The development of new symptoms, especially in the ears, nose, and throat, can be frightening. Minor ENT disorders can manifest similar symptoms to those of major disorders. Since symptom-based diagnosis is difficult, it is wise to consult an ENT specialist in Mumbai to determine the cause of your problem. However, how can you determine when it is appropriate for you to consult an ENT specialist in Mumbai?
Listed below are some ENT symptoms that you should not ignore, along with why they must be addressed.
Ear Symptoms you should not ignore
A sudden loss of hearing
The loss of hearing is not always gradual with age, but the sudden loss of hearing may be indicative of an underlying health issue. When your hearing suddenly becomes impaired, consult an ENT specialist immediately.
Wax in the ear canal may be the cause of a sudden onset of hearing loss. Alternatively, it may be nerve-related, which can be treated with steroids on prescription.
Symptoms of severe dizziness
Vertigo, or a feeling of extreme dizziness, is another warning sign. Vertigo can develop inside the inner ear, but there are a variety of causes. When you suffer from severe dizziness, it is imperative to consult an ENT specialist in Mumbai. This is to rule out the possibility that you have a more serious condition, for example, a stroke.
Continual drainage of the ear
In many cases, drainage from the ears is simply wax that has built up in the ear and is leaking out. If you are wearing an ear tube, you may also experience some drainage. If, however, you have prolonged ear drainage, or if your primary care physician doesn’t seem to be able to clear up your ear infection with drops or prescription drugs, contact an ENT for a professional opinion.
A Severe Earache
Whenever you experience severe ear pain, it is imperative to seek medical attention. The sensation of pain is indicative that you are experiencing a problem. Minor ailments such as Eustachian tube obstruction or swimmer’s ear can cause ear pain. Extreme pain, however, may signal a serious problem with the ear, a throat problem causing the pain to be transmitted to the ear, or a more serious neurological problem.
Symptoms of the nose you should not ignore
Nasal obstruction, congestion, or blockage
In most cases, nasal congestion is caused by a viral infection. Although it’s rare, persistent congestion may be an indication of a more severe problem. It is also possible for obstruction or occlusion of the nose to be caused by a tumor. Nasal polyps may also contribute to this condition.
Nosebleeds frequently
An occasional nosebleed can be relatively harmless, provided it does not result from an injury. A doctor should be consulted when a nosebleed occurs frequently or repeatedly. Infection or tumor may cause bleeding. It may also be harmless.
Tenderness, swelling, and redness of the nose
When you blow your nose a lot, such as during a cold or due to allergies, the nose may become puffy. Nevertheless, if there is any redness or swelling accompanied by a great deal of tenderness and inflammation, this could indicate a serious infection. Accordingly, you should visit the hospital immediately.
Runny nose that persists for long periods
There may not be any reason to rush to the doctor if you have a chronic runny nose. An allergy to environmental factors is usually to blame for this ENT symptom. The majority of allergies are caused by environmental or seasonal factors and can often be treated easily.
Throat symptoms that you should not ignore
Chronic sore throat
A viral or bacterial infection causes most sore throats. A persistent sore throat is often caused by strep throat. However, if you experience throat pain despite taking antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, it is an indication that you need additional medical treatment.
The recurrence of tonsillitis
Recurrent tonsillitis can be defined as occurring seven times in one year, five times in a row for two years, or three times over the previous three years. Repeated throat infections may be indicative of a more severe infection that antibiotics aren’t treating. You may wish to consult your ENT specialist in Mumbai regarding a tonsillectomy if necessary.
Redness of the neck and a sore throat
If you experience any symptoms of redness in your neck in conjunction with a sore throat, you should consult your doctor immediately. You may have acquired infection in your neck. To prevent the further spread of the infection, you should seek immediate medical care.
A lump on the neck
The presence of any type of mass in the neck should also be addressed immediately. You may be experiencing symptoms related to your thyroid or a lymph node, which could indicate an underlying condition such as cancer or a tumor. If you discover a lump on your neck, it is best to take precautions rather than be regretful.
Snoring that is severe or the inability to breathe during sleep
Snoring can be due to sleep apnea if you have severe symptoms or if you stop breathing while sleeping. Unless you are experiencing serious health issues because of your snoring, it could be easily corrected by addressing the underlying issue. You may require a CPAP machine, tonsillectomy, or Inspire procedure, depending on the exact cause of your snoring.
Conclusion
These symptoms of the ear, nose, and throat, although simple, may signal a major underlying illness sometimes. Prevention is always better than cure, and you should consult an ENT specialist in Mumbai on time to prevent further illness development.