Ailments affecting the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) range from minor sniffles to full-blown ear infections. Obviously, treatments will vary depending upon the condition’s severity. In many cases your doctor can prescribe medications to address your condition, but for more complex ailments, you may need to see an ENT specialist.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common ENT disorders, affecting both children and adults. An ear infection typically develops when germs are trapped inside the middle section of the ear. This is usually due to the swelling or clogging of the eustachian tube, which is responsible for keeping unwanted germs out of the ear canal. When this tube is unable to perform optimally, microbes can enter the ear and lead to an infection.
Symptoms of ear infections vary, but typically include ear pain, fever, nausea, and fluid discharge. You might also experience a diminished sense of hearing.
Sometimes, ear infections are caused by the flu or by water entering the ear. It’s imperative for you to know whether the ear pain that you’re experiencing is caused by an infection or an allergy. An ENT specialist can give you a proper diagnosis.
Sinusitis
Sinus infections are extremely common among adults. Around 31 million people in the U.S. suffer from sinus infections, or sinusitis. The symptoms of sinusitis may initially be mistaken for a cold, but may develop further and worsen if left untreated for long.
Sinusitis is caused when certain bacteria near the recesses of your skull multiply significantly. This causes the infection to get trapped near the nose and eyes. Consequently, you may experience pain, discomfort, and inflammation in these areas. Chronic sinusitis is often a result of a chronic condition or an allergy, and may be linked to conditions such as asthma.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- Coughing
- Headache
- Nasal discharge
- Stuffiness
- Fever
- Tooth ache
- Congestion
- Bad breath
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is caused by inflammation within the throat. This is a bacterial infection that typically affects children. However, many adults also experience tonsillitis.
Symptoms of tonsillitis usually include swollen tonsils, a sore throat, and difficulty swallowing food or saliva. You may also notice you have bad breath, experience swelling in the neck glands, and have a mild fever. If the infection gets too severe, you may need to have your tonsils removed.
The ENT specialists at Houston Physicians’ Hospital treat a variety of ENT disorders, from minor ailments to major infections and other serious disorders. If you suffer from constant ENT issues, you can find a doctor who is right for you on our website.
We also provide general surgery, imaging testing, joint pain treatments, and spine solutions.