Otolaryngologist
Also known as otorhinolaryngolongists or ENT specialists, otolaryngolongists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat. After completing medical school, a one year residency in general surgery is compulsory further followed by four years of residency in otolaryngology. Being specialists in the ENT organs, otolaryngolongists perform the following functions:
- Primarily treat disorders related to ear, nose, and throat.
- Treat conditions like sinus and problems with nasal cavities by either prescribing medicines or performing surgery.
- They treat allergies and help improve the shape and look of the nose (rhinoplasty).
- They treat hearing problems, ear infections, balance disorders of the ears, tinnitus (ear noise), cranial nerve disorder etc.
- They treat conditions like sleep apnea.
- They cure tonsils either through medication or surgery, they treat throat disorders including voice and swallowing disorders.
Modern techniques used in the field of otolaryngology
ENT field has seen a lot of innovations in use of equipments and technology, modern methods have paved avenues for better treatment methods.
- Modern equipments have paved ways for these specialists to perform reconstructive surgeries for nose, jaw, ear and facial areas.
- RAST (radio-allergosorbent-test) is used for curing allergies.
- Technique called the skin endpoint titration is used to cure allergies.
- Endoscope technique is used to treat sinus and other blockages.
- Modern audio logic equipment is used to diagnose and treat hearing problems.
Guide to choose the right otolaryngologist
- Ask your family physician to refer to the right specialist.
- Check if the specialist you have chosen is certified by an authorized board.
- Check if the hospital where your specialist practices has the required infrastructure and modern equipments needed for your treatment.
Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. Possible allergies could be some drug, food or insect bites. The body reacts very soon and results in symptoms such as abdominal cramps, difficulty in breathing, fainting, anxiety and tightening of the airways. Immediate treatment is needed. There is loss of blood pressure and the body is in shock. There might be raised bumps over the body.
Immunologist
An Immunologist can be described as a medical specialist trained to prevent, diagnose, manage and treat diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system. Immunologists are highly qualified and trained to treat immune system disorders such as allergies, asthma, inherited immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune diseases. Clinical immunologists and allergy specialists undergo similar training as with any other medical specialists. After completion of four years of premedical education at a college or university, they receive atleast four years of medical school education. After receiving general training in internal medicine, they receive additional training in immunology and allergy areas. Immunologists are involved in a gamut of work areas, in hospitals, private practice, diagnostic immunology laboratories, research centers and industrial houses. The medical immunologist or allergy specialist primarily identifies and treats the diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system.
- Patients are referred by a general physician for further diagnosis, confirmation and management of clinical disorders of the immune system.
- Patients seeking the advice of an immunologist for education regarding disorders of the immune system.
- Patients suffering from life threatening allergies such as anaphylaxis.
- When food or occupational allergy is suspected, the patient is referred to an immunologist.
- When a physician contemplates immunotherapy for treatment of allergic diseases, the patient is sent to the immunologist.
- Patients suffering from asthma exhibiting continuing poor control despite regular use of asthma medication.
- Patients with unexplained inflammation such as fevers of unknown origin, unexplained fevers, weight loss.
- For investigation of recurrent or unusual opportunistic infections.
Bibliography / Reference
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