1.  What is Ear Wax?

Waxy secretion normally produced by glands in the ear canal.

2.  Common causes of earwax blockage

• Usage of ear buds (bobby pins, round piece of cloth etc.) to clean the wax.
• Removes outside wax but pushes the rest of the wax deeper.

3.  Symptoms

• Ear pain.
• Dizziness.
• Decreased hearing.
• Itching, fullness, ringing sensation.

4.  What to do?

• Instill over the counter drops.

Eg: Otorex drops to make the wax soft.

5.  When to consult your doctor?

• Decreased hearing.
• Blocked ear causing Dizziness, Loss of balance.

1.  What is discharging ear?

Any fluid that comes out from the ear.

2.  Causes

• Ear infections and are caused due to Eustachian tube block.
• Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run from each ear directly to the back of the throat.

3.  Causes of Eustachian block

• Allergies.
• Colds.
• Sinus infections.
• Infected or swollen adenoids.
• Tobacco smoking.

4.  Symptoms

• Pain or discomfort in the ear.
• Pus like ear drainage.
• Irritability in young infants.
• Hearing loss.

5.  Home Remedies

• Applying a warm cloth over the affected ear.
• Over the counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Keep the ear dry.

6.  Treatment

When symptoms get worse,

• Antibiotics- important to finish the entire course.
• Surgery- If not relieved even with medical treatment.

7.  Preventive measures

• Washing hands often.
• Avoiding pacifiers with infants.
• Avoiding smoking (even passive or second-hand smoking).
• Keeping immunisation up-to-date.

1.  What is Sinusitis?

Normally sinuses are filled with air, but when sinuses become blocked with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.

2.  Causes

• Common Cold.
• Allergic Rhinitis.
• Nasal polyps (Small growths in the lining of the nose).
• Deviated nasal septum (A shift in the bridge of the nose).

3.  Signs & Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis.

• Headache.
• Facial pain / pressure.
• Nasal discharge / loss of smell.
• Fever.
• Dental pain.

4.  How is sinusitis diagnosed?

• Examination by a doctor who feels & presses the sinuses to look for tenderness.
• Nasal Endoscopy.
• CT Scan / X-Ray.

5.  Treatment

• Decongestants.
• Antibiotics.
• Steam Inhalation.