Dr Hilary Jones' Healthcare Guide - West Midlands - (Page 43)

ENT PROCEDURES – EAR, NOSE AND THROAT Problems in the head and neck can be resolved by seeing an ENT specialist D ZAP THEpain 80% o you or your child suffer from sniffles, have earache, or trouble swallowing? The chances are an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can help. Otorhinolaryngology (or ENT), is the branch of medicine that focuses on head and neck disorders. It is the third biggest surgical specialty within the NHS, and can help patients with problems including allergies, problems swallowing, hearing defects, breathing trouble, snoring issues and sinus problems. EAR INFECTION The ear is made up of the inner, middle and outer ear, and each section can become infected. Children are most vulnerable to acute middle-ear infection (otitis media), as it is often caused by colds and a blocked Eustachian tube (which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat), both of which are common childhood ailments. Glue ear occurs when fluid and pus build up in the middle ear and is common in children under two. WHAT CAUSES IT? Both viruses and bacteria can be to blame for ear infections, although viruses are most common. Symptoms include earache, mild deafness, discharge, fever, headache and loss of balance. Glue ear often develops after a middle-ear infection. OF CHILDREN WILL HAVE ONE EPISODE OF MIDDLE EAR INFECTION TREATMENT Middle-ear treatment options include using pain-killing drugs and antibiotics, if the infection is bacterial. Treating glue ear generally involves antibiotics. SINUSITIS We are born with four pairs of sinuses which grow until we become young adults. These are connected to the nose through small openings called ostia. The nose and sinuses produce mucous secretions to rid the body of dust, bacteria and other pollution. WHAT CAUSES IT? Sinusitis is usually caused by blocked sinus openings. This can be the result of colds and upper respiratory tract infections leading to bacterial infections. Cigarette smoke, household chemicals and pesticides can also lead to swelling and blockage of the lining of the nose, leaving it unable to drain properly, increasing the chances of infection. TREATMENT Antibiotics are usually used to reduce the swelling of the nasal lining. Nasal steroid sprays are also commonly used for chronic sinusitis. If medical treatment does not improve symptoms, then surgery is an option. TONSILLITIS Situated on either side of the throat, the tonsils contain cells to trap and kill bacteria and viruses entering the body. Tonsillitis is a swelling of the tonsils, causing pain and difficulty swallowing, temperature, headache and voice loss. A blocked nose following a cold could result in sinusitis WHAT CAUSES IT? Tonsillitis can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, and is spread by airborne droplets, hand contact or kissing. TREATMENT Tonsillitis doesn't usually require treatment. Paracetamol can ease pain and help reduce a temperature. For patients who suffer from repeated, severe infections, removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be necessary. n Dr Hilary Jones’ Healthcare guide – West Midlands 043 WORDS: Holly Quayle | PHOTOGRAPHS: Getty Images

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dr Hilary Jones' Healthcare Guide - West Midlands

EDITOR’S LETTER
A HEALTHY HELLO FROM DR HILARY
NEWS AND VIEWS
THE BIG INTERVIEW
QUESTION TIME
A WEIGHTY ISSUE
FITNESS FOR FREE
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
TOP NOSH
DR HILARY'S WELCOME
MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION
CHOOSING THE BEST
BREAST CANCER
COLORECTAL
COSMETIC SURGERY
DERMATOLOGY
EARS, NOSE AND THROAT
FERTILITY
GASTROENTEROLOGY
HAEMATOLOGY
NEUROSURGERY
OBESITY
OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
OPHTHALMOLOGY
ORTHOPAEDICS
PAIN MANAGEMENT
PLASTIC SURGERY
PLASTIC SURGERY
UROLOGY

Dr Hilary Jones' Healthcare Guide - West Midlands

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