ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeons, also known as otolaryngologists, specialise in treating conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. These professionals play a significant role in diagnosing, treating, and managing various medical conditions affecting these areas. In Singapore, ENT surgeons, such as ear specialists, are in high demand due to the rise in related health issues.
Understanding what an ENT surgeon does and doesn’t do helps patients know what to expect when visiting one. This article breaks down the role of ENT surgeons, with a specific focus on their expertise and limitations.
What Does an ENT Surgeon Do?
ENT surgeons handle a broad spectrum of medical concerns. Their role involves both diagnosis and surgical treatment for conditions that affect the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck.
Ear Conditions
ENT surgeons often manage ear conditions such as hearing loss, ear infections, tinnitus, and balance disorders. An ear specialist in Singapore frequently performs procedures like tympanoplasty, a surgical repair of the eardrum, or cochlear implants to improve hearing. In addition, they treat chronic ear infections that do not respond to standard medical treatments. Ear specialists work to enhance hearing and balance, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.
Nose and Sinus Issues
ENT surgeons are also responsible for treating nasal conditions such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, and deviated septum. These conditions can lead to breathing difficulties, sleep disturbances, and chronic headaches. Sinus surgeries are common procedures ENT surgeons perform to relieve blockages in nasal pathways, ensuring that patients breathe easier and experience fewer symptoms. Furthermore, ENT surgeons manage allergies that exacerbate nasal and sinus conditions.
Throat Conditions
Throat conditions, including tonsillitis, voice disorders, and throat cancers, are also part of the ENT surgeon’s expertise. They often perform surgeries such as tonsillectomy or laryngoscopy to treat throat issues. ENT specialists help restore a patient’s voice and resolve swallowing difficulties, addressing conditions that can severely impact daily life.
Head and Neck Surgeries
ENT surgeons frequently perform complex head and neck surgeries, particularly those involving tumours or cysts. These specialists manage benign and malignant growths in areas such as the salivary glands, thyroid, or parathyroid glands. ENT surgeons work alongside oncologists to treat head and neck cancers, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care.
What ENT Surgeons Don’t Do
While ENT surgeons are highly skilled in their field, there are certain areas outside their expertise.
Non-Specialised Medical Conditions
ENT surgeons don’t handle general medical conditions such as cardiovascular issues, digestive disorders, or general infections unrelated to the ear, nose, or throat. These concerns fall under the purview of general practitioners or specialists in other medical fields.
Paediatric Care Outside
ENT-Related Conditions Although ENT surgeons treat children for conditions like ear infections or tonsillitis, they do not provide general paediatric care. Paediatricians manage non-ENT issues such as growth and development concerns or childhood vaccinations. While an ENT surgeon may collaborate with paediatricians for ear, nose, or throat issues, they do not offer comprehensive child healthcare.
ALSO READ: Paediatrics ENT: Common ENT Conditions in Children
Non-Surgical Treatments in Unrelated Areas
ENT surgeons focus primarily on their specialised areas of expertise. While they perform surgeries related to ear, nose, and throat conditions, they are not involved in cosmetic surgeries unrelated to these regions, such as breast augmentation or liposuction. Their training focuses exclusively on treating conditions within their scope, ensuring they deliver high-quality care within their field.
When to See an ENT Surgeon
Understanding when to see an ENT surgeon can prevent worsening symptoms and ensure timely treatment. Patients should seek an ENT surgeon’s expertise if experiencing chronic ear infections, hearing loss, nasal congestion, or throat pain that doesn’t respond to general treatment. Those struggling with snoring, sleep apnea, or recurrent sinus infections also benefit from consulting an ENT specialist.
Many ENT conditions are easily treatable when diagnosed early, so patients should not delay seeking medical advice. Ear specialists in Singapore offer advanced treatment options, and early intervention often prevents long-term complications.
Patients experiencing persistent ear, nose, or throat problems should consider consulting an ENT surgeon. For specialised care in Singapore, contact Dr Dennis Chua, a trusted ENT surgeon who provides comprehensive treatment for various ear, nose, and throat conditions.