Common Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Disorders

ENT disorders can significantly impact our daily lives, from causing discomfort to severely affecting our ability to hear, breathe, and speak. At the Asian ENT Care Centre in Punjagutta, Hyderabad, patients benefit from comprehensive diagnostics and treatments for a wide range of ENT conditions. Headed by the experienced Dr. Chava Anjaneyulu, the center provides cutting-edge care for individuals suffering from various ENT ailments. In this blog, we will explore five of the most common ENT problems and discuss how they can be effectively treated at Asian ENT Care Centre.

1. Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is one of the most common ENT problems, especially in urban areas like Hyderabad, where pollution levels are high. Sinusitis occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed, leading to nasal blockage, headaches, and facial pain. In some cases, sinusitis can become chronic, lasting more than 12 weeks despite treatment.

Symptoms of Sinusitis:

• Nasal congestion
• Facial pain or pressure
• Reduced sense of smell
• Cough or sore throat
• Thick nasal discharge (yellow or green)

Treatment Options at Asian ENT Care Centre

At Asian ENT Care Centre, sinusitis is treated using advanced diagnostic tools such as Nasal Endoscopy and CT scans to pinpoint the cause of the inflammation. The treatment typically begins with medications, including antibiotics (for bacterial infections), decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids to reduce swelling.

For patients with chronic sinusitis, Balloon Sinuplasty or Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) may be recommended. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon to open blocked sinus passages, providing immediate relief without the need for major surgery.

2. Hearing Loss: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can occur at any age and may result from multiple factors, including age-related degeneration, infections, loud noise exposure, or earwax buildup. Hearing loss is broadly classified into three types: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss:

• Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Muffling of sounds

Treatment Options at Asian ENT Care Centre

At Asian ENT Care Centre, hearing loss is diagnosed using tests like Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE), and BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) to assess the hearing threshold and identify the cause of the problem.

Treatment options vary based on the severity and type of hearing loss:

• For conductive hearing loss (caused by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear), simple procedures like microscopic earwax removal or ear infections treatment may restore hearing.
• For sensorineural hearing loss (caused by damage to the inner ear or nerves), patients may be prescribed hearing aids, or cochlear implants might be recommended for severe cases.
• In addition, the center provides tinnitus management and counseling services to address the discomfort associated with hearing loss.

3. Tonsillitis: Symptoms and Treatments

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, two lymph nodes located at the back of the throat. It is most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections, especially in children. While acute tonsillitis can be treated with medications, chronic or recurring tonsillitis may require surgery.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis:

• Sore throat
• Swollen tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• White or yellow coating on the tonsils

Treatment Options at Asian ENT Care Centre

At the Asian ENT Care Centre, patients with tonsillitis receive a thorough evaluation to determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are prescribed. Symptomatic relief can be achieved with pain relievers and throat lozenges.

For chronic tonsillitis or cases where symptoms recur frequently, Tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended. This procedure is minimally invasive and is performed with precision to ensure a quick recovery and minimal postoperative discomfort.

4. Allergies and Nasal Polyps: Symptoms and Treatments

What are Allergies and Nasal Polyps?

Allergies can trigger a wide range of symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Prolonged nasal allergies may lead to the development of nasal polyps—soft, non-cancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages that can block airflow.

Symptoms of Nasal Allergies and Polyps:

• Persistent sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Loss of smell
• Postnasal drip
• Headaches

Treatment Options at Asian ENT Care Centre

The Allergy Management Program at Asian ENT Care Centre involves a combination of allergy testing, medications, and immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help patients manage their symptoms.

In cases where nasal polyps form, endoscopic sinus surgery or polypectomy may be required to remove the polyps and restore normal airflow. Patients are also educated on lifestyle modifications to minimize exposure to allergens and prevent future flare-ups.

5. Vertigo and Dizziness: Causes and Treatments

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often related to problems in the inner ear. It can make simple tasks like standing or walking difficult and may be accompanied by nausea, headaches, and balance issues. Common causes include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and labyrinthitis.

Symptoms of Vertigo:

• Dizziness or sensation of spinning
• Nausea and vomiting
• Imbalance
• Headaches
• Ringing in the ears

Treatment Options at Asian ENT Care Centre

Vertigo can be diagnosed with specialized tests like VNG (Videonystagmography) and VEMP (Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials), which assess the function of the inner ear and balance system. Treatments include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications to manage symptoms, and canalith repositioning maneuvers to treat BPPV.

For chronic vertigo or Meniere’s disease, more advanced treatments such as surgical procedures may be necessary to alleviate the debilitating effects of vertigo.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms related to any of these common ENT disorders, it is crucial to seek professional medical advice promptly. The Asian ENT Care Centre in Punjagutta, Hyderabad, is committed to providing comprehensive care and advanced treatments to help patients regain their quality of life. Don’t let ENT issues hinder your daily activities—schedule an appointment today!