Common Warnings Signs of ENT Problems

If you have a runny nose, itchy throat or are constantly clearing your throat, you might assume that these symptoms are just a cold that’s hanging around for longer than usual. However, while many of these symptoms are attributed to the common cold, other conditions could have more severe consequences if left untreated.

If you have any of these five warning signs in your ear, nose or throat area, it’s important to see an experienced ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor as soon as possible. This article will outline five potential red flags of ear, nose and throat issues.

Ear Discomfort or Drainage

If you experience discomfort or discharge from your ear, you must speak with an ENT. Ear pain or discharge are crucial indicator of a bacterial or viral infection. They may also be a result of a reaction to medication. Any ear pain should not be ignored, as it may indicate a more severe condition. Not to worry, these types of infections are very common and can be treated with antibiotics.

However, ignoring ear pain and discharge can result in a more severe infection and may require additional treatment or surgery. If you experience a sudden increase in drainage from your ear and notice any pain, it may be due to an ear infection that requires antibiotics.

If you experience persistent drainage from your ear, it’s recommended that you see an ENT, as this could be a sign of a more harmful issue.

Nasal Irritation

Nasal irritation and congestion are signs of a cold, but they can also be a warning sign of something more severe. If you experience nasal irritation, swelling or drainage in your nasal passages, you may have a bacterial or viral infection in your sinuses.

If left untreated, this can result in complications and even lead to a more serious infection such as bacterial meningitis. If you experience nasal irritation and swelling, it’s important to visit an ENT specialist and have your symptoms evaluated and tested for bacterial or viral infections.

Suppose your ENT determines that you have a viral infection. In that case, you may be prescribed antibiotics, plus a course of steroids to help reduce the swelling in your nasal passages.

Constant Throat Clearing and Coughing

If you have a cold, you may experience a scratchy throat or cough, but if the irritation persists or worsens, you may have a more serious infection such as strep throat or bacterial tonsillitis.

If you experience a scratchy throat and are coughing up thick mucus or have a fever, you should see an ENT specialist as soon as possible. Coughing up thick mucus or having a constant scratchy throat may be due to an infection in your throat, which can be serious if left untreated.

Coughing and throat clearing are ways your body tries to remove an infection, such as strep throat or bacterial tonsillitis. Any type of throat infection can lead to complications. Antibiotics may be necessary.

Hearing Difficulties

It’s common for people to experience hearing difficulties when they have a cold. However, if you experience a sudden loss of hearing accompanied by a fever, you may have a bacterial infection in your ears.

If your ears are clogged, you may need to see a doctor and have your ears syringed. If you experience a sudden loss of hearing, you must visit an ENT as soon as possible. Quickly determine what is causing the issue, as bacterial infections in your ears can spread to other parts of your body.

Runny Nose

A runny nose is a common symptom of a cold, but if it persists for longer than a few weeks or your symptoms worsen, it may indicate an underlying condition such as allergies or a sinus infection.

If your sinuses are infected, they may drain into your nasal passages and cause a runny nose that lasts longer than two weeks. If you have a sinus infection, you may experience nasal congestion, fever and a thick, yellow or green nasal discharge.

If you’re experiencing any of these five symptoms, it’s essential to visit an ENT as soon as possible. The ear, nose and throat areas are very sensitive and infections can have significant complications if left untreated.

If these symptoms persist, contact a Mountain Ear, Nose and Throat associate today to determine the cause and receive treatment: Sylva: 828-586-7474, Franklin: 828-524-5599, Murphy: 828-835-1014 and New Asheville: 828-458-8100