The ear, nose and throat have separate, but related functions, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The ears and nose are sensory organs that are responsible for breathing, smell, hearing and balance. The throat serves as a passageway for air into the lungs and helps food and fluid get to the esophagus. The branch of medicine that deals with ear, nose and throat diseases is called otolaryngology.
Meniere's Disease
Meniere’s disease is an abnormality of the inner ear that results in a change in fluid volume in an area of the ear known as the labyrinth. The fluid in the labyrinth plays important roles in hearing and balance, and changes in volume of this fluid result in several symptoms. Symptoms usually occur suddenly and can vary greatly, presenting daily or as little as once a year, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. These symptoms include severe dizziness, roaring or clicking sound in the ears, hearing loss and pressure or pain in the affected ear. There is no cure for Meniere’s disease but treatment consists of lifestyle changes and drug therapies that reduce the amount of fluid retention in the body. Surgery may also be performed on those with severe cases of the disease.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are growths of inflamed tissue that occur on the lining of the nose or in the sinuses. Nasal polyps usually develop on the top, inner area of the nose and grow downwards. If the polyps increase in size, they can block the airway and cause difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of nasal polyps include runny nose, reduced sense of smell and breathing through the mouth. Nasal polyps usually develop as a result of other conditions such as asthma, chronic sinus infections, cystic fibrosis and hay fever, according to Medline Plus. Medications can help ease the symptoms of nasal polyps, but do not remove the growths. In severe cases of nasal obstruction, surgery may be required to remove the nasal polyps.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat that is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are highly contagious and can be spread through the air and through direct contact. Symptoms of a strep throat include severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils that are often covered in white patches, red spots on the roof of the mouth, fever, headache, rash and fatigue, according to MayoClinic.com. Treatment for strep throat consists of a series of antibiotics, usually penicillin or amoxicillin. Contagiousness usually ceases 24 hours after treatment begins, but it is important to continue treatment until the series of antibiotics is complete.
