Pouring Rains brings relief to hot temperatures of Mumbai but along with it mumbaikars see increase in Ear, Nose and Throat infections and thus results in increase number of patients visiting to ENT Specialists.

Ear Infection

The middle ear, the eardrum, or the ear canal can be affected by an infection. Symptoms of ear infection may be followed by respiratory infections like cold, flu and so on.

Symptoms of Ear Infection in Adults

Ear becomes painful
Loss of hearing
Ringing sound in the ear
Fullness in the ear
Discharge from the ear
Vertigo
Vomiting and nausea

If you notice discharge coming out of your ear, then it is usually caused by infection called otitis externa or swimmer’s ear. If your ear is paining and you experience hearing loss, then you most probably have middle ear infection or Otitis Media.

Symptoms of Ear Infection in Children

Painful ear, particularly while lying down
Pulling or tugging sensation in the ear
Difficulty in falling asleep
Increased irritability or crying
Loss of balance
Fever
Discharge from ear
Loss of appetite
eadache
Difficulty in responding or in hearing sounds

When to See a Doctor

For children it is important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible, and therefore symptoms should not be ignored for more than a day. Adults should also consult a doctor when they have pain or discharge from their ears.

Nose Infection

The nose is mainly affected by sinus infection and rhinitis. It is easy to confuse the two, as the symptoms could be similar. A sinus infection affects the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located behind eyebrows and forehead, on either side of the nose’s bridge, behind the nose, and in the bony parts of the cheeks. Rhinitis on the other hand is caused by allergies or cold, and it affects only the nasal passages.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Nasal congestion or stuffiness
Nasal discharge, usually discolored or light green in color
Tenderness at the bridge of nose, under the eyes, or overall in the face
Postnasal drip
Painful teeth
Bad breath
Fatigue
Fever
Coughing
Frontal headaches

Symptoms of Rhinitis

Sneezing
Runny nose
Congestion or blockage in nasal passage
Itchy skin, mouth, or eyes
Feeling of tiredness

Sinus infections and rhinitis can become chronic and therefore it is important to treat these infections as soon as possible. Sinusitis can even be life threatening if the sinus cavity close to the brain has been affected.

Throat Infection

Throat infection or sore throat is usually the first symptom of onset of a cold. However, a throat infection resulting from a cold will go away in a couple of days, and other symptoms of the cold like congestion and runny nose will persist. Strep throat on the other hand is more severe and persistent throat infection, which is caused by streptococcus bacteria. Secondly, a sore throat can be caused due to viruses as well. Most viral sore throats are accompanied by cold symptoms that include cough, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Usual Symptoms of Throat Infection

Inflammation and redness at the back of the throat
Pain while swallowing
Swollen red tonsils
Swollen lymph nodes
Pain in the neck or ears

When throat infection is due to flu or cold virus, there will be additional symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, aching limbs and muscles, fatigue, and headaches.

Symptoms of Bacterial Throat Infection

If the person is suffering from the following symptoms, it is more likely the infection is caused by the bacteria, streptococcus pyogenes –

Running a temperature of 38.5 degrees C or higher
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Pus or white spots on the tonsils
Absence of cough
Symptoms helps in diagnosing a Ear, Nose and Throat infection and usually not much investigations are required in the initial stages.