About Otolaryngology
ENT Code Of Ethics
The Statement
of Principles and Code of Ethics articulate principles of conduct that are
deemed appropriate and acceptable by the American Academy of
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. The statements and
principles contained herein are not laws, but rather guidelines for
honorable behavior.
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History of the AAO-HNS/F
The American
Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery/Foundation traces its roots
back to 1896.
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How to Find Reliable ENT Info
The Internet
is a powerful tool and an excellent source for all types of information.
Many Internet sites contain information about medical conditions and health
care.
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Take our Fact and Fiction Quiz
Test your
knowledge of common ear, nose and throat disorders and their treatment.
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What Is An Otolaryngologist?
Otolaryngology
is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are
physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of
patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and
related structures of the head and neck.
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Allergies
Allergies and Hay Fever
Hay fever
describes the symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, uncontrollable
sneezing and sometimes itching of the skin.
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Antihistamines, Decongestants, and "Cold" Remedies
Drugs for
stuffy nose, sinus trouble, congestion, and the common cold constitute the
largest segment of the over-the-counter market for America's pharmaceutical
industry. When used wisely, they provide welcome relief for at least some of
the discomforts that affect almost everyone occasionally and that affect
many people chronically.
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Balance
Dizziness and Motion Sickness
Each year
more than two million people visit a doctor for dizziness, and an untold
number suffer with motion sickness, which is the most common medical
problem associated with travel.
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Meniere's Disease
Meniere’s
disease, also called idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops, is a disorder of
the inner ear. Although the cause is unknown, it probably results from
an abnormality in the fluids of the inner ear.
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Why Do We Fall?
Every year
more than two million Americans fall and sustain serious injury, costing
in excess of $3 billion dollars. Hidden costs include pain, disability,
lawsuits, deterioration in general well-being, and the impact on other
family members.
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Ears
Cholesteatoma
A
cholesteatoma is a skin growth that occurs in an abnormal location, the
middle ear behind the eardrum. It is usually due to repeated infection,
which causes an ingrowth of the skin of the eardrum.
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Cochlear Implants
A cochlear
implant is an electronic device that restores partial hearing to the deaf.
It is surgically implanted in the inner ear and activated by a device worn
outside the ear.
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Ear Infections and Earache
Otitis media
means inflammation of the middle ear. The inflammation occurs as a result of
a middle ear infection, and can occur in one or both ears. Otitis media is
the most frequent diagnosis recorded for children who visit physicians for
illness.
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Ears and Altitude
Ear problems
are the most common medical complaint of airplane travelers, and while they
are usually simple, minor annoyances, they occasionally result in temporary
pain and hearing loss.
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Earwax
Never put
anything smaller than your elbow in your ear! Cotton swabs are for cleaning
bellybuttons-not ears. You have probably heard these admonitions from
relatives and doctors since childhood…find out what they meant.
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How
the Ear Works
The ear has
three main parts: the outer, middle and inner ear.
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Perforated Eardrum
A perforated
eardrum is a hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates
the ear canal and the middle ear. The medical term for eardrum is tympanic
membrane.
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Plastic Surgery of the Ear
Protruding and
drooping ears or torn earlobes can be surgically corrected. These procedures
do not alter the patient's hearing, but they may improve appearance and
self-confidence.
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Swimmer's Ear
If you already
have an ear infection, or if you have ever had a perforated or otherwise
injured eardrum, or ear surgery, you should consult an ear, nose, and throat
specialist before you go swimming and before you use any type of ear drops.
If you do not know if you have or ever had a perforated, punctured,
ruptured, or otherwise injured eardrum, ask your ear doctor.
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Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic Surgery of the Ear
Protruding
and drooping ears or torn earlobes can be surgically corrected. These
procedures do not alter the patient's hearing, but they may improve
appearance and self-confidence.
more...
Surgery of the Nose
Each year
thousands of people undergo surgery of the nose. Nasal surgery may be
performed for cosmetic purposes, or a combination procedure to improve
both form and function.
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Head and Neck Surgery
Fine Needle Aspiration
Fine needle
aspiration (FNA) is a technique that allows a biopsy of various bumps and
lumps. It allows for microscopic analysis and accurate diagnosis of a number
of problems.
more...
Head and Neck Cancer
More than
55,000 Americans will develop cancer of the head and neck (most of which is
preventable) this year; nearly 13,000 of them will die from it. Tobacco is
the most preventable cause of these deaths.
more...
Secondhand Smoke and Children
Secondhand
smoke is a combination of the smoke from a burning cigarette and the smoke
exhaled by the smoker. Over 4,000 chemicals have been identified in it, and
at least 43 of these cause cancer.
more...
Spit Tobacco - It's No Game
Spit tobacco
contains chemicals, including nuclear waste, embalming fluid, nicotine, and
lead. It’s not a safe alternative to smoking; health problems simply move
from your lungs to your mouth.
