Doctors have specialities. A cardiologist is a doctor with expertise in heart and blood vessels, whilst a trauma surgeon’s speciality is critical care and emergency surgeries for various types of injuries. But how about an ENT doctor in Singapore?
ENT stands for ears, nose, and throat. AnENT doctor or clinic in Singapore treats various conditions and diseases that affect these parts. But besides the ears, nose, and throat, ENT specialists also manage issues involving the head and neck.
2 Most Common Ear Conditions Your ENT Doctor Can Treat In Singapore
1. Ear infection
Although most common in children, adults can develop ear infections, too. There are two types of ear infections. These are the outer ear infection and the middle ear infection. An ENT specialist clinic in Singapore can treat both infections.
A.) Otitis externa
Otitis externa, also known as the swimmer’s ear or the outer ear infection, is an infection that develops between the outer ear canal and ear drums.
CAUSES
Bacterial and fungal growth in the outer ear canal is the cause of the swimmer’s ear. Bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment. Swimmers often exposed their ears to water are the most common victims.
A damaged ear canal skin and contaminated water can aggravate the condition.
SYMPTOMS
- Itchy ear canal
- Discomfort and pain in the ear
- Clear fluid drainage in the ear
- Swelling and partial blockage of the ear
- Fever
TREATMENT
Your ENT doctor in Singapore may prescribe antibiotic or antifungal eardrops and pain medication to alleviate the swelling and pain.
B.) Otitis media
Otitis media, or the middle ear infection, occurs behind the ear drums.
CAUSES
The cause of middle ear infection is the bacterial growth behind the eardrum due to other respiratory illnesses, including cold, flu, and allergies.
SYMPTOMS
- Ear pain when lying down
- Fluid drainage in the ear
- Muffled or troubled hearing
- Loss of balance
- Headache
- Fever
TREATMENT
YourENT doctor in Singaporemay prescribe oral antibiotics or in eardrops form, pain medication, decongestant, and antihistamine.
2. Blocked ears
Blocked or clogged ears may happen naturally or deliberately. An ear, nose, and throat clinic in Singapore can resolve blocked ears.
A.) Earwax buildup
The earwax or cerumen is a waxy oil with antibacterial properties that our ears produce. Its purposes are to prevent dust, germs, and small crawlers from penetrating the inner ear by trapping them and lubricating the ear.
CAUSES
Dry and flaky earwax is pushed out from the ear by chewing and gnawing the jaw. However, excessive earwax forms bigger chunks that cannot fit through the ear canal, blocking the ear.
SYMPTOMS
- Troubled and muffled hearing
- Ringing in the ear
- Itchiness in the ear
- A feeling of fullness of the ear
- Pain in the ear
TREATMENT
Your ENT doctor can prescribe an eardrop solution that dissolves earwax. You can also get treatments, including ear irrigation and micro-suction from your ENT clinic in Singapore.
Remember, never remove your earwax by yourself.
B.) Foreign object
Sometimes people accidentally or deliberately insert tiny objects into their ears. Your ENT specialist clinic in Singaporecan remove them for you.
CAUSES
Blocked ears due to foreign objects are caused by inserting things into the ear. Not covering the ears during camping can also cause insects to crawl inside the ears.
SYMPTOMS
- Troubled or muffled hearing
- Unexplained tickling in the ear
- Ringing in the ears
- Itchy ear
TREATMENT
Your ENT doctor in Singapore may use ear irrigation, tweezers, or micro-suction to remove the object or bug in the ear.
2 Most Common Nose Or Sinus Problems Your ENT Doctor Can Treat In Singapore
3. Sinusitis
Sinus infection is the swelling of the nasal tissues due to bacteria growth in the area. Your ENT clinic in Singapore can treat sinus infections.
CAUSES
Sinus infections originate from other nasal conditions, such as common colds and allergic rhinitis. When a person has either of these conditions, their sinuses become blocked, accumulating mucus or fluid with germs.
With cold medication and antihistamines, the sinuses will clear up. However, if neglected, the bacteria in the fluid will grow and cause sinus infections. Visit yourENT specialist clinic in Singapore if your cold or allergies last for weeks.
SYMPTOMS
- Facial pain or pressure
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Loss of smell
- Fever
- Thick green or yellow nose discharge
TREATMENT
Your ENT doctor in Singapore may prescribe decongestants, antihistamines, saline nasal washes and sprays, and antibiotics.
4. Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are a soft, grapelike, benign growth in the nasal passages. Your ENT clinic in Singapore can treat nasal polyps.
CAUSES
The root cause of nasal polyps is still unknown, but they can be triggered by chronic rhinosinusitis and sinus infections.
SYMPTOMS
- Difficulty in breathing in the nose
- Decrease sense of smell and taste
- Sinus pressure and pain in the upper teeth
- Postnasal drip
TREATMENT
Your ENT doctor in Singaporemay prescribe nasal corticosteroid spray, oral corticosteroid, decongestants, and antihistamine. Surgery can also help remove nasal polyps.
2 Most Common Throat Problems Your ENT Doctor Can Treat In Singapore
1. Strep throat
Strep throat is a contagious throat and tonsil infection that causes sore and inflamed throat. An ENT specialist clinic in Singapore can treat strep throat.
CAUSES
Streptococcus bacteria cause strep throat. They can be passed and contracted through respiratory droplets (sneezing and coughing) and by sharing food and utensils.
SYMPTOMS
- Severe sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- White and yellow spots at the back of the throat
TREATMENT
Your ENT doctor in Singaporemay prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers.
2. Laryngitis
Laryngitis is the swelling of the voice box and vocal cords. AnENT specialist clinic in Singapore can treat laryngitis.
CAUSES
Respiratory infections, such as cold and flu, inhaling fumes and dust, frequent acid reflux, frequent coughing and throat clearing, and overuse of vocal cords irritate and inflame the larynx.
SYMPTOMS
- Hoarse or total loss of voice
- Cough that won’t go away
- Dry and sore throat
- Low-grade fever
TREATMENT
Your ENT doctor in Singapore may prescribe antibiotics and corticosteroids. Resting your voice and increasing fluid intake can alleviate the swelling.
ENT Doctor in Singapore
Are you experiencing one of these ear, nose, and throat conditions? Visit yourENT doctor in Singapore immediately.
Dr Jenica Yong provides treatment for conditions concerning your ears, nose, and throat. Visit Dr Jenica Yong today.