OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

In Latvia, a wide range of tests are available for both adults and children. During a consultation, an otorhinolaryngologist will conduct a diagnosis of disease of the nose, throat, nasopharynx and ears, as well as ordering additional tests if necessary. A visit to an ear, nose and throat specialist is recommended, if you have:

• a high temperature combined with a powerful headache, aversion to light, nausea and/or dizziness;
• a hoarse voice that does not pass for 3−4 weeks and longer, with difficulty breathing;
• observed a sudden deterioration or loss of hearing, noises in your ears;
• bloody secretions from your airways;
• a long-term ear infection with smelly ear discharges;
• sepsis around your tonsils, difficulties opening your mouth and frequent angina attacks;
• a feeling of pressure in your forehead or upper jaw area.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Otoscopy – this test is conducted with a microscope or digital otoscope which makes it possible to view and evaluate ear bones and eardrum.

Tympanometry and Reflexometry are used for in-depth examination of the middle ear. A tympanometer determines the mobility of the eardrum, drum cavity pressure and the mobility of ear bones.

Audiometry determines the acuity of hearing, the hearing threshold and sensitivity in both children and adults. It helps to diagnose middle ear and inner ear ailments. The examination is conducted with electroacoustic apparatus, and patients also have access to a world-class audiometry cabin.

Head impulse tests help an otoneurologist to assess vestibular reflexes and differentiate dizziness in the head related to the pathologies in the ear, nose and throat organs. This is particularly important for patients with balance problems.

Nasal cavity and nasopharynx endoscopy assess membrane and anatomical structure or diagnose pathological process in the ear, nose and throat organs. The examination is conducted under a local anaesthetic.

Fibrolaryngoscopy helps to assess the ear, nose and throat organs and exclude the possibility of oncological illnesses in the nose, nasopharynx, throat and larynx. The examination is conducted with a 2 mm long flexible nasopharynx endoscope. At the same time, a biopsy and plating are performed.

In special cases, additional tests can also be carried out including radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

Nasal sinus vacuum rinsing

A therapeutic method to treat nasal sinus infections. During the treatment, mucus and pus are sucked out of the nose with a vacuum pump, thus reducing infection. The patient will find that his breathing immediately becomes easier. Vacuum rinsing must usually be carried out at least 4−5 times.

Insertion of medicines into the larynx

In cases of acute and chronic vocal cord infections, various oils and medicines are applied to the vocal cords under visual control. During the treatment, special laryngeal syringes are used.

Eardrum massage

This treatment is conducted with a special device for performing physiotherapy on middle ear infections. Pressure and vibration move the eardrum, and this induces discharge of fluid from the drum cavity. Pain is reduced and hearing perception is stimulated. The treatment lasts for 5−15 minutes.

Various types of surgical treatment are available:

• Nasal sinus puncture with rinsing;
• Electrocoagulation to stop bleeding;
• Nasal septum or turbinate surgery;
• Cavity, sinus endoscopic surgery;
• Larynx surgery – endolaryngeal microsurgical operations with the use of CO2 laser technology;
• Corrective nasal operations;
• Nasopharynx or palatine tonsil removal;
• Removal of benign neoplasia from LOR organs;
• Ear shape correction.