Postgraduate Medicine
ISSN: 0032-5481 (Print) 1941-9260 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ipgm20
Ent for Nonspecialists Thomas J. McDonald MD To cite this article: Thomas J. McDonald MD (1975) Ent for Nonspecialists, Postgraduate Medicine, 57:6, 49-49, DOI: 10.1080/00325481.1975.11714042 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00325481.1975.11714042
Published online: 07 Jul 2016.
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Date: 15 January 2017, At: 01:54
INTRODUCTIOI J Complaints involving the ear, nase, and throat account for a large part of primary care practice. This is one reason that members of the department of otorhinolaryngology at the Maya Clinic hold an annual course on Practical Otolaryngology for the Generalist. We are indebted ta POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE for inviting us ta present the papers from the most recent session. These caver many of the problems encountered daily, most of which can be handled adequately by the primary care physician. Since most diseases in the ear, nase, and throat cause disturbances of normal function, the patient rarely delays coming ta the physician's office. Consequently, early diagnosis is often possible. Sorne examples of such disturbances are the subtle voice change in cancer of the larynx and tinnitus as the earliest manifestation of an acoustic neuroma. However, there are a large group of symptoms, such as a lump in the throat, balance disturbance, ear discomfort, and postnasal drainage, that may be the cornplaints of everly anxious but otherwise normal patients. A recurrent theme throughout the following papers is the need for taking a careful history when the patient with an ear, nase, or throat complaint is first seen. The primary care physician can perform in the office a reliable head and neck examination, audiovestibular screening with tuning-fork tests, and calorie examinatian with cold water. Symptoms that are physiologie and benign can be explained ta the patient, and reassurance can be given. However, further investigation may be needed and referral ta a colleague may be necessary. 1 continue ta be impressed by the efficient screening busy primary care physicians perform, considering the many patients they see. 1 hope this symposium will help them in their task of evaluating patients ta determine which can be adequately treated in the office, which need more specialized investigation, and which require referral.
Vol. 57 • No. 6 • May 1975 • POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE
ENT FOR
NOf\JSPEC !~~LI STS
Thomas J. McDonald, MD Consultant Department of Otorhinolaryngology Maya Clinic and Maya Foundation Rochester, Minnesota
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