Why Early ENT Assessment Matters for Neck Lumps

Finding a lump in your neck can be unsettling, particularly when you don’t know why it has appeared. Many are linked to minor or treatable causes, but a change that doesn’t settle shouldn’t be ignored. An early ear, nose and throat (ENT) assessment can help find out where the swelling is coming from and show…

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What Causes Phlegm Stuck in the Throat?

Feeling as though phlegm is stuck in your throat can be uncomfortable, and it’s understandable to feel concerned if it keeps happening. You might keep swallowing or clearing your throat, but the feeling keeps coming back. The good news is that this sensation usually has a straightforward explanation, and there’s plenty you can do to…

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Ear Injuries and Burst Eardrums: What to Do

Doctor examining patient's ear with inner ear infection

An injury to your ear can be painful and may affect your hearing. Some injuries only involve the outer ear, while others damage the ear canal, which is the passage leading from the outside of your ear to your eardrum. Knowing what to do straight away can help protect your ear while you arrange medical…

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Strep Throat: Symptoms and When Antibiotics Help

A sore throat can make everyday things like eating, drinking and speaking painful. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better by themselves, but some are caused by bacteria and may need treatment. Knowing what to look out for can help you understand when you may have strep throat and when it’s worth…

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Nasal Polyps: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Nasal polyps can make it harder to breathe through your nose and may gradually affect your sense of smell.  Although these growths are usually harmless, they don’t normally disappear without treatment. Recognising the signs and getting the right assessment can help you manage the condition and breathe more comfortably. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps…

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Ear and Throat Pain: Why They’re Often Linked

a lady holding the top of her neck to indicate to the nurse that she is experiencing signs of tonsillitis

Ear pain and a sore throat can appear at the same time, particularly during a cold or throat infection. In some cases, the problem starts in the ear. In others, the ear itself is healthy, and the pain travels from the throat.  If you have ear pain and a sore throat, an ear, nose and…

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Parathyroid Gland Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Most people have heard of the thyroid gland, but far fewer are familiar with the parathyroid glands.  Despite their small size, these glands play an important role in regulating calcium levels in the body. When they don’t function properly, a range of symptoms can develop that may affect your bones, kidneys, digestive system and general…

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Neck Lumps: Salivary Gland Vs Thyroid Vs Lymph Nodes

Finding a lump in your neck can be worrying. While many neck lumps are harmless, it’s important to understand where they come from, as this can provide clues about the underlying cause. Three of the most common sources of neck lumps are the lymph nodes, salivary glands and thyroid gland. Although they can all cause…

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Blocked Ears: How to Unblock Them Safely

Blocked ears can feel uncomfortable and frustrating. You may notice muffled hearing, pressure, popping sensations or a feeling of fullness that won’t go away.  In many cases, blocked ears improve on their own, but trying to clear them incorrectly can sometimes make things worse. Understanding what may be causing the problem can help you avoid…

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Unilateral Tinnitus: Why One-Sided Ringing Should Be Checked

Hearing a ringing, buzzing or humming sound in one ear can be worrying, especially when it doesn’t go away. This is known as unilateral tinnitus, which means tinnitus affecting one side only.  Tinnitus is common and often isn’t serious. However, symptoms affecting one ear should be checked by a specialist, so they can look for…

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