EAR:
Doctor said it is just wax. Why am I getting discomfort and pain?
Ear wax has protective, lubricating and anti-bacterial properties. Sometimes the
wax build-up and blockage result in wax impaction. This causes discomfort and
pain, which is made worse by ear buds. Wax impaction can cause other
symptoms like fullness, itching and occasionally impair hearing. Once the wax
build up is significant, microsuction is the safest method to clean the ear and
treat wax impaction. Instillation of wax softening drops (olive oil) for 3-5 days prior
to microsuction is helpful.
NOSE:
I used to get mild sinus congestion. But over the last year my headaches,
pressure around the eyes and nasal drip is worse, and this is now affecting me.
What should I do?
In the early stages of mild sinusitis the sinus passages are partially blocked but if
untreated they progress to become fully blocked. This causes other symptoms of
chronic sinusitis including thick discoloured nasal mucous drip, decreased sense
of smell, stuffy nose, fatigue, pain in the cheek or teeth, and sinus headaches.
At this stage antibiotics, nasal drops and sprays, anti-allergy measures and nasal
douches may only provide short term relief. A referral to an ENT specialist may
be necessary. Often a sinus endoscopy is carried out in clinic and a scan of the
sinuses is recommended to plan further treatment.
THROAT:
I can eat and drink normally but often I feel a lump in the throat when I swallow.
This has made me anxious, should I be worried?
The most likely diagnosis is Globus Pharyngeus – a benign self-limiting condition
reported by up to 46% of apparently healthy individuals. Many describe this as
a ‘tightening’ in the throat commonly felt when swallowing saliva. Potential
causes are acid reflux, postnasal nasal drip, stress, tiredness, and anxiety. Unless
there are other ‘red flag’ symptoms such as painful or difficulty swallowing,
weight loss or hoarseness this is unlikely to be anything sinister. If symptoms have
not settled with time, an ENT specialist can carry out an assessment in clinic and
provide reassurance.
CHILD:
My 4 year old ignores me when I call his name. He breathes heavily when he has
a cold. On two occasions he said his ear hurts. He is fine now, any suggestions?
Glue ear (also called Otitis media with effusion) is very common, seen in 1 in 5
pre-school children. The signs to look out for are changes in behaviour, tiredness,
and a lack of response when called. If the ear gets infected the child complains
of ear ache. Often the adenoids can be enlarged resulting in symptoms of
heavy breathing and snoring. This also contributes to the blockage around the
eustachian tube. If symptoms persist after a three-month period of ‘watchful
waiting’, a referral to an ENT consultant should be considered. Treatment may
involve nasal drops, the use of auto-inflation nasal balloons, or surgery to
ventilate the ear with grommets and adenoid removal.
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