Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctors, also known as otolaryngologists, specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck. Given the complexity and interconnectedness of these areas, ENT doctors play a crucial role in managing a wide range of medical issues that can significantly impact a person’s health and quality of life. They do more than treat ailments as they also enhance our ability to engage with the world by ensuring that every note of conversation, every scent, and every breath taken is experienced with comfort and clarity. Read this article to find out what an ENT doctor in Singapore does, the type of procedures that they can offer, and the conditions they treat.
What do ENT doctors do?
ENT doctors in Singapore possess specialized knowledge and skills to address a variety of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures, which general practitioners may not be fully equipped to handle. Common issues treated by ENT doctors include chronic sinusitis, hearing loss, sleep apnea, allergies, voice disorders, and head and neck cancers.
Regular visits to an ENT doctor can lead to the early detection and prevention of serious conditions. For example, routine hearing tests can identify hearing loss at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention. Similarly, ENT doctors can detect early signs of head and neck cancers, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Furthermore, chronic conditions such as sinusitis, allergies, and sleep apnea require ongoing management to prevent complications and improve daily functioning. ENT doctors develop long-term treatment plans to manage these conditions effectively, helping patients lead healthier lives.
Types of ENT procedures
ENT doctors perform a variety of procedures, ranging from non-invasive treatments to complex surgeries. Some of the most common ENT procedures include:
Ear procedures such as tympanoplasty, myringotomy, and cochlear implant surgery.
Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane). It aims to improve hearing and prevent recurrent ear infections. The surgery involves grafting tissue to close the hole in the eardrum.
Myringotomy involves making a small incision in the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear. Tube insertion, also known as tympanostomy, involves placing small tubes in the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear and prevent fluid buildup. This procedure is commonly performed in children with recurrent ear infections or chronic otitis media.
Cochlear implant surgery is performed to provide hearing to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. The procedure involves implanting a device that directly stimulates the auditory nerve, bypassing damaged parts of the inner ear. Cochlear implants can significantly improve hearing and communication abilities.
Nose and sinus procedures such as FESS, septoplasty, and rhinoplasty.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic sinusitis and other sinus conditions. The surgery involves using an endoscope to visualize the sinuses and remove obstructions, such as polyps or infected tissue, to improve sinus drainage and function.
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum, which can cause nasal obstruction and breathing difficulties. The surgery involves repositioning or removing parts of the septum to create a straighter and more open nasal passage.
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose for cosmetic or functional reasons. Functional rhinoplasty may be performed to improve breathing, correct deformities, or repair damage from trauma.
Throat procedures such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, laryngoscopy, and esophagoscopy.
Tonsillectomy involves the removal of the tonsils, while adenoidectomy involves the removal of the adenoids. These procedures are commonly performed to treat recurrent throat infections, obstructive sleep apnea, and breathing difficulties in children and adults.
Laryngoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a scope to visualize the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords. It is used to diagnose and treat voice disorders, throat cancers, and other laryngeal conditions. The procedure can be performed using a flexible or rigid scope.
Esophagoscopy involves using an endoscope to visualize the esophagus and diagnose conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal strictures, and tumors. The procedure can also be used to remove foreign objects from the esophagus.
Head and neck procedures such as thyroidectomy, parotidectomy, and neck dissection.
Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. It is performed to treat thyroid cancer, benign thyroid nodules, and hyperthyroidism. The surgery may involve removing one lobe (lobectomy) or the entire gland (total thyroidectomy).
Parotidectomy is the surgical removal of the parotid gland, a major salivary gland located near the ear. The procedure is typically performed to remove tumors, both benign and malignant, from the parotid gland.
This is a surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes and surrounding tissue in the neck to treat head and neck cancers. The surgery aims to prevent the spread of cancer and improve the chances of successful treatment.
What happens during a consultation with an ENT doctor in Singapore
The consultation with an ENT doctor typically begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. The doctor will ask questions about the patient’s ear, nose, and throat issues, as well as any related symptoms such as hearing loss, nasal congestion, or throat pain. The purpose of the initial assessment is to help he doctor understand the patient’s condition and identify potential underlying causes.
A physical examination is also an essential part of the consultation. The ENT doctor will perform a detailed examination of the ears, nose, throat, and neck. This may include:
- Otoscopy: This test uses an instrument called otoscope to examine the ear canal and eardrum.
- Nasal endoscopy: This test refers to the process of inserting a thin, flexible scope into the nasal passages to visualize the sinuses and nasal cavity.
- Throat examination: A tongue depressor and a light are used to examine the throat and tonsils.
- Neck palpation: The ENT doctor feels the neck for lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities.
Depending on the patient’s symptoms and initial findings, the ENT doctor may order additional diagnostic tests. Common tests include:
- Hearing tests (audiometry): This test is done to assess hearing function and identify hearing loss.
- Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI are used to visualize the sinuses, ear structures, or throat.
- Allergy testing: This test helps identify potential allergens causing nasal or sinus symptoms.
- Swallowing studies: This test is performed to evaluate swallowing function and identify any abnormalities.
After completing the assessment and diagnostic tests, the ENT doctor will discuss the diagnosis and treatment options with the patient. This discussion may include:
- Medical treatments such as medications, nasal sprays, or allergy management.
- Lifestyle modifications involve recommendations for diet, hydration, or environmental changes.
- Minimally invasive procedures such as myringotomy, nasal endoscopy, or injections.
- If necessary, the ENT doctor will explain the surgical procedures, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
Dr Soma Subramaniam MBBCH (IRE), DOHNS(ENG), MMED-ORL(NUS), FRCS-ORL(ENG)
Consultant ENT Specialist and Surgeon
321 Joo Chiat Place #05-01 Parkway East Specialist Hospital
Singapore 427990
290 Orchard Road #09-01 Paragon Medical Centre
Singapore 238859
+65 9856 8391 (Calls Only Available During Clinic Opening Hours)
+65 9856 8391 (Messaging Only, No Calls)
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