Ear, nose and throat conditions affect the ear, the nose and sinuses, the throat, the larynx and the neck. Ear, nose and throat specialist Op. Dr. Süleyman Kumbasar, whose practice is in Bahçelievler, Istanbul, uses endoscopic examination to assess problems such as a blocked nose, sinusitis, snoring and sleep apnoea, ear infections, tonsil and adenoid problems and hoarseness. Sudden hearing loss, hoarseness lasting more than three weeks and a growing lump in the neck need a consultation without delay.
What are ear, nose and throat conditions?
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions affect the ear, the nose and sinuses, the throat and larynx, and the structures of the head and neck. The specialty of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery covers their diagnosis and treatment, both medical and surgical. Because these structures are connected, a problem often needs several areas to be assessed together: for example, a blocked nose can contribute to snoring, and enlarged adenoids to fluid in the ear.
Nose and sinus conditions
- Deviated septum: long-standing blockage caused by a curve in the central wall of the nose
- Turbinate hypertrophy: blockage caused by enlarged turbinates, often worse when lying down
- Sinusitis: acute and chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps
- Allergic rhinitis: sneezing, runny nose, itching and a blocked nose
The article common causes of a blocked nose, which reviews these causes together, helps you see where each problem fits.
Sleep and breathing problems
Snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep can be caused by narrowing at different levels, such as the nose, soft palate, tonsils or base of the tongue. Assessment and treatment options are on the snoring and sleep apnoea page.
Ear, throat and neck conditions
- Ear infections: middle ear infection, fluid in the ear and outer ear infection
- Hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness
- Conditions of the tonsils and adenoids and recurrent throat infections
- Hoarseness and vocal cord conditions
- Salivary gland conditions and lumps in the neck
ENT conditions in children
Enlarged adenoids and tonsils, middle ear infection and fluid in the ear are common in childhood. Assessment in children is explained separately on the paediatric ENT page.
Which symptoms should be assessed without delay?
The following can be signs of a serious condition, so it is best to see an ENT specialist without delay:
- Sudden hearing loss: treatment started in the first few days matters; it should be assessed urgently.
- Hoarseness lasting more than three weeks
- A lump in the neck that does not go away or is growing
- Constant blockage on one side of the nose, or repeated nosebleeds from one side
- Difficulty swallowing, a sore in the mouth that does not heal, or blood in the phlegm
- Swelling around the eye, changes in vision or a severe headache together with sinusitis
What happens at an ENT consultation?
At Op. Dr. Süleyman Kumbasar’s consultation, depending on the problem, the eardrum is examined with an otoscope or microscope, the inside of the nose and the nasopharynx with a fine endoscope, and the larynx and vocal cords by endoscopy. For endoscopic examination, an anaesthetic and decongestant spray is applied in the nose; the procedure is short. If needed, a hearing test, CT scan or sleep study is requested. If there is a cosmetic concern alongside a deviated septum, rhinoplasty is assessed within the same plan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an ENT consultation take?
Depending on the reason for coming, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If an endoscopic examination or hearing test is needed, it may take longer.
Is endoscopic examination of the nose painful?
Before the examination, an anaesthetic and decongestant spray is applied in the nose. The examination with a fine endoscope is short; most people only feel slight pressure.
What should I do about sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss is an emergency. Because starting treatment in the first few days matters, do not wait thinking it is just a blocked ear: have an ENT examination the same day or as soon as possible.
When does hoarseness need a consultation?
Hoarseness from a cold usually goes within a few days. If it lasts more than three weeks, especially in smokers, the vocal cords should be examined by endoscopy.
Can a deviated septum and the appearance of the nose be corrected in the same operation?
When indicated, yes. A deviated septum and enlarged turbinates can be treated in the same session as rhinoplasty; this combined surgery is called septorhinoplasty.
Is every lump in the neck serious?
Most lumps in the neck are lymph nodes swollen by an infection and shrink within a few weeks. Lumps that last more than two or three weeks, are growing or feel hard should be assessed by examination and, if needed, imaging.
Related treatments
Sources
- Rosenfeld RM et al. Clinical Practice Guideline (Update): Adult Sinusitis. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2015.
- Seidman MD et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Allergic Rhinitis. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2015.
- Mitchell RB et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Tonsillectomy in Children (Update). Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2019.
The information on this page is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment decisions are made by the doctor after a consultation. Results of surgical and interventional procedures vary from person to person.