Should I consult an ENT in case of any allergy-related symptoms?

Yes, if those symptoms affect the ear-nose-throat region, it is prudent to consult with an ENT specialist at the earliest.

Can ENT doctors also treat thyroid disorders?

ENT surgeons in Dubai also specialize in the treatment of head and neck ailments. Therefore, your ENT specialist will also be qualified to provide medical insight into thyroid problems.

Is sleep apnea curable?

There is no express cure for sleep apnea. However, through lifestyle changes and dedicated treatment prescribed by your ENT specialist, you can alleviate its symptoms to minimal degrees.

Do ENT doctors also perform plastic surgery?

Yes, ENT specialists provide insight, supervise, and even conduct specific reconstructive surgeries such as rhinoplasty.

Should I visit an ENT doctor in case of a sudden nosebleed?

If the nosebleed is unresponsive to basic first aid, you should treat it as a medical emergency and consult an ENT specialist as soon as possible.

One-stop Access to the Best ENT Specialists in the UAE

ENT is an abbreviation of Ear-Nose-Throat. ENT specialists are otherwise known as otolaryngologists. Though the common perception may be that they are just ear doctors, they treat a wide range of conditions in the interconnected areas of the oral/nasal cavities and the ear structures. The ear-nose-throat network houses some of the most intricate structures in the body, therefore requiring expert diagnosis and treatment beyond what an ear doctor or such can provide, especially in cases such as ear surgery.

An ENT specialist may also be called to advise on medical conditions affecting the head and neck areas, especially in high-profile cancer cases. Typically, practitioners in the ENT field specialize in outpatient consultation and inpatient surgeries in the ear, nose, and throat areas. There are many sub-specialties within the ENT field, diversified within the three primary organs it revolves around. Owing to this inherent complexity, you will also find ENT surgeons in multi-specialty hospitals to treat ear, nose, and throat issues.

To get a clear perspective on what medical issues the field’s specialty lies in, one must first get to know the ENT system on a deeper level. The interconnected physiology and functionality of the system illustrate the distinctions between an ENT doctor and a more focused specialist, such as an ear doctor. To put things in perspective, here is a breakdown of the common conditions ENT practitioners treat, listed based on the body part they pertain to.

- Ear: Our ears play a pivotal role in hearing and helping us maintain balance while moving about. Some common ear issues people consult with ENT specialists for include tinnitus, ear infections, eardrum trauma, loss of hearing, and vertigo.

- Nose: Being the primary site of our sense of smell, the nose is also the gateway to our windpipe, and filters out harmful pollutants from the air we breathe in. Most people visit their ENT specialist complaining of sinusitis, frequent nosebleeds, rhinitis, nasal allergies, and breathing difficulties.

- Throat: Your throat houses vital organs that enable communication, such as the larynx (voice box), tonsils, and adenoids. Common problems that ENT specialists treat are snoring, tonsillitis, sleep apnea, and vocal cord issues such as hoarse throat.

The three parts converge in the interconnected area of the oral and nasal cavity, ears, and voice box. Due to this interlinked nature, multiple symptoms often present themselves in chronic patterns. A prime example of this is the trio of cold, cough, and sore throat. You may also need to visit your ENT surgeon if you have a history of voice box issues. Treating these conditions requires a combination of treatments, ranging from over-the-counter medications to simple outpatient procedures performed at your ENT clinic.

Before approaching an ENT doctor, however, it is advisable to get a clear perspective on the nature of your ENT symptoms, to help your specialist arrive at an accurate diagnosis at the clinic.

When should I visit an ENT specialist in Dubai?

In a broad sense, you will visit an ENT specialist when you need a holistic solution to ailments and conditions such as the ones mentioned above. In minor instances such as wax removal, your general practitioner will be able to prescribe effective medication for the same. You will be referred to an ENT doctor to get a second opinion, or to diagnose a more prominent condition in your ears, nose, or throat.

ENT diseases can be categorized into two major brackets:

Chronic: Conditions like asthma and hay fever are chronic/seasonal and occur based on specific triggers. Consulting the best ENT doctors can provide long-term relief (and eventual treatment where possible) through various dedicated treatment procedures.
Acute: Some ENT conditions, such as ear infections and sinusitis typically occur as single instances and can be treated as such by ENT specialists, with prescription medication and treatment.

In terms of typical symptoms to look out for, you should keep an eye out for the following signs before your visit to an ENT doctor.

- Frequent infections in the ear/nose/throat

- Foreign bodies in the ear

- Incessant snoring/sleep apnea

- Suspected hearing impairment

- Sporadic wheezing/asthma bouts

- Voice box issues in the throat

Our homebrewed platform myAster grants its users access to a wide range of the best ENT specialists through one streamlined interface. In the portal, you can browse ENT specialists across our facilities in the GCC region based on specific factors and preferences for your convenience. Keeping accessibility in mind, myAster also provides you the option to schedule video consultations with ENT consultants for a truly streamlined appointment experience. Gain access to the best ENT doctors in Dubai within a few straightforward steps via myAster!

Common procedures and treatments

The range of treatment an ENT surgeon (or specialist) can prescribe extends well beyond mere OTC medication prescriptions and diagnoses. Following an initial survey of your apparent symptoms, your specialist will provide a dedicated treatment plan that considers your medical history, other allergies, severity of symptoms, and other factors for treatment with an individualized touch. Some common treatments and procedures prescribed by ENT specialists include:

- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery: This is a surgical procedure performed by your specialist to treat sinusitis when other methods prove ineffective. It is a minimally invasive procedure and can provide long-term relief from the condition.

- Tonsillectomy: If your tonsils become enlarged beyond a point, surgical removal might be necessary. Your ENT doctor will perform the procedure under general anesthesia, and ensure you are adjusting well during observation.

- Micro-laryngeal surgery: This non-invasive surgery is performed by your ENT specialist to operate on your vocal cords. It is often required in cases where breathing difficulty is a primary symptom.

- Tympanoplasty: To alleviate the impact of hearing loss due to eardrum damage, your ENT doctor can suggest an ear surgery known as tympanoplasty to reconstruct your eardrum. This surgery can also be extended to the small bones (ossicles) present inside your ear and is often accompanied by minor procedures such as wax removal.

- Sleep apnea treatment: Sleep apnea can be highly debilitating, depending on the degree and frequency of its occurrence. ENT specialists can provide dedicated treatment, adjusting the prescription based on how well you respond to the procedures.

The myAster application takes the hassle out of scheduling appointments with the best ENT specialists in Dubai and the UAE. With it, you can easily access a list of available ENT consultants, follow up with them on any pending appointments, and even schedule video consultations based on your preference. Choose the future of medical appointment coordination with myAster.

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