Mid-Kansas Ear Nose & Throat is committed to providing innovative and
quality care for our patients. To obtain comprehensive information
regarding ear nose and throat conditions, we recommend you visit
www.entnet.org and view the information provided by the American Academy
of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.

What is an ENT specialist?
What special training was involved?
What are the seven areas of expertise?
What can you do to alleviate allergies?
What does an otolaryngologist do?

What is an ENT specialist?
An ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) is a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose and throat and related structures of the head and neck. ENTs have special expertise in managing diseases of the ears; nose and nasal passages; sinuses; larynx or voice box; oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat); as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT is the oldest medical speciality in the United States.

What special training was involved?
To qualify for certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology, an applicant must first complete college, medical school (usually four years) and at least five years of specialty training. Next, the physician must pass the American Board of Otolaryngology examination to be certified.

What are the seven areas of expertise?

• Otology/Neurotology. Medical and surgical treatment of diseases of the ear, including traumatic and cancerous disorders of the external, middle and inner ear, as well as the neural pathways for hearing and balance.
• Pediatric Otolaryngology. Medical and surgical treatment of diseases in the ears, nose and throat in children.
• Head and Neck Area. Medical and surgical treatment of cancer in the head and neck including mucosal, soft tissue and endocrine.
• Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Treatment of cosmetic, functional and reconstructive abnormalities of the face and neck.
• Rhinology. Medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the nose and sinuses.
• Laryngology. Medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the throat including the voice.
• Allergy. Medical treatment of inhalant allergies affecting the upper respiratory system.

What can you do to alleviate allergies?
The first line of defense is avoidance of allergens. Ideally you would live away from where your allergies occur - on a beach where you only breathe sea breezes or in the desert where nothing can grow. Unfortunately, this may not be practical. You could try the following:

• Rid your home of indoor plants, mildew and animals that produce dander.
• Change air filters monthly in the heating and air conditioning systems in your home or install an air purifier.
• Change feather pillows, woolen blankets and woolen clothing to cotton or synthetic materials such as Dacron.
• Use antihistamines and decongestants as necessary and as directed by your physician.
• Observe general good health practices:

• Stop smoking and avoid air pollutants
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a balanced diet
• Supplement your diet with vitamins, especially vitamin C

What does an otolaryngologist do?
A board certified otolaryngologist has been trained in medical and surgical skills to treat these areas of the head and neck:

• Skin & Face. Including cancer, cosmetic surgery (face lift, skin resurfacing, eyelid surgery) and rehabilitation of facial paralysis.
• Nose. Including allergy, sinus infection, breathing, tumors, cosmetic surgery and reconstruction and disorders of taste and smell.
• Ears. Including balance disorders, infections, tumors, repair of external ear deformities and hearing testing and treatment by surgery or with hearing aids.
• Mouth. Including fractures of the jaw and other facial bones, diseases of the mouth and repair of birth defects.
• Throat & Voice Box. Including swallowing and breathing problems, infections, tumors, birth defects, speech and voice diagnostics and therapy.
• Neck. Including tumors of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, saliva-producing glands and other neck tumors.