What are the symptoms of ear, nose, and throat disorders?
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Symptoms of Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Common ENT Symptoms in Viral Infections
COVID-19 and ENT Symptoms
COVID-19 has been associated with a variety of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms. In adults, the most frequently reported symptoms include olfactory disorders (loss of smell) in 72% of patients, taste disturbances in 68%, and vertigo or dizziness in 34%. Other common symptoms are nasal congestion, rhinorrhea (runny nose), sore throat, and tinnitus . In children, ENT symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and sore throat are also prevalent, though less frequently reported are otitis (ear infection), dizziness, anosmia (loss of smell), and ageusia (loss of taste).
ENT Symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant
Patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant commonly report coughing (90.6%), nasal congestion (77.2%), and runny nose (74.3%). Tinnitus is also noted in 29.7% of cases. These symptoms show significant variation based on age and gender, with females being more frequently affected.
ENT Symptoms in General Population
Prevalence in the Community
A national survey in Scotland revealed that ENT symptoms are widespread in the general population. Hearing difficulties, including trouble following conversations in noisy environments, were reported by about 20% of respondents. Tinnitus lasting more than five minutes was also common. Additionally, 13-18% of individuals experienced persistent nasal symptoms or hay fever, and 31% had at least one episode of severe sore throat or tonsillitis in the past year. Dizziness and unsteadiness were reported by 21% and 29% of respondents, respectively.
ENT Symptoms in Specific Conditions
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) often experience ENT symptoms. There is a significant association between the severity of TMD and symptoms such as deafness and dizziness, although tinnitus and earache are less commonly linked. This suggests that more severe TMD can exacerbate certain ENT symptoms.
Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
ENT manifestations are also prevalent in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Wegener's granulomatosis, and Sjögren's syndrome can lead to hearing disturbances, nasal and sinus issues, and recurrent mucosal ulcerations. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and salivary gland enlargement are common in Sjögren's syndrome and sarcoidosis.
ENT Symptoms in Pediatric Populations
Common Pediatric ENT Issues
In pediatric practice, ENT issues are a major concern. Common conditions include otitis media (ear infections), neck masses, airway disorders, and adenotonsillar disease. Hearing loss, congenital abnormalities, and sleep disorders are also significant issues in children.
Conclusion
ENT symptoms are prevalent across various conditions and populations. Viral infections like COVID-19 and its variants, general community health, specific disorders like TMD, and autoimmune diseases all contribute to a wide range of ENT manifestations. Understanding these symptoms and their associations is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.
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