Expert Care at Penn Highlands
Otorhinolaryngology is one of the most common healthcare specialties. It is a surgical subspecialty that deals with conditions of the ear, nose and throat, as well as issues related to the head, thyroid and parathyroid. Because of the emphasis on ear, nose and throat, medical experts in this field are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.
Patients who have an injury to the ear, nose or throat, who struggle with balance problems or dizziness may need to seek the care of an ENT physician. Our experienced team also treats patients with tonsil or adenoid infections, breathing problems, allergy and sinus issues, cleft palate, voice or swallowing problems, nose bleeds, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and much more.
The Penn Highlands providers offer a wide range of specialized care for adults and children in need of expert ENT care:
- Allergy Issues
- Deviated Septum
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Dizziness and Balance Disorders
- Ear Infection
- Ear Tubes
- Facial Nerve Disorders
- Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Hearing Issues
- Nasal Fracture
- Nasal Obstruction
- Sinus Disease
- Sinus Surgery
- Skin Cancer Excisions
- Sleep Apnea
- Thyroid/Parathyroid Surgery
- Tonsil/Adenoid Removal
What Is An Otolaryngologist?
Often referred to as an ears, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, this physician specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the ears, nose, throat, head, neck, thyroid and parathyroid.
What Are Common Reasons To See An ENT?
A primary care physician may refer you to an otolaryngologist for issues such as frequent sore throats, chronic coughs, ongoing nasal pressure or congestion, dizziness, swallowing issues, hearing loss, facial or neck lumps, snoring or sleep apnea.
What Types Of Treatments Do ENTs Prescribe?
Otolaryngologists use a broad range of medical and surgical treatments depending on the part of the body that needs medical attention. Non-surgical treatments could include medications, immunotherapy, hearing aids, CPAP and swallowing therapy while surgical treatments could include ear tubes, cochlear implants, sinus surgery, thyroid or parathyroid surgery, tumor removal or placement of an implantable device for sleep apnea.
Why Would I See An ENT For Thyroid Issues?
Otolaryngologists frequently treat thyroid issues due to their specialized training in surrounding areas of the body such as the larynx and vocal cords. They perform surgeries such as thyroidectomy for nodules or cancer, diagnosing lumps and managing related voice/swallowing problems.
What Is The Difference Between The Thyroid and Parathyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that produces hormones that control the body’s metabolism, energy use, growth and temperature. The parathyroid glands are four tiny pea-sized glands in the neck behind the thyroid that control the body’s calcium and phosphorous levels by producing parathyroid hormone.
What Are The Treatments For Sleep Apnea?
Many people receiving care for sleep apnea use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. The CPAP machine uses mild, steady air pressure that is delivered through a mask to keep the airways open. This helps prevent breathing pauses and snoring. Inspire sleep apnea therapy is one of the latest treatments. This implantable device works inside the body to keep the airways open during sleep by delivering mild stimulation to the tongue nerve.
