Ears, nose, and throat (ENT) are essential aspect of your body. They all work in collaboration to help you hear, breathe, speak, and maintain balance. An issue in an ENT area can disrupt the normal functionality of the other corresponding areas, hence it is important to take mention of ENT issues which may range from hampering your musical experience to sleepless nights. In case of consistent discomfort, visiting a specialist need to be scheduled at the earliest.
Whether you are located in Navalur or Chennai, Arockiya Speciality Clinic and Diagnostics offers Premier Care services. In this guide, we share instructions on the most frequently encountered issues of ENT, their symptoms, and when a specialist’s intervention should be sought.
What is ENT?
Ear, Nose, and Throat, is a collection of three fields which are connected with one another. A problem in one of these may affect the others too. Specialists of ENT or Otolaryngologist treat and diagnose simple infections as well as more complex problems and have the authority to operate in circumstances that deem it necessary.
Now, let us explore a few common issues concerning the ears, nose, or throat and how it affects a person’s daily life.
Ears issues
Earaches
Both children and adults are susceptible to having ear infections. They can occur in the outer, middle, or inner ear and may bring forth symptoms such as hearing that feels blocked, feeling pain in the ear when lying down, fluid coming out of the ear, and even feeling dizzy. While occasional infections can usually be treated at home, constant or extreme infections can lead to hearing problems. A physician specializing in ENT’s can help in finding more permanent solutions.
Hearing Loss
Regardless if it’s inflicted from old age, prolonged exposure to loud noises or even an infection, one’s hearing can be increasingly impaired over time. Seeking out an ENT’s assistance should be a priority the instant someone learns to hear a ringing noise in their ears or has conversations sounding muffled and is often required to frequently ask others to say things again. An ENT is capable of finding out the precise reasons as well as suggesting medication for treatment from hearing aids to surgery if that is what is deemed essential.
Ringing In the Ears (Tinnitus)
Ear ringing, or buzzing or hissing of the ear is ear noise also known as tinnitus. Infections of the ear, high volume sounds and some other medical issues have been associated with the phenomenon. Even though slight disturbances of this type are likely to fade with time, those who suffer from more serious degrees of these problems might find them lifelong enduring. A physician with specialization in ENT will be able to help and improve the quality of life and aid in management of relief from issues that persist.
Vertigo (Dizziness and Balance Issues)
If you experience sensations of spinning while remaining motionless, this is referred to as vertigo. These symptoms may stem from a problem with the inner ear, such as Meniere’s disease or labyrinthitis. If vertigo impacts your daily activities, an ENT can determine the underlying reason and help you regain your equilibrium.
Nasal Health Issues
Nosebleeds
Picking the nose, allergies, and dry air can be contributing factors to nosebleeds. If a nosebleed becomes persistent or is difficult to control, it may be time to schedule an appointment with an ENT.
Sinusitis (Sinus Infections)
Sinusitis could be the answer if you are grappling with facial pain, congested sinuses, or difficulty breathing. It often arises from allergies or an infection and commonly results in pain in the forehead, cheeks and around the eyes, fatigue, headache, and congestion or runny nose. An ENT would be better equipped to manage your condition if basic treatments have not worked.
Allergies
Allergies that arise by season can be very uncomfortable since it can cause sneezing and engendering a stuffy feeling. An ENT can provide assistance through medication, lifestyle alterations, or even allergy shots. They will help in identifying the causes while allowing for personal treatment plans to be put in place to help manage the respective symptoms.
Deviated Septum
A deviated septum refers to the slanting condition of the septum which makes the nostrils uneven, resulting into trouble in breathing and sinus problems. It is surgically treatable in moderate to advanced cases which improves airway passage.
Throat Problems
Difficulty Swallowing
Blocked swallowing can arise due to multiple reasons; infections, neurologic problems or mechanical obstructions. Seeking consult with an ENT professional becomes necessary when one has accompanying symptoms like pain, choking, and food vomiting.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils which manifests itself through sore throat, fever, hypersensitivity, swollen lymph nodes, and abdominal pain to some degree. The problem disappears spontaneously after a period but recurring bouts might need surgery to remove the tonsils.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is one of the most serious health conditions categorically defined by the intermittent cessation of breath when asleep. Common symptoms include and are not limited to loud snores, gasping for breath, extreme lethargy during the day. An ENT practitioner should evaluate the condition and may prescribe medication, surgery, or the most common CPAP machine to aid unrestricted airflow while sleeping.
Additional ENT Issues
Some of the other conditions treated by ENT practitioners include:
- Chronic changes or loss of voice
- Facial reconstructive surgeries
- Throat Cyst or tumor
- Chronic nausea
- Obstructive ear wax
- Perforated ear drums
- Ear pressure problems caused by malfunctioning Eustachian tubes
- Thyroid or parathyroid disease
When to Schedule an Appointment with an ENT Specialist
Any common ENT issues can be self-treated or managed with the assistance of a family physician; however, more serious conditions require specific attention. Consult an ENT if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Ongoing or recurrent inflammation in the ears, nose, and throat
- Hearing, swallowing, or breathing difficulties
- Stubborn sinus problems
- Consistent tinnitus or dizziness
- Symptoms related to sleep apnea, such as excessive snoring and feeling sleepy during the day
ENT doctors have the knowledge and specialized equipment to help you diagnose and treat many of these conditions to restore your health.
Conclusion
Your ears, nose, and throat serve numerous purposes – they enable you to hear, breathe, talk, and rest properly. If something goes wrong, your life may suffer tremendously. If you’re experiencing recurring ENT problems, you do not have to bear your pain alone. Consulting an expert is the most favorable choice one can make. At Arockiya Speciality Clinic & Diagnostics, we provide high-quality service in Navalur and Chennai. If you have an ear infection, sinus irritability, or complications related to sleep apnea, we are determined and prepared to restore your health so you can continue to enjoy life to the fullest.