Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology

ENT Infectious Diseases

Because the ears, nose, and throat are all interrelated, illness in one area can readily spread to the other. Ear infections are rarely fatal, but if not diagnosed and treated promptly, they can lead to mastoiditis, meningitis or encephalitis, deafness, and sinusitis. Rhinitis and sinusitis are the most common kinds of nasal infections. The symptoms differ according to whether the infection is caused by bacteria or a virus. Bacterial infections cause more severe indications and symptoms. Throat infections can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Tonsil infections cause swollen tonsils, a red and sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.

Viral throat infections develop as part of a general upper respiratory tract infection and are characterised by redness, swelling, and sensitive glands in the neck. Bacterial throat infections produce more severe sore throat symptoms. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat streptococcal throat infections.