ENTkonsultation

ENTkonsultation is a medical consultation with an otolaryngologist, a physician who specializes in the ears, nose, throat, and related head and neck structures. The consultation aims to diagnose and manage conditions affecting these areas and is common in many health systems. Patients may be referred by a primary care clinician or seek a consultation directly.

Indications for an ENTkonsultation include hearing loss, ear pain or infections, tinnitus, vertigo, nasal obstruction, chronic sinusitis, recurrent sore throat or hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, snoring or sleep-disordered breathing, nasal or facial pain, and neck masses. In children, consultations often address enlarged adenoids, recurrent throat infections, and ear disease.

During the visit, the clinician takes a medical history and performs a focused examination of the ears, nose, throat, and neck. Examinations may include otoscopy, nasal endoscopy, laryngoscopy, and audiometry. Imaging studies such as CT or MRI may be ordered if structural disease or tumors are suspected, or prior to planned surgery.

The outcome is a management plan that may involve medications (for example antibiotics, decongestants, nasal sprays, or steroids), devices such as hearing aids, or lifestyle recommendations. In some cases, surgical evaluation or procedures are considered, including tonsillectomy, sinus surgery, cochlear implants, or thyroid and neck surgery. Follow-up appointments or referrals to other specialists (audiology, speech therapy, allergy, or sleep medicine) may be arranged.

Urgent red flags warrant immediate care, such as severe unilateral facial or ear pain with fever, sudden hearing loss, rapidly enlarging neck mass, or airway obstruction. Preparation for an ENTkonsultation typically includes bringing prior medical records, imaging, medications, and a symptom diary.