Common Signs and Symptoms of ENT Disorders

Common Signs and Symptoms of ENT Disorders

The ears, nose and throat are all connected and this is why there is a kind of doctor that specializes in disorders affecting these parts of the body and face.  There are lots of ENT disorders, and the best way to determine your specific problem is to see an ENT specialist. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of an ENT problem.

Ear Infection

Ear infections are highly prevalent. They happen when germs are trapped inside the ear. The Eustachian tube, which is a small tube that starts in the ear and drains in the throat, is responsible for keeping the germs out. But if the tube is clogged by fluid, bacteria can enter the ear and lead to an infection.

Signs & symptoms of infection are:

• History of upper respiratory infection
• Pain in ear
• Pressure in ear
• Fever
• Difficulty hearing
• Loss of balance
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Fluid discharge

Children are the ones most affected by ear infections especially infants and toddlers. Here are some indicators of ear infection in young kids:

• Tugging on the ears
• Fussiness especially at bedtime
• Doesn’t get affected by loud noises
• Doesn’t respond when their name is called
• Eating abnormally
• Often crying

Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by a family of bacteria known as “streptococci.” Strep throat happens when the throat becomes infected with this germ. While strep throat is prevalent, many other infections trigger similar symptoms which is why self-diagnosing is discouraged. You need to have a strep test at the doc’s clinic to rule out other viral or bacterial infections.

Symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Enlarged tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• White patches on the tonsils
• Body aches
• Fever
• Fatigue

If you have strep throat, you usually don’t have cough or runny nose. Kids are at high risk, especially young kids and teens.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis takes place when a germ accesses the hollow recesses of the skull in the nose and eyes. The infection gets trapped, causing inflammation, pain and pressure. Acute sinusitis is common during winter when a person has colds. Chronic sinusitis on the other hand is often caused by untreated allergies and asthma. Sinusitis can last several weeks and even years if no treatment is given. Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Cough
• Nasal discharge
• Nasal congestion
• Fever
• Toothache
• Fatigue

Sleep Apnea

Apnea is a medical term which means cessation of breathing. Sleep apnea is a kind of disorder which causes a person to stop breathing for while sleeping, usually for a few seconds. Sleep apnea is prevalent these days and can cause serious health concerns if no treatment is given. Symptoms include:

• Waking up several times at night
• Feeling tired upon waking up in the morning
• Daytime drowsiness
• Depression
• Waking up with a dry throat
• Headaches in the morning
• Loud snoring

See your ENT specialist if you have any of the above signs and symptoms.

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk