7 of the Most Common ENT Problems

Your ears, nose, and throat all work together to help you hear, breathe, smell, taste, and communicate. If one acts up, the others often do too, causing uncomfortable symptoms. While some issues improve with simple home care, others need a specialist’s attention — recognizing which is which helps you know when to seek treatment.

Here are the most common ENT problems to look out for:

1. Sinusitis
2. Ear infections
3. Tonsillitis
4. Allergies
5. Hearing loss
6. Sleep apnea
7. Voice disorders

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, there’s no need to suffer in silence. Dr. Michael Kaplan and Tiffany Bell, DMS, PA-C, from Kaplan Sinus Relief care about getting to the bottom of what’s bothering you and finding long-term solutions that work. Give us a call at (713) 766-1818 to set up an appointment.

The most common ENT problems (and solutions)

1. Sinusitis

When your sinuses become inflamed and swollen, you’re experiencing sinusitis — a condition that can be quite uncomfortable. Common symptoms include facial pressure or pain, nasal congestion, thick discolored mucus, and sometimes headaches. This occurs when your sinus passages become blocked, often due to viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or structural abnormalities in the nasal cavity.

Solution: Treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying cause of your sinusitis. Bacterial infections typically require antibiotic therapy, while viral cases often improve with supportive care. Nasal saline rinses, decongestant sprays, and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and promote drainage. For chronic or recurrent sinusitis, advanced procedures like balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery may provide long-term relief.

2. Ear infections

Ear infections are particularly common in children but can affect adults as well. Symptoms typically include ear pain, a feeling of fullness, possible drainage, and temporary hearing difficulties. Some people also experience dizziness or balance issues when the infection affects the inner ear.

Solution: While many ear infections resolve without intervention, bacterial infections usually require antibiotic treatment. Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage discomfort, and warm compresses may provide additional relief. For patients with recurring infections or persistent eustachian tube dysfunction, your ENT doctor might recommend pressure equalization tubes or other specialized treatments.

3. Tonsillitis

Your tonsils serve as a first line of defense against bacteria and viruses, but sometimes they become infected themselves, resulting in tonsillitis. This condition causes throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes visible white patches or pus on the tonsils.

Solution: Viral tonsillitis typically improves with rest, good hydration, and pain management. Bacterial infections require antibiotic therapy. For patients who experience frequent episodes of tonsillitis or develop complications, a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended as a definitive treatment option.

4. Allergies

Allergic reactions can significantly impact your nasal passages and respiratory system, causing symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. There are several types of allergies that can affect ENT health: 

• Environmental allergies triggered by pollen or dust mites
• Food allergies that may cause throat swelling
• Skin allergies that can affect facial areas
• Insect allergies that may cause respiratory symptoms

Solution: Effective allergy management begins with identifying specific triggers through comprehensive testing. Once identified, avoiding allergens when possible is key. Treatment options include antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays, and immunotherapy (allergy shots). Your ENT doctor can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific allergy profile and symptom severity.

5. Hearing loss

Hearing loss can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly, and it can significantly impact communication and quality of life. You might notice difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, or needing to increase the television or radio volume.

Solution: Treatment depends on the type and severity of hearing loss. Some cases are caused by treatable conditions like earwax impaction or middle ear infections. Others may benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants, or surgical interventions. Early evaluation and treatment often provide the best outcomes, so it’s important to seek professional assessment when you notice changes in your hearing.

6. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by loud snoring. Beyond snoring, symptoms include waking up gasping for air, daytime fatigue despite adequate sleep time, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Sleep apnea is one of several sleep conditions that can have serious health consequences if left untreated.

Solution: Treatment varies based on severity and individual factors. While Kaplan Sinus Relief does not directly treat sleep apnea, a sleep specialist will recommend lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and positional therapy, which can help with mild cases. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the most effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. Alternative options include oral appliances and surgical procedures to address airway obstructions.

7. Voice disorders

Voice disorders can manifest as hoarseness, vocal fatigue, changes in pitch or volume, or complete voice loss. These issues may result from vocal cord inflammation, benign growths, nerve damage, or muscle tension. Voice and vocal cord disorders can significantly impact both personal and professional communication.

Solution: Initial treatment often focuses on vocal rest and avoiding irritants like smoking or excessive throat clearing. Speech-language therapy can teach proper vocal techniques and help prevent future problems. More complex conditions may require medical management, vocal cord injections, or microsurgical procedures to restore normal voice function.

What are the symptoms of ENT problems?

Most common ENT disease symptoms can vary significantly depending on the specific condition and its severity, but many share overlapping signs that affect your comfort and daily functioning. Those ENT disease symptoms include:

• Persistent nasal congestion or a runny nose
• Facial pain or pressure, especially around the sinuses
• Ear pain, fullness, or discharge
• Difficulty hearing or sudden hearing changes
• Frequent sore throats or difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness or changes in voice quality
• Loud snoring or interrupted breathing during sleep
• Chronic cough or throat clearing
• Frequent headaches or dizziness
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Bad breath that doesn’t improve with oral hygiene
• Reduced sense of smell or taste

While some discomfort is normal with minor colds or seasonal allergies, symptoms that last more than a week, worsen over time, or significantly impact your quality of life warrant professional attention. Keep in mind that early intervention of ENT issues often leads to more effective treatment outcomes and can prevent complications from developing.

Why wait when relief is just a phone call away? Call Kaplan Sinus Relief at (713) 766-1818 today!

Living with common ENT problems doesn’t have to be your new normal. Whether you’re dealing with chronic sinusitis that’s affecting your work performance, sleep apnea that’s leaving you exhausted, or hearing loss that’s making you feel disconnected from loved ones, we’re here for you.

At Kaplan Sinus Relief, you’re not just another patient — you’re an individual with specific needs and goals. Our practice is known for taking the time to thoroughly understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment preferences before developing a customized care plan. From minimally invasive procedures to advanced surgical techniques, they offer a full spectrum of treatment options designed to provide lasting relief.

Call (713) 766-1818or contact us online to schedule your consultation and discover why so many patients trust Kaplan Sinus Relief for their ENT care needs.

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