neck cancers.
Otolaryngologist – privately or through the National Health Fund (NFZ)
In Poland, an ENT consultation can take place within the public healthcare system (NFZ) or in private facilities.
NHS Visit
- Requires a referral from a primary care physician (except in emergency situations).
- Waiting time can be extended – from a few weeks to several months, depending on the region.
- The scope of diagnostics may be limited by the availability of equipment and the scheduling of additional tests.
Private Visit
- Does not require a referral.
- The appointment is usually sooner.
- It is possible to perform extended diagnostics during a single visit (e.g., fibroscopy, hearing test).
- The cost of the consultation depends on the city and the scope of tests.
The choice of consultation form should take into account:
- urgency of the problem,
- severity of symptoms,
- need for rapid diagnostics,
- availability of specialist tests.
In case of alarming symptoms (sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, neck swelling, difficulty breathing), immediate medical assistance is recommended, regardless of the funding method.
