There are several common ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems.
They range from ear infections and allergies to various cancers.
A primary care provider can diagnose many commonENT conditions, such as ear infections and strep throat.
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Common Ear Conditions
Several ENT conditions affect the ear.
They occur when germs become trapped inside the middle ear.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants can also help.
Discuss safe dosing for kids with a healthcare provider.
Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is also known asotitis externa.
It affects the skin of the outer ear and the skin inside of the ear canal.
Excess moisture in the ear canal is the main cause of swimmer’s ear.
Children with injuries from improper ear cleaning, eczema, andseborrheicdermatitis may be more likely to develop the condition.
Symptoms:In mild cases, a child may complain about their ear itching or feeling full.
A younger or nonverbal child may scratch or tug at their ear.
In severe cases, there is increased pain and pressure.
You may see swelling of the ear canal and pus or drainage.
Treatment:A healthcare provider may prescribeprescription ear dropsto treat swimmer’s ear.
Rarely are prescription oral antibiotics needed to dump the infection.
Hearing Loss
There are several reasons an individual may experiencehearing loss.
This jot down of hearing loss typically goes away once the illness resolves.
Symptoms:Symptoms can vary widely depending on the cause of the hearing loss.
An individual may not notice hearing loss, especially if it happens gradually.
Sudden hearing loss is a red flag and a medical emergency.
Treatment:Treatment varies depending on the reason for the hearing loss.
For more permanent causes of hearing loss, devices such ascochlearimplantsand hearing aids may restore some hearing.
Other Conditions Affecting the Ears
Several additional common ENT problems can affect the ears.
Nosebleeds, a deviated septum, nasal growths, and loss of smell are additional common issues.
The infection can become trapped, causing inflammation, pressure, and pain.
Acute sinusitis is often secondary to acommon coldand typically clears within several weeks.
Symptoms:There are several symptoms of sinusitis, including:
Treatment:Treatment for sinusitis is typically supportive.
Since viruses cause most sinus infections, antibiotics won’t work.
Allergies and Rhinitis
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages.
Allergies are a common cause of rhinitis.
Prescription treatment options are available.
Treatment and prevention depend on the cause.
It can be caused during development or as the result of a trauma.
Treatment is often surgical.
Nasal growths:These growths include conditions such as nasal polyps, warts, and tumors.
Long-lasting inflammation in the nose can lead to nasal polyps.
Loss of smell:There are several reasons why an individual may lose their sense of smell.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Most conditions affecting the throat are self-limiting and resolve with treatment.
However, sometimes throat conditions are due to more serious causes, such as cancer.
Strep Throat
Strep is an abbreviation for a family of bacteria calledStreptococci.
Strep throat pops up if the throat and surrounding structures become infected with this germ.
Whilestrep throatis a common infection, many other infections have the same symptoms.
Children between the ages of 5 and 15 are most at risk of this infection.
The adenoids are close to the tonsils and often grouped with them.
Together, the tonsils and adenoids are a part of your lymphatic system.
Your lymphatic system drains extra fluid and helps protect you against illness.
Sometimes, your tonsils (and adenoids) become infected when exposed to a virus or bacteria.
Viruses cause mostcases of tonsilitisin very young kids and adults.
In kids ages 5 years to 15 years, many instances of tonsilitis are due to astrep throat infection.
Tonsilitis because of a bacteria (e.g., strep throat) is treated with antibiotics.
Supportive at-home measures include:
Tonsillectomy
Sometimes, an individual needs to have their tonsils removed.
This is more common in children.
Treatment specifics will depend on the key in of cancer and whether or not the cancer has spread.
It may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatment types.
Additional Throat Conditions
Several additional ENT problems can affect the throat.
Sleep apnea is another common ENT problem that affects the airway.
Most Common ENT Emergencies
Most ENT problems aren’t emergencies.
Many conditions, such as ear infections and strep throat, can be treated by primary care providers.
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