Introduction

This section presents essential clinical knowledge about the aerodigestive tract. 
The basic learning objectives agreed upon by the Canadian Society of Otolaryngologists & Head and Neck Surgeons are presented below. The most common and important throat-related complaints are discussed in the Throat Complaints section.  Specific conditions relating to these complaints are highlighted in the Conditions of the Throat section.  Interactive teaching modules will be developed and made available in the Additional Resources area. 

 

Objectives

Basic Sciences

• Understand the anatomy, physiology, and histology of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx
• Develop an understanding of phonation and swallowing

 

Clinical Presentations of Throat-Related Pathologies

• Develop a clinical approach and differential diagnosis for the following complaints:
  • Cough
  • Dysphagia
  • Hoarseness
  • Mouth Problems
  • Pediatric Respiratory Distress
  • Sore Throat
  • Upper Airway Obstruction
    

 

Conditions of the Throat

• Develop a basic understanding of the following conditions related to the auditory system:
  • Benign and malignant lesions of the larynx
  • Cleft lip/ palate
  • Croup
  • Deep neck space infections
  • Epiglottitis
  • Foreign body
    
  • GERD/LPR
    
  • Infectious mononucleosis
    
  • Laryngitis
    
  • Ludwig’s angina
    
  • Peritonsillar abscess
    
  • Tonsillitis
    
  • Vocal cord paralysis
    

 

Essential Clinical Skills

• Examination of the Oral Cavity
• Examination of the Oropharynx
• Indirect Laryngoscopy
• Understanding of Flexible Laryngoscopy
• Throat Swab
  

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