Otolaryngologists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing head and neck disorders that affect the ears, nose, sinuses, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), or jaws. They also offer a remedy to problems such as sinusitis and sleep apnea. There are different treatments they offer. Book an appointment with Alexis Furze, MD. Why should anyone visit an otolaryngologist?
Rhinoplasty Procedures
One of the most common surgeries performed by an otolaryngologist is rhinoplasty or nose reshaping. This procedure can reduce the size of your nose, change its shape considerably, or remove a bump on it.
Most procedures last between 2 and 4 hours. To achieve the desired results, doctors may cut bones in the nasal passage and then set them to create smooth curves. They could also break your nose’s bone structure, reshape cartilage, or make any other necessary changes.
After surgery, you will need to rest for at least 3-4 weeks before returning to work or school. You should also refrain from performing strenuous activities during this period. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight any infections, as well as painkillers for the first few days of recovery. After this, you should be able to manage any discomfort with over-the-counter medication.
Deviated Septum Treatment
If you have a deviated septum, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct it. Septoplasty is a procedure that straightens the septum, which is the wall of cartilage and bone in the middle of your nose that separates your nasal passages.
This surgery can improve your breathing as well as the appearance of your nose. It typically takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete, and you will be able to go home the same day.
Sinusitis Treatment
If you have sinusitis, your doctor will likely prescribe decongestant medication or antibiotics to clear up the disease. If this treatment does not work, however, surgery may be necessary. The type of operation you need often depends on how long you have had the condition.
Sinus procedures are usually performed using general anesthesia in a hospital operating room. A rhinologist inserts one or more small incisions inside your nose to reach affected tissue or bone that needs to be removed or corrected.
Depending on the extent of the surgery, your doctor may remove polyps from inside your sinuses, excise parts of the deviated septum at the front and back of the nasal cavities, and open blocked areas in the passageways.
Remedy for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
If you cannot stop snoring or fear that your partner is at risk of being injured during your sleep disorder episodes, see an otolaryngologist. This type of doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions that affect the respiratory system so he or she can look for underlying medical causes of your sleep apnea and offer a treatment plan to help you breathe normally throughout the night.
These experts can begin by exploiting conservative approaches such as weight management and guidance on sleeping habits. They can later proceed with invasive procedures such as rhinoplasty.
If you have sleep apnea, snoring and sinusitis, contact an otolaryngologist. As specialists in head and neck disorders that affect the ears, nose, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), or jaws, they can help diagnose what is wrong and find solutions to your problems.
