Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Treatment

ENT (ear, nose and throat) is a medical specialty also known as otolaryngology. An ear, nose and throat doctor or otolaryngologist is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting these areas as well as related parts of the head and neck. They provide care for patients of all ages, managing essential functions like hearing, breathing, speaking and sleeping. 

At Nacogdoches Medical Partners, our ENT providers are dedicated to treating a variety of medical issues, such as ear infections, hearing loss, sinus problems, throat disorders and head and neck cancers. They offer both medical treatments and surgical interventions when necessary, depending on the condition and the patient’s specific needs. Whether addressing routine issues or providing more specialized care, the ENT specialists at Nacogdoches Medical Partners are committed to improving patients' quality of life.

What Does an Ear Nose and Throat Doctor Do?

An ENT (otolaryngology) doctor or otolaryngologist treats a variety of medical conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat and surrounding areas of the head and neck. Their care includes both medical and surgical treatments, tailored to address specific patient needs. Conditions ENT doctors treat include:

• Ears conditions related to hearing and balance
• Nose issues related to breathing and the sinuses
• Throat conditions that affect speaking, swallowing and breathing
• Head and neck conditions
• Sleep and breathing issues

What Are the ENT Disorders?

ENT disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat and surrounding structures in the head and neck. Below are some ear, nose and throat disorders:

Ear Disorders

• Ear infections
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo
• Earwax impaction
• Otosclerosis

Nose Disorders

• Nasal obstruction
• Sinusitis
• Rhinitis
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
• Post-nasal drip

Throat Disorders

• Sore throats and infections
• Tonsillitis
• Hoarseness (dysphonia)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
• Swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

Head and Neck Disorders

• Neck masses
• Graves' disease
• Head and neck cancers
• Facial trauma or deformities

Sleep and Breathing Disorders

• Snoring and sleep apnea
• Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing
• Nasal and airway obstruction

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Conditions

• Cleft lip and palate
• Nasal fractures
• Facial trauma and paralysis

Pediatric ENT Disorders

Children often need specialized care when it comes to ENT conditions, as their bodies and senses are still developing. A pediatric ENT provider may help treat:

• Ear infections
• Tonsillitis and adenoiditis
• Pediatric hearing loss
• Pediatric sinusitis
• Pediatric GERD

Tinnitus and Balance Disorders

ENT doctors also treat conditions affecting balance and the inner ear, such as:

• Tinnitus
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere’s disease
• Labyrinthitis

Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders

ENT doctors also treat conditions related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands, which are crucial for regulating metabolism and calcium levels in the body. Common conditions include:

• Goiter
• Hyperthyroidism
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid cancer
• Pediatric thyroid cancer

What Is ENT Treatment?

ENT treatment refers to the care provided by ENT doctors to address medical conditions affecting these areas, as well as the head and neck. ENT doctors use a combination of nonsurgical and surgical treatments depending on the condition, patient needs and severity of the issue. Here's an overview of what ENT treatment may involve: 

Nonsurgical Treatments

Many ENT conditions may be managed with medical therapies, lifestyle changes and other nonsurgical options. Common nonsurgical treatments include:

• Medications: For conditions such as infections, allergies or acid reflux, medications like antibiotics, antihistamines or antacids are often prescribed to reduce symptoms and inflammation.
• Sound-based and educational (SBE) therapy: For patients with tinnitus, ENT doctors often recommend sound therapy, counseling and stress management to help manage symptoms. This approach educates patients on how to use soothing sounds to reduce the perception of ringing in the ears.
• Hearing aids and devices: Patients with hearing loss can be fitted with hearing aids or other assistive devices to improve their ability to hear and communicate. Audiologists often work closely with ENT specialists to ensure the right solution is provided.
• Speech and swallowing therapy: Patients with vocal cord disorders, difficulty swallowing or speech issues may undergo therapy to strengthen muscles and improve function without the need for surgery.
  

Surgical Treatments

When nonsurgical treatments are not effective or the condition is severe, surgery may be recommended. ENT specialists are skilled surgeons who perform a variety of procedures, including:

• Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: Surgical removal of the tonsils or adenoids, often performed to address recurrent infections or breathing problems.
• ·Sinus surgery: For patients with chronic sinusitis or nasal obstructions, surgery can be done to open up blocked nasal passages and improve airflow. This may involve removing polyps, correcting a deviated septum or clearing sinus for nose infection treatment.
• Thyroid and parathyroid surgery: For patients with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism, ENT doctors may perform surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland or treat the parathyroid glands.
• Ear surgery: ENT providers can perform procedures for ear infection treatment, hearing loss correction or ruptured eardrum repair. Surgery may also be needed for conditions like otosclerosis or cholesteatoma.
• Reconstructive surgery: Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries may be done to repair damage from trauma or correct deformities such as cleft lip and palate. These procedures are also used for patients recovering from head and neck cancer.
• Sleep surgery: Patients with sleep apnea or snoring that doesn’t respond to other treatments may undergo surgery to remove obstructions or open up the airway, improving their ability to breathe during sleep.
  

Find an ENT Doctor

At Nacogdoches Medical Partners, our ENT services in Nacogdoches, TX are tailored to each patient’s needs, with a focus on restoring vital functions like hearing, breathing and swallowing. Whether through medical therapies, surgical procedures or a combination of both, our ENT doctors are dedicated to providing personalized care that aims to improve your health and overall well-being. Reach out to our team to find the right treatment and support for your specific condition.