ENT specialists treat disorders of the ear, nose and throat, including allergies.
ENT physicians diagnose and manage diseases of the upper pharynx (mouth and throat), larynx (voice box), sinus, oral cavity and structures of the face and neck. Physicians who practice otolaryngology are trained in both medicine and surgery; therefore, they can provide multi-faceted care to each patient without referral to another specialist. Allergies are reactionary responses to harmless substances in the environment. Sensitive individuals that are exposed to an allergen experience a series of irritating symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, running nose, rashes, fatigue or hives. ENT specialists often treat allergy sufferers due to symptomatic reactions directly affecting the ear, nose and throat.
ENT History
Otolaryngology is the oldest medical specialty in United States, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery. Some otolaryngology procedures date back as far as 3600 B.C., such as the tracheotomy (a surgical procedure that opens up the windpipe). And in America, the medical specialty began to flourish during the early nineteenth century. Moreover, the laryngoscope (a tool to view a patient's larynx) was introduced by Dr. Jacob Da Silva Solis-Cohen, an American physician, in 1858, which led to major breakthroughs in the field. By the early twentieth century, the Academy of Otolaryngology formed; however, currently it's known as the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery.
Many useful tools and procedures developed over the past 200 years due to imaginative practitioners in the field of otolaryngology, as well as the emergence of technology.
ENT Career Path
It takes approximately fifteen years to complete all the necessary requirements to become an ENT specialist. This includes four years as an undergraduate, four years of medical school and five years of specialty training. Then the physician must take and pass the American Board of Otolaryngology examination.
There are seven areas of specialty within the ENT medical profession. These subspecialty areas are pediatric otolaryngology (children), otology/neurotology (ears, balance and tinnitus), allergy, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck laryngology (throat) and rhinology (nose.)
ENT Doctors and Allergists
ENT specialists often work with allergists at public and private medical institutions across the United States. Allergists, like ENT doctors, can diagnose and treat different allergies but can not perform surgery. On the other hand, ENT doctors do not treat allergies that directly affect the eyes, whereas allergists do. Since these two medical specialties frequently overlap, allergy sufferers are wise to chose a practice that has both allergists and ENT doctors.
Allergies
Allergens are everywhere. The most common offenders are nuts, molds, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, insects and certain medications. Allergy symptoms range from mild to severe and can wreak havoc if left untreated. Fortunately, there are effective over-the-counter and prescription medications available. The most popular methods of treatment are antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops, leukotriene inhibitors (Singulair) and allergy shots. Allergy shots, known as Immunotherapy, are an option for those who suffer severe allergic responses.
Allergy Prevention
The best way to prevent allergies is total avoidance of the allergen. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, there are some simple ways to prevent allergies at home, work or school such as frequent cleaning, avoiding the outdoors during peak pollen times, reduce moisture to avoid mold and keeping pets out of the bedroom.
Tags: Academy Otolaryngology--Head, Academy Otolaryngology--Head Neck, allergy sufferers, American Academy, American Academy Otolaryngology--Head, four years
