ENT SPECIALTIES

ENT (Otolaryngology) Doctors in Wilmington, NC

Wilmington ENT Specializing in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Disorders, as well as Head, Neck, Nasal and Sinus Surgery including pediatrics.

Did you know that more than 50% of all physician office visits are for ENT problems?

What is an ENT Specialist? 

An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) is a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. They have special expertise in managing diseases of the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. ENT is the oldest medical specialty in the United States.

ENT, Head, & Neck Issues 

Please note that the common issues listed below are meant to provide an educational resource to patients. It is not a substitute for advice from a medical professional at Wilmington ENT Associates, P.A. 

The Ear 

The unique domain of the ear, nose, and throat specialist is the treatment of ear disorders. This includes medical and surgical treatment for hearing disorders, ear infections, balance disorders, facial nerve or cranial nerve disorders, and management of congenital (birth) and cancerous disorders of the outer and inner ear.

Common Ear Issues

  • Hearing Loss

    This is a common problem as we get older. Wilmington ENT provides hearing tests and distributes hearing aids if recommended. 

  • Dizziness

    If you feel dizzy and have balance issues, you may be suffering from a vestibular disorder. This can greatly impact your ability to balance and orientation.

  • Tinnitus

    If you constantly experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears, this could be tinnitus. While a common issue, it can be difficult to diagnose. 

  • Ear Infections

    Ear infections are extremely common for infants, but adults can get them too. Ear pain, discharge, and ear pressure are common ear infection symptoms. 

The Throat

Also specific to the ENT specialty is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aerodigestive tract or esophagus, including disorders of voice respiration (breathing) and swallowing.

Common Throat Issues

  • Sleep Apnea & Snoring

    Loud snoring can point to symptoms of obstructed airways. Along with snoring, other common sleep apnea symptoms include gasping for air while sleeping, difficulty staying asleep, and dry mouth when awakening. 

  • Tonsilitis

    Frequent sore throats, painful swallowing, and inflamed tonsils all point to tonsilitis. While it can go away on its own, our physicians may recommend a tonsillectomy as a treatment depending on the diagnosis.

  • Swallowing Problems

    Dysphagia is a common disorder that can be caused by acid reflux. Symptoms can include difficulty and pain while swallowing. 

The Nose

Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of the ENT specialist. Management of disorders of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, allergies, sense of smell, and nasal respiration (breathing), as well as the external appearance of the nose, are part of an ENT physician's area of expertise.

Common Nose Issues

  • Sinusitis

    Sinus infections can cause a lot of discomforts, including headaches, a runny nose, coughing, and mucus drainage.   

  • Nosebleeds

    A nosebleed can be caused by dry weather, inflammation, or congestion in the nose. While one nosebleed may not cause concern, frequent nosebleeds can be a sign of an underlying health problem. 

  • Deviated Nasal Septum

    A deviated nasal septum is when the cartilage and bone that separates the nasal cavity are displaced. A severely deviated septum can lead to additional complications like difficulty breathing, snoring, or infections. 

The Head and Neck

In the head and neck area, an ENT specialist is trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors (both benign and malignant/cancerous), facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Common Head & Neck Issues

  • Thyroid & Parathyroid Disorders

    Symptoms of thyroid and parathyroid disorders widely vary. It can present itself as a lump in the neck or more subtle ways like fatigue or muscle weakness. 

  • Facial & Cranial Nerve Disorders

    The most common facial nerve disorder is Bell's palsy. Symptoms of nerve disorders include paralysis or partial weakness on the side of the face, facial spasms, and shooting pains radiating in the face.   

Additional Specialities

An ENT specialist may work with a team of doctors in other medical and surgical specialties. Otolaryngologists share a common ground with neurosurgeons in many areas, including treating skull-based disorders, correcting cosmetic and traumatic deformities with plastic surgery, treating structural abnormalities near the eye, treating jaw and dental trauma, treating allergies, managing sinus disease, caring for skin cancers; managing head and neck cancers, and caring for common infectious, congenital, traumatic, and malignant (cancerous) diseases and disorders in the pediatric and general population.

Receive the professional guidance of our staff at Wilmington ENT! 

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