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Hearing Health Information
Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease
Autoimmune
inner ear disease (AIED) is an inflammatory condition of the inner ear.
It occurs when the body's immune system attacks cells in the inner ear
that are mistaken for a virus or bacteria.
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Buying a Hearing Aid
An
otolaryngologist, audiologist, or an independent dispenser can dispense
aids. Hearing aids should be custom fitted to your ear and hearing
needs.
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Five Minute Hearing Test
A Five
Minute Hearing Test
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Hearing Health Center
Nearly 30
million Americans have impaired hearing. The most common cause of
hearing loss in children is otitis media. For the elderly, the largest
group affected, excessive noise, drugs, toxins, and heredity are the
most frequent contributing factors.
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Infant Hearing Loss
More than
three million American children have a hearing loss. An estimated 1.3
million of these children are under three years of age.
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Noise & Hearing Protection
One in 10
Americans has a hearing loss that affects his or her ability to
understand normal speech. Excessive noise exposure is the most common
cause of hearing loss.
more...
Tinnitus
Tinnitus
is the name for ringing in the ears, and these head noises are very
common. Nearly 36 million Americans suffer from this discomfort.
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Your Child & Hearing Loss
So Your
Child has a Hearing Loss: Next Steps for Parents is a booklet published
by the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing (AGBell). The AAO-HNS is posting this online version of the
booklet as a service to our members' patients.
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Nose
Nosebleeds
Insight
into care and prevention of epistaxis (nosebleeds).
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Post-Nasal Drip
The glands
in your nose and throat continually produce mucus (one to two quarts a
day). It moistens and cleans the nasal membranes, humidifies air, traps
and clears inhaled foreign matter, and fights infection.
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Surgery of the Nose
Each year
thousands of people undergo surgery of the nose. Nasal surgery may be
performed for cosmetic purposes, or a combination procedure to improve
both form and function.
more...
You and Your Stuffy Nose
Nasal
congestion, stuffiness, or obstruction to nasal breathing is one of
man's oldest and most common complaints. While it may be a mere nuisance
to some persons, to others it is a source of considerable discomfort,
and it detracts from the quality of their lives.
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Your Nose: The Guardian of Your Lungs
Why is
your nose important? How does it protect your lungs? Click here to
find out.
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Sinus Information
20 Questions about Your Sinuses
This fact
sheet answers some of the most commonly asked questions about sinusitis and
your sinuses. Downloadable version provided.
more...
Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis, and Rhinosinusitis
Find out more
about allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and
rhinosinusitis.
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Antibiotics and Sinusitis
Learn about
the use of antibiotics for treatment of sinusitis.
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Build Your Own Sinus Mask
Click here to
learn how you can build your own sinus mask!
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Deviated Septum
The shape of
your nasal cavity could be the cause of chronic sinusitis.
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Do I Have Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is
inflammation of the lining membrane of any sinus. Take this simple quiz to
see if you have sinusitis.
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Doctor, What Is Sinusitis?
Have you ever
had a cold or allergy attack that wouldn't go away? Gain insight into sinus
problems in adults and children.
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Fungal Sinusitis
Fungal
sinusitis is a serious condition that may require surgical treatment.
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Normal Sinuses
See a diagram
of the sinuses.
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Pediatric Sinusitis
Unlike in
adults, pediatric sinusitis is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be
subtle and the causes complex.
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Sinus Headaches
What should
you do about your sinus headache? Find out here.
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Sinus Pain - Can Over-the-Counter Medications Help?
There are many
different OTC medications available to relieve the common complaints of
sinus pain and pressure, allergy problems, and nasal congestion.
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Sinus Surgery
There are
occasions when physician and patient find that the infections are recurrent
and/or non-responsive to the medication. When this occurs, surgery to
enlarge the openings that drain the sinuses is an option.
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Sinusitis: Special Considerations for Aging Patients
For the most
part, sinusitis symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment are the same for the
elderly as other adult age groups. However, there are special considerations
for older Americans.
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Tips for Sinus Sufferers
A quick guide
for those who may be suffering from sinusitis.
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Virtual Sinus Lab
Welcome to Dr.
Peter Casano's virtual sinus laboratory. Browse these 3D virtual reality
sinus pictures to learn about the inside of your nose and sinuses.
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Snoring and Sleep Disorders
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous
Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) delivers air into your airway through a
specially designed nasal mask or pillows; it's considered the most
effective nonsurgical treatment for the alleviation of snoring and
obstructive sleep apnea.
more...
Diet and Exercise Tips
Excessive
body weight contributes to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, in
addition to being a major influence on general health and well-being.
This page contains helpful diet and exercise tips.
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Injection Snoreplasty
Injection
snoreplasty is a nonsurgical treatment for snoring that involves the
injection of a hardening agent into the upper palate.
