Todays talk is on; Ear, Nose and Throat problems
These 3 organs are connected to each other
Their functions are (broadly speaking) hearing, smelling, speaking
PLUS balance, breathing, swallowing, taste, aesthetics (perceived facial balance)
NOSE
SYMPTOMS OF HAY FEVER
Nasal blockage Runny nose Headache
Facial pain and pressure
Abnormalities of sense of smell and taste
Nosebleed
Phlegm at the back of throat Bad taste in mouth
“ HAY FEVER ”
Blocked nose, bouts of sneezing, itchy nose / throat / eyes, nosebleed
Trigger: Depends on locations, Commonly, house dust mite; Pollen – tree, grass; mould; animal – fungi, cat dog
Seasonal or all year round or precipitate at exposure.
Treatment: Avoidance, symptomatic treatment, surgery
Sinusitis and Rhinitis
The swelling of the lining of nose and sinus (air containing cavities on the face).
Causing (one or both side of the nose): nasal blockage, facial pain/ pressure, post-nasal discharge which can lead to acid reflux-type symptoms
Sinusitis and Rhinitis
When left untreated / severe
Infections by Bacteria and Fungus
Recurrent rhinosinusitis
Ulceration of the nasal mucosa
Nasal polyps
Septal perforation
C O M M O N E S T P R O B L E M S W I T H T H E E A R
As seen in specialist clinic
• Wax / Foreign body
• “Glue ear” - Ear infection
• Ear discharge
• Hearing loss
• Age related
• One-sided: always need urgent medical advice
• Tinnitis
• One-sided: always need urgent medical advice
• Dizziness / vertigo
• Facial nerve palsy
C O M M O N
M I S C O N C E P T I O N S
• In normal state,
• Let soapy clean water enter the ear
• Gently massage in front of ear
• Regularly eat firm food e.g. firm apple
• If needs treatment,
• Olive oil twice daily 7-10 days OR Sodium bicarb ear drop twice daily for 7 days
• In severe cases, see the specialist for syringing or micro- suction
Eczema
Severe itching, blocked ear and vulnerability to infections in the outer canal à ear discharge
Treatment: antibiotic drops or ear spray | avoid water going into the ear Fungal infection need antifungal drops for 3 weeks
Foreign body – Ear and Nose only
Do not try removing it on your own à many times this makes it worse ! Go to Accident & Emergency department
Above also if foreign body swallowed
if swallowed button battery then give 10 mls Honey (if available) while waiting to see the doctor
Uncommonly seen but important
Swelling behind the ear Frequent ear discharge
With or without hearing loss Needs urgent doctors advice
Tinnitus – Noises in the ear
Varying causes: simple wax, hearing loss, acoustic neuroma (a growth in the localised area of brain)
If one-sided (unilateral) tinnitus with dizziness or hearing loss or both à must se doctor straightaway
Can have a massive impact on quality of life so see your doctor to have it checked out Treatment depends on cause. If cannot be treated then can be managed:
Mindfulness-based stress reduction - very helpful
Exercise plays a significant role to keep you healthy in this specifically and more generally Tinnitus leaflet – available on request
Key advice
Do not use objects to clean your ears
There is a natural mechanism
Do not expose yourself to loud noise for more than 20 min at a time
Use ear protection
Limit headphone use
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