The Ears, Nose and Throat

CEBU, Philippines – In our early years, we were taught of the basic parts of the body. We were fond of pointing our eyes, nose, ears and the other parts. We learned how these body parts function and how to take good care of them.

Every part of the body is important; each one has its specific functions and together they complement each other as well. Thus, taking good care of our body means taking good care of every part.

We sometimes just take for granted some body parts like, for instance, our ears, nose and throat. But these are very important. In fact, a particular branch of medical studies is devoted on them. It's called otolaryngology is the study of ear, nose, and throat conditions or ENT.

Physicians specializing in otolaryngology are called otolaryngologists or by the nickname "ENTs" or "ENT doctors" and often treat persons with persistent ear, nose, and throat conditions to include surgery. Treatments for sinus infections, age-related hearing loss, and cancers of these regions are attended to also.

The physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose throat, and related structures of the head and neck is an ear, nose and throat specialist, or ENT. This doctor has special expertise in managing problems concerning the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face.

The Ear

The unique domain of the ear, nose and throat specialist is treatment of ear disorders. This includes medical and surgical treatments for hearing disorders, ear infections, balance disorders, facial nerve or cranial nerve disorders, as well as management of congenital (birth)  defects and cancerous growths of the inner and outer ear

The Nose

Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is another area of expertise of the ENT specialist. Management of disorders of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, allergies, sense of smell, and nasal respiration (breathing), as well as the external appearance of the nose are part of an ENT's responsibility.

The Throat

Also specific to the ENT specialty is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero digestive tract or esophagus including disorders of the voice respiration (breathing), and swallowing.

The Head and Neck

The ENT specialist is also trained to treat infectious diseases in the rest of the head and neck area, like tumors (both benign and malignant or cancerous), facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They can perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Considering the great importance of ENT care, the late President Corazon C. Aquino signed Proclamation No. 501, designating the first week of December of every year as "Ear, Nose, Throat Consciousness Week."  Since the signing of the Proclamation in 1989, an extensive campaign has been waged in collaboration with private associations devoted to the field. Like with most ailments, the public is made aware of the importance of early detection, prevention and treatment of ear, nose, throat, head and neck diseases.