Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)

This is an infection of the middle ear that can lead to severe pain and sometimes, build-up of fluid inside the ear. It may be caused by virus or bacteria and often resolves with simple medications or antibiotic treatment.

Loss of hearing can be congenital (present at birth) or because of trauma or infection later in life. With developments in medical technology and availability of advanced care, this problem can be detected early and often treated with surgery or hearing aids.

Adenoids are a mass of tissues present behind the throat that protect children from viral and bacterial infections. Adenoiditis is inflammation of the adenoids caused by an infection. It can sometimes be a result of allergies. Symptoms include stuffy nose, throat pain and difficulty swallowing.

This is infection of the oval-shaped mass of tissue present at the back of the throat called tonsils. Tonsillitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the throat.

The part of the nose made of bone and cartilage that lies between the two nostrils is called a nasal septum. When the septum shifts or gets displaced to one side of the nose it is called a deviated septum. Some people may have a deviated septum at birth. It can also occur due to injury or during normal development of the nose. Symptoms include breathing difficulty, nose block and congestion.

Sometimes children (or even adults) may swallow an inedible object accidentally or while playing. Depending where the object gets lodged, it can result in a medical emergency as the item can block any part along the oesophagus to the gastrointestinal system.

The sinuses are four cavities present in the head region that are lined by tissues. The sinuses produce mucus that keeps the nose clean. Sinusitis occurs when these cavities get inflamed because of an allergy or infection, and can lead to headaches, nasal congestion and pain in the face.

Vertigo is a condition wherein an individual has a spinning sensation or has a feeling of being out of balance.

It is a condition characterised by constant or intermittent ringing sound in the ears that may be caused by exposure to very loud noise, injury or sometimes because of a problem in the blood vessels. Tinnitus can sometimes be followed by hearing loss.