what are ent disorders

ENT is a medical abbreviation for ears, nose and throat. A doctor who specializes in treating these disorders is called an “ENT,” or less commonly an otolaryngologist.

The ears, nose and throat are important parts of your body that are used on a daily basis. The ears are sensory organs that are not only related to hearing, but also function to provide you with a sense of balance.

The nose is also a sensory organ that not only provides your sense of smell, but also partially provides for your sense of taste. The nose also plays an important function in humidifying air as well as defensive mechanisms to preventing germs from entering the body. The throat provides the rout for both air to reach the lungs, as well as the route for food and water to enter your digestive tract.

Dysfunction to the ears, nose or throat can dramatically affect your quality of life and in some cases may constitute a medical emergency. If you have chronic ear, nose, or throat problems, it is advisable to not only see a primary care physician, but to also include an otolaryngologist in the management of your disorder.