Runny noses, earaches and sore throats are common afflictions that no one can escape from. In most cases, home remedies or over-the-counter medications are enough to provide a cure. However, this is not always the case. If the problem persists for more than a few days, or if it worsens despite treatment at home, the matter requires expert medical examination, diagnosis and treatment. An issue affecting the ears, nose or throat could be the symptoms of a medical condition affecting other parts of the body which, if not treated in time, could develop into a major and possibly life-threatening condition.
The most common ENT-related medical problems can often be quickly diagnosed and treated by an ENT specialist.
Nose Bleeds
The nose is susceptible to bleeding because it contains several blood vessels that are protected by only a thin layer of tissue. The common reasons for a nosebleed include nose-picking or excessive rubbing. However, there are often underlying reasons for a nose bleed to develop and if the bleeding occurs frequently or is chronic, the cause should be diagnosed so that treatment of the possibly more serious underlying cause can begin.
If blowing the nose causes even minor bleeding, it is often a sign of a sinus infection that in turn could be the result of another undiagnosed medical condition.
Blocked Nose
The discomfort of a blocked nose is familiar to everyone. The blockage is often the result of a common cold, influenza or an allergy. When the nose is blocked, the senses of smell and taste are affected. Because the olfactory (smell) and gustatory (taste) senses are connected, this causes a loss of appetite which in turn can result in weight loss, weakness and associated complications.
Nasal problems in infants and children should never be ignored because respiratory problems can easily lead to other health issues.
Loss of Voice
While loss of voice often is the result of a sore throat, other causes require diagnosis by a specialist. A chronic or severe cough can irritate the vocal cords to the extent that it restricts their movement and prevents speech. An infection of the larynx, known as laryngitis, can cause the vocal cords to swell and thus affect speech. Speaking loudly, smoking and air pollution are other common causes. However, bacterial or viral infections can also cause laryngitis and a diagnosis by a specialist is essential to start the correct treatment.
Difficulty Swallowing
Chronic coughing can irritate the muscles in the throat to such an extent that swallowing becomes painful. Pollution and allergies can cause the muscles to tighten and result in restricted movement. A neurological affliction known as spasmodic dysphonia can cause uncontrolled movement of the laryngeal muscles and sometimes result in difficulty in swallowing. An accurate diagnosis of the cause and nature of the condition is vital for proper treatment and cure of the problem.
Also Read: Middle Ear Infection And Treatment
Chronic Sore Throat, Earaches and/or Sinus Pain
Sore throats may have several causes including excessive talking, speaking loudly, air pollution, inhaling very dry air, infections and so on. If home remedies do not relieve the symptoms within 5 to 7 days, or if the problem keeps recurring, an ENT specialist should be consulted to ascertain the cause of the ailment. It could be a condition that can be treated with prescription medication, or it may be a symptom of another medical condition that may require other specialized treatment. In such a case, the ENT specialist can refer you to the right medical department.
Earaches can be caused by a buildup of earwax which may require deep cleaning that is unsafe to do at home. Only an ENT specialist should do it. Other causes of earaches include sinus infections and strep throat (a streptococcus bacteria infection in the throat and tonsils) that will require treatment with antibacterial prescription medication. Pain at the sides of the nostrils under the eyes is often the sign of a sinus infection caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. The pain may be accompanied by headaches, a runny nose, fever and excessive production of mucus and phlegm.
Ringing or Buzzing Sound in the Ears
A ringing or buzzing sound in one or both ears may happen after a short exposure to loud noises. If the ringing does not fade away in a few hours or if it started with no apparent cause, it could be a condition called tinnitus. People suffering from this condition say that the sound often is like:
- The buzzing of an insect
- Grinding metal
- A running motor
- Air being circulated by a fan
- The hissing of a boiling kettle
- Distant ringing of bells
Tinnitus is caused by a buildup of fluids in the ear due to an infection. Over time, the already distracting tinnitus could lead to an inability to get proper rest, and hearing loss, which has a major psychological impact on a person.
Vertigo
The fluid circulating in the inner ears helps you maintain your balance. Any disruption in the circulation can make it difficult to maintain balance. This could lead to vertigo, dizziness and frequent falls which could result in serious injury. Vertigo is often caused by infections in the ear. Vertigo could also be a symptom of another health issue that your body is developing.
Also Read: Vertigo - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Snoring
According to some estimates, almost 50% of adults snore either occasionally or regularly. There are many reasons, including hereditary ones as to why people snore. Snoring is not, in itself, a medical condition, but it can affect sleep quality. It may also damage relationships by disturbing spouses or partners and preventing them from sleeping. An ENT specialist will be able to assess the underlying cause of the snoring and suggest methods to stop or at least reduce its intensity. The improvement in sleep quality and relationships will have a positive impact on the quality of life.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. Bitterness in the mouth, heartburn, and chest pain are common symptoms of acid reflux. While acid reflux is a gastrointestinal ailment, after the condition has been diagnosed and treated, an ENT specialist will be able to treat ancillary symptoms such as lumps in the throat, difficulty while swallowing and bad breath caused by the acid.
The fact is that minor ENT issues are so common that people tend to take them for granted and ignore the issue, even if it persists or keeps recurring, and this results in the condition becoming severe. A problem affecting the ears, nose or throat could by itself be a serious medical condition, or it may be early symptoms of a health issue affecting another part of the body. The earlier the cause of an ENT ailment is diagnosed and treatment begun, the faster the recovery. Examination and diagnosis by a specialist at a leading multispecialty hospital is the best course of action. This is where the best ENT specialists and state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities will be available. In addition, if the ailment is affecting another part of the body, the relevant specialists and treatment options will be available under the same roof, making life easier for the patient and speeding up the recovery process.
Ignoring seemingly minor medical problems is often the reason for them to grow into major ailments and disorders. Regular checkups by an ENT specialist will minimize the possibility of major health issues developing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I see an ENT specialist for a nosebleed?
If your nosebleeds are frequent or severe, it’s best to consult an ENT to rule out underlying health concerns.
2. How do I know if my blocked nose needs medical attention?
If your nose stays blocked for more than a week or impacts your sense of taste and smell, an ENT evaluation is recommended.
3. Is a recurring loss of voice a concern?
Persistent or frequent voice loss may indicate issues like laryngitis or vocal strain. An ENT specialist can help diagnose the cause.
4. What causes persistent earaches or sinus pain?
If earaches or sinus pain continue despite home remedies, they may signal an infection or other issues that need ENT assessment.
5. Why am I hearing a constant ringing in my ears?
A continuous ringing sound, or tinnitus, could indicate inner ear issues. Consulting an ENT can help in finding relief.
6. What should I do if I frequently feel dizzy or experience vertigo?
Frequent dizziness or balance problems could stem from ear issues. An ENT specialist can evaluate and treat the cause.