ENT Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore: Cold, Sinus & Ear Infections

The nose, throat, and ears are gateways for viruses and other bacteria, especially in winter. Colds, sinusitis, laryngitis, and ear infections sometimes share similar symptoms, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, blocked ears, or cough. Here are our tips for learning how to recognize and combat these brief but common winter illnesses. Although distinct, the nose, throat, and ears communicate with each other: we speak of the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) sphere. Air enters and exits there, carrying dust or microbes, ready to irritate or infect the nasal cavities and spread a little further. Infectious rhinitis is almost always the cause of sinusitis, pharyngitis, and ear infections. There is danger at all levels, and when symptoms persist, it is best to go to a Consultant ENT  for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why is my nose blocked and runny? What should I do?

Sneezing is the first sign of a reaction: it is a healthy reflex that expels germs from the body. When certain viruses ( rhinoviruses ) enter and infect the nasal passages, it is a cold, with the medical name of acute rhinitis or coryza. The incubation period (during which the virus multiplies) lasts about three days before inflammation of the nasal passages leads to the first signs of the disease.

• Symptoms

The nose is runny and blocked. In any case, you have to blow your nose. Added to this are headaches and often a fever (38.5°C on average). This condition is certainly trivial, but tiring.

• Treatments

There is currently no truly effective treatment for a cold. The main focus is on calming the symptoms. For headaches and fever, aspirin, provided there are no contraindications, or paracetamol can be used. Antihistamines reduce nasal discharge. Many pseudoephedrine-based vasoconstrictor drugs, which decongest the nasal mucosa, are subject to warnings. A prescription is now required to purchase them from pharmacies. Antibiotics are not indicated except in cases of persistent fever. Since the infection is viral, antibiotics are not indicated, except in cases of persistent fever indicating a bacterial superinfection. Recovery often occurs spontaneously after a week.

• The right actions

Blow your nose repeatedly and wash your nose with saline solutions. It is especially important to clear your nose because nasal discomfort causes a person with a cold to breathe through their mouth, thus facilitating the penetration of microbes into the pharynx and larynx.

What if my cold turns into sinusitis?

The sinuses are air-filled cavities lined with the respiratory mucous membrane, which have beneficial properties. They communicate with the nasal cavities: a cold is likely to cause inflammation or even an infection of the sinuses. This is acute sinusitis.

• Symptoms

Inflammation of the sinuses causes headaches, severe pain, and feelings of pressure. The tone of voice may be altered, becoming slightly nasal. When the deep sinuses – which are located inside the skull – are affected, pain is felt in particular at the top or back of the skull, especially when bending the head forward. This should be monitored closely because the complications of these sinus infections can be serious (risk of meningitis).

• Treatments

Clearing a blocked nose is essential. To reduce pain, rinse and inhale. Antibiotics combined with corticosteroids are necessary if there is pus, as is the use of analgesics and local vasoconstrictors to calm the pain. If symptoms do not improve quickly, seek a sinus surgery specialist​. Sometimes, surgical puncture is necessary.

Acupuncture helps reduce pain and inflammation

Acupuncture reduces pain and inflammation. It stimulates the nasal meridians to facilitate sinus drainage, the lung meridians to improve breathing, and the liver meridians to increase energy defenses. The risk of chronic sinusitis is reduced.

Acute otitis media

An abscess forms and triggers severe pain and a high fever (up to 39°C). Whether viral or bacterial in origin, antibiotics are only indicated in the latter case. Analgesics and anti-inflammatories complete the treatment. The problem is that more and more of the germs involved have become resistant to standard antibiotics, particularly pneumococcus. A purulent discharge from the ear, a high fever that does not go down, or swelling behind the ear are all warning signs. Have your ear examined by an ENT specialist.

Natural remedies for pain relief

To relieve pain in the affected ear: mix the juice of one squeezed lemon with cold water. Use as a gargle.

Serous otitis media

Serum, a more or less viscous liquid, accumulates in the eardrum and in the Eustachian tubes. Ventilation of the ear is impaired, but there is little or no pain. However, medications that thin or decongest the mucous membrane are beneficial. Sometimes, a small drain or yoyo is placed in the eardrum.  It is advisable to monitor hearing (an ear, nose, and throat specialist is recommended) and possible superinfections, because serous otitis promotes the presence of microbes and therefore acute otitis.

Sore throat, irritation, pain in the throat: it's tonsillitis

The throat is exposed to germs from outside, whether they enter through the mouth or nose... And a sore throat can turn into tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or laryngitis. Putting your hand in front of your mouth prevents contagion (as long as you wash your hands afterward). At the first symptoms, chew gum or lozenges containing propolis, an antiseptic. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the "back" of the throat (pharynx and tonsils). The condition and color of the mucous membrane differentiate red tonsillitis from white tonsillitis. The throat is irritated and "tingles." Swallowing is painful, making it difficult to eat and drink, which weakens the body. Fever, chills, headaches, and body aches cause great fatigue.

• Treatments

Antipyretics for fever, anti-inflammatories, and pain relievers. Mouthwashes are effective against inflammation and tingling. Most often, tonsillitis is caused by viruses, but if the causative agent is a bacterium (streptococcus or staphylococcus), antibiotics are necessary. To determine this, the doctor will suggest a throat swab. Strep throat is serious. It is suspected in cases of diffuse redness that extends to the tongue, sometimes a high fever (40-41°C), and vomiting.

• Beware of complications

It should be monitored carefully because this microbe can be responsible for cardiac and renal complications. Tonsillar phlegmon (or throat abscess) represents the other complication of angina.

Pharyngitis and laryngitis are often confused

Pharyngitis is an inflammation that affects the entire pharynx. Here too, it can be painful to swallow. It makes you feel like coughing or clearing your throat. Painkillers and mouthwashes are effective in relieving this sore throat. Laryngitis is an inflammation that affects the larynx and vocal cords. The first signs? Hoarseness that can lead to loss of voice, and pain when swallowing (the larynx closes every time you swallow). Speaking is painful. Resting your voice is recommended for faster healing. Laryngitis is treated medically if the child is experiencing significant discomfort. Treatment is based on short-term corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Laryngitis or bronchitis?

Bronchitis is distinguished from laryngitis by a dry cough, called non-productive, as well as chest pain (often behind the sternum ) of a burning type, occurring during these coughing episodes and on deep inspiration. "In 50% of cases, the cough becomes productive, that is to say, chesty and accompanied by expectoration. A chesty cough helps clear secretions from the throat. It is beneficial to the body (it is said to be productive). 

When to Consult an ENT Specialist

Some doctors even advise against fighting it. However, if it persists and affects the lungs, it may be typical of bronchitis (more common among smokers). If it persists and is accompanied by a fever, a medical examination and a chest X-ray can help determine the exact cause of this bronchial cough. Cortisone and antibiotics may be necessary. A dry cough is an irritating cough. It is linked to throat inflammation and is self-perpetuating. The more you cough, the more you feel like coughing, especially when lying down. It is essential to treat it to avoid further irritating the tissues. Of course, cough suppressants are helpful, but some contain opium derivatives and reduce alertness.