The ear, nose and throat are susceptible to all sorts of bacterial and viral infections. These structures contain moist mucosa that serve as a perfect breeding ground for these infections. Sometimes, bacteria can lead to hearing trouble. In some instances, the cells within the throat can grow at a very fast rate. Sometimes, growths can appear within the nose. Some common ear, nose and throat diseases have specific treatments.
Otitis Media
Otitis Media refers to an inner ear infection. The University of Maryland Medical Center says otitis media takes place in 75 percent of children. Its specific symptoms include ear pain, a fever and trouble hearing. Other signs of otitis media in younger children include difficulty sleeping, tugging at the affected ear and crying. Sometimes, otitis media can be associated with nasal congestion, neck pain, a headache and ringing in the ears. Some causes of otitis media include allergies, cigarette smoke exposure, large or infected tonsils and allergies. Treatment for an ear infection involves taking such antibiotic medications as amoxicillin. Sometimes, ear drops can be prescribed to relieve ear discomfort. Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen are also available options for treating otitis media. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to insert tubes to drain the fluid within the ear.
Throat Cancer
Throat cancer refers to a condition in which tumors form in the throat or vocal cords. The Mayo Clinic says 24,000 people in the United States are found to have throat cancer annually. It says specific throat cancer symptoms include trouble swallowing, a cough, weight loss and a sore throat. Sometimes, throat cancer can lead to a sore or lump in the throat. Some risk factors for developing throat cancer include chewing or smoking tobacco, having poor dental hygiene, having a diet without fruits and vegetables and suffering from a sexually transmitted disease called human papillomavirus. Treating throat cancer involves using radiation or chemotherapy or surgery to remove cancerous throat cells. Sometimes, taking a medication called cetuximab can also treat throat cancer.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps refer to tissue growths that occur with the nose or sinuses. The Mayo Clinic says specific nasal polyp symptoms include having a runny nose, stuffiness, a headache, facial pain, postnasal drip and stuffiness. Sometimes, nasal polyps can lead to snoring and itching around the eyes. Chronic inflammation leads to the development of nasal polyps. Some risk factors for developing nasal polyps include suffering with asthma, being an adult, having a family history of nasal polyps and having cystic fibrosis--a chronic condition in which mucus builds up in the airways. Treating nasal polyps involves taking such medications as nasal corticosteroids to decrease inflammation or surgically removing the nasal polyps.
