Main Purpose of an ENT Examination
The main purpose of an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) examination is to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases related to the ear, nose, and throat. An ENT examination enables specialists to:
- Determine the exact cause of symptoms: Identify specific problems causing symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, sinus issues, voice changes, swallowing difficulties, and other related symptoms.
- Establish an accurate diagnosis: Using various diagnostic methods such as audiometry, tympanometry, vestibulometry, endoscopy, and other tests, specialists can establish an accurate diagnosis.
- Prescribe appropriate therapy: Based on the diagnosis, the specialist can prescribe adequate therapy, which may include medications, surgical interventions, physical therapy, or other medical procedures.
- Monitor treatment progress: Regular ENT examinations allow for monitoring the effects of therapy and adjusting treatment according to the patient’s progress or changes in condition.
- Advise on preventive measures: Specialists provide advice on preventive measures that can help prevent the occurrence or worsening of problems with the ear, nose, and throat.
The goal of an ENT examination is to provide comprehensive care for patients with ear, nose, and throat diseases, improve their quality of life, and prevent complications that may arise from untreated or inadequately treated conditions.
When is an ENT Examination Necessary?
An ENT examination is necessary when symptoms indicating a possible disease or disorder in the ear, nose, or throat appear. This includes:
- Hearing loss
- Ear pain
- Chronic ear infections
- Sinus problems
- Voice changes
- Balance disorders
- Unexplained nosebleeds
- Swallowing problems
- Persistent nasal congestion
- Changes in the color or appearance of the skin on the face, neck, or scalp
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is recommended to schedule an examination with an ENT specialist for a thorough assessment and appropriate therapy.
What Does an Otorhinolaryngologist Do?
Otorhinolaryngology is a specialized field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the ear, nose, and throat area. Otorhinolaryngologists treat:
Ear (Otology): Infections, hearing loss, tinnitus, balance disorders, eardrum problems, ear tumors.
Nose (Rhinology): Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, polyps, deviated septum, nosebleeds, reduced airflow.
Throat (Laryngology): Throat infections, hoarseness, swallowing problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease, vocal cord polyps, throat tumors.
Examinations and Diagnostics at Puls Dedinje
Puls Dedinje is the first private center in Serbia for rapid diagnostics and management of almost all medical conditions. These are the diagnostic methods and examinations conducted by otorhinolaryngologists at Puls Dedinje:
- Tympanometry: A diagnostic method that examines the condition and function of the middle ear.
- Audiometry: A diagnostic procedure that examines hearing and determines the presence of hearing loss, as well as the location and degree of impairment.
- Vestibulometry: A diagnostic method that examines the function of the acoustic nerve responsible for hearing and balance.
- Ear irrigation: A simple and painless method that usually removes earwax from the ear canal.
- Microscopic ear examination: Otomicroscopy is an essential procedure in diagnosing and treating ear diseases, allowing the detection of pathological changes in the eardrum.
- Inhalation: A method that relieves unpleasant symptoms of respiratory infections, such as damage to the nasal, throat, and other respiratory tract mucosa.
- Secretion and cerumen aspiration from the ear: A supplementary therapy that releases pathological secretion using saline solutions and aspiration.
- Swabs from the throat, ear, nose, and tongue: Very important auxiliary diagnostic methods that check and determine the presence of bacteria and infection-causing agents. This is a very important step in treatment to ensure the physician applies the appropriate medication.
- Otoread or OAE or newborn hearing screening: The goal of this examination is to detect hearing impairment by the third month after birth so that treatment can begin as early as possible before speech formation.
- BERA test (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) for adults: BERA is an otoneurological test that examines the auditory function of the brainstem in response to sound stimuli. The test evaluates the speed of nerve impulse transmission through the auditory nerve.
What Does an ENT Specialist Examination Look Like?
An ENT specialist examination typically includes several steps to thoroughly examine the nasal cavity, throat, tongue, and ears.
Nasal cavity examination: The ENT specialist uses a speculum and otoscope, a small light source, to examine the nasal cavity. The doctor may also use an endoscope for a more detailed sinus examination.
Throat and tongue examination: The patient usually sits in a chair with their mouth open. The ENT specialist uses a wooden tongue depressor to examine the throat, tonsils, and tongue.
Ear examination: The ENT specialist uses an otoscope to examine the external ear and eardrum. This part of the examination is important for assessing hearing and detecting any ear problems.
How to Prepare for an ENT Examination?
Before going for an examination, bring any medical documentation related to previous findings or therapies concerning the ear, nose, or throat. Do not use ear cleaning products before the examination. The specialist will ask you questions about your symptoms, the duration of the problem, previous therapies, and past medical issues. Be prepared for additional tests such as audiometry or endoscopy.
Common Diseases Treated by an ENT Specialist
The diseases most commonly treated by an ENT specialist include:
- Sinusitis (sinus infection): An infection characterized by swollen sinus mucosa, reduced drainage, and fluid accumulation in the sinus cavity. Symptoms include pain in the forehead area, pain in the upper jaw teeth, facial swelling, and nasal congestion. It most commonly occurs after a cold or flu, and in individuals prone to allergies.
- Ear infections: One of the most common conditions for which patients seek otorhinolaryngologists. The ear is anatomically divided into the outer, middle, and inner ear, and ear infections are accordingly divided into outer, middle, and inner ear infections.
- Ear infections in children: Differentiated by location, duration, and cause. According to the location, infections occur in the outer, middle, and inner ear. According to the duration, infections can be acute or chronic, and according to the type of causative agent, infections can be viral, bacterial, or fungal.
Scheduling an ENT Examination
In Puls Dedinje, a special department within the Puls Cardiology Center focused on rapid diagnostics and management of almost all medical conditions, specialist ENT examinations are performed by Dr. Nevena Stošić, a specialist in otorhinolaryngology. Along with the ENT examination, Puls Dedinje patients can also undergo supplementary diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, pulmonologist examinations, and laboratory tests.
