Poor socio-economic conditions causing ENT diseases: expert

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Poor socio-economic conditions and environmental pollution are causing ENT diseases among adults and children in the country.

This was stated by a renowned ENT specialist Prof Sami Mumtaz of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in an exclusive talk with APP, here on Sunday.

About the main ENT diseases, he said that nasal allergy, ear discharge, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, vertigo and hearing loss are common diseases in our society. He said paan, gutka, betel nuts and smoking were contributing factors in voice box complications and oral cancer. Tobacco smoking has 70 to 80 per cent contribution to all oral diseases, he added.

He said that cold drinks, hot food and excessive use of chilli in foods might cause throat and stomach problems.

Regarding major ENT diseases in children and adults, he said that hearing loss in children due to middle ear infection, while throat infection, change in voices and tonsils are more prevalent in adults. He said that speaking loudly is also harmful, which might cause change in voice box.

When asked if there was any link with weather change in allergy problems, he said it causes allergy including fungus allergy among people.

About the treatment being provided to ENT patients at the department, Prof Sami Mumtaz said that the department had been providing treatment facilities to 50,000-60,000 patients per annum at its OPDs. All kinds of operations of major head and neck surgeries including parotid, parapharyngeal space and endoscopic nasal surgeries were being performed at the department, which were avaiable at only few hospitals in the public sector, he added.

About precautionary measures to avoid ENT diseases, he advised that balanced diet and regular exercise could be helpful in controlling allergy problems leading to ENT diseases.