Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery is a regional specialty involving medicine and surgery of the head and neck. The otolaryngologist deals with problems in the many subspecialties in this field, including otology, neurotology, rhinology, allergy, laryngology, bronchoesophagology, head and neck surgery, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The breadth of this field and the complexity of the problems encountered can make the initial contact with this discipline a daunting experience. It is hoped that this symptom-oriented handbook will make the process less intimidating.

Otolaryngology has a fascinating history that spans many centuries. Through the efforts of many practitioners and educators, the field has evolved into one of the most highly sought after by medical students desiring residency training. Development of the field has been facilitated by numerous technological inventions and scientific discoveries in the basic science area as well as in clinical medicine. For those who have chosen to specialize in this field, there is a constant source of stimulation provided by patients who challenge one’s diagnostic and therapeutic skills. As with other specialties, professional development is a life-long learning experience in which one’s knowledge base is modified by each new clinical encounter as well as by maintaining contact with the advances reported in the scholarly literature and at scientific meetings. Frequent communication with colleagues in related fields adds to this cumulative database that is critical to practice.

Through the efforts of many educators, the otolaryngologic training programs in the United States have developed into superb educational experiences. Training includes teaching at the bedside, in the operating room, and in the ambulatory care setting, as well as didactic programs that take advantage of the superior educational materials that have been prepared by many contributors in recent decades. Many local programs benefit greatly from inclusion of materials provided by professional organizations.