The ears, nose and throat are prime sensory organs which are actively used every moment. Ear, nose and throat issues will likely affect you at some point in your life. If you exhibit some of the symptoms below, you will be better informed before making an appointment with an otolaryngologist. The experience and intensity of the symptoms will vary across different individuals. It is always best to seek medical diagnosis from a trained professional who can identify and offer a suitable treatment.
Chronic Sinus Infection: Sinusitis is when there is an inflammation in your sinuses causing discomfort, pressure and swelling. Chronic sinusitis is one which lasts for more than 3 months. If there is blockage in your sinuses, then it might develop into an infection causing it to be congested, resulting in facial pressure. A sinus specialist can diagnose and treat such infections. It is important to act on time as chronic sinusitis can lead to complications like decreased sense of smell, nasal or eye infections and very rarely even result in brain infections. Your ENT doctor will identify the underlying cause of your chronic sinus infection and start treating it. Very often patients with allergies and asthma have a higher chance of having chronic sinus infections.
Laryngitis: This is when there is an inflammation in the voice box due to infection, overuse or irritability. Laryngitis can be temporary due to a viral infection but if it is chronic then it must be investigated by a throat ENT specialist. Some of the symptoms of laryngitis includes hoarseness of voice, sore throat, dry throat and a cough. Hoarseness in voice, could even be due to throat cancer. Early detection is important to prevent it from becoming life threatening. You should seek emergency help if a child with laryngitis has difficulty breathing, coughing up blood and has a high fever.
Ear Infections: Ear infections are very common in children and it might cause fever and pain. This can lead to inflammation in the middle ear. Ear infections can occur when an infection or an allergy causes mucus and microbes to build up behind the ear drum. This can lead to troubled hearing. If you have a severe ear infection, then it can even cause the ear drum to burst. Your ENT doctor will use an otoscope, which is a lighted instrument to check inside your ears for any visible damage. Treating ear infections without delay is important as complications can lead to loss of hearing.
Sleep Apnea: Snoring is not always harmless. It could be an indication of an underlying serious health condition. Snoring loudly and frequently can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. This is when you wake up suddenly during sleep due to temporary stops in your breathing. Sleep apnea can cause you to feel exhausted during the day. If this condition is left untreated it can lead to health conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder which your ENT doctor will treat using a CPAP machine. The doctor may also advice on lifestyle changes like losing weight and quitting smoking.
Vertigo: This is a sensation of feeling off balance. When you have vertigo you have dizzy spells, which makes you feel like you are spinning or the world around you is spinning. The ears play a vital role in maintaining balance in your body and if there is an ear infection it may cause vertigo. There could be many medical reasons for your vertigo and it is important to have an ENT consultation to understand the underlying cause of the vertigo. Lifestyle changes such as limiting caffeine and alcohol can be helpful.
If you notice any issues that align with the ones mentioned visit a specialist. Some problems may be minor, while others could lead to something major. It is always prudent to get a doctor’s opinion. The ENT Clinic offers state of the art modern diagnostic facilities for all kinds of ENT disorders requiring an ear specialist, throat doctor or sinus surgeon in Singapore. If you have symptoms or you just have concerns about your ENT health, visit an otolaryngologist who can answer all of your questions. The specialists at this clinic practice evidence based medicine using modern technology for diagnosis and treatment. Conveniently located in Mt. Elizabeth Novena Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital, this ear, nose and throat practice caters for both adult and paediatric disorders.