A large number of issues and conditions may affect the ear, nose, and throat. The areas share connections, which means a problem in one part of the system may cause symptoms in another part of the system. A general practitioner can often treat ear, nose and throat 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.

KNOW YOUR (ENT) EAR, NOSE AND THROAT COMMON PROBLEMS

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, and doctors often lump these conditions together. Several problems can affect the ears, nose and throat. Some ENT problems are simple, while others are more complex and affect multiple body systems. A family doctor is capable to treat many ENT problems, but some time you need to visit a specialist for required diagnosis and treatment. Doctors who specialize in these areas are known an Otorhinolaryngologists, also known as otolaryngologists, otolaryngologist understand the structures of the ear, nose, and throat 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.

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. 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. The throat provides a pathway for air to reach the lungs and vocal cords. It also connects the mouth to the esophagus and carries food down to reach the digestive system.

These organs and their tissues are part of the complex structure of the face and neck and share some important structures in the head. It contains the nasal cavity and the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the pharynx. The ENT system shares several organs, so problems that affect one part of the ENT system may also affect other organs or structures of the ENT system.

Ear infections can occur when bacteria grow in the area, causing inflammation and causing symptoms. Ear infections usually occur in the outer ear, known as the swimmer's ear or middle ear, but they can also occur in the inner ear. Mostly symptoms of ear infections are:

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, or ringing in the ears, can be a secondary symptom of several other problems, such as Infection. Tinnitus can be caused by damage to the ears caused by loud noises such as machinery or loud music. 

Vertigo is feeling of dizziness of feeling of spinning. Some describe it as a feeling that the environment around them is spinning or moving. Vertigo can occur in response to labyrinthitis, irritation or 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 if your condition requires special treatment and refer you to an otolaryngologist if necessary.

Problems caused by nasal ailments include:

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 are:          

 •Blow your nose frequently or violently. B. If there is an infectious disease in the community

 • Hot, dry weather that causes cracks and cuts on the nose

Nosebleeds are usually temporary and go away on their own, but 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 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 that surround 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. In other cases, other chronic problems, such as asthma or allergies, can lead to chronic sinusitis that lasts several months or longer. Symptoms of sinusitis include:

Many people have allergies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that up to 60 million people in the United States can 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

Consult with experts they can help ENT allergists find and eliminate allergens.

Difficulty swallowing or dysphagia can be caused by a sore throat or can occur when a foreign object or other irritant gets stuck in the throat. It may also have an anatomical or neurological cause.

• 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.

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:

Doctors may regularly recommend tonsillectomy for those suffering from tonsillitis.

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, certain lifestyle choices, and 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.

Some possible symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Waking up frequently during the night

• Loud snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep

People who experience sleep apnea may need treatment from an ENT specialist. For other ENT symptoms and conditions visit an ENT specialist.

A person may visit an ENT specialist for many reasons, including:

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