Introduction
The ears, nose, and throat are sensory organs that form part of the face and throat. They share some important structures of the head, such as sinuses and Eustachian tubes. People can encounter many ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems. The doctors often consider these conditions together. Several problems can affect this system. Some ENT problems are simple. While others are more complex and affect multiple body systems.https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/
A family doctor is capable of treating many ENT problems. However, sometimes you need to visit a specialist for the required diagnosis and treatment. Doctors who specialize in these areas are known as Otorhinolaryngologists, also known as otolaryngologists. He can understand the structures and treat disorders associated with them. This article covers common problems affecting the ears, nose, and throat. Not all of these conditions require professional treatment.
Let’s Explain Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems
Our ears, nose, and throat are connected to the sensory organs we use every day. The ears allow a person to hear, the inner ear helps stabilize the body and provide a sense of balance. Therefore, the nose allows a person to smell and also helps to taste. Breathing through your nose humidifies and filters the air before it enters your lungs. Then the throat provides a pathway for air to reach the lungs and vocal cords. It also connects the mouth to the esophagus. The esophagus carries food down to reach the digestive system.
Face and Neck structure
These organs and their tissues are part of the complex structure of the face and neck. They share some important structures in the head. The nose contains the nasal cavity and the Eustachian tube. Which connects the middle ear to the pharynx. The ENT system shares several organs. Problems that affect one part of the ENT system may also affect other organs or structures of the ENT system.https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/patient-education/ear-nose-throat-ent-conditions
Common Ear Problems
Ear Infection
Infections can occur when bacteria grow in the area. It causes inflammation. These infections usually occur in the outer ear. It is known as the swimmer’s ear or middle ear. The infection can also occur in the inner ear.
Most Symptoms of Ear Infections
- Ear pain, especially when lying down
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Hearing loss
- Ear filling
- Dizzy
- Spin feeling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Balance issues
- Drainage from the ear
- Warming and redness of the ear skin
- Tinnitus
Hearing Loss
Hearing impairments such as deafness can occur as a secondary symptom of infections or other problems in the area. Damage to ear structures can also lead to hearing loss. Some people are born with hearing loss. While others develop hearing loss as they age.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. It can be a secondary symptom of several other problems, such as Infection. This may be caused by damage to the ears caused by loud noises such as machinery or loud music.
Vertigo
Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness or a feeling of spinning. Some describe it as a feeling that their environment is spinning or moving. Vertigo can occur in response to labyrinthitis, and irritation. It can cause inflammation of the delicate parts of the inner ear that control balance and hearing. Other medical conditions, such as Meniere’s disease, can also cause dizziness.
Your doctor can determine your condition. If requires a special treatment refer you to an otolaryngologist if necessary.
Common Nose Problems
Problems Caused by Nasal Ailments Include:
Nosebleed
The nose is rich in blood vessels and is the most protruding part of the face. Even a minor injury, such as a stuffy nose or a fall, can damage delicate blood vessels and cause nosebleeds.
Other possible causes of Nosebleed
- Digging nose
- Blowing your nose frequently or violently
- Hot, dry weather that causes cracks and cuts on the nose
- Sinus infections
- Inhalation of irritants
- Inhaling drugs such as cocaine
Nosebleeds are usually temporary and go away on their own. Regular or persistent nosebleeds may be a sign of an underlying disorder or a complication. Anyone who experiences regular nosebleeds or struggles to control their nosebleeds should consult a doctor.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses and is one of the most common reasons to see a doctor. The sinuses are hollow areas of the skull surrounding the eyes and nose. If bacteria stay in your sinuses and multiply. An infection can develop. Sinusitis can occur as a secondary infection such as the common cold. About 90% of people who catch a cold have symptoms of sinusitis. Other chronic problems are asthma or allergies. They can lead to chronic sinusitis that lasts several months or longer.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
- Headache
- Nasal discharge
- Stuffy nose
- Heat
- Malaise
- Postnasal drip
- cough
- Tooth pain, commonly molars
Allergy
Many people have allergies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Around 60 million people in the United States suffer from hay fever or allergic rhinitis each year.
People with allergic rhinitis respond to airborne allergens such as:
- Pollen from plants such as flowers and pines
- Pet hair and dander
- House dust and house dust mites
- Mold and fungal spores
- Smoke
- Chemical contaminants
Allergy symptoms include:
- Eye redness, Itching
- Cough
- Postnasal drip
- Watery eye
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Itchy nose
- Sneeze
- Congestion
Consult with experts they can help ENT allergists find and eliminate allergens.
Common Throat Problems
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing or dysphagia can be caused by a sore throat. It can occur when a foreign object or other irritant gets stuck in the throat. This may also have an anatomical or neurological cause.
Symptoms of Dysphagia
- Choking on food or drink
- Coughing after swallowing
- Excessive saliva
- Coughing up food or vomit
- Drooling
- Trouble chewing or moving food to the back of the mouth
In some cases, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a growth in the area. A specialist can help diagnose and treat recurring bouts of dysphagia.
Recurrent Tonsillitis
A sore throat can be a sign of tonsillitis. The tonsils are the two soft tissue organs located in the throat. A bacterial infection can cause the tonsils to become inflamed and cause symptoms such as:
- Sore throat
- Swelling
- Difficult to swallow
- White coating on tonsils and throat
- Swollen glands
- Heat
- Bad breath
Doctors may regularly recommend tonsillectomy for those suffering from tonsillitis.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is caused by temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. However, similar failures can occur many times during the night. Some forms of sleep apnea can affect your nose and throat. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that sleep apnea is common. Sleep apnea has links to age. An unhealthy diet, and certain lifestyle choices, may have a genetic link as well. Some people may not be aware they have sleep apnea. Unless a spouse or family member who hears them sleep alerts them to the possibility.https://fusionwords.com/obstructive-sleep-apnea-diagnosis-and-treatment/
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Not waking feeling rested
- Regular daytime sleepiness
- Waking up with a very dry throat
- Headaches upon waking
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Loud snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep
- Mood issues
People who experience sleep apnea may need treatment from an ENT specialist. For other ENT symptoms and conditions visit an ENT specialist.
Reasons to Visit an ENT Specialist
- Hoarseness
- Loss of taste
- Dizziness
- Snoring
- Balance issues
- Impacted ear wax
- Ruptured eardrum
- Drainage from the ear
- Eustachian tube dysfunctions
- Cysts or growths in the throat
- Cancers of the head and neck
- Deviated septum
- Implanting hearing devices
- Meniere’s disease
- Blockages in the nose
- Facial plastic surgery (cosmetic and reconstructive)
- The collapse of the nasal passage or valves
- Voice disorders and other issues in the vocal cords
- Problems with the thyroid and parathyroid hormones
Final Comment
A large number of issues and conditions may affect the ear, nose, and throat. The areas share connections. This means a problem in one part of the system may cause symptoms in another part of the system. A general practitioner can often treat the problems. However, for more complex conditions or an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist who has specialized training, tools, and experience treating ENT problems.
