ENT Disorders: How Affecting Your Quality Of Life?

ENT stands for ears, nose and throat and otolaryngologist is the medical expert who specialises in treating ENT disorders. If these sensory organs do not work properly then it may affect the quality of your life. Doctors often advise for immediate medical treatment by the ENT specialist in Mumbai to prevent further complications. All these sensory organs help the individuals to identify a particular thing or object by its smell, taste and sound.

These organs have their own importance and perform multiple functions like your ears not only perform the function of hearing but also provides you with a sense of balance. Similarly, your nose not only provides you with a sense of smell but also partially facilitates you with the sense of taste. When it comes to throat it provides the route for air to reach the lungs as well as the route for food and water to enter your digestive tract.

In this blog, we are going to provide the basic information about some common disorders of the ear, nose, and throat.

4 most common ENT disorders that you should be aware of:

1. Tonsillitis

It is an infection of the tonsils which causes severe throat pain. This condition is caused by the common cold, mono, or strep throat. In cases of severe infection and inflammation when persisted for a longer period demands surgical treatment. The procedure is known as tonsillectomy. Many a time, one might experience swallowing and breathing problem so, in such conditions tonsil removal might be a recommended option for you.

The common symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Sore throat is a common symptom of tonsillitis
• Fever and chills are common as well
• Swollen tonsil is a symptom of acute tonsillitis
• You may experience difficulty in swallowing
• Bad breath also is common when you have tonsillitis
• Swelling on the face can be a symptom of tonsillitis
• A white or yellow coating may also appear on tonsillitis
   

2. Ear infection

This is a condition where germs enter the ears and become trapped there. This causes pain, hearing loss and drainage from the ear. The condition is most prevalent among children, in fact, is one of the most common childhood diseases. Its symptoms may include fever and balance problems. A point should be noted here, that if the disorder remains untreated for a long period of time especially among children then it can cause delays in their development, such as hearing and speech delays. So, in order to prevent such conditions one should immediately get proper treatment in the best ENT hospitals in Mumbai.

Significant symptoms of an ear infection include:

• Pain in the ears is common when you have an ear infection
• You may find difficulty in hearing
• Pain when swallowing is also common during the time of ear infection
• Fever and chills are a symptom of an ear infection
• Sleeping issues can also appear as a consequence of ear infection
   

3. Sinus infection

Sinuses can be defined as cavities in the skull that surround the eyes and nose and are responsible for vocal resonance. It occurs when these cavities become infected by a bacteria or virus or inflamed due to allergies or other conditions. This causes difficulty in breathing, severe headache, bad breath, toothache etc.

The most common symptom of a sinus infection include:

• Facial pain and pressure occur around the eyes and cheeks
• Pain when swallowing is also common
• Dizziness is common as a symptom of a sinus infection
• Cough and congestion may also be a sign of sinus infection
• Bad breath is common among people with a sinus infection
• Teeth pain can also be a symptom of sinus infection

Also, Read About Sinus Treatment

4. Sleep apnea

This condition is equally prevalent in both adults and children. It can be defined as a brief cessation of breathing while you are asleep. The two main causes behind the same are being overweight and having a naturally shorter airway than usual. Also, its symptoms include severe headache, fatigue, depression etc. If left untreated, the condition can adversely affect and may result in having heart failure, depression and mood swings. Best doctors often recommend lifestyle changes and diet management.

The common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Waking up repeatedly during the night can be a symptom of sleep apnea
• Slowing of breathing and snoring
• You may feel tired during the day
• Feeling like you cannot breathe
• Morning headaches are common among people with sleep apnea
• Teeth pain and sore throat
   

5. Allergies

Allergies are very common in children and adults.

Allergies can cause symptoms such as:

• Sneezing 
• Runny nose and itchy eyes also appear at the onset of an allergy
• Skin rashes
• When you have allergies, you will find it hard to breathe
• Many people will cough because of a dry or runny nose
• Watery eyes happen as a result of allergies
• Itchy face can also be a result of allergic reactions

6. Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a condition in which your hearing is affected. Many ENT disorders can lead to hearing loss, such as sinus infections, injuries, and even tumors.

The symptoms of hearing loss include:

• You may have difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds
• Normal sounds may become too loud for you to hear
• You may find it hard to communicate with others
• You may find it hard to focus on your daily activities

7. Vertigo

The symptoms of Vertigo include:

• You experience a feeling of spinning around when you move quickly
• You will experience headaches when vertigo occurs
• Balance can also be affected by vertigo
• You may have a problem in walking or standing
• You may feel like you are moving even though you are not moving

8. Acid reflux

Acid reflux is a condition where your food comes back up in your esophagus.

The common symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Coughing is a common symptom of acid reflux
• You may find it hard to swallow
• Belching occurs as the acid reflux travel up the esophagus
• Bad breath and weight loss can also be a sign Cancer

9. cancerous tumor

A cancerous tumor can form in your vocal cords or other parts of your throat and nose.

The common symptoms of cancer include:

• Food coming back up in the throat
• Difficulty in breathing and nasal congestion
• Swallowing problems are common as a result of cancer
• Voice problems can also occur as a result of cancer
• The feeling of fullness in the throat can also be a sign of cancer

Treatment Options for ENT Problems

Medication

Medication is the most common treatment option for ENT diseases. It can be used to treat infection, inflammation, and allergic reactions. 

Surgery

Surgery is a common ENT treatment option. It can be used to remove tonsils and adenoids, as well as to treat sinus infections. 

Devices

Devices are also used to treat ENT conditions. These include hearing aids and masks that deliver air into your nose while you sleep in order to prevent sleep apnea episodes. 

Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays can be used to unblock your nose. It can also be useful if you are experiencing pain or mucus. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a therapy method that involves the use of powerful medications to boost your body's natural defence system. It can be used to treat allergic reactions in the nasal area, as well as nasal infections.

Above are some common ENT disorders that can have an adverse effect on the quality of life if not treated at the right time. In most of the cases, medication is sufficient but when the condition of the patient is serious enough then it may be advisable to go for surgical treatment. The top hospitals in Mumbai offer a specialised centre for treating ENT disorders which are managed by an expert team of doctors.

Conclusion

ENT disorders are common, and many of them can interfere with your quality of life. It is important to treat ENT diseases as soon as possible. That will help you to avoid complications and other problems in the future.