Introduction:
You may have trouble sleeping and concentrating, communicating effectively, and being comfortable if you have chronic nasal congestion or sinus problems. Ear pain or problems with hearing can also add to these issues. For some people, the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications provides relief. If you have chronic or recurrent problems, you may need to have an evaluation by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.
If you are searching for ENT specialists in Bangalore, having a basic understanding of the available diagnostic and treatment options can help you make the right choices regarding your health.
Regal Hospital is located in Bangalore and offers a range of services to patients in and around North Bangalore including Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka, Hebbal, Tirumanahalli and other areas. Patients who experience problems like sinus issues, changes in hearing or throat issues including persistent throat infections or ear infections can approach the hospital for the available treatment and consultation.
This booklet contains information about the common conditions related to the ear, nose and throat, sinus infections, treatment options, when to seek medical help, as well as the benefits of a specialist evaluation.
What does an ENT Specialist do?
An ENT Specialist is also known as Otolaryngologist and is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the ear, nose and throat as well as related structures of the head and neck.
Symptoms can often be caused by multiple things. An ENT assessment can help determine the underlying cause and what the best next step is. This may include medication or a change in lifestyle, additional testing, or a procedure.
Understanding Sinusitis: Causes and Symptoms
Sinusitis is the inflammation of sinus membranes. Sinuses are cavities in the skull that are lined with mucous membranes and produce mucus. Sinusitis blocks the normal flow of mucus, causing an build-up of mucus, which can cause pain and pressure.
Sinusitis often occurs after a viral respiratory infection, or from allergies.
Symptoms of Sinusitis
Symptoms can include:
- A blocked nose
- Thick nasal discharge
- Discomfort and pain around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead
- Nasal mucus draining to the back of the throat
- Decreased sense of smell
- Headache
- Cough, often at night
Fatigue and disturbed sleep
Acute sinusitis often improves on its own while chronic sinusitis is when symptoms last for at least 12 weeks. You should see a doctor if you have persistent symptoms that affect your everyday life. Not all sinus infections are caused by bacteria and not all patients will require antibiotics.
1.Other medicines:
Use only under medical advice. Use of decongestant sprays may lead to chronic or recurrent nasal congestion.
- Managing Allergies and Environmental Triggers
Inflammation of the nose may be due to allergies, exposure to irritants or other causes. Decreasing contact with such triggers, correctly treating allergies and practicing appropriate nasal hygiene can help manage these conditions.
Do not assume every case of congestion needs antibiotics or surgery.
- Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
For some people, persisting symptoms may require an ENT specialist to perform a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).
For this surgery, the ENT specialist uses an endoscope to view the interior of the nose. This helps improve the natural openings of the sinuses. FESS may be done for people with nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis, as well as other structural abnormalities of the nasal passages.
Sinus surgery may not be required for all cases of sinusitis. The decision should be made after proper evaluation and investigation.
Patients interested in sinus surgery Thanisandra should check for the availability of ENT consultations and surgeries directly with Regal Hospital.
How Are Sinus and ENT Conditions Diagnosed?
Adequate diagnosis helps reduce the need for unnecessary medication and appropriately treat the condition.
Medical History and Physical Examination
The ENT specialist will ask questions regarding the duration of symptoms, previous infections, allergies, medication history, sleep quality, hearing and smelling.
The ENT specialist will perform an examination of the nasal passages, ears and throat. This can help identify the cause of the symptoms.
Nose and Sinuses Examination
In certain cases, a specialist may examine the insides of the nose and the openings to the sinuses, by using a thin, lighted, instrument called an endoscope.
It may help find the cause of nasal obstruction or other problems, such as inflammation or the presence of polyps.
Imaging
A C.T. scan of the sinuses may be recommended if there is a need for a more detailed information in the evaluation of chronic sinusitis or its complications, or for surgical planning. Imaging is not routinely necessary for simple, uncomplicated sinus infections.
Hearing
Patients may need an audiometry test to determine their ability to hear various sound frequencies, if there is a change in their hearing. Further testing may also be recommended, depending on the suspected cause.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss may occur gradually or suddenly. Causes may be earwax blockage, infection, fluid in the middle ear, changes in the ear due to aging, exposure to loud sounds, and/or conditions of the inner ear.
