Ear, nose, and throat problems affect people of all ages in Kolkata, with environmental factors and seasonal changes contributing to various ENT conditions. Understanding common ENT problems and recognizing when to consult an ENT Doctor in Kolkata can help you receive timely treatment and prevent complications.
This educational guide explores the most frequently encountered ENT conditions in Kolkata, their symptoms, risk factors, and guidance on when professional evaluation by an ENT Specialist in Kolkata becomes necessary.
Understanding Common ENT Problems
Why ENT Problems Are Common in Kolkata:
Environmental Factors: Kolkata’s climate creates conditions favorable for certain ENT issues:
- High humidity (70-90% during monsoon) promotes bacterial and fungal growth
- Air pollution levels affect respiratory health
- Temperature fluctuations between seasons
- Seasonal allergen exposure
Lifestyle Factors:
- High population density increases infection transmission
- Noise pollution in urban areas
- Occupational voice strain (teachers, call centers)
- Limited awareness about preventive care
Understanding these factors helps you recognize when symptoms require consultation with an ENT Doctor Kolkata.
Common Nasal and Sinus Problems
1. Acute Rhinosinusitis (Sinus Infection)
What It Is: Inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, typically following a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Common Symptoms:
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Facial pain or pressure (especially around cheeks, forehead, eyes)
- Nasal congestion and blockage
- Reduced sense of smell
- Post-nasal drip
- Headache
- Fever (sometimes)
- Tooth pain in upper jaw
When to See an ENT Specialist in Kolkata: ⚠️ Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement ⚠️ Severe symptoms (high fever, severe pain) ⚠️ Symptoms that improve then worsen again ⚠️ Recurrent infections (3+ episodes per year) ⚠️ Vision changes or severe headache
Risk Factors in Kolkata:
- Monsoon season humidity
- Air pollution exposure
- Allergies
- Swimming in contaminated water
2. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
What It Is: An allergic response causing nasal inflammation when exposed to allergens like dust, pollen, or mold.
Common Symptoms:
- Frequent sneezing (especially in morning)
- Runny nose with clear, watery discharge
- Itchy nose, eyes, throat
- Nasal congestion
- Dark circles under eyes (allergic shiners)
- Mouth breathing
- Fatigue
When to Consult an ENT Doctor in Kolkata: ⚠️ Symptoms interfering with daily activities or sleep ⚠️ Over-the-counter medications not providing relief ⚠️ Year-round symptoms ⚠️ Difficulty identifying allergen triggers ⚠️ Considering allergy testing or immunotherapy
Common Triggers in Kolkata:
- Dust mites (prevalent in humid conditions)
- Mold spores (especially during monsoon)
- Pollen (seasonal)
- Air pollution particles
3. Deviated Nasal Septum
What It Is: The wall (septum) between nasal passages is displaced to one side, causing breathing difficulty.
Common Symptoms:
- Chronic nasal congestion (often worse on one side)
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Recurrent sinus infections
- Facial pain or headaches
- Noisy breathing during sleep
- Snoring
When to See an ENT Doctor Kolkata: ⚠️ Significant breathing difficulty affecting quality of life ⚠️ Chronic sinus infections ⚠️ Sleep disturbances ⚠️ Frequent nosebleeds
Treatment Options:
- Conservative management for mild cases
- Surgical correction (septoplasty) by an ENT Surgeon in Kolkata when symptoms are severe
4. Nasal Polyps
What It Is: Soft, painless growths on the lining of nasal passages or sinuses, often associated with chronic inflammation.
Common Symptoms:
- Persistent nasal congestion
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pressure or fullness
- Snoring
- Frequent sinus infections
When to Consult an ENT Specialist in Kolkata: ⚠️ Any persistent nasal obstruction ⚠️ Loss of smell lasting more than a few weeks ⚠️ Symptoms not responding to medications
Risk Factors:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis
- Asthma
- Aspirin sensitivity
- Allergic rhinitis
5. Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)
What It Is: Bleeding from the nose, which can be anterior (front) or posterior (back).
Common Causes:
- Dry air (especially in winter)
- Nose picking or trauma
- Nasal infections
- High blood pressure
- Blood-thinning medications
- Deviated septum
When to See an ENT Doctor in Kolkata: 🚨 Bleeding lasting more than 20 minutes despite pressure 🚨 Heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing 🚨 Recurrent nosebleeds (multiple times per week) 🚨 Nosebleeds following head injury 🚨 Bleeding accompanied by dizziness or weakness
Kolkata Context: Seasonal variations between humid monsoon and dry winter can trigger nosebleeds in susceptible individuals.
👂 Common Ear Problems
6. Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
What It Is: Infection or inflammation of the middle ear, most common in children but can affect adults.
