Experiencing ENT (ears, nose and throat) problems during this pandemic can easily make you feel anxious but not all symptoms are instantly related to COVID-19. There are many different ENT conditions that can range from common to complex. Some common ENT problems in children and adults include:
Otitis refers to ear infection caused by viruses or bacteria. It has two types: otitis externa, an infection in the outer ear canal and otitis media, infection in the middle ear canal.
Middle ear infections are very painful and also common in children from two (2) years of age. Cases of this infection in newborn babies are more severe compared to older children. That’s why as a parent, you should be aware of the symptoms like irritability, scratching or pulling on the ears, loss of appetite or fever. Bring your child to the doctor immediately so proper diagnosis can begin right away.
Treatment for ear infection includes antifungal ear drops and antibiotics. If left untreated, this may lead to loss of hearing, meningitis, abscess in the brain or even blood clots in the head.
Viral tonsillitis is treated with paracetamol and a lot of bed rest while bacterial tonsillitis is treated with antibiotics. For recurring infections, tonsillectomy can be considered or if only one of your tonsils is enlarged, you may be advised by your doctor to remove the tonsil for biopsy.
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses caused by colds, flu, allergy or bacterial infection. Most children with symptoms have runny nose, cough, bad breath, pain in or around the eyes.
Chronic sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics but the doctor needs to make some evaluation first. For severe cases, sinus surgery is recommended which involves removing infected sinus tissue, bone or polyps.
Hearing Loss can be frightening and is common in older adults but may also occur in children. In the Philippines, 1 in 6 Filipinos has hearing problems. In a study comprising 2,275 adults and children, around 7.5% in children, 14.7% in adults between 18 and 65 years and 49.1% in adults aged 65 years or older have lost their hearing.
Hearing loss may be due to underlying health conditions like diabetes. The doctor may order a hearing assessment and may recommend the use of hearing aids or surgery depending on your hearing condition.
While hearing loss is normal as you age, it is still advisable to see your doctor for proper medical advice.
Have you visited your ENT lately? Proclamation No. 501 declares December 3 to 9 as Ears, Nose and Throat Consciousness Week.
Paramount Direct strives in providing affordable health care coverage for Filipino families that will help in early detection, prevention and treatment of eyes, nose and throat diseases.
We offer the following health care products that provide you with cash benefits, on top of your HMO and Philhealth, to help better manage your finances and ease your financial worries brought by hospital confinements:
Our HealthCare Cash Plan is available for ages 20 to 50 years old. You may choose to cover yourself, you and your spouse or your whole family starting at PHP239/month, PHP478/month and PHP731/month respectively. This plan is payable for only 10 years.
You may receive cash benefits for regular, ICU, dread disease, long-term and surgical confinements including eyes, nose and throat-related surgeries. To know more about this product and apply online , simply go to https://www.paramountdirect.com/health-insurance/healthcare-cash-plan.
Our Premium HealthCare Plus Plan is available for individuals from age 50 to 74 years old. Payable up to age 80. For as low as PHP216 per month, receive cash benefits for regular, ICU, long-term and surgical confinements including eyes, nose and throat-related surgeries. Head on over to https://www.paramountdirect.com/health-insurance/premium-healthcare-plus-plan to learn more and apply online.
Whether you have hearing loss, sinusitis or any other ENT issues, don’t delay your treatment. Book your appointment and see your doctor right away.