Signs and symptoms that may require an assessment by an ENT include:
- Asking people to repeat what they say.
- Turning up the volume on the television or radio.
- Having difficulty understanding people when there is background noise.
- Ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears (tinnitus).
- Ear pain, fluid, or a blockage.
The cause of the hearing loss will determine the type of treatment. It may include removal of earwax, treatment of infection, surgery, and/or hearing aids and other rehabilitative measures.
If there is suddenly a change in hearing, it is a medical emergency, and the patient should be seen the same day. It may not be due to earwax.
For patients needing hearing loss evaluation, treatment, and other services related to ENT, contacting Regal Hospitals may help to determine the services offered.
When should I go for an Urgent ENT Appointment?
Some symptoms can’t wait for a routine appointment and require prompt or emergency medical attention.
You should seek urgent medical care for:
- Sudden deafness or hearing loss
- Severe ear pain with fever or swelling
- Eye swelling, redness and sinus symptoms
- Vision changes, double vision and/or eye movement problems
- Severe headaches with neurological symptoms (stiff neck, confusion, etc.)
- Respiratory distress or inability to swallow saliva
These symptoms can be indicative of an emergency condition. Home remedies are not recommended in these cases.
Recovery and Prevention Tips for Better ENT Health
Maintaining good hygiene and a few lifestyle changes can aid in the prevention and recovery of symptoms.
For respiratory infections:
- Hydrate and get plenty of rest.
- Nasal rinses using sterile water (distilled, boiled and cooled) if directed.
- Allergy management as directed.
- Smoking cessation and avoiding second hand smoke.
- Protect your ears from loud noises and keep headphone volume at a safe level.
- Avoid ear wax removal at home or the use of other foreign objects in the ear.
- Complete your treatment and keep follow up appointments as scheduled.
While it is appropriate to use over the counter medications for the interim, consult a specialist for frequent or persistent symptoms.
Why Choose Regal Hospitals ENT Services in Bangalore?
Regal Hospital is a multispecialty hospital in Bangalore. Patients from North Bangalore, including Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka, Hebbal, and Tirumanahalli, can contact the hospital to enquire about ENT consultations and the appropriate care pathway.
Patients seeking an ENT specialist in Bangalore may want to know about the clinician’s relevant expertise, whether the required diagnostic tests are available, and if specialist referral and/or further treatment is necessary.
A care plan should be individualized and based on the patient rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Before considering sinus surgery, patients should discuss with their ENT surgeon about expected benefits and risks, what other options are available, and what the expected recovery period is.
For further information about the hospital and to get in touch with the hospital, please visit their website. Before you make a booking, check with them to confirm if the services you are interested in are available (e.g., ENT, endoscopy, hearing assessment and surgeries).
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I consult an ENT specialist for sinusitis?
Consult an ENT specialist if sinus symptoms persist for 12 weeks or longer, keep recurring, or do not improve with appropriate treatment. Seek urgent care for eye swelling, vision changes, severe headache, or other concerning symptoms.
- Does sinusitis always require surgery?
No. Many cases improve with appropriate medical treatment and nasal care. Surgery may be considered for selected patients with persistent chronic sinusitis or structural problems when medical treatment has not provided sufficient relief.
- How is sinusitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a medical history and examination. Nasal endoscopy or a CT scan may be recommended for persistent or complicated symptoms or when surgery is being considered.
- Can hearing loss be treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. Earwax blockage and certain infections may be treatable, while other types of hearing loss may require hearing aids or specialised care. Sudden hearing loss needs urgent medical assessment.
- Where can I enquire about ENT treatment near Thanisandra?
Patients in Thanisandra and other North Bangalore neighbourhoods can contact Regal Hospital to ask about ENT consultations, sinusitis assessment, hearing tests, and the availability of specific treatments.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Call us today: +91 888 405 8888.
Visit us: Near Thanisandra-Yelahanka Road, Bengaluru
Learn more: www.regalhospital.com
This blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified doctor. Please consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
