Common otorhinolaryngology diseases The ear, nose and throat systems are closely linked together. Therefore, ear, nose and throat diseases are related to each other.
Common otorhinolaryngology diseases
The ear, nose and throat systems are closely linked together. Therefore, ear, nose and throat diseases are related to each other. Below are some common diseases:
1. Otitis media
Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, often caused by infection. It is particularly common in children but can also occur in adults. This condition is a frequent complication of upper respiratory tract infections and is classified as one of the most prevalent otorhinolaryngology diseases.
| Causes |
Symptoms |
Treatments |
- Bacterial Infection: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
- Viral infection: Cold and flu viruses can inflame and block the Eustachian tube, leading to fluid buildup in the middle ear.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: This tube connects the middle ear to the throat. Blockages prevent fluid drainage, creating an environment for bacterial growth.
|
- Severe ear pain, often worsening when lying down.
- High fever (especially in children).
- Hearing loss, ear fullness, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Young children may show irritability, crying, tugging at their ear, or trouble sleeping.
- Persistent ear discharge (if eardrum perforation occurs).
- Hearing loss.
- Less severe pain but recurrent infections are common.
|
- Medication: Amoxicillin, Augmentin, or others prescribed by a doctor.
- Aspiration or Drainage: Performed to remove fluid buildup in severe cases.
- Surgery
|
2. Sinusitis
Sinusitis refers to the inflammation or infection of the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces located around the nose. It is a common condition that can affect individuals of all ages and is often associated with upper respiratory tract infections.
| Causes |
Symptoms |
Treatments |
- Viruses: Most common, causing acute sinusitis.
- Bacteria: Often result in prolonged or secondary bacterial infections.
- Fungi: More common in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic sinusitis.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, animal dander, or other irritants.
- Structural abnormalities (e.g., deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps).
- Untreated allergic rhinitis.
- Prolonged exposure to pollution or smoke.
|
- Nasal congestion or obstruction.
- Thick nasal discharge, often yellow or green.
- Facial pain or pressure (forehead, cheeks, around the eyes).
- Headache, worsened by bending forward.
- Fever, fatigue, and reduced sense of smell.
|
- Medication: Pain relievers, fever reducers or antibiotics (If sinusitis is caused by bacteria).
- Endoscopic sinus surgery: Remove pus, curettage of nasal polyps.
- Home care: Drink plenty of water, keep the room humid, get enough rest, avoid contact with allergens.
|
3. Sore throat
Sore throat is an inflammation of the throat mucosa, causing a burning, uncomfortable feeling in the throat area. This is one of the common respiratory diseases that can occur at any age, especially when the weather changes or in the cold season.
| Causes |
Symptoms |
Treatments |
- Viruses: Most common, causing acute sinusitis.
- Bacteria: Often result in prolonged or secondary bacterial infections.
- Fungi: More common in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic sinusitis.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, animal dander, or other irritants.
- Structural abnormalities (e.g., deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps).
- Untreated allergic rhinitis.
- Prolonged exposure to pollution or smoke.
|
- Nasal congestion or obstruction.
- Thick nasal discharge, often yellow or green.
- Facial pain or pressure (forehead, cheeks, around the eyes).
- Headache, worsened by bending forward.
- Fever, fatigue, and reduced sense of smell.
|
- Medication: Pain relievers, fever reducers or antibiotics (If sinusitis is caused by bacteria).
- Endoscopic sinus surgery: Remove pus, curettage of nasal polyps.
- Home care: Drink plenty of water, keep the room humid, get enough rest, avoid contact with allergens.
|
4. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tonsils, two lymphatic tissue masses located at the back of the throat. The tonsils play an important role in the immune system, helping the body fight bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth and nose. However, they can also become inflamed due to infections.
| Causes |
Symptoms |
Treatments |
- Bacterial infections: Most commonly caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
- Viral infections: Viruses that cause colds, flu, or Epstein-Barr virus.
- Other factors: Allergies, environmental pollution, or exposure to irritants (e.g., smoke, chemicals).
|
- Sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
- Swollen, red tonsils, sometimes with white or yellow pus spots.
- Fever and chills.
- Bad breath.
- Difficulty speaking or hoarseness.
- Earache or headache.
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
|
- Viral Tonsillitis: Symptomatic treatment with fever reducers, pain relievers (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen), rest, and plenty of fluids.
- Bacterial Tonsillitis: Use of antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor.
- Surgical Treatment: Tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils) may be recommended for recurrent or complicated tonsillitis.
|
5. Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal lining caused by an overreaction of the immune system to environmental allergens. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. While not typically dangerous, it can cause discomfort and impact quality of life.
| Causes |
Symptoms |
Treatments |
|
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body is exposed to allergens (triggers) that provoke an exaggerated immune response, releasing histamine. Common allergens include:
- Pollen (from trees, grasses, flowers).
- House dust (dust mites, pet dander).
- Mold.
- Smoke, chemicals, or strong odors.
- Certain foods or medications (less common).
|
Typical symptoms:
- Frequent sneezing, especially in the morning.
- Nasal congestion and clear runny nose.
- Itchy nose, throat, eyes, or ears.
- Red, watery eyes.
Additional symptoms (in some cases):
- Headache and difficulty concentrating.
- Fatigue and disrupted sleep.
- Changes in voice due to nasal congestion.
|
- Wear a mask when outdoors.
- Keep your home clean and vacuum frequently.
- Use air purifiers.
- Medications
- Allergy shots or sublingual tablets to gradually reduce sensitivity to allergens.
- Surgery: Reserved for structural abnormalities in the nose (e.g., deviated septum).
|
What to do when you have otorhinolaryngology diseases?
Although ENT diseases are quite common and benign. However, patients should not be subjective to avoid the disease becoming more serious.
When suffering from ENT diseases, you can take the following measures to reduce symptoms and support the recovery process:
- See a doctor: First, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and receive the necessary prescription. Or you can contact the hotline 02435741111 to make an appointment with a specialist at HFH Hospital.
- Drink enough water: Keeping the body hydrated helps thin mucus and reduce the feeling of dryness.
- Rest: Make sure you get enough sleep and rest time for the body to recover.
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and sore throat.
- Use pain relievers: If necessary, you can take pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen as prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid smoke and pollution: Limit exposure to cigarette smoke and pollutants to avoid making the condition worse.
- Use a humidifier: If the air is dry, using a humidifier can help soothe the respiratory tract.
- Nutritious food: Eat plenty of fruits, green vegetables and foods rich in vitamin C to boost the immune system.
If symptoms do not improve or become worse, return to the otorhinolaryngology doctorfor timely examination and treatment.
Above is the necessary information about common ear, nose and throat diseases. With causes, symptoms and treatments to help patients recover quickly.
Tiếng Việt
Français
日本語
