What is an ENT and why you may need one

The other day my daughter had an awful sore throat and instead of taking her to the doctor, someone recommended taking her to see an ENT. An ENT for that don’t know, is an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. Otolaryngologists as they are also referred to, manage and treat disorders of your neck and head which also include your sinuses, voice box, ears, and other structures. There is also a surgical specialty and ENT’s are trained in the medical and surgical management of disease. 

You may not when a good time to see an ENT or your regular doctor ( who also may refer you to see one anyways ) so here are a few reasons to visit one.

1. Hearing or Balancing Issue - If you’ve been feeling that you’ve been having some bad ear aches, dizziness or multiple ear infections I would suggest looking into seeing an ENT. A team of specialists is able to diagnose the ear condition by using advanced technology, resources and experience. Once they have a diagnosis, the physician will offer a treatment plan based on the latest protocol and your type of diagnoses. If you’ve had any balance disorder that causes you to have vision issues, vomiting, anxiety or decrease in your blood pressure this problem can be related to the ear, brain or nervous system but most common to be found in your inner ear.  Once the cause is diagnosed there will be an appropriate treatment plan that is right for you and put into place.

2. Swallowing Disorders- To some of us, it may be second nature to just eat and swallow food or sip your drink. We all may have some issues swallowing sometimes, such as trouble chewing a tough piece of meat or even gag on certain foods to get it down. I’m sure many have even had something ‘go down the wrong way’ and then make a coughing nose afterwards. A person that has a swallowing disorder will have trouble with this all the time. Swallowing actually happens in three stages and you could have an issue in one or more of these. The oral phase which is sucking, chewing, or moving food or liquid into your throat, the Pharyngeal phase which is starting the swallow and squeezing the food down the throat. Lastly there is the esophageal phase which is the opening and closing of the esophagus or the tube that goes from your mouth to your stomach. The esophagus squeezes the food down to the stomach and food could get stuck there or you may throw up alot.

3. Sleep Apnea and Snoring - If you’ve had difficulty sleeping at night or just feel tired at all hours of the day, a physician can help you get the good night sleep you are craving for. Perhaps your partner keeps telling you that your snoring is disrupting their sleep - the doctors  can diagnose the location of the problem ( which is generally in the nose or the back of the throat ) and offer multiple treatment options. When nasal obstruction causes snoring there is small in-office procedure that may be utilized to shrink the tissues in the sidewall of the nose and which in turn improves airflow and reduces snoring!  If sleep apnea is evident, they’ll help initiate a non surgical treatment such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ( CPAP ) or looking into surgical options if needed.

If you live in Roswell or Cumming area, one incredible team of ENT specialists are located at a company called WellStar Medical Group ENT. They offer a variety of services as stated of the three above including neck and head concerns, hearing aids, pediatric services, voice and swallowing, facial and plastic surgery and nasal and sinus concerns.

Image: WellStar Medical Group

There are a team of doctors that work at WellStar Medical Group. Dr. Andrew Diamond, MD is one of them who are extremely exceptional. Dr. Diamond chose to practice ENT because he wanted a chance to impact the lives of his patience as well as better the field. He graduated at the top of his class from Cornell Medical School and took his Otolaryngology Residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. He’s a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Member, Medical Association of Georgia and the Greater Atlanta Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Society. Dr. Diamond’s area of expertise includes general adult and pediatric otolaryngology with a special emphasis in head and neck cancer surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, snoring problems as well as ear surgery with a particular interest in cosmetic nasal surgery. He’s also Chairman of WellStar Ear, Nose and Throat.

Many testimonies share the improvement, care and professionalism that Dr. Diamond provides for his patience. One patient shared that they suffered from chronic sinus issues ( pain/pressure ) for over 10 years. Not only did Dr. Diamond give him his hope back but gave him his life back. He feels great and appreciates all the work that Dr. Diamond provided him. There are several more amazing testimonies that encourage and share their experiences working with Dr. Diamond as well as other members of his colleagues.

Be sure to book an appointment today with the friendly staff at WellStar Medical Group. You won’t be disappointed!