Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) in ent practice 

1. Why do I get recurrent sore throats?

Recurrent throat infections are commonly caused by tonsillitis, post-nasal drip, allergies, acid reflux, or sinus infections. In children, enlarged adenoids may also contribute. A clinical exam identifies the primary source.

2. What causes nasal blockage?

Nasal obstruction can occur due to a deviated septum, turbinate hypertrophy, sinusitis, allergies, polyps, or viral infections. Night-time worsening is typical because lying down increases nasal blood flow.

3. Why do I snore?

Snoring may result from nasal blockage, a long soft palate, enlarged tonsils/adenoids, obesity, or sleep apnea. An ENT evaluation can determine airway narrowing and guide treatment.

4. Is sinusitis always due to infection?

No. Sinusitis can be infectious, allergic, structural (DNS), or due to mucosal swelling. Viral sinusitis is most common and usually resolves without antibiotics.

5. When does tonsillitis need surgery?

Tonsillectomy is recommended if there are:

• ≥7 episodes in 1 year

• ≥5 episodes/year for 2 years

• ≥3 episodes/year for 3 years
  Or if there is sleep-disordered breathing, peritonsillar abscess, or chronic tonsillitis affecting quality of life.
  
  

6. Why do I have ear pain without infection?

This may be “referred otalgia” from teeth, throat, TMJ disorders, cervical spine issues, or neuralgias. A normal ear exam does not rule out ENT or dental causes.

7. What causes sudden hearing loss?

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is an emergency. Causes include viral inflammation, autoimmune conditions, vascular issues, or idiopathic reasons. Steroids started early improve outcomes.

8. What does ringing in the ears (tinnitus) indicate?

Tinnitus may result from hearing loss, wax, noise exposure, medications, anxiety, or middle/inner ear pathology. Persistent tinnitus warrants audiometry.

9. Why does my child breathe through the mouth?

The common causes include enlarged adenoids, chronic allergies, sinusitis, and nasal obstruction. Adenoid hypertrophy is the most typical in children.

10. How do I know if my sinus headache is actually a migraine?

Many migraines mimic sinus headaches. Key signs of migraine:

• Throbbing pain

• Light/sound sensitivity

• Nausea

• Normal nasal endoscopy

True sinus headaches usually occur with infection or nasal obstruction.

11. What causes hoarseness of voice?

Acute laryngitis, vocal abuse, smoking, acid reflux, thyroid disorders, vocal nodules/polyps or laryngeal growths can lead to hoarseness. Hoarseness > 3 weeks MUST be evaluated.

12. When is a hearing test needed?

You should get audiometry if you experience:

• Reduced hearing

• Persistent tinnitus

• Difficulty following conversations

• Recurrent ear infections

• After loud noise exposure

• In children with speech delay
  
  

13. Why does my nose bleed suddenly?

Epistaxis often results from dryness, allergies, nose picking, infections, hypertension, or blood thinners. Persistent bleeding may need cautery.

14. Are nasal polyps cancerous?

Most nasal polyps are benign inflammatory swellings. However, unilateral or atypical polyps require endoscopy and imaging to rule out tumors.

15. When do thyroid swellings need surgery?

Thyroid nodules require surgery if:

• FNAC is suspicious or malignant

• Nodule causes pressure symptoms

• There is rapid growth

• Cosmetic concerns

• Toxic nodules not responding to medical therapy
  
  

16. Why does dizziness occur?

Common ENT causes include BPPV, vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, migraines, and middle-ear infections. Proper diagnosis requires positional testing.

17. Can allergies cause throat symptoms?

Yes. Allergies cause post-nasal drip, leading to throat clearing, irritation, and cough. Managing nasal allergies often resolves throat discomfort.

18. Why does my ear feel blocked?

Causes include wax, Eustachian tube dysfunction, middle-ear fluid, barotrauma (flights), or infection. An ENT exam can identify the source.

19. Is every neck lump serious?

No. Most lumps are reactive lymph nodes due to infections. However, persistent, hard, or painless swellings require prompt evaluation.

20. What causes loss of smell?

Common causes include viral infections, chronic sinusitis, polyps, allergies, and post-COVID changes. Persistent anosmia requires endoscopic evaluation.

21. Do all sinus infections need antibiotics?

No. Most are viral and improve within 7–10 days. Antibiotics are used only when there is prolonged fever, pus on endoscopy, or bacterial features.

22. When should I worry about throat cancer?

Red flags include:

• Persistent hoarseness

• Difficulty swallowing

• Unexplained weight loss

• Neck lumps

• Blood in sputum

• Pain radiating to the ear
  
  

23. Why does my child snore?

Most commonly due to:

• Enlarged adenoids

• Enlarged tonsils

• Allergies

• Obesity

• Deviated nasal septum (older children)

Snoring with pauses or choking suggests sleep apnea.

24. Why does my voice get tired by evening?

Vocal fatigue suggests misuse, dehydration, reflux, or early vocal cord nodules. Voice therapy and hydration often help.

25. Why does ear discharge occur?

Ear discharge may indicate otitis externa, CSOM, fungal infection, perforation, or trauma. Long-standing discharge requires specialist care.

26. When is sinus surgery needed?

When medical therapy fails or when there are:

• Nasal polyps

• Fungal sinusitis

• Recurrent sinus infections

• Structural blockages

• Complications of sinusitis
  
  

27. What causes bad breath (halitosis)?

Common causes include tonsil stones, sinus infections, allergies, gastric reflux, dental issues, and smoking.

28. Why do I have persistent cough?

Can be due to post-nasal drip, allergies, reflux, asthma, pollution, or throat irritation. ENT evaluation identifies the source.

29. Why do antibiotics not help my throat infection?

Many throat infections are viral or allergy-related, where antibiotics have no effect. Proper diagnosis prevents overuse.

30. Why do I constantly clear my throat?

Throat clearing is usually due to post-nasal drip, reflux, allergies, or vocal habits. Treating the underlying cause resolves the symptom.