Otolaryngology is one of the most common healthcare specialties, with approximately 27 million people in the United States alone visiting an otolaryngologist each year. Otolaryngologists treat issues related to the ears, nose and throat. This may also include allergies and sinus issues. While the ears, nose and throat serve different functions, they are more connected than you might have originally realized, allowing ENT providers to specialize in all three.
Let’s take a look at how the ear, nose and throat system is connected and what steps you can take to care for it.
The Nose and Throat Connection
You may have noticed that a runny nose can result in mucus in your throat. Or that you can’t taste your favorite meal from the Midway Café when your nose is stuffy. These situations occur because your nose and throat are connected. A tube called the nasopharynx connects the top part of your throat to the back of your nose above the roof of your mouth. The same connection that allows mucus to transfer between the nose and throat also allows infections to spread between the two.
The Ears, Nose and Throat Connection
The nasopharynx that connects the nose to the throat also connects the ears to the nose and throat via the Eustachian tubes. The Eustachian tubes are responsible for draining fluid from the ear and equalizing pressure between your ears and the air around you. Because the ears, nose and throat are connected, infections in any of the three parts can spread to the other two. For instance, a sinus infection creating inflammation in the nose can lead to swollen and blocked Eustachian tubes.
How Can You Care for Your ENT Health?
Your ENT system contains a lot of moving parts. Sometimes, taking care of all those parts can feel like a big task. While you may not be able to prevent all ENT-related health issues, there are a few ways you can help keep your system healthy, including:
- Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in healthy vitamins and minerals.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid contact with sick individuals.
- Take steps to manage your allergies.
- Make regular appointments with your ENT provider, especially if you suffer from chronic conditions such as frequent sinusitis or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
You aren’t alone in your journey towards better ENT health. Contact ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today to make an appointment with one of our specialists for a consultation and personalized treatment path.