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Laser Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty (LAUP)
Some 45
percent of normal adults snore at least occasionally, and 25 percent are
habitual snorers. Problem snoring is more frequent in males and
overweight persons and it usually grows worse with age.
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Snoring: Not Funny, Not Hopeless
The noisy
sounds of snoring occur when there is an obstruction to the free flow of
air through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. Snoring
occurs when these structures strike each other and vibrate during
breathing.
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Throat
Doctor, Explain Tonsils and Adenoids
Tonsils
and adenoids are near the entrance to the breathing passages where they
can catch incoming germs, which cause infections. They "sample" bacteria
and viruses and can become infected themselves.
more...
Laryngeal (Voice Box) Cancer
This fact
sheet provides information on the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of
laryngeal (voice box) cancer.
more...
Salivary Glands
Your
Salivary Glands are found in and around your mouth and throat. They all
secrete saliva into your mouth, but in different ways.
more...
Sore Throats
Sore
throat is a symptom of many medical disorders. Infections cause the
majority of sore throats and are contagious.
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Voice
Doctor, Why Am I Hoarse?
Hoarseness
is a general term that describes abnormal voice changes. When hoarse,
the voice may sound breathy, raspy, strained, or there may be changes in
loudness or pitch. more
. . .
Maintaining a Healthy Voice
This fact
sheet offers tips on how to keep your voice healthy and how to know if
you may have voice problems. more
. . .
The Most Common Voice Disorders
Most
changes in the voice result from a medical disorder. Failure to seek a
physician’s care can lead to hoarseness and more serious problems such
as those discussed in this fact sheet. more
. . .You and Your Voice
What is
the definition of voice? How do you know if you have a voice problem?
Read this fact sheet to find the answers to these and other basic
questions about your voice. more
. . . |
Swallowing
Doctor, I Have Trouble Swallowing
Difficulty
in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially the
elderly. The term dysphagia refers to the feeling of difficulty passing
food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach.
more.
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Thyroid / Parathyroid
Fine Needle Aspiration
Fine needle
aspiration (FNA) is a technique that allows a biopsy of various bumps and
lumps. It allows for microscopic analysis and accurate diagnosis of a number
of problems.
more...
Your Thyroid Gland
Your thyroid
gland makes hormones to regulate physiological functions in your body. It is
located in the middle of the lower neck, below the voice box and above your
collarbones.
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Tobacco and Cancer
Head and Neck Cancer
More
than 55,000 Americans will develop cancer of the head and neck (most
of which is preventable) this year; nearly 13,000 of them will die
from it. Tobacco is the most preventable cause of these deaths.
more...
Secondhand Smoke and Children
Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke from a burning
cigarette and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. Over 4,000 chemicals
have been identified in it, and at least 43 of these cause cancer.
more...
Spit Tobacco - It's No Game
Spit
tobacco contains chemicals, including nuclear waste, embalming
fluid, nicotine, and lead. It’s not a safe alternative to smoking;
health problems simply move from your lungs to your mouth.
more...
Videos detailing the perils of exposing children to secondhand
smoke and the risks of smokeless tobacco use are available for purchase in
the Academy store. Click
here
for more information.
|
En
Español
Other Otolaryngology Topics
Doctor, What Is Bell's Palsy?
Twitching,
weakness, or paralysis of the face are symptoms of a disorder involving the
facial nerve, not a disease in itself, and can result from infection,
injury, or tumors.
more...
Doctor, What Is TMJ?
You use it
hundreds of times every day: the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ), the joint
where the the lower jaw joins the temporal bone of the skull on each side of
your head.
more...
Fever Blisters and Canker Sores
If you have
been bothered by a sore in your mouth that made it painful to eat and talk,
you are not alone. Many otherwise healthy people suffer from recurrent mouth
sores.
more...Know the Score on Facial Sports Injuries
On the up
side, sporting activities like basketball, soccer, and baseball are good
exercise and are enjoyed by thousands of Americans. On the down side, they
can result in a variety of injuries to the face.
more...Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is
a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of
your skin. There are several types of cancer that originate in the skin.
more...Smell and Taste Disorders
Smell and
taste problems can have a big impact on our lives. Because these senses
contribute substantially to our enjoyment of life, our desire to eat, and be
social, smell and taste disorders can be serious.
more... |
* Other Special Patient Education Features *
Kids E. N. T. Health
(
http://www.entnet.org/kidsent/
)
News You Can Use
(http://www.entnet.org/KidsENT/news.cfm)
All About Ears
(http://www.entnet.org/KidsENT/ears_index.cfm)
Know Your Nose
(http://www.entnet.org/kidsent/nose_index.cfm)
Throat Trouble
(http://www.entnet.org/kidsent/throat_index.cfm)
Just for Kids
(http://www.entnet.org/KidsENT/kids.cfm)
For Doctors
(http://www.entnet.org/kidsent/doctors.cfm)
Online Movies
(http://www.entnet.org/kidsent/movies.cfm)
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