Laryngology is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the larynx. Laryngologists may specialize in research or treatment, and may also be trained in otology and rhinology. They may treat adults with laryngeal complaints due to tobacco use or injury, and children with inflamed soft tissue or temporary laryngitis. Treatment methods have advanced in recent years.
Laryngology is a type of medicine that focuses on the care and treatment of the larynx. The healthcare professional who normally practices this branch of medical study and treatment is known as a laryngologist. It is not unusual for a treating physician to be trained in the complementary fields of otology and rhinology as well as laryngology.
The study and practice of laryngology can take one of two courses. In some cases, the experienced laryngologist will choose to focus on research into the many health conditions that can affect laryngeal function. This may include researching the different types of cancer and other growths that can develop in the larynx and surrounding area. The researcher may also focus on various types of trauma that can damage the larynx temporarily or lead to permanent disability.
The second course is to actively pursue the end of laryngology treatment. In some cases, the laryngologist may choose to focus solely on complaints of the larynx. However, it is not uncommon for physicians trained as ear, nose, and throat physicians to practice laryngology alongside otology and rhinology. This type of approach allows you to effectively address localized inflammation or infection that could spread to the larynx if left untreated.
Within the scope of practice, a physician may choose to specialize in adult or pediatric laryngology. When adults are involved, the health care provider often addresses laryngeal complaints that are a result of tobacco use, such as the development of nodules and polyps due to irritation from cigarette smoke. Adult laryngology may also include treatment of temporary loss of voice due to injury to the larynx, such as in a car accident or physical assault.
With pediatric laryngology, the doctor will often address soft tissue in the larynx that is inflamed due to an associated nose or ear infection. The doctor will also treat cases of temporary laryngitis that occurred due to screaming or tonsillitis. Doctors of this type are also trained to deal with injuries to the larynx that can result from a child falling while playing or falling while riding a bicycle.
As with most areas of medical research and practice, laryngology is constantly evolving. Treatments for tumors, nodules and polyps are far more advanced than they were even a decade ago. In some cases, modern treatment methods have made it possible to treat conditions that would have required some type of surgery in decades past.
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