Disorders of the Ear, Nose, and Throat
Quick answer: The most common ENT disorders are tonsillitis, ear infections, sinusitis, and sleep apnea, alongside hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, deviated septum, voice problems, and swallowing difficulties. Most cases resolve with conservative care, but recurrent, chronic, or severe cases benefit from ENT evaluation: tonsillectomy for repeated infections, ear tubes for persistent middle-ear fluid in children, balloon sinuplasty for chronic sinusitis, and CPAP or Inspire for sleep apnea.
There are some parts of the human body that are almost ancillary: people can technically live without them. However, our ears, nose, and throat (ENT) are crucial body parts that we use on a daily basis, and all three have multiple functions.
Our ears not only support our sense of hearing, but they're also key to maintaining balance and equilibrium. The nose obviously supports breathing and our sense of smell, but it also contributes to our sense of taste. Plus, it filters the air we breathe in order to prevent harmful bacteria from entering our lungs. The throat is important for swallowing our food, as well as for speaking and breathing.
Any disorders or malfunctions in these core areas can affect your quality of life, and may even be life-threatening.
Common Problems of the Ear, Nose, and Throat
Most of the following common disorders of the ear, nose, and throat are treatable, and persistent, severe, or recurrent symptoms deserve a medical evaluation.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is any inflammation or infection of the tonsils. This can be caused by something as moderate as a common cold or something serious, such as mono or strep throat.
Tonsillitis is common. Most cases are viral and clear on their own within about a week; strep throat is treated with antibiotics, as outlined in the IDSA strep throat guideline. It can cause severe throat pain, and if the tonsils are very swollen, swallowing and breathing can become difficult.
If the inflammation is severe, lasts a long time, or is recurring, the patient may need a tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils, based on the criteria in the AAO-HNS tonsillectomy guideline.
Ear Infections
When germs enter the ear and become trapped there, the result is an ear infection. The most obvious signs of an ear infection are pain in the ear(s), hearing loss, difficulty balancing, and drainage from the ear, often following a cold or other upper respiratory infection.
Ear infections are more common in small children and can be exhibited in irritability, balance difficulties, and even fever. They may pull or play with their ears.
Chronic ear infections in a child may require your doctor to surgically insert small ventilation tubes inside your child's ear to help avoid further cases, following the AAO-HNS ear tube guideline.
Sinus Infections
The cavities in the skull that surround the eyes and nose are your sinuses. When the sinuses become infected with bacteria or a virus, or are inflamed due to allergies, the result is sinusitis, as described in the AAO-HNS adult sinusitis guideline.
Signs of sinusitis are breathing issues, constant headache, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, bad breath, pain around eyes or nose, and toothaches.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for longer-than-natural periods while you're asleep. Causes of sleep apnea vary, such as being overweight, enlarged tonsils, and a narrow or crowded upper airway.
Sleep apnea can cause loud snoring or gasping while sleeping. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular problems, mood changes, daytime sleepiness, and other health issues.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. Every patient is unique. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific symptoms and treatment options.
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