Common Symptoms:
- Ear pain (otalgia)
- Feeling of fullness in ear
- Hearing difficulty
- Fever
- Ear discharge (if eardrum ruptures)
- Balance problems
- Irritability in children
When to Consult an ENT Specialist Doctor in Kolkata: ⚠️ Severe ear pain ⚠️ Symptoms in infant under 6 months ⚠️ High fever (above 102°F) ⚠️ Ear discharge ⚠️ Symptoms lasting more than 2-3 days ⚠️ Hearing loss ⚠️ Recurrent infections (3+ in 6 months)
Risk Factors:
- Young age (children 6 months to 2 years)
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Bottle-feeding while lying down
- Recent cold or respiratory infection
7. Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
What It Is: Infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water trapped in the ear.
Common Symptoms:
- Ear pain (worse when pulling on earlobe or pressing tragus)
- Itching in ear canal
- Redness and swelling
- Clear, odorless discharge initially
- Muffled hearing
- Feeling of fullness
When to See an ENT Doctor Kolkata: ⚠️ Severe pain ⚠️ Fever ⚠️ Complete ear blockage ⚠️ Swelling around ear ⚠️ No improvement after 2-3 days of home care
Prevention Tips for Kolkata: During monsoon season when swimming is common:
- Keep ears dry after swimming or bathing
- Use earplugs when swimming
- Avoid inserting objects into ears
- Dry ears gently with towel
8. Cerumen Impaction (Earwax Blockage)
What It Is: Excessive accumulation of earwax blocking the ear canal.
Common Symptoms:
- Feeling of fullness in ear
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Cough (referred sensation)
When to Consult an ENT Specialist in Kolkata: ⚠️ Significant hearing loss ⚠️ Pain or discomfort ⚠️ Home remedies ineffective or unsafe to try ⚠️ History of ear surgery or eardrum perforation ⚠️ Presence of ear discharge or bleeding
Important: Never attempt to remove impacted wax with cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects. Professional removal by an ENT Doctor in Kolkata using proper instruments under direct visualization is safe and effective.
9. Tinnitus (Ringing in Ears)
What It Is: Perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring) without external source.
Common Symptoms:
- Ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in one or both ears
- May be constant or intermittent
- Can vary in pitch and volume
- May worsen in quiet environments
- Can affect concentration and sleep
When to See an ENT Doctor in Kolkata: ⚠️ Tinnitus affecting quality of life or sleep ⚠️ Sudden onset tinnitus ⚠️ Tinnitus in only one ear (unilateral) ⚠️ Accompanied by hearing loss ⚠️ Pulsating tinnitus (heartbeat sound) ⚠️ Associated with dizziness
Common Causes:
- Hearing loss (age-related or noise-induced)
- Ear infections
- Earwax blockage
- Meniere’s disease
- Certain medications
- Exposure to loud noise
Kolkata Context: High noise pollution in urban areas and loud festival celebrations can contribute to tinnitus. Hearing protection during Durga Puja and other festivals is advisable.
10. Hearing Loss
What It Is: Partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears.
Types:
- Conductive: Problem in outer or middle ear (treatable)
- Sensorineural: Inner ear or nerve damage (often permanent)
- Mixed: Combination of both types
Common Symptoms:
- Difficulty understanding speech (especially in noisy environments)
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Turning up TV or radio volume
- Muffled hearing
- Tinnitus
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Social withdrawal
When to Consult an ENT Specialist Doctor in Kolkata: 🚨 Sudden hearing loss (medical emergency – seek immediate care) ⚠️ Gradual hearing loss affecting communication ⚠️ Hearing loss in one ear only ⚠️ Accompanied by dizziness, pain, or discharge ⚠️ Hearing difficulties in children (affecting speech development)
Risk Factors in Kolkata:
- Noise pollution exposure
- Occupational noise (factories, traffic police)
- Frequent use of earphones at high volume
- Age-related changes
- Genetic factors
🗣️ Common Throat and Voice Problems
11. Acute Pharyngitis (Sore Throat)
What It Is: Inflammation of the pharynx (throat), commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections.
Common Symptoms:
- Throat pain (worse when swallowing)
- Scratchy throat sensation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White patches on tonsils (if bacterial)
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in neck
- Hoarseness
When to See an ENT Doctor Kolkata: ⚠️ Severe throat pain ⚠️ High fever (above 101°F) ⚠️ Difficulty breathing or swallowing ⚠️ Symptoms lasting more than a week ⚠️ Recurrent sore throats ⚠️ Presence of pus or white patches
Bacterial vs Viral: An ENT Specialist in Kolkata can determine if antibiotics are needed for bacterial pharyngitis (strep throat) or if viral pharyngitis will resolve with supportive care.
