Otolaryngology (also known as ENT or Ear, Nose, and Throat) is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the head and neck. This includes disorders of the ear, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), esophagus, and other structures in the head and neck region.
ENT specialists are trained in both medical and surgical management of these conditions. Medical management includes the use of medications to treat infections or inflammation. Surgical management may involve procedures such as removing adenoids or tonsils, performingEar tubesplacement , correcting birth defects involving the head and neck region, or treating cancerous tumors in the head and neck area.
The field of otolaryngology has many subspecialties including: allergic rhinitis & immunology; facial plastic & reconstructive surgery; laryngology; otology/neurotology; pediatric otolaryngology; rhinology; sleep medicine
Otolaryngologists are often referred to as ENT physicians. They complete 4 years of medical school followed by 5-6 years of residency training in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. After completing their residency training, some ENT physicians choose to further their education by completing a 1-2 year fellowship in a subspecialty area such as allergy/immunology, facial plastics & reconstructive surgery, laryngology, otology/neurotrology, pediatrics or sleep medicine.