An ENT surgeon (Ear, Nose, and Throat) is a medical specialist who is trained to treat conditions related to the ears, nose, and throat. This can include problems with hearing, balance, smell, taste, speech, and swallowing.

ENT surgeons can perform a wide range of procedures, including tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, ear tube placement, sinus surgeries, and head and neck cancer surgeries.

Depending on the procedure, ENT surgeons may use local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation to keep patients comfortable during the procedure. Patient safety is always a top priority, and ENT surgeons take careful measures to monitor vital signs and ensure patient comfort.

In general, the treatment of sinusitis depends on the duration and severity of the symptoms. Most often multiple medications such as an antibiotic (fights bacterial infections), decongestant (allows drainage), mucolytic (thins mucus), corticosteroid (reduces inflammation), and nasal irrigation are prescribed. There are many appropriate medications in each of these categories and the best treatment plan must be individualized. Infrequently, sinus surgery is needed for acute uncomplicated sinusitis.

The two most common reasons for removal of tonsils and adenoids are recurrent infection despite antibiotic therapy, and difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids. Some orthodontists believe chronic mouth breathing from large tonsils causes malformations of the face and poor teeth alignment. Adenoids are very close to the Eustachian tube and when infected or enlarged can contribute to ear disease. Much more rarely, tonsils are removed to check for the possibility of cancer in patients with very asymmetric tonsils or other signs of malignancy.