12. Chronic Tonsillitis
What It Is: Persistent or recurrent inflammation of the tonsils causing repeated infections and symptoms.
Common Symptoms:
- Frequent throat infections (5-7 per year)
- Persistent sore throat
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Enlarged, red tonsils
- White or yellow coating on tonsils
- Swollen neck glands
- Muffled voice
When to Consult an ENT Surgeon in Kolkata: ⚠️ Frequent infections affecting quality of life or school/work ⚠️ Difficulty breathing or swallowing ⚠️ Sleep disturbances or snoring ⚠️ Peritonsillar abscess (severe complication) ⚠️ Consideration of tonsillectomy
13. Laryngitis (Voice Box Inflammation)
What It Is: Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) causing voice changes or loss.
Common Symptoms:
- Hoarseness or weak voice
- Loss of voice
- Dry, sore throat
- Tickling sensation in throat
- Dry cough
Types:
Acute Laryngitis (Short-term):
- Caused by viral infection, voice overuse, or irritants
- Usually resolves in 1-2 weeks
Chronic Laryngitis (Long-term):
- Lasts more than 3 weeks
- Requires evaluation for underlying causes
When to See an ENT Doctor in Kolkata: ⚠️ Hoarseness lasting more than 2-3 weeks ⚠️ Complete voice loss ⚠️ Difficulty breathing ⚠️ Coughing up blood ⚠️ Severe pain ⚠️ High fever ⚠️ Difficulty swallowing
Risk Factors in Kolkata:
- Occupational voice use (teachers, singers, call center employees)
- Air pollution exposure
- Smoking or secondhand smoke
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)
14. Voice Disorders
What It Is: Problems affecting voice quality, pitch, or volume due to vocal cord issues.
Common Symptoms:
- Persistent hoarseness
- Voice fatigue
- Breathy voice quality
- Strained or strangled voice
- Pitch breaks
- Reduced volume
- Voice requiring excessive effort
When to Consult an ENT Specialist in Kolkata: ⚠️ Hoarseness lasting more than 2-3 weeks ⚠️ Profession dependent on voice quality ⚠️ Voice changes affecting work or communication ⚠️ Pain when speaking
Common Causes:
- Vocal cord nodules (singer’s nodes)
- Vocal cord polyps
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux
- Muscle tension dysphonia
- Voice misuse or overuse
Kolkata Context: Teachers, call center employees, and professional singers in Kolkata should seek evaluation from an ENT Specialist Doctor in Kolkata specializing in voice disorders if experiencing persistent voice problems.
15. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
What It Is: Stomach acid backing up into the throat and voice box, different from typical heartburn (GERD).
Common Symptoms:
- Chronic throat clearing
- Persistent cough
- Hoarseness (especially morning)
- Globus sensation (feeling of lump in throat)
- Post-nasal drip sensation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sour or bitter taste
- Note: May NOT have heartburn
When to See an ENT Doctor Kolkata: ⚠️ Persistent throat symptoms despite treatment ⚠️ Chronic cough without respiratory cause ⚠️ Voice changes lasting weeks ⚠️ Difficulty swallowing
Diagnosis: An ENT Specialist in Kolkata can diagnose LPR through:
- Laryngoscopy (throat examination)
- 24-hour pH monitoring (if needed)
- Clinical symptoms evaluation
Treatment:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Dietary changes
- Medications (antacids, proton pump inhibitors)
- Elevating head during sleep
👶 Common Pediatric ENT Problems
16. Adenoid Hypertrophy
What It Is: Enlarged adenoids (tissue behind nose) in children causing breathing and health problems.
Common Symptoms:
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Sleep disturbances or sleep apnea
- Recurrent ear infections
- Nasal voice quality
- Chronic runny nose
- Breathing pauses during sleep
When to See an ENT Specialist Doctor in Kolkata: ⚠️ Loud snoring with breathing pauses ⚠️ Daytime sleepiness or behavioral problems ⚠️ Recurrent ear infections ⚠️ Speech delay or nasal speech ⚠️ Failure to thrive or poor growth
Treatment Options:
- Conservative management (watchful waiting for mild cases)
- Adenoidectomy by an ENT Surgeon in Kolkata when symptoms are significant
17. Foreign Body in Nose or Ear
What It Is: Children inserting small objects (beads, toys, food) into nose or ear.
Common Symptoms:
Nasal Foreign Body:
- One-sided nasal discharge (often foul-smelling)
- Nasal obstruction
- Nosebleeds
- Foul odor
Ear Foreign Body:
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Hearing loss
- Discharge
- Sensation of fullness
Why Professional Removal: Home attempts can:
- Push object deeper
- Cause injury to delicate structures
- Create infection risk
- Damage eardrum
An ENT Specialist in Kolkata has proper instruments and lighting to safely remove foreign bodies.
⚠️ Emergency ENT Situations
When to Seek Immediate Care:
🚨 Emergency Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention:
Severe Breathing Difficulty:
- Stridor (high-pitched breathing sound)
- Inability to breathe comfortably
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Severe throat swelling
Sudden Complete Hearing Loss:
- Sudden inability to hear in one or both ears
- Requires emergency evaluation within hours
Severe Trauma:
- Significant facial or neck injury
- Heavy bleeding from nose or ear
- Suspected foreign body in airway
Rapidly Progressing Symptoms:
- Fast-spreading neck swelling
- High fever with severe sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing saliva
For emergency situations, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call for emergency medical services. Follow up with an ENT Specialist in Kolkata for ongoing care.
Symptom Duration Guidelines
When to Seek Professional Care:
Immediate (Same Day):
- Severe pain
- High fever with ENT symptoms
- Breathing difficulty
- Heavy bleeding
- Sudden hearing loss
- Foreign body
Within 2-3 Days:
- Moderate symptoms not improving
- Ear pain in young children
- Persistent fever
- Difficulty swallowing
Within 1-2 Weeks:
- Mild symptoms not resolving
- Recurrent minor issues
- Worsening symptoms despite home care
Within 2-3 Weeks:
- Persistent hoarseness
- Chronic cough without improvement
- Ongoing nasal congestion
Consider Consultation:
- Recurrent problems (multiple episodes)
- Symptoms affecting quality of life
- Concerns about hearing or development (children)
- Need for preventive advice
🛡️ Preventive Measures
General ENT Health Tips for Kolkata Residents:
Nasal Health:
- Use saline nasal rinses (especially during pollution season)
- Stay hydrated
- Use humidifier in dry conditions
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
- Manage allergies proactively
Ear Health:
- Keep ears dry
- Never insert objects into ears
- Use hearing protection in loud environments
- Clean only outer ear with soft cloth
- Seek professional ear cleaning when needed
Throat and Voice Health:
- Stay hydrated throughout day
- Avoid excessive throat clearing
- Use microphone for voice professionals
- Practice vocal warm-ups (teachers, singers)
- Seek early treatment for acid reflux
Finding Care in Kolkata
Steps to Take When You Need ENT Care:
1. Assess Symptoms: Use guidelines in this article to determine urgency
2. Emergency or Routine:
- Emergency: Go to hospital emergency department
- Urgent: Schedule appointment within 1-2 days
- Routine: Plan consultation within 1-2 weeks
3. Choose Appropriate Specialist:
- General ENT issues: ENT Doctor in Kolkata
- Complex or chronic conditions: ENT Specialist in Kolkata with relevant subspecialty
- Surgical needs: ENT Surgeon in Kolkata with surgical experience
4. Prepare for Appointment:
- List all symptoms with duration
- Note medications and allergies
- Bring previous medical records if relevant
- Prepare questions for doctor
5. Follow Treatment Plan:
- Complete prescribed medications
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Report any worsening symptoms
- Implement recommended lifestyle changes
✅ Key Takeaways
Remember:
1️⃣ Early Recognition: Understanding common ENT symptoms helps you seek timely care
2️⃣ Appropriate Response: Match symptom severity to urgency of care needed
3️⃣ Professional Evaluation: Don’t delay consultation for persistent or severe symptoms
4️⃣ Environmental Awareness: Kolkata’s climate and pollution affect ENT health
5️⃣ Prevention: Many ENT problems can be prevented or minimized with proper care
6️⃣ Children’s Symptoms: Take pediatric ENT symptoms seriously as they can affect development
7️⃣ Chronic vs Acute: Understand when acute problems become chronic issues requiring specialist care
8️⃣ Quality of Life: ENT problems significantly impact daily life – seeking treatment improves wellbeing
9️⃣ No Self-Treatment: Avoid home remedies for serious symptoms; professional care is safer
🔟 Right Specialist: Choose an ENT Specialist Doctor in Kolkata appropriate for your specific condition
⚠️ Important Medical Disclaimer
This educational guide provides general information about common ENT problems and is not a substitute for professional medical advice from an ENT Doctor in Kolkata. Individual symptoms and conditions vary significantly. Always consult a qualified ENT Specialist in Kolkata for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment.
If you experience any concerning symptoms described in this article, schedule an appointment with an ENT Doctor Kolkata for professional evaluation.
For emergencies involving severe breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate emergency medical care.
This educational resource aims to help Kolkata residents recognize common ENT problems and understand when professional care from an ENT Specialist in Kolkata is needed. Early recognition and appropriate treatment lead to better outcomes.