The Ear, Nose and Throat are not just sensory organs, they are gateways to communication, breathing and overall wellbeing. Neglecting ENT health can affect sleep speech and even brain function. Sometimes ignoring minor ENT symptoms can lead to serious conditions. According to Dr. Anu Goyal there
are some warning signs, you should not ignore and immediately consult an ENT specialist.
1.Sudden or increase in hearing loss:
Persistent hearing loss or an increase in hearing difficulty can happen due to simple issues like earwax buildup or an ear infection, which can block sound. These are usually treatable. However, if hearing loss happens suddenly, especially in one ear, it may need immediate attention. Possible causes include
damage to auditory nerve, sudden noise exposure like crackers, DJ sound, traffic horn etc. or inner ear infection due to viral infections like mumps etc.
Warning signs:
- Sudden decreased or almost nil hearing
- Beep sound or ringing in ear.
2. Difficulty in swallowing:
Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) can be caused by issues like acid reflux or throat infections, but it might also signal serious problems, and possible causes include nerve damage, a blockage, thyroid problem, head and neck cancer.
Warning signs:
- Pain
- Choking
- weight loss
- feeling like food is stuck
3. Lump in neck or mass in nose or ear:
A lump in the neck or a mass in the nose or ear can sometimes be serious. While it could be due to
infections, swollen lymph nodes, or benign growth, it might also indicate conditions like cancer (thyroid, lymphatic, or nasal), chronic infections, or other serious disease.
Warning signs:
- lump or mass is painless, Growing and persistent for more than 3 weeks
- comes with symptoms like weight loss
- difficulty in breathing, or bleeding from nose, ear or mouth.
4.Difficulty in breathing:
Difficulty in breathing can be caused by problems like a blocked nose (due to allergies, sinus infections, or a deviated septum), throat issues (like swollen tonsils or voice box problems), or conditions like sleep apnea. It’s important to see an ENT doctor to find the exact cause and get the right treatment.
Warning signs:
- Very fast shallow breaths
- Noisy breathing
- Breathing associated with chest pain and wheezing..
5. Sudden voice change:
A voice change can be caused by issues like cord strain, infections, acid reflux, or even nerve problems. While it’s often not serious but if it lasts more than a few days, comes with pain, or affects your breathing, it’s important to see an ENT doctor to rule out serious conditions like vocal cord paralysis or growth.
Warning signs:
- more than 2-3 weeks
- pain, difficulty in breathing associated
- Lump in neck.
6. Sudden nosebleed:
Nose bleeds can sometimes occur in children due to the habit of repeated nose picking or sometimes due to cold. In adults it can sometimes be due to conditions like high blood pressure, bleeding disorder, nasal tumors, or blood vessel issues.
Warning signs:
- Heavy bleed in gush
- Persistent nosebleed
- Does not stop after 10-15 minutes of pressure
- Associated with any mass in nose
- Pain and difficulty in nasal breathing.
7. Blood in sputum or saliva:
Blood in saliva or sputum could indicate serious ENT conditions like throat infections, nasal bleeding draining into the throat, tonsil infections, growth in the mouth, throat, or voice box.
Warning signs:
- Associated with lump in neck or growth in oral cavity
- Associated with difficulty in breathing or changing voice
- Loss of weight
- Repeatedly on in large amounts.
8. Sudden loss of taste or smell:
Loss of taste or smell can be due to sinus infections, large nasal polyps, nerve damage from head injuries, or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. It may also indicate a tumor affecting the olfactory system.
Warning signs:
- Symptoms are sudden, persistent, or accompanied by other neurological issues
9. Severe throat pain:
It can be due to infections like pus-filled abscess near the tonsils, severe bacterial infections, or swelling of the throat (epiglottitis). It can also be caused by acid reflux or even throat tumors.
Warning signs:
- Intense pain with difficulty in swallowing own saliva
- High grade fever is more than 101°F
- Difficulty in breathing
- Blood in saliva or mucus
- Marked swollen lymph nodes
- Marked swollen red tonsils with white patches or pus on tonsils
10. Severe headache and facial congestion or heaviness:
Severe headache with facial heaviness or congestion is often due to a sinus infection, where blocked sinus cause pressure and pain. It can also be from allergies, nasal polyps, or migraines.
Warning signs:
- pain is intense, lasting long duration
- comes with fever, swelling, vomiting and dizziness
- vision problems
11. Balance problem:
Balance problems can be caused by inner ear conditions like Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or inner ear damage. In some cases, it may indicate brain-related issues like stroke or tumors.
Warning signs:
- dizziness is intense, persistent
- comes with hearing loss
- severe headache
- weakness
- difficulty speaking
12. Snoring that causes difficulty in breathing:
Snoring that causes difficulty in breathing may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep, leading to dangerous pauses in breathing. This condition can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Warning signs:
- Snoring is accompanied by choking, gasping
- Significant daytime fatigue
Our bodies often give us subtle warnings when something is not right. Paying attention to these signs can help us to detect potential health issues early and their timely management. “Health is wealth”. Dr. Anu Goyal, as the leading ENT specialist, guides you to some warning signs related to ear, nose and throat that you should never ignore. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to complications that can affect your
overall health and well-being. If you reside in or around Dwarka and are searching for an ENT specialist near Dwarka, it is important to choose a qualified professional who can offer comprehensive care ENT-related concerns. Early diagnosis and timely intervention of minor issues can prevent them exaggerating into more serious health conditions. If you are looking for expert care, finding the best ENT specialist near you is the first step toward effective diagnosis, treatment, and long-